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I have friends that live in Kapoho, and one evening while discussing the historical geological events in the area, 1955, 1960 eruptions, 1975 earthquake, and what future events might mean to those that live in the area, one of the participants in the discussion observed something along the lines of 'but it wont happen in my lifetime, will it?'
Which brings me to this question...
Why would anyone buy, build, and move into an area with a 100 percent chance of being inundated by volcanic eruptions? Why would anyone live in an area that is expected to subside in to the ocean with the next large earthquake? Eruptions and earthquakes that are known, with 100 percent certainty, to be forth coming?
When posts (on other threads here) refer to getting home owners insurance in certain areas, Leilani comes to mind, and the prices quoted are so high, doesn't that cause one to pause and ask why? To consider all the what ifs, to seriously explore other possibilities?
Lava zones one and two are by definition places that one can expect to have their lives completely blown away by the volcanic processes of the volcano. So is it blindness? Love for a place that is so strong that other safer, more stable options aren't even considered? Cheap land, that can't be had elsewhere? What is it that causes one to invest everything, to move all they have, to plant their lives in a place that will very likely bring so much chaos, and potential loss in the future?
This question has always puzzled me. Does anyone have any insights?
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You only get one chance and the benefits outweigh the risks.
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It’s cheap.... price kapoho , compare to west Maui oceanfront (or Newport beach ca – my other stomping grounds ) can’t touch anything for under three million in OC maybe 750 k for a one bedroom ocean view condo in kaanapali (Aston papkaea to be exact) with a 600$ a month association fee to boot.
In my opinion the buyers in Kapoho are locked out of those markets yet still want beachfront and in large part are in denial about the hazards that keep prices down
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When I was shopping for property I had several criteria.
1. Lava zone 3 for the least risk of being wiped out by Madame Pele.
2. Elevation close to 1000 feet for the least risk of being wiped out by a Tsunami. And for cooler temperatures.
3. I looked at good parts of the Sub-divisions with nice neighbors and the least amount of trashed out properties.
4. Relatively convenient central (Puna) location between Keaau &
Pahoa.
5. The most land for my Money.
I believe I accomplished all this I in Orchidland.
I looked at Kapoho originally and when i was checking out a few properties there I talked with a long time resident of the area and I asked him. "Aren't you worried about Tsunamis? Lava? etc...
His answer. " I've lived here for 5 glorious years and If I loose everything here tomorrow I still wouldn't change a thing. These last 5 years have been the happiest of my life and I love it here. It's the cleanest air on the planet and My health has greatly improved since moving here."
"Right on I said...Right On"
One Thing I can always be sure of is that things will never go as expected.
One Thing I can always be sure of is that things will never go as expected.
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Having moved here from the Midwest, we had a lot of friends & family ask the same questions.
In the last four years I have lived here I have not heard of one single death due to heat or cold exposure. In the area we left, Chicago, there have been many in the last four years.
There has been no snow damage to any house I know of here, there has been back in our old area, and very few ice related car accidents, as opposed to where we were from.
Earthquakes? we have felt a handful here, with one biggie, Chicago area had one felt (each area can have horrendous quakes, but the New Madrid fault in the midwest can impact a much larger area, and CAN be devastating to many, if the 1800's quake reoccurs).
Our last house had had minor damage from a tornado that skipped overhead, none reported here...
There are natural forces at work everywhere you plan on living. Go into any house selection with the full knowledge of the damaging force of nature in that area. And remember, accidental house fires is one of the leading cause of house damage, everywhere.
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No matter where you live in this world...there is always a risk that something bad will happen whether it be living next to a lava flow, living on ocean front property, worrying about North Korea dropping a bomb on Hawaii or even living or working in the city in a high rise. Even living on a farm in Iowa has risk of life from tornadoes and flash floods.
You just can't worry about it. You'll wind up dying faster by worrying all the time than from any natural disaster.
A great singer/songwriter Bobby McFerrin once wrote a song called
"Don't Worry....Be Happy". I believe that philosophy will make you live a long healthy life regardless of where you live.
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Da Kine, Everyone has priorities in life. I think Kapaho is more than just cheaper, it is a lovely area with it's own charms. There are a lot of gamblers in Puna. Willing to take the chance that lava, earthquakes and Tsunamis "won't get them".
Kimo~ Your criteria is what many people use, but budgeting is certainly an issue and for those with smaller budgets, waterfront property is cheapest in Zone 1. If people want to live on or near the water and have limited budgets, that is where they look. A little less limited budget, Zone 2 or 3. More bucks... head North. Want a bigger lot? Head West. Want deeper soil? Head North.
Our basic criteria was:
1) Lava Zone 3 or higher
2) Nice neighborhood with no stray dogs, roosters and houses that are all nicely maintained & a low crime area.
3) Decent paved roads
4) Proximity to town/shopping/cultural events without being IN town.
5) A view, preferably water, ocean front even better, but not in a Tsunami Zone.
6) Cellular service
7) Cable & high speed internet
8) Within a 10 minute drive to a hospital
9) Within 5 or so minutes of Emergency Services (fire, police ambulance)
10) Large open spaces in a newer or renovated home and at least 1 acre of established gardens & lots of lanai space.
Most of these things also equate to better re-sale value.
We got everything on our list and more, just two miles north of downtown Hilo. We are on the water, but on a high cliff, far enough back to be safe, but close enough to have a jaw dropping view from every room.
Aloha au i Hawai`i,
devany
www.myhawaiianhome.blogspot.com
www.eastbaypotters.blogspot.com
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The islands are always on the move and that combined with the upward push from magma below, shifts and cracks and pushes things around. One new crack in just the right spot and your Lava Zone 3 can turn into a Lava Zone 1. There is risk EVERYWHERE on the island. No place is safe from eveything. I chose to take a gamble on Puna but I will make sure I have reserves so I can rebuild (or move) if I have to. I'm not interested in a huge mansion, just something that's comfortable. Pele takes it, it won't be the end of the world for me, I'll move on.
Hawai'i is the ultimate demonstration of the "temporary". Things are always changing, being made new and we have no choice but to accept it and enjoy what is given to us right now.
Puna: Our roosters crow first
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quote:
Originally posted by EightFingers
...One new crack in just the right spot and your Lava Zone 3 can turn into a Lava Zone 1. There is risk EVERYWHERE on the island...
Very well said. Wasn't it just last year when the lava was heading towards HPP?! Hilo was endangered too. The Lava Zone Map is based on geography and past lava flows. It also assumes that the TOP of Mauna Loa will blow.
Aloha,
John S. Rabi, GM,PB,ABR,CRB,CM,FHS
808.989.1314
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
"The Next Level of Service!"
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I think there is some misunderstanding about lava zones 1 and 2.Living in these zones is not a guarantee that your home will be inundated with lava.As a matter of fact,lava zone 3 is only slightly safer than 2.
Also I think that lava zone 2 on Kilauea is probably safer than zone 3 or 4 on Mauna Loa do to the speed that a lava flow from Mauna Loa would have.
http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/hazards/LavaZonesTable.html
My own property has not had a lava flow in many hundreds of years.
As far as earthquakes my house survived the 1975 quake with no damage and the entire island is equally at hazard for earthquakes.The 2006 earthquake did 200 million in damage but my home in Kapoho was undamaged.
The same with tsunamis,my property has never been flooded.
I noticed you didn't mention hurricanes.We are all in the same boat on hurricanes and one will hit this island someday.The myth that the mountains protect us is just that,a myth.
After weighing all the hazards,we decided the beauty and way of living was worth the risk.
I previously lived in Utah and Socal.Both of these places are at risk to earthquakes,fire and many weather hazards.Add to that drive by shootings and freeway road rage and they are no safer than Kapoho.
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