Hawai‘i’s Housing Crisis Was Decades in the Making
A look at the policy decisions, external crises and social changes that gave Hawai‘i the most expensive housing in the nation.
Real Estate
Hui Kapili Accelerator Feeds the Local Pipeline of Contractors
The first cohort of 16 leaders from small and medium companies learned to scale up their contracting businesses.
BIA’s Big Goal: Supplying Homebuilders with More Entry-Level Workers
The Building Industry Association of Hawaii has revived its education program, a gateway to well-paid construction jobs.
Making the Case for Increased Urban Density
Building up can be a lot cheaper than constructing single-family homes in new developments.
Hunting for a New Place in Renters Purgatory
How four O‘ahu residents navigate fees, scams, unanswered calls, intrusive rules and housing options that run from “crappy and crappier.”
Can Waikīkī’s Business Improvement District Be a Model for Downtown?
Businesses agreed to increase property taxes for hospitality, cleaning and landscaping, and more security. Many say the extra cost is worth it.
2024 CEO of the Year: Christine Camp of Avalon Group
She came to Honolulu from South Korea as a child with limited English and modest means. Her company now owns or manages 1,100 residential units and 2.3 million square feet of gross leasable floor space across Hawai‘i.
Verbal Agreements with Realtors Are Out, Signed Contracts Are In
After a landmark NAR settlement, prospective homebuyers need contracts that spell out how much their agent will be paid and what services provided.
How a Small Real-Estate Developer Is Building a Big Portfolio
MacNaughton has bought three local hotels, adding to its investments in residential projects, retail and more.
A State Program Is Helping Critical Workers Buy Homes
Teachers, nurses, police officers and others can purchase new condos at below-market prices under the DURF Equity Pilot Program.
Hawai‘i’s Condo Insurance Crisis Is Now Hurting Sales
Sales fell 48% in Waikīkī and 38% in Makiki-Mō‘ili‘ili in June. Both neighborhoods have lots of underinsured, older condo buildings.
What Maui Can Learn from Kaua‘i’s Recovery After Hurricane Iniki
Rebuilding after the 1992 disaster led to a construction boom and expedited permitting.
Major Changes Are Coming for Hawai‘i Homebuyers and Realtors
Legal settlements have disrupted how real estate agents are paid. Hawai‘i experts weigh in on what to expect next.
On Kaua‘i, the Biggest Home Developer Is the County
The county’s Housing Agency and its private partners are now working on 509 affordable homes, with another 860 expected to break ground in about 2025.
Insurance Crisis Worsens in Hawai‘i’s “Condoland”
About 400 condominiums carry less than 100% insurance coverage. The shortfall means that many potential buyers can’t get mortgages.
Good News on Interest Rates May Spur Real Estate Sales in 2024
Sales on O‘ahu have fallen nearly 30% so far in 2023, but a reversal is possible next year if mortgage rates decline.
Soaring Hurricane Insurance Rates Leave Hundreds of Hawai‘i Condo Buildings Under-Insured
One local insurance agent estimates that the owners associations for as many as 390 buildings have renewed their policies with less than 100% replacement coverage.
Limit on Conventional Mortgages Will Go Up in 2024
The new ceiling will be almost $1.15 million in Hawai‘i. But with 7%-plus interest rates, there will be few takers.
Maui Nonprofit Aims to Return Displaced Families to Their Affordable Homes
Na Hale O Maui is Hawai‘i’s first community land trust.
Rule Change Lowers the Down Payment Needed When Buying Multifamily Properties
Fannie Mae now says only a 5% down payment is needed to buy a single property with two, three or four homes on it
O‘ahu Real Estate Maverick Challenges National Rule on Paying Buyers’ Agents
At issue is the National Association of Realtors position on how the commission for a buyer’s agent is paid, a rule that a federal jury in Missouri has already put in doubt.
Properties with Two Homes Are a Bright Spot in the Weak Real Estate Market
Those properties are more likely to sell quickly, and they come with some extra financing options.
Real Estate Twist: Luxury Homes Sold Without Being Listed Publicly for Sale
In some cases, there are more off-market listings than public ones for homes that start at $20 million, the CEO of Hawaiʻi Life says.
No Local Changes Yet as National Lawsuits Rattle Real Estate Industry
At issue is the commission paid to agents who represent buyers in real estate transactions.