One thing that often gets overlooked when talking about life on Hawaiʻi Island is how deeply connected communities are when it comes to supporting one another. Across the island, many local organizations are quietly working behind the scenes to address food insecurity, a challenge that affects thousands of residents in both rural and urban areas. From Puna to Kohala, these efforts look different depending on local needs. In some communities, food distribution hubs are expandi

One of the biggest challenges I hear about from buyers today is how interest rates have changed the math of homeownership. Even for people with steady jobs and savings, higher rates can make monthly payments feel just out of reach. That’s why it’s worth paying attention when new tools are introduced to help bridge that gap.   Hawaiʻi has recently brought back a first-time homebuyer mortgage  option designed specifically for local residents who haven’t owned property in the pa

Every now and then, I come across a project that feels like it could make a lasting difference for the West Hawaiʻi community. One example is the ongoing plan for a modern outpatient health center in Kailua-Kona, an initiative built through a public-private partnership focused on strengthening local access to care.   The vision for the project is substantial: an approximately 50,000-square-foot facility funded through a proposal requesting $50 million in state support, on lan

Every so often, a project comes along that reminds me how quickly our communities on the Big Island are growing and changing. The start of construction on the new Keaʻau–Mountain View Public Library is one of those moments.   For years, the libraries in Keaʻau and Mountain View have done their best to serve the area, even though they’re tucked inside school campuses and limited by space and hours. With more families, students, and long-time residents calling Puna home, it’s e

In Hawai‘i, community care has always been more than a value, it’s a way of life. With the ongoing federal government shutdown disrupting income for many local families, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) is taking steps to provide some much-needed kōkua.   A $6.1 million emergency relief plan has been proposed to assist Native Hawaiian beneficiaries who are struggling with food insecurity or financial hardship caused by delayed federal support. The plan outlines direct pay

As someone who lives and works here on Hawaiʻi Island, I’m always interested in how local policies and environmental topics shape life in our communities. Recently, the Hawaiʻi Board of Land and Natural Resources voted to advance a proposal that could reopen certain state waters to the aquarium pet industry, which has been closed since 2017.   If approved, the new regulations would allow limited collection of native reef fish, such as the yellow tang, under tighter controls a

Living on Hawai‘i Island teaches us something profound, the land gives so much to us, and it’s our kuleana (responsibility) to care for it in return. Whether tending a small backyard garden or managing acres of farmland, how we treat the ʻāina directly affects the health of our communities and the future of our island.   That’s why it’s encouraging to see the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity bringing back its Pesticide Disposal Program this December. It might

As someone deeply connected to Hawaiʻi’s communities and housing landscape, I often see how vital consistent funding is for our local programs, especially those supporting Native Hawaiian homesteads. Recently, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) announced plans to propose a 1% increase to Hawaiʻi’s Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT).   If approved, this small adjustment could generate over $100 million each year, funds that would go directly toward developing homeste

As someone who lives and works in Kailua-Kona, I know how much we all value not just the beauty of our town, but the quality of life that...

Owning a home in Hawaiʻi is often out of reach for local families, but a new partnership is showing that there’s another way forward. On...

Later this month, crews will be heading up Mauna Kea once again, not for recreation, but for protection. On August 27–28, the Department...

Every week, the West Hawaii Association of REALTORS® hosts dynamic networking events and regional caravan previews that bring together...

Big changes are flowing into Pāhala, and they’re more than just pipes and pavement. Hawaii County has kicked off a $30.9 million...

Hilo’s Waiākea Peninsula, home to iconic Banyan Drive, Liliʻuokalani Gardens, Reeds Bay Beach Park, and Coconut Island, is moving forward...

A heated battle is unfolding on Hawaii's Big Island over a proposed development project in Punaluu, a cherished stretch of black sand...

When it comes to building a diversified investment portfolio, commercial real estate stands out as an asset class with numerous benefits....

The commercial real estate market on the Big Island of Hawaii is dynamic and ever-evolving, driven by a combination of local economic...

Investing in commercial properties can be a lucrative venture, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. Whether you're a seasoned...

When investing in commercial real estate properties on the Big Island of Hawaii, it's essential to consider various numbers and financial...

Purchasing commercial property is a significant investment that requires careful consideration and thorough due diligence. To ensure a...