Aloha kspeed.
Whether or note Hilolani appeals to you will depend on your individual preferences. It has progressed quite a bit over the past year. With the lawns and landscaping setting in, it is starting to look really nice. I’m not sure why the developer and realtor have relied primarily on the sketches to market the property when there are so many completed homes.
It does have a lot of advantages over other developments on the east side (nice wide streets, drainage, county water, paved side walks, proximity to the park, shops, town, etc…
. I visited one of the completed homes and liked the quality and finish. I think some even have central air. The homes are similar to what you might find in the Kona-area developments and while there are similar models, I think they are well distributed and painted in a way that allows for differentiation. It would be difficult for Uncle Buck to end up at the wrong door screaming “BOBBY!!!” after a night on the town. ;-)
The lots are small compared to similarly priced properties on the east side but that isn’t always a disadvantage. If you cherish privacy and don’t what to know what your neighbors are having for dinner, then the lots may be too small.
Since there are active agriculture entities in the vicinity of the development, inquire about industrial/environmental risks, e.g., pesticide/fertilizer drift. Also inquire/investigate the efficacy of the drainage system – this area is downhill from the highway.
It should be in lava zone 3 so you should not have problems with getting insurance. As others have mentioned it’s far from the coast the tsunami risk is teeny.
Mosquitos are a function of proximity to a source of standing water. I’ve not hung around there at night but did not notice any during a few visits there.
If your concern is the commute to town, then this is a nice location. It’s in town so you don’t have to deal with the commute down or up the coast.
As for the bike – I would not rely on that for a commute vehicle here. While there are many days where it can be used, there are days when the rain would make it hazardous to use. Bring a hybrid.
I think the suggestion to rent first is a very prudent one. There are things that only you and your family can determine are acceptable or maddening. There are some homes in the subdivision that you can rent. I thought I saw one on Craigslist for 1800/mo.
Noel
Edited by - Noel M2 on 11/05/2006 07:27:25