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Aloha Hope,
In our opinion, that area of Puna is by far the most beautiful on the entire Island. We recently purchased in Leilani because we found the perfect property for us, despite the cost of homeowners insurance in Lava zone 1. I guess it's all relative to what you are used to now and with the property tax being so much lower than some areas on the mainland (as least for us) it was a reasonable trade off. The state insurance that was mentioned by Emorata is only good for structures up to $250K (not including the cost of the land) so if the dwelling is worth more than that and you have a mortgage, you will have to use Lloyds of London insurance at about $3500/yr ($292/mo).
Still, with all things considered, we would do it all over again and look forward to many years in our Island Paradise. And oh yes, in our opinion, the coquis are music to our ears and don't bother our sleep at all.
Good luck in your search.
Paula
PunaPaula
Posts: 42
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After reading so many different and interesting things about Puna, we knew we had to come and see it for ourselves. We were in puna last week and we did really, really like it. I found the areas that are considered to be lava 1 very peaceful and pleasant, actually. Maybe this sounds naiive and dangerously innocent, but it felt like home to us. We live on Maui right now, and there is a slickness -- a shiney sexy social scene that we don't jive with much at all. We love Maui of course, for it's beauty and magic - but it's not a realistic hawaii to us. Our little house on the cliff at the edge of the jungle is fantasy land... but we're running the money-work treadmill and trying to consciously raise a five year old. We were drawn in by the Puna area very sweetly and we're excited. Certainly buying land in Lava 1 feels like a big phat question mark -- my thoughts are swelling with intermittent panic about a steam vent opening and killing all of us, or just flat out losing all of what we've worked so hard for. Hawaii has always given us such immaculate beauty along with hearty ass kickings. I don't expect the big island will treat us much differently. Somehow it is always worth it.
hope
hope
Posts: 2,314
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I have a 2,500 sf house in LE and my HPIA insurance is $1,200/year. As to Lava Zone 1, if the lava ever gets to Leilani Estates, this WHOLE island is screwed!
Aloha,
John S. Rabi, ABR,CM,CRB,FHS,PB,RB
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
75-5870 Walua Road, Suite 101
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
(808)327-3185
Posts: 42
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Joined: May 2006
RE: "The whole island is screwed" -- that's definitely seems to be reality overall. Buying land on the big island --specifically the puna district -- seems to be a risk no matter how you slice it.
hope
hope
Posts: 210
Threads: 10
Joined: Mar 2005
I suspect that if there are TV shots of homes being inundated wtih lava anywhere on the BI, all property values on the BI will take a hit or a time, no matter what Lava Zone. But, if you are in it for the long haul, it should be alright.
Can anyone recomend a knowledgable insurance agent who can help selecting the insurance? The cost of building my place may come in a little over $250,000, but if I don't have to worry about a mortgage compnay, could I still get the lower rates with state insurance?
Aloha,
Rob L
Aloha,
Rob L
Posts: 2,314
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Joined: Jun 2003
Call Duane Sugihara at Business Insurance Services. 808.935.1888. He has been getting insurance for all the homes I have built.
Aloha,
John S. Rabi, ABR,CM,CRB,FHS,PB,RB
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
75-5870 Walua Road, Suite 101
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
(808)327-3185
Posts: 1,516
Threads: 81
Joined: Dec 2005
Since we're on the subject of LAVA ZONES - I can find the map easily enough, but I can't find the actual dividing lines...my mortgage banker says won't loan to 1 and 2...but 3 okay. Since we are looking at the Hawaiian Shores, Beaches, etc., etc. I think were good, but there ARE some houses in Nanawale that we like and I think that's LAVA ZONE 2, yeah? Anyone?
Carrie
Posts: 88
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Joined: Jan 2006
It is zone 2. For a map showing lava zones around the island, see http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/hazards/kilauea.html.
Howard
Posts: 2,314
Threads: 59
Joined: Jun 2003
[quote]
Since we're on the subject of LAVA ZONES - I can find the map easily enough, but I can't find the actual dividing lines...my mortgage banker says won't loan to 1 and 2...but 3 okay. Since we are looking at the Hawaiian Shores, Beaches, etc., etc. I think were good, but there ARE some houses in Nanawale that we like and I think that's LAVA ZONE 2, yeah? Anyone?
Carrie
Get a new mortgage broker. I have built several homes in Lava Zone 1 and I never had a problem getting a loan.
Aloha,
John S. Rabi, ABR,CM,CRB,FHS,PB,RB
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
75-5870 Walua Road, Suite 101
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
(808)327-3185
Posts: 2,402
Threads: 145
Joined: Apr 2005
Howard that link is outdated or my new computer is haywire!
mella l
mella l
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