As of yesterday, Thursday, there is no more Superferry to connect the islands of Oahu, Maui and Kauai. This is not about the economy or the cost of gas, but rather a legal issue. Apparently, the Environmental Impact Studies that need to be done for any similar project, were not completed for the Superferry.
There have been avid supporters of the Superferry, as there have been avid fighters against the Superferry.
On the "pro" side, the arguments were:
- more options for traveling between islands, for individuals;
- lower costs for traveling between islands, especially for families;
- additional business oportunities for companies based in Hawaii, wanting to expend on other islands.
- a more fun way to travel between islands.
On the "con" side, the arguments were:
- significant environmental impact. There were concerns about protecting marine life but also the possibility of spreading invasive species from one island to another.
- "crime contamination". Crime would travel easier between islands.
- bringing one's own car on the ferry would add to a certain's island polution.
This project was financed by the government and "pushed" by the government. 240 people are unemployed as of yesterday.
For more information on this issue, please check www.mauinews.com
For info on Maui real estate, please check www.westmauihome.com
We have not seen anybody flipping properties in years! And there it is, the first unit at Kaanapali Shores that is flipped.
Unit 437 at Kaanapali Shores, is a 2bd/2ba, 954 sf living area with garden view and it was initially listed for $635,000. After 235 days on the market, the sellers became very motivated and finally accepted a sales price of only $350,000! Escrow was closed at the end of last week.
http://MAUI.fnismls.com/publink/default.aspx?GUID=e6dd7005-2a7c-4d88-b66c-7fbb3ade42ed&Report=Yes
Two days later, this unit is listed again, for $699,000!
We will see when it sells and for how much it sells, to confirm "the flip".
To see other units at Kaanapali Shores for sale, please visit www.westmauihome.com and www.kshores820.com
Major progress was made in regards to building a hospital on West Maui, after more than decades of efforts and lobbying by the local community. Joe Pluta with West Maui Taxpayers Association and Brian Hoyle with Newport Hospital Corporation are the be thanked for their hard work and commitment to this project.
And now the project has received its third and final recommendation for approval and is moving forward!
Given the fact that there is only one two lane road connecting West Maui to the hospital in Kahului and that this road can often have traffic jams or simply be closed, a lot of residents are starting to feel relief in regards to managing their healthcare.
Please read the entire Maui News article at http://www.mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/515675.html?nav=10
For info on Maui real estate, please visit www.westmauihome.com
yes, I know we are spoiled here, with our ocean and mountain views and we can be very picky about those too!
I would like to officially start a contest for the BEST MAUI VIEWS. Please feel free to nominate any property or area.
I would like to nominate Maluhia Country Ranches .
And since pictures are woth a million words, I will let you judge for yourself.
These pictures are taken from my listing at 57 Hulumanu Pl., Wailuku. To find out how much these views cost please check www.57hulumanu.com or www.westmauihome.com.
How much is property tax on Maui? This is the most common question that I receive from the people that are interested in investing on Maui.
Unlike other states, the value of a property is assessed by Maui County appraisers every year, based on a sophisticated formula that takes into consideration the sales in the area during that period of time.
Once the value is determined, a taxpayer is taxed a certain number of dollars for every thousand dollars of the assessed value, for that type of property.
For instance, if you own a resort condo, you will be taxed $8.20 for every thousand dollars of the assessed value. I.e. for a condo that is worth $1,000,000, property tax will be $8200/year.
If you own a second home, you are taxed $4.85 per $1,000 of the assessed value.
If you reside on Maui, you benefit of a $300,000 exemption/deduction from your taxable value. On top of this, if you reside in a house, you will be applied a $2.00 rate, versus $4.85 rate applied to second homes.
To make it easy, if you own a $1 mil home on Maui:
- as a second home, you pay $4,850/year;
- as a resident, you pay $1,400/year.
What a better incentive to move to Maui?
To get more information, please visit www.mauipropertytax.com.
To see all homes listed on Maui, visit www.westmauihome.com
Aloha!
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Specializing in investment properties on Maui, including, but not limited to vacation rentals, long term rentals and spec homes.
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