Hawaii homes

With Hawaii's school budget cuts these days, students, teachers and parents are doing what they can to save their schools' programs. On September 5, 2009 the Kaimuki High School Performing Arts Center held a benefit concert. Various musicians and comedians volunteered their time to help out. We were lucky enough to hear about the concert and spent the evening enjoying the food and entertainment.

The concert started at 3 p.m. in the afternoon. We showed up for a late dinner, around 7 p.m. In the Kaimuki High School cafeteria, we enjoyed a salad, spaghetti with garlic bread and dessert. Next, on the the Performing Arts Center to watch the show.

We arrived just in time to see Mel Cabang, a well known Hawaii comedian. It's been about 20 years since I last saw him performing live at a nightclub in Waikiki. Mel is hilarious. He makes fun of people in the audience and himself. People walking into the show while he's on stage - be prepared! He loves to poke fun at anyone and everyone.

After Mel left the stage, a group called "Vella" played some Hawaiian-style oldies music. Then to top it off, another group named "Soul Vibe by Big D" played their music, which to me sounded like Jawaiian or Hawaiian reggae style. This group was very popular with the high school kids.

By 10 p.m. or so it was getting past our bed time and we called it a night. Soul Vibe was still jamming. It was a great night of food and fun. And on top of that our admission fee benefited the Performing Arts Center of Kaimuki High School.

Organizers said it was financially a great success. Many people donated money and the artists were so kind to give their time. The event was not very crowded, maybe because it started at 3 p.m. and ended around 11 p.m. Maybe next year they'll shorten the event a bit to make things easier on themselves.

We're looking forward to it! Bring back Mel Cabang!

Mike Bates - Hawaii Realtor

My wife and I recently watched "The Informant" - a movie starring Matt Damon. The movie is based on a true story about a whistleblower at Archer Daniels Midland, a company in Decatur, Illinois.

The main character travels around the world and at one point he attends a meeting in Hawaii. The meeting and a golf outing take place at the Makaha Valley Country Club in West Oahu. In a golf scene the Makaha Valley Towers are a backdrop to the characters walking along the course. When you see the movie, keep an eye out for the Towers 'cause you'll only see them for a few seconds.

Back in the early 1990's (the period that the events in the movie occurred) this resort was actually the Sheraton Makaha. Back then I was an auditor for a CPA firm and actually audited the financials of the resort. We also had corporate events including golf outings there. It was and still is a nice resort, with great ocean views.

Well, go check it out and enjoy! You'll be surprised at how Matt Damon looks in this movie.

Aloha, Mike

Moana's sales office is closed and the salespeople have been instructed to turn in their keys. After much hope with the planned purchase of the property by OliverMcMillan has fallen through. The project is scheduled to be auctioned on September 25, 2009.

For buyers who signed up with Moana Vista, their funds are held in escrow. We expect them to receive full refunds of their deposits.

Keep an eye on the newspapers and TV news for more information about Moana Vista in the coming days.

Aloha, Mike

Buyers have taken action this summer, submitting offers and taking advantage of the market. Some of the drivers getting buyers moving are:

• Low interest rates
• $8k homebuyers tax credit
• Falling home values

Even with price declines seen over the last few years, many buyers find it difficult to find a house in Honolulu that's in their price range. Well, there ARE deals available, it may take some searching outside of the traditional favorite neighborhoods.

Areas such as Kaimuki, Kapahulu and Hawaii Kai are desired by many people. When they see the lower priced homes with 1,000 square feet of interior area selling for $550,000 and up they wonder where the deals are?

Kalihi Uka has some great homes available in the high $300's to mid $400's. Understand that these prices are not for new, top notch condition homes. You CAN get a sweet deal on a home that's in need of some work.

We currently have a house for sale on Murphy Street, MLS 2909334. Originally listed at $360,000, the price was reduced to $335,000 on 10/19/09.. In today's market it's a great price for a home of this size. The house is owner occupied, in time it WILL need some TLC. This is probably best suited to a contractor.

If you're interested in seeing it, please e-mail or call Mike at (808) 548-1220.

Mike Bates (RA)

Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties

1909 Ala Wai Blvd #C-2

Honolulu, HI 96815

During summer the surf action is mostly on the south shore of Oahu. We've had some great swells so far. Overhead sets, light winds and lots of fun!

Roy Vierra of RV's Surf Shop gave me a call and talked about the surf he's been catching at Ala Moana Bowls and Old Man's, including some overhead barrels! Roy's a full sized guy so catching a barrel is really something, in other words we're getting some great surf this summer!

Roy asked if I've been catching some waves. Yeah, there's been some fun stuff at Concessions at Ala Moana Beach Park. I meet my brother in law first thing in the morning and then scoot off to work. Diamond Head is another favorite as long as the wind is not too strong.

Roy said the summer swells are bringing customers to his shop and board sales are doing well. RV's has some great deals on new boards as well as used boards. Stop by and check it out sometime. The staff is really friendly. Besides Roy, there's Sanae, Kapena, Mike and a few others. RV's sells surf-related equipment too, including leashes, wax, fins and traction pads.

South Shore Surf - where to go?

We're talking about Waikiki, Diamond Head, Ala Moana, Black Point, and Portlock. Ewa and Makaha are on the west side of the island, they still catch the summer swells.

If you want to learn how to surf, don't be shy, take a lesson! It will save you time, frustration and it's safer than trying to learn on your own. Roy is a surf instructor, give him a call!

RV's Ocean is located at 3348 Cambell Avenue in Kapahulu. They're open from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. Call 732-7137 to schedule a lesson of for driving directions.

Mike Bates

Hawaii Realtor