Posts: 6
Threads: 1
Joined: May 2007
Hi, all. We have decided that we will retire to the Pahoa area in the next few years. We absolutely love Puna..the people, diversity of landscapes, the culture.
Our plan is to buy property, build a home, rent it out as a vacation home about 6 months out of the year, and then eventually move in full time.
Can you folks recommend...
1. A Pahoa based real estate agent who is truely knowledgeable about things like subdivisions, lava flow regions, and the like.
2. A good vacation home property management company, preferably one based in Pahoa. (We'd like to work with and support our neighbors.)
3. A reputable builder. Someone who understands the building requirements for a tropical region and can incorporate solar into any design.
Also, if anyone is so inclined, we'd love to hear your take on the several subdivisions in the Pahoa area.
Mahalo!
Robert
Robert
Posts: 6
Threads: 1
Joined: May 2007
I just receive an email from the above post from a thoughtful local. (Thanks! I appreciate your views.) He write of the drug problem in Pahoa. I did a search and am finding that there are quite a few stories on "ice" problems in the Puna District. I did not see any of this during our trip.
Would you locals share your views on this observation by my new friend:
"Your property in Paho will be wrecked by renters trust me!Pahoa is not as glamouros as you think it is. As a resident you will find extremely high crime levels as iceheads rule the area. You cannot walk the streets at night unless in a group or you will be attacked by icehead theives. Pahoa has its charm if you like run down without hope towns full of druggies, homeless, thieves. Visiting is one thing. Living here is another. Just my opinion."
Thank you!
Robert
Robert
Posts: 74
Threads: 2
Joined: May 2006
Robert,
I've lived in Puna for almost 10 years.
1. Ice is just about everywhere in Hawaii. I'm not a drug expert so I cannot say whether it's more prevalent in Puna than other districts. I will say that I've never seen "iceheads" roaming the streets.
2. I have never been (nor has anyone that I know been) a victim of crime here, property or otherwise. I had one very isolated trespassing incident. Not an "icehead", just a rude neighbor.
3. I have walked the streets of Pahoa many times at night, with my children. I have never felt threatened.
4. I have rented my home- no problems whatsoever. Besides which, you're planning on a vacation rental, right?
You will find some people who are so jaded by their experience living here that they try to discourage anyone from moving here. Yet, they still live here. Still can't figure that one out. While no place is perfect I cannot imagine living anywhere else. There are many posts on this forum from people who have shared their mostly happy stories about moving to Puna. Just my 2 cents.
Aloha,
Jody
Edited by - Jody on 05/27/2007 13:50:07
Edited by - Jody on 05/27/2007 13:51:49
Posts: 166
Threads: 25
Joined: Sep 2006
Robert,
Wow ! What a response !
In regards to specifics about Pahoa Town itself, ie. what it has come from / where it is going, this websites moderator Rob Tucker can advise you on that.
To be honest, Pahoa Town is a bit sketchy, for us. There are those that believe it is great. You do see individuals that are obviously high, on something, walking the street, hanging out. Definately a deterrent.
You plan to build in / close to Pahoa ?
You can get horrendous renters anywhere. But if your intention is a vacation rental, obviously not exactly the same liability for you.
Theft, you do hear about it all of the time. But, only "iceheads" stealing ? Probably not.
I am with Jody on the "jaded" issue. Though I do not simply believe that they are jaded.
There are so many individuals that seem to subscribe to the idea that once they arrive, the gates should be shut behind them.
They too moved from the "mainland" , but they do not want you to bring your "mainland" attitude with you, or try to "change" Puna. The mainland transplants use "mainland" as a four letter word.
So please take all advice with a grain of salt.
Please don't get bogged down with the negativity.
Greg
Posts: 248
Threads: 11
Joined: Jun 2006
Was the guys email address something like "oceandreamer50" or something like that? If so he's just a nut that tries to scare everybody.
He was banned from this forum.Too hostile or something like that.
Those things he commented about are really non issues.
Posts: 1,261
Threads: 55
Joined: Nov 2005
Well, I never have been a victim of an "ice Head" here in 8 years, though I've seen them around the area, sad, not as bad as S. Oregon, and I know of where I speak, I WAS one of them, a crazy crankster, in Oregon in 1992-94. Ahh the good old days, just wish I could remember them. Thank the Gods or Godess I got out alive. Puna is no scarier than anywhere else in rural America.
Posts: 1,516
Threads: 81
Joined: Dec 2005
Frank Battaglia - at it again.
Carrie
Posts: 942
Threads: 17
Joined: Aug 2005
I've lived in Puna for years, never had problems. You reap what you sow, in my opinion. You can contact me with any questions.
John Dirgo, R, ABR, e-PRO
Island Trust Properties, LLC
808-987-9243 cell
http://www.hawaiirealproperty.com
Posts: 6
Threads: 1
Joined: May 2007
quote:
Was the guys email address something like "oceandreamer50" or something like that? If so he's just a nut that tries to scare everybody.
He was banned from this forum.Too hostile or something like that.
Those things he commented about are really non issues.
Yes, this was the fellow. Thansk for giving me a head up on him. I'll add him to my junk mail folkder so his future emails vanish.
Robert
Robert
Posts: 6
Threads: 1
Joined: May 2007
quote:
I've lived in Puna for years, never had problems. You reap what you sow, in my opinion. You can contact me with any questions.
John Dirgo, R, ABR, e-PRO
Island Trust Properties, LLC
808-987-9243 cell
http://www.hawaiirealproperty.com
Robert
Robert
|
