06-17-2005, 01:03 PM
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!