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Joined: Jun 2005
Just thought I would post some very important information we learned. We own lots in Tiki Gardens and sold our home, gave away all our stuff, moved over with youngest son and wife and had to live in tents for 4 weeks in the rain. Neighbor let us use a small cabin for awhile for facilities. We managed to grub, level and plant some stuff on our lots, but we found out that there could be no building permit for 9weeks to 3months also months for some materials. We couldn't find a rental we could afford and we spent a lot of money on shipping cars and then turning back, lots of money on airfare here and back, etc. I just want to warn others to get their permits and order materials before coming over...and we could not clear our lots by hand...had to be grubbed..it could cost $3000 just to prepare your lot (ours is 60x135 side by side)and a septic is required $6000. I know we could have maybe started without permits, but we do things by the law. And no electric without a permit. Please be prepared and save yourselves some heartache and lots of money which most of us owner/builders have limited funds. We will return next spring to build if all goes well and we have a place to stay and that permit ready! We had a kind neigbor who helped us but we could have been in a worse situation and using building funds just to rent a place. Things are changing in Puna and everyone is building. You can do most of the preparing from where you are! And you won't find a better friend and counslor that Pam. Love you girl! See you this spring!
Posts: 2,014
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Nancy
I saw your post on Konaweb and was hesitant to reply. A very tough lesson and hopefully others will learn from your experience. Mentally, I cringe when I read the generic, " I'm moving to Hawaii in XX days and haven't a clue..." Most, just have no idea how things work, the time things take, or what they are getting into. Sure in can be done, but not in every case.
We are less than 2 months from my wife and the 4 furry ones making their oneway trip. Once we are there and if I can be of assistance in helping you get set for next spring and beyond let me know. In the 2 plus years since buying our property, I benefitted from others on Konaweb, Hiloweb and this forum in getting ready for this move. Fact is, not sure I could have done it without them.
David
Ninole Resident
Posts: 138
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Joined: Aug 2004
Hi Nancy,
Sorry to hear of your experience. Moving here with the intention of renting while building is a daunting task and will require a lot of planning and/or tons of cash (if you intend to rent while you wait out every aspect of the building process). It seems that things are moving so slow with the level of building that is going on.
I applaud you for sharing your experience so that others don't follow and hope that between now and your move, things fall into place. Who knows, things may have slowed down by then.
It's tough but not impossible. Keep us posted on your progress and all the best.
Noel
That was indeed a frightening experience! I was still in seattle when permits were drawn, and building started. I moved out here while house was still incomplete and stayed in rge shell with temporary power with my dog. It was kind of frightening actually. It was dark, dark, dark, at night aand all kinds of noises and creatures were heard or seen. No permanent doors to shut, no running toilet, and getting used to idea of whee I was deep in a rural community where I did not know anyone. I woke up first night there and swore I made a huge mistake. I felt isolated, alone, and having second thoughts about everything I did such as leaving a good job and all my familiars. Once I got house safe and liveable I felt better especially with permanent electricity hooked up. That took a long time because each and ecery inspector had to sign off on what they inspected, plumbing, electric, etc. Yes it was a long process but you have to start somewhere. My suggestion is stay on mainland until house is ready to occupy. handle all business in comfort of your rental on mainland with phone etc. Process of permits etc are slow right now because of all the activity of building going on. I do feel for you because although my experience was not as intense, it was scary and uncomfortable. Good luck.
frank battaglia
