Luquin's on fire?

[Hunt Stoddard]

There's no replacing the Akebono, of course, but if they rebuild the block in the same style and keep the raised sidewalks, the atmosphere will stay the same.

If they replace it with pavement and a Walmart, I'm going to be pissed.

The key is to prevent big money from moving in.

[Carey]

Here is a drone footage of Pahoa this afternoon, fire crews were still battling fire breakouts, and there have been reports that demolition started late this afternoon ( I am not in Pahoa today, so can not verify that demolition has begun, but do know that this sometimes happens on intractable fires....)
https://vimeo.com/199777795?ref=fb-share&1

[kalakoa]

The key is to prevent big money from moving in.

Unfortunately this is basically up to the insurance companies and Planning -- if nobody else can afford to rebuild (part of which is "bang for the buck", otherwise known as "setbacks"), we're going to get a concrete corporate monument.

[Missey]

We are vacationing in Kapoho since Sunday, and went to see the destruction yesterday before we had a chance to enjoy Luquin's again. My prayers and positive energy are for you all here working through this loss. We will just have to plan another trip including Pahoa town after the reopening.



Sometimes it doesn't seem as if everything is in Divine Order, but we can trust we aren't in control of everything no matter what.

"Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence."......Journal, 18 October 1855 - Henry D. Thoreau

[Frank]

My sweetheart and I were there a couple of nites ago, was one of our fav places to have a bit to eat, window booth in da bar enjoying main st. Pahoa and got to tell ya, I will savor the taste of that tostada for some time to come...wayno wayno wayno!

[Peter Easterling]

The future of the Luquin's/Akebno structures is not "up to the insurance companies," as kalakoa misstates. Insurance is designed to make the insured whole after a loss. The insurance company has no say and no interest in real estate development. Insurance is a handy demon. Ask Sal Luquin if he wishes he didn't have insurance. A "concrete corporate monument?" That reveals a complete misunderstanding of insurance. Perhaps you are responsible and legal and carry auto insurance. Should your car catch fire and is a total loss do you think your insurance carrier tells you what car to buy? BTW I am not an insurance salesperson.

[My 2 cents]

"Insurance is designed to make the insured whole after a loss."

No, insurance is designed to make the insurance companies rich.

As to the rest of it, we'll have to wait and see if Sal has to hire an attorney to get a proper settlement from the insurance company.

[kalakoa]

future of the Luquin's/Akebno structures is not "up to the insurance companies,"

If the building is merely insured for its assessed value, that amount will not be sufficient to rebuild.

If the building is insured for actual replacement cost, expect the insurance company to dispute that valuation and/or the validity of the claim, which process can be dragged out until it's too expensive/difficult.

Should your car catch fire and is a total loss do you think your insurance carrier tells you what car to buy?

Choice of replacement vehicle is impacted by insurance settlement: I can't afford a 2011 CRV if the insurance company only pays out enough for a 1993 Civic, even if I am technically buying a Honda in either case.

A "concrete corporate monument?"

Yes, if they're the only ones with enough money to rebuild, then it's that or an empty lot.

[Peter Easterling]

Insurance companies can and do go broke. Perhaps you are a bit naive and believe companies are not "designed" to make money. Every business venture better be designed to make money, from a kid's juice stand to Apple. Ever get involved in a business venture? Was it your plan to get poor? I hope my insurance company (USAA) makes money. Then they will be around to pay claims. BTW there is an office in Honolulu that settles claims from Hawaii insureds whose companies go insolvent. It is the Hawaii Insurance Guaranty Association. All insurance companies contribute.

[kalakoa]

Perhaps you are a bit naive and believe companies are not "designed" to make money.

I never said anything like that. I truly hope and believe that Sal got enough insurance to rebuild, and that he did not pay those premiums in vain.

If lawsuits are cheaper than a payout, that's a reprehensible way to turn a profit, but these kinds of things have been known to happen.