Photos from 1SG (Ret) David Kucic
The entrance to Mauna Kea resort on the big island of Hawaii. The resort is still closed due to the earthquake in October 2006.Located in: Waikoloa, HI
I just took a weekend trip to the island of Kauai with my family, my neighbors and fellow Active Rain mortgage broker and Hawaii VA Loan Expert, Jay Oku. Here is a great video of the 15th hold at Poipu Bay that has some unbeleiveable views of the island and Pacific Ocean.
Since it rained on Sunday, there were some fantastic waterfalls. My wife, daughter and myself were cruising around the island when we saw an opportunity to shoot this video.
We also had a belly flop contest at the swimming pool but I am not authorized to publish that one.
With tourism down in Hawaii, we as "Kama'aina" (people that live ont the island full time) can get some pretty good deals on hotels, airfare, golf and a plethora of other things. Its a great opportunity to get out once in a while and see the rest of the state.
By: David Kucic, RA
CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO
First Sergeant, USA (Ret)
RE/MAX Honolulu
"The traffic out to Ewa Beach SUCKS" is something I hear almost daily. That statement is a fact unless you like sitting in traffic.
Why is there so much traffic going into Ewa Beach? Because all of those people on that road have found Ewa Beach to be a great place to live including my family and I. Most of the homes are new or newer construction, lot sizes are pretty decent and the homes are some of the most affordable on the island. The sun shines more in Ewa Beach that most other places on the island and yes, it gets HOT in Ewa Beach but isn't that part of the reason you want to live in Hawaii? We also have the most golf courses out of any city on the entire island (Hawaii Prince Golf Course, Ewa Beach Golf Club, Coral Creek Golf Course, Westloch Golf Course, Ewa Villages Golf Course, Barbers Point Golf Course and the soon to open Hoakalei Country Club.
Military LOVE Ewa Beach just like my family did when we bought our home here. Our current neighbors are stationed at Schofield Barracks Tropic Lightning Division, Wheeler Army Airfield, Pearl Harbor, Hickam AFB, Marine Corps Base Kaneohe (on the other side of the island), Camp H.M. Smith and Tripler Army Medical Center.
Getting back to the traffic on Ft. Weaver Road.......here is a map of the road in question. From Schofield Barracks/Wheeler Army Airfield to the H-1 Highway, the road is called "Kunia Road". Once it passes under H-1, it turns into Ft Weaver Road. The total distance from Schofield Barracks/Wheeler Army Airfield to Ewa Beach is approximately 12 miles.
Ft. Weaver Road is currently under construction with the addition of 2 new lanes for a total of 3 lanes in each direction. This next map shows the current progress of the road construction which is expected to be completed by the end of the year. We also have the new "North-South Road" which is also under construction. This is another road that will allow people to travel to the H-1 Highway. Once all of this construction is completed, we may see some much needed relief on the roads.
The picture below shows the entrance to the Ewa Beach Golf Club. Nice course! Beautiful seashore paspalum greens and fairways. A little bit of water and tight fairways. A very good challenge from the tips.
Photographs courtesy of Cameron Kucic Photography.
By: David J. Kucic, Realtor-Associate
CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO, AHWD
First Sergeant, USA (Retired)
Tropic Lightning Real Estate, Oahu, Hawaii
PCS'ing to Hawaii? Here is the link to figure out your Hawaii Overseas COLA amount......Hawaii COLA Calculator.
Your Army assignment to Hawaii is considered an Overseas Tour in accordance with AR 614-30 just as if you were PCS'ing to Europe or Korea. You will be entitled to an Overseas Service Ribbon (OSR) in accordance with AR 600-8-22.
The Cost of Living Allowance, or COLA amounts can be found by doing a query at the Overseas COLA Website.
When you use the query to figure out your COLA, remeber that the amounts you will see are based on roughly a two week period of either the beginning of the month or the end of the month. Since the months of the year have either 28,29,30 or 31 days, the COLA amounts will vary each month.
Your Hawaii Overseas COLA will also be based on your pay grade, years of service, number of dependents and the island in which you reside. There are a few military servicemembers living on other islands but for the most part, most service members are stationed on Oahu at:
Schofield Barracks, Wheeler Army Airfield, Pearl Harbor, Hickam AFB, Marine Corps Base Kaneohe, Camp H.M. Smith or Tripler Army Medical Center
For all of your Hawaii military relocation needs, contact a Hawaii Military Relocation Specialist.
By: David Kucic, RA
CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO
First Sergeant, USA (Ret)
Tropic Lightning Real Estate, Oahu, Hawaii
"Serving My Hawaii Military Family in Paradise"
Congratulations on your assignment to Schofield Barracks, Wheeler Army Airfield, Pearl Harbor, Hickam AFB, Marine Corps Base Kaneohe, Camp H.M. Smith or Tripler Army Medical Center to name a few.
I am sure that the excitement level is up not just because it is time to PCS but because you are coming on an all expense paid trip to HAWAII for you and all of your command sponsored family members. Do you realize that people save for years or possibly for their entire lives to fly out here for one or two weeks and you are lucky enough to live here for 2, 3,4 or more years? Life is good!
One of the first thingst that my family and I thought about before we PCS'd was "Where are we going to live?" Your options are the same in Hawaii as anywhere else which is living in government quarters, renting a home or buying a home.
As a 22 year active duty retired, Disabled American Veteran and Hawaii Military Relocation Specialist, I know a thing or two about PCS moves having completed at least 12 of them in my military career.
There is one very important things that I want to share with you in regards to transportation, household goods shipments and non temporary storage.
When you move here, you will be allocated a certain amount of wieght based on your pay grade and amount of family members in regards to household goods. Paragraph U5310-B of the Joint Federal Travel Regulation covers the weight limits for shipments. For your convenience, I inserted that table below. You might not want to bring everything that you are entitled to because HOMES IN HAWAII ARE GENERALLY SMALLER THAN MAINLAND HOMES. IF YOU BRING YOUR ENTIRE AUTHROIZED WEIGHT LIMIT WITH YOU AND IT WONT FIT INTO YOUR HOUSE, YOU WILL EITHER HAVE TO PAY FOR STORAGE IN HAWAII, SELL IT OR GIVE IT AWAY.
If you leave your excess property in the mainland as Non Temporary Storage or NTS, you will not have to pay for the storage. I suggest you check with your Transportation Office at your current installation to verify their particular policies about this before you make your final decision.
Good luck with your PCS move to Hawaii. For more information about your move or professional real estate representation, call (808) 218-9338 or visit Team Kucic at www.Relocate808.com.
By: David Kucic, RA
CRS, GRI, ABR, e-PRO
First Sergeant, USA (Ret)
Tropic Lightning Real Estate
Yesterday I attended a forum about Hawaii Short Sales and Act 137 "The Mortgage Rescue Fraud Prevention Act". This act will greatly change the ways that real estate professionals will be able to assist you, the homeowner, in the sale of your home.
The bottom line is this: If you see yourself heading in the direction of a short sale, CONTACT SOMEONE IMMEDIATELY for assistance. Do not wait until you start missing payments, have liens placed on your home or become late with maintenance fees and association fees.
Once you are more than 60 days delinquent on your payment, myself and other Hawaii real estate professionals may not be able to assist you because you are then going to be classified under Act 137 as a "Distressed Property" in which case you will need to work with a "Distressed Property Consultant".
Conclusion:
If you still need to sell your home and need to sell it as a SHORT SALE, call your Hawaii real estate professional ASAP before you become a Distressed Property and may not be able to be helped any longer.
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US Army, Retired; Serving your HAWAII REAL ESTATE needs. Full time, full service. DAVID KUCIC, 1SG (Ret), RA, Certified Distressed Property Expert and Accredited Buyers Representative. VA Specialist
David Kucic and Tonya Kucic: Certified Distressed Property Experts (CDPE) and Accredited Buyers Representatives (ABR).
Your RE/MAX Honolulu Military Relocation Experts and VA Specialists.
United States Army, Retired.
Servicing our Military Families for their Hawaii Real Estate needs. Whether you are stationed at Schofield Barracks, Wheeler Army Airfield, Pearl Harbor, Hickam AFB, Marine Corps Base Kaneohe, Camp H.M. Smith or Tripler Army Medical Center, we are here to continue being part of the Military Team. Our wealth of information on purchasing real estate in Hawaii and the VA Home Loan Guaranty Program makes us your #1 source of information in Hawaii. When you are ready to get started, contact us anytime and start your FREE HAWAII HOME SEARCH AT: Team Kucic Hawaii MLS Home Search
Winner of the prestigous 2008 Aloha Aina Award presented annually to only 10 of the more than 6,400 real estate agents in Hawaii. Top 1% of all agents in Hawaii for 2005 to 2008. Graduate of the Realtors Institute (GRI), At Home With Diversity (AHWD), e-PRO (Internet Professional), Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) , Cerrtified Residentiall Specialist (CRS), Aloha Aina nominee 2006, 2007 and 2008. Thats all....nothing else. Before I retired from the Army I did get a few awards for my military service. These don't directly relate to real estate but they are a direct reflection of my character. I thought I might add these minor recognitions:
2 Bronze Star Medals for combat in Operations Desert Storm (1991) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (2004-2005), 3 Meritorious Service Medals, 9 Army Commendation Medals, 11 Army Achievement Medals, 7 Good Conduct Medals, 2 National Defense Service Medals, Meritorious Unit Citation, Southwest Asia Service Medals with 3 battle stars, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, 2 Overseas Service Ribbons, Valorous Unit Award, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Saudi Arabia Kuwaiti Liberation Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, Combat Action Badge, General Aubrey Red Newman Leadership Award, St. Barbaras Award. Member of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club. Winner of the Ft Carson Non Commissioned Officer of the Quarter, Winner of the Ft. Carson Non Commissioned Officer of the Year in 2001, Winner III Corps Non Commissioned Officer of the Year 2001, Runner-up All Army Non Commissioned Officer of the Year 2001, Winner US Army Drill Sergeant of the Cycle 1999, Honored Graduate from the Advance United States Army Non Commissioned Officers Course, Graduate of the Paladin Commanders Course, Combat Lifesavers Course, Drill Sergeant School, Defensive Driving School. Certificate of Appreciation Counter Terrorism Group Sulaymaniyah Province of Iraq, Silver Award German "Schutzenshnur" Awarded for NATO weapons proficiency from the country of Germany.
Dave's work ethic and business savvy are unmatched in this field. I have worked with several others in the real estate business and not once have I encountered an agent as trustworthy, reliable, and hardworking as Dave. Every question I had was thoroughly answered and every document presented to me was explained in great detail. I was extremely impressed with the information I received from Dave. His expertise in the real estate area is unmatched from my previous experiences. As a Captain in the Army I would recommend them to any of my peers, family, or friends. Dave is an honorable and trustworthy agent. I always felt like Dave gave me the straight assessment of information every time I dealt with him. He was always early to every meeting we had, answered every phone call right away, and would reply on email in less than 2 hours to any question I asked. After my enjoyable experience with Dave finding the house of my dreams he is the only agent I would consider in my future endeavors in Hawaii. Captain Kenny D. We've been blessed with a truly dedicated real estate agent. His willingness to go the extra mile for us had made our first home buying experience easy. If we had a question, David would not hesitate to find the answer for us. He is a trustworthy and compassionate person when it come to the needs of his clients. In a sense, the transistion from renter to homeowner was effortless. We appreciate everything he has done for us and have since been singing his praises to anyone willing to listen. Thank you David for a stellar job. We'll be certain to call on your services when we decide to sell or buy a home in the islands again. You and your family are always welcome in our home. SFC Tres and Mary R. My husband and I had been working with another agent for quite some time while we lived in Hawaii but since we moved to Germany we felt the agent no longer believed we were serious buyers. Frustrated and bit pessimistic I happened to check the Hawaii MLS listings. To my amazement the home I had always had my eye on, was up for sale. I 'googled' military-VA-real estate, or some variation of those words and came across David Kucic's website. I registered with my information not expecting much and doubtful about the reality of purchasing a home in Hawaii while living in Germany. Surprisingly I received an email and phone call from David within 24 hours. Unless you've lived overseas it's difficult to understand how rare this is. Most of the time when dealing with businesses in the States you are typically told they are unable to call Internationally or that they just plain don't know how. I was impressed form the beginning with David's professionalism. As an active duty service member purchasing a home thousands of miles away, I was comforted by David's familiarity with the Army and our particular situation. We have purchased and sold other properties while we lived in Hawaii but none moved as timely and seamlessly as the transaction we did with David while living in Germany. David was available to answer any questions we had and provided sound advice based on knowledge and experience. He was honest and informative of not just the pros but the cons too. He helped us make the best decisions for our situation. He actually listened to our plans, goals and expectations. He truly was available via email and phone daily if not hourly while going above and beyond our expectations. It was obvious that David and his team set a high standard of customer service and he expected that same standard from the other agencies he works with. He was flexible, dependable, attentive, and willing to work and communicate exactly how we preferred while advocating for us every step of the way. Not only will I recommend the Kucic team to our friends, family and any interested buyer/seller. I will be using them for all of our real estate services in the future. Sergeant Taryn and Micah B. David Kucic keeps his promises. Due to very difficult and unforeseen circumstances I found myself unable to pay for the mortgage on my home. I knew I needed help in selling my home and after checking with a couple of Realtors I realized it was going to take someone extraordinary to really help me. That's when I thought of David. I remembered my husband, Bruce, telling me he was a solid, trustworthy Realtor and associate. So, I called David. My house is now sold and it wouldn't have happened without him. Usually selling a home is a happy time, but for me it's an incredible relief financially. The ordeal of finding a workable solution - known in the industry today as a short sale -with a mortgage company is a very time consuming, frustrating and complicated process. Finding a Realtor willing to take this on isn't easy either unless you have David Kucic. Whenever you find yourself in need of a Realtor that keeps his word, performs professionally, protects your interest and has one of the highest client satisfaction ratings in the Islands - call David. Whether you are a buyer or seller David is with you every step of the way. Mahalo David for an excellent job and becoming a part of our ohana! Mrs. Linda B. Thank you David and Tonya from the bottom of our hearts. We could not thank you enough for the outstanding representation you provided for us during this trying time. When the mortgage company went bankrupt 4 weeks into the transaction, we were left homeless until you both calmed us down and eventually got us into the home. We were ready to give up and become renters once again. We tell everyone that we know about what you did for us and we are so happy to have found you. Thanks for taking me on that deep sea fishing trip. I had a blast even though I didn't get to pull in the biggest fish that day. The housewarming party is right around the corner and you are at the top of our guest list. Your friends, Coast Guard Petty Officer Second Class Brett S. and Jackie M. We were so lucky to find you! Thank you very much for helping us to purchase our first home. You are extremely efficient, knowledgeable and an awesome communicator. Sorry we weren't quite as good with the communication as you were! We are very happy in our new home and when it is time to sell, you will be the only one that we would ever think to call. Sincerely, Staff Sergeant Matt and Belinda GS. David and Tonya Kucic are phenomenal agents. They are everything that we would have ever I couldn't imagine buying a home without David and Tonya Kucic of Tropic Lightning Realty. I was a first time home buyer and they took the time to walk me through all the steps. I never felt any pressure from them to buy a particular property, and they even looked out from me when I was in the process of getting into a bad mortgage deal. During the week I am pretty busy, so when I couldn't make the trip to them, they came to me when there were papers to sign, or things to consider. I would not hesitate to recommend them to a friend, and I will definitely go to them in the future for any real-estate needs. Lieutenant Derek C. David and Tonya Kucic of Tropic Lightning Realty. This comes from Jennifer and I, both names you can use as references. We had a wonderful experience with your services during the many homes that you showed us, around 20 or so, in various neighborhoods and communities over the month and change and we worked well together. You never pushed anything upon us or pressured us into placing an offer on a property we were not interested in. You did research on the three properties that we thought about bidding on and weren't upset when we decided against the property in Makakilo with the high association/maintenance fees upon the sellers counter-offer. You figured out our tastes so much that you found the house we bought in Ocean Pointe (that was almost new!!) Your dedication to service never faltered as you showed up to do the final walk-though, at closing with the mortgage lender; and at escrow, and even afterwards stopped by and gave a house warming gift. This is not the first house I have bought, but the Kucic's are by far the Best Realtors I have ever dealt with! I would recommend them to anyone looking to buy or sell in Hawaii! Sergeant First Class Charles and Jennifer C. David and Tonya Kucic of Tropic Lightning Real Estate are an incredible real estate team! My wife and I had certain requirements for our new home (both financially and architecturally) which really narrowed our options. But David and Tonya were very patient with us and, because of their knowledge of the different neighborhoods, they were able to help us locate just the right home. I felt that they gave us individualized service, going above and beyond to help my wife and I make the right decision. They even took the time to e-mail my wife pictures of the houses we were viewing since she was still in the mainland and unable to tour them with me. When we finally located a home, they provided us with detailed information, helping us to make the right offer. From the beginning of our search to after closing, the Kucics provided us with exceptional, thorough, and personal service. I recommend them to anyone interested in buying a home! Captain Todd and Ophelia I. After trying to work with two other agents, we went with David and Tonya Kucic of Tropic Lightning Realty because they worked fast and showed us properties that WE were looking for, not just properties they were interested in selling. It is a bonus that the Kucics know the island, so they could direct us to a great neighborhood. We have lived in our home for one year and we are happy with our choice in realtors. We only wish we had called the Kucics first. Private First Class Joe and Elizabeth K. When I first started the process of buying a house I was completely lost. All I knew was that I wanted to buy I just hoped that I didn't get robbed. I met David and Tonya Kucic of Tropic Lightning Real Estate and they showed me everything that I needed to know about buying. David and Tonya Kucic were just completely honest about everything and were very patient with the fact that I was new to the game. They didn't rush me into buying anything. Because of their patience and them staying aware of market changes, I was able to buy a house for 35k under market value. Thanks David and Tonya! Staff Sergeant Glenndale W. I would like to thank you for making my dream of becoming a homeowner come true. Buying a home in the middle of getting ready for a deployment was very stressful, but with your professionalism and taking care of soldiers mentality you made the process much easier. Every chance I get, I brag about you to anyone who says they want to buy a house when we get back. I will definitely use your service couple years from now when I decide to sell. Staff Sergeant Alicia L. As 1SG (Ret) David Kucic's former Commanding Officer (while serving in Iraq 2004-2005) - his Integrity & Honesty is beyond reproach. His word has always been his bond with his Soldiers which he has led and has left an indelible mark in their lives. Without hesitation, I would strongly recommend David as I am certain he will earn your trust as he has done with mine. MAJ Scott Greenblatt MILITARY BASES, POSTS AND FORTS ON OAHU, HAWAII AND POHAKALOA TRAINING AREA BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII Schofield Barracks: Mililani, Wahiawa, Kapolei, Waipahu, Ewa Beach, Waipahu, Makakilo, Oahu, Hawaii Schofield Barracks and adjoining Wheeler Army Airfield are the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Brigade, Aviation Brigade, 45th Sustainment Brigade and the 8th Military Police Brigade. In addition, the 8th Theatre Sustainment Command, 65th Engineer Battalion, 25th Special Troops Battalion and the 556 Personell Service Battalion are also part of the Division team and play an integral role in the success of the Division. There are also two Brigades that are stationed in other locations. The 1st Brigade is stationed at Ft. Lewis, Washington and the 4th Brigade is stationed at Ft. Richardson, Alaska. The 25th Infantry Divison has proudly served in numerous wars and conflicts around the globe. The Soldiers that make up the division are currently deployed to several locations to include Iraq. Pearl Harbor: Pearl City, Pearlridge, Aiea, Salt Lake, Honolulu, Waipahu, Oahu, Hawaii Hickam Air Force Base: Pearl City, Pearlridge, Aiea, Salt Lake, Honolulu, Waipahu, Oahu, Hawaii Marine Corps Base Kaneohe: Kaneohe, Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii Camp H. M. Smith: Salt Lake, Moanalua, Honolulu, Aiea, Pearl City, Pearlridge, Oahu, Hawaii Tripler Army Medical Center: Salt Lake, Moanalua, Honolulu, Aiea, Pearl City, Pearlridge, Oahu, Hawaii Fort Shafter: Salt Lake, Moanalua, Honolulu, Aiea, Pearl City, Pearlridge, Oahu, Hawaii Wheeler Army Airfield: Mililani, Wahiawa, Kapolei, Ewa Beach, Waipahu, Makakilo, Oahu, Hawaii Helemano Military Reservation: Wailaua, Wahiawa, Mililani, Haleiwa, Oahu, Hawaii Kahuku Training Area: Kahuku, Oahu, Hawaii Kilauea Military Reservation: Hilo, Kona, Hawaii Pohakuloa Training Area: Hilo, Kona, Hawaii Makua Military Reservation: Waianae, Nanakuli, Makaha, Oahu, Hawaii TEMPORARY LODGING FACILITIES FOR THE ARMY, NAVY, AIR FORCE, MARINE CORPS, COAST GUARD, RESERVISTS, NATIONAL GUARD, DOD CIVILIANS AND RETIREES ON OAHU, HAWAII The Hale Koa Hotel on Waikiki Beach: Honolulu, H The Inn at Schofield Barracks: Mililani, Wahiawa, Kapolei, Waipahu, Ewa Beach, Waipahu, Makakilo, Oahu, Hawaii The Royal Alaka'i at Hickam Air Force Base The Lodge at Kaneohe Bay and the Cottages at Kaneohe Bay Navy Lodge Hawaii at Pearl HarborThe Beach Cottages at Kalaeloa (formerly Barbers Point NAS): Mililani, Wahiawa, Kapolei, Waipahu, Ewa Beach, Waipahu, Makakilo, Oahu, Hawaii Tripler Army Medical Center Guest House Bellows Air Force Station Beach Cabins GOLF COURSES ON OAHU, HAWAII FOR ARMY, NAVY, AIR FORCE, MARINE CORPS, COAST GUARD, RESERVISTS, NATIONAL GUARD, DOD CIVILIANS AND RETIREES Leilehua Golf Course (Army, Schofield Barracks) Mililani, Wahiawa, Kapolei, Waipahu, Ewa Beach, Waipahu, Makakilo, Oahu, Hawaii Walter Nagorski Golf Course (Army, Ft. Shafter) Mamala Bay Golf Course and Kealohi Golf Course (Air Force, Hickam AFB) Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course (Marine Corps, Kaneohe Bay) Barbers Point Golf Course (Navy, Barbers Point): Mililani, Wahiawa, Kapolei, Waipahu, Ewa Beach, Waipahu, Makakilo, Oahu, Hawaii Navy Marine Golf Course (Obvious Right?) COMMISSARIES ON OAHU, HAWAII FOR ARMY, NAVY, AIR FORCE, MARINE CORPS, COAST GUARD, RESERVISTS, NATIONAL GUARD, DOD CIVILIANS AND RETIREES Schofield Barracks Commissary near Wahiawa, Waipahu and Mililani, Hawaii Kaneohe Marine Corps Base Commissary near Kaneohe and Kailua, Hawaii Barbers Point Commissary near Kapolei, Ewa Beach and Makakilo, Hawaii Pearl Harbor Commissary and Hickam Air Force Base Commissary which are both near the cities of Pearl City, Pearlridge, Aiea and Honolulu.
expected from realtors. They came to our hotel to drop off documents, drove us around looking at homes, kept us updated always via email and phone calls and most importantly to us, THEY COULD ALWAYS BE REACHED. Since we were short on time for finding a house and closing, we needed an agent that was accessible via email, phone, fax and in person. Thankfully we found David and Tonya Kucic! We are now happy homeowners in Hawaii and could have never done this without their assistance. We will recommend them to everyone we meet that mentions "realtor" MAJOR MO and Ann L.
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