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Hi. I'm new to the forum. My wife and I will be moving to Puna in the next year from Alaska. We are looking at Hawaiian Shores. We are looking at building a yurt as a permanent residence. I am having trouble locating specific information on the varying residential codes. My visits to Puna in the last year tell me that residents are flexible with regard to structure type. Can you all give me an idea as to whether or not a yurt is a viable option? Also, I see that there are at least some restrictions to living on a property during the building process. I have seen discussions about renting airstreams from a gal in the area. Are these restrictions for temporary living strictly upheld? Please forgive me in advance if this information has already been discussed somewhere else in the forum. If so, feel free to point me in the right direction. Thanks in advance, Timm.
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Someone here will likely provide you some info but in the meantime try using the search function with Yurt as the search word. This is the first one on the list:
http://www.punaweb.org/Forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=16815&whichpage=1&SearchTerms=Yurt
Posts: 308
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I looked into the same thing and found this company has experience all over Puna building some really nice yurts but also getting them permitted. All the yurts they do are permitted. I just emailed them and they got back right away. Plus I have called them too. I am thinking of building a smaller one now as a guest unit now and I think I will go through this company.
http://www.yurtsofhawaii.com
Most HOA's don't have issue with a structure if it is permitted. Also you have to make sure the materials used in the yurt will work well with humidity as mold can be an issue.
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After that storm I can't imagine anyone wanting to live in a tent by choice
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Depending on how you build them they should stand up better to winds than your average house. Remember yurts were designed and lived in for hundreds of years in mongolia where it is much harsher weather than Puna. It's not just windy it is cold there. The circular design is made to withstand wind better than a square wall. Plus they have all kinds of features like hurricane brackets to strengthen joints. Just make sure to clear out the albezia. and other tall trees that could come smashing down if you are worried about that kind of thing. I mean just because Iselle happened doesn't change the fact that Hawaii hardly ever gets hurricanes especially ones that hit straight on like Iselle.
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My wife and I are also considering a yurt for our lot in HPP. Melissa @ Yurts of Hawaii has been very helpful. And from what I've heard, the yurts have come through Iselle very well, even withstanding fallen branches with little damage. The few broken rafters and roof material are easily replaced and the lattice structure acts like a shock absorber. I'm very impressed.
Daniel Hanmer
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Yes I talked to her she is very nice and knows what she is talking about.
