any hostels near puna?

[curvin]

my partner and i would like to open a backpackers hostel near puna
does any one know anything , like permits , zoning ,weird laws of the land?

[John S. Rabi]

I don't know waht you mean by "near Puna" since Puna is a District that is larger than the Island of Oahu. However, from the technical point of view, you need to buy a property that is appropriately zoned. Otherwise you would need to go through a re-zoning process which is a major headache here. You also could try to get a Special Use Permit if the property is not appropriately zoned. Both of these options are risky since you could end up buying a property that you can not use for your purpose. Engage the services of a real estate brokearge company to begin with.

Aloha,
John S. Rabi ABR,CM,CRB,FHS,PB,RB
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
"The Next Level of Service!"

[Carolann R]

I've only seen the one in downtown Hilo.

Carrie

http://www.carrierojo.etsy.com
http://www.vintageandvelvet.blogspot.com

"Freedom has a scent like the top of a newborn baby's head..." U2

[Rob Tucker]

It's an interesting question and highlights the lack of zoning in the Puna district. As a planning tool zoning seems tohave been used in the past to keep Puna in orbit of Hilo and to restrict Puna businesses from potentially competing with Hilo.

The Pahoa Marketplace had a rather hard boat to row acquiring the needed zoning and a good deal of risk was taken on at the time not knowing how that venture would play out.

I would assume that a well run hostel would be a success and asset in Puna. Now if we can just get some pressure on our county to get things done.

There is currently a "moratorium" of sorts in place for upzonings in Puna until such time as the Puna Community Development Plan (PCDP) is addressed by council. I would suggest though that in a bit less than a year the timing for a venture such as you suggest would be good.

[waynesb]

There was a hostel-type place in Fern Acres that closed a while ago. Pinapple Park? Not sure. They had rooms, a dorm and camping. Last I heard of it, the property was listed on the MLS. Maybe one of the Realtors knows more.

[Carey]

Pineaple Park is in downtown Hilo(near the Civic Center) & is for sale.
Direct link to the Hilo Hostel:
http://www.hawaiihostel.net/
This listing has Coqui Acres that the list in Hawaiian Acres KONA! & Kulana in Volcano:
http://www.hawaiihostelsguide.com/Big_Island/
There is also :
http://www.alternative-hawaii.com/accom/bihost.htm
http://www.hedonisiahawaii.com/
http://www.realadventures.com/listings/1...Eco-resort
http://www.hostels.com/en/us.hi.bi.html (not the IYH site)
http://www.hiusa.org/usa-hostels/hi/hi-state.shtml (this is) Oh, they also have info on Home Hosteling....
Just a smattering of ideas... (We had looked into a house hostel on the mainland...IYH /HIUSA does have some nice support work they do for you & offer liablity insurance packages. It is harder to get standard coverage & you will also need to look into tax issues - we decided to go with coop housing for interning students - even got tax breaks..).

[Robin C]

There's a hostel in Volcano - - Holo Holo In.

[waynesb]

According to Pineapple Park's website, the Volcano location is in Fern Acres.
I was researching places to stay about 2 years ago and it had just closed. Shortly after that I saw the property on the MLS. Maybe the owners changed their minds, or ??? In any case, my information is obsolete.
Anyway, the original question was about permits, zoning, weird laws, so I should probably have just kept quiet since I know nothing about those.