Author: hawaiibroker (Page 1 of 2)

Honokōhau Bay Land Returned to Community Stewardship

KITV report.

A large parcel fronting Honokōhau Bay in Kā‘anapali, Maui has been purchased by the Honokōhau-based nonprofit Nā Mamo Aloha ‘Āina o Honokōhau. The $2.5 million deal was completed in partnership with the County of Maui, which contributed $500,000, and the Hawai‘i Land Trust, which holds a conservation easement on the property.

The land will be permanently protected and used by Nā Mamo for culture and ‘āina-based education programs, lo‘i kalo wetland taro farming, and fostering connections within the ahupua‘a (traditional land division encompassing both mountain and sea).

Said Hawaii county mayor Mitch Roth:

“We are thrilled to announce that 642 acres at Mahukona will be protected in perpetuity. We are deeply grateful to Hawai‘i Land Trust, Nā Kālai Waʻa: Makaliʻi Voyaging ʻOhana, lineal descendants, and our collaborative partners for working together to secure the perpetual protection of this sacred and historic place. This was a huge undertaking and ensures the safeguarding of cultural sites, fosters environmental resilience, and highlights community-based stewardship on a truly massive scale. Mahalo to all who have dedicated, and continue to dedicate, their efforts to preserving our island’s rich ‘āina and vibrant cultural history. Your contributions are instrumental in shaping a Hawaiʻi Island where our keiki can thrive and succeed for generations to come. This is a huge win for our County and our community.”

Mitch ROTH

The property was originally granted during the 1840s Māhele land redistribution to the ali‘i (chief) Moses Kekuāiwa when it was still an abundant landscape filled with fish, seaweed, and expansive taro fields watered by mountain streams. Over the next 175 years, the parcel changed ownership several times, eventually becoming the site of a long-neglected beachfront mansion.

Despite the area’s extensive development over time, families with generational ties are now returning to restore traditional relationships with the ‘āina. The acquisition represents a rare space for community to connect to land, heal, and uplift one another after the devastating tropical storm and Lāhainā wildfires this past August.

The protected shoreline and wetlands will also help buffer inland areas from flooding and improve marine ecosystem health.

The Land Trust will co-hold the conservation easement on the property with the county, legally limiting uses to those consistent with resource conservation and the nonprofit’s cultural and agricultural mission. The County of Maui contributed $500,000 towards purchase of the land.

The property contains multiple archaeological sites and anchors the eastern mouth of Honokōhau Valley. Kūpuna Yong recalls the area as emblematic of a thriving ancient Hawaiian ahupua‘a, with the valley feeding a healthy population through extensive kalo lo‘i (taro ponds) while the coast provided ample fishing. The name Honokōhau translates to “the bay drawing dew.”

Over the generations, outside influences of plantation agriculture and private ownership eroded traditional communal lifeways, access to resources, and relationship with ‘āina for many local families.

The community’s vision is for the newly protected land to help restore balance through culture and agriculture. The nonprofit plans to work with Hawaiian language immersion students from preschool through high school in regular hands-on learning.

Mauna Kea Realty to Operate as Hawaii Life

The Multigenerational Legacy of the Kona-Kohala Coast’s Premier Real Estate Team Will Continue as Hawaii Life

Hawaii Life, the state’s leading residential real estate brokerage by sales volume, has announced that its real estate team known as Mauna Kea Realty will now operate as Hawaii Life as of December 31, 2022. Mauna Kea Realty will start a new chapter with Hawaii Life, providing the highest level of real estate services to guests, homeowners and families on Hawaii Island with an emphasis on the Mauna Kea Resort and the greater Kona-Kohala Coast area.

As part of a planned agreement with the ownership and management of Mauna Kea Resort, Hawaii Life is sunsetting the brand name of Mauna Kea Realty. The current team of Bob Chancer, Steve Hurwitz, Jake Chancer, Jim Allison, M.J. Allison, Kele Makaiaua, Kaleo Warfield, Kailua Hurwitz and Bonnie Sanchez will relocate to Hawaii Life’s office in Waimea and constitute the Hawaii Life Mauna Kea team, recognizing the multigenerational legacy of two of the area’s most experienced real estate professionals and their esteemed associates.

The Hawaii Life Mauna Kea team’s affiliation with Hawaii Life, the state’s largest independent and locally owned real estate company, has contributed to their success since they joined forces in 2018. Evolving with Hawaii Life, they have become one of the top-performing real estate teams in sales volume in a market expanding beyond Mauna Kea into the Kona and Kohala coasts, and upland from Waikoloa and Waimea to North Kohala.

Led by principals Bob Chancer and Steve Hurwitz, the team’s success is the result of more than four decades of specialization in real estate on the coast of Hawaii Island’s west side. Chancer has played a significant role in the growth of the area’s residential real estate market, involved in marketing and sales at many of the premier new resort developments over the years. Since beginning his Hawai’i real estate career in 1979, Hurwitz has closed more than $1 billion in real estate transactions along the Kona-Kohala Coast. Stewards of West Hawaii’s remarkable growth, Chancer and Hurwitz have been integral to the region’s development.

The Hawaii Life Mauna Kea team also includes Jim Allison, who will continue to provide a wealth of local knowledge and understanding of the unique resort community offerings on the Kohala Coast. Building on a career working with developers and contractors over the past 30 years, Allison draws on an extensive network and proven knowledge to assist Kona-Kohala clients. Additionally, the multigenerational team includes Jake Chancer and Kailua Hurwitz. Following in the footsteps of Bob Chancer, Jake works closely with his father, sharing his unique knowledge and understanding of each resort community and area with clients. Working alongside her father, Steve Hurwitz, Kailua Hurwitz’s knowledge of this island comes from her first-hand experience growing up in the real estate industry. Today, her roots in Hawai’i Island real estate give Kailua a significant advantage when helping clients from near and far.

Committed to Sharing the Kona-Kohala Lifestyle with Generations of Clients

With over 100 years of combined experience on the Big Island of Hawaii, the team’s local and seasoned professionals remain committed to providing real estate services to Hawaii Island and the Kona-Kohala Coast market, one of the premier high-end real estate markets in the world. Much of the popularity of the region is predicated upon the coast’s beaches, resorts and reputation as a top destination for tourists and weekend getaway for residents.

In Mauna Kea Resort and along the coast of West Hawaii, luxury resort developments constitute some of the most upscale homes on the Hawaii real estate market. The stretch of coast from Kailua-Kona to Kohala has been responsible for some of Hawai’i Island’s largest transactions to date. These include the communities of Kukio, Hualalai, Kohanaiki, Mauna Lani, Waikoloa, Puako, Kohala Waterfront, Kohala Ranch, Waimea, Hamakua and North Kohala.

Founded in 2008, Hawaii Life is the exclusive Hawaii member of Forbes Global Properties and is also part of Luxury Portfolio International’s global network of premier, locally-branded real estate companies. The trusted real estate agents of the Hawaii Life Mauna Kea team will continue to leverage the brokerage’s statewide presence, brand recognition, global affiliations and networks, and digital platforms to reach more clients worldwide, exposing their clients to top-tier luxury markets across the globe.

The top-producing team is committed to sharing the Kona-Kohala lifestyle with generations of buyers by providing their extensive knowledge of the features, benefits and offerings of each resort and community along the coast without losing the foundation that made the former brand so successful.

To contact the Hawaii Life Mauna Kea team, please call 1-808-650-5156 or visit hawaiilifemaunakea.com and Hawaii Life’s Parker Square Office in Waimea, HI.

Hawaii Life acquires Wailea Realty

Locally owned and operated Hawaii company solidifies standing as top brokerage in the state

MAUI, Hawaii (Feb. 2, 2022) — Hawaii Life, the state’s leading residential real estate brokerage by sales volume, announces the acquisition of Wailea Realty Corporation, a second-generation Maui real estate brokerage founded in 1972. Sales have been strong across the islands and Hawaii Life is coming off its best year on record with $3.68 billion closed in 2021.

“Wailea Realty is an iconic company and it’s an honor to have them join forces with Hawaii Life. We have a lot in common, from the same deep roots in the communities we serve to strong independent identities,” said Hawaii Life CEO Matt Beall. “They’re already taking full advantage of our in-house marketing, advertising, inside sales and agent services teams.”

Operated by Bradley MacArthur and Tom Tezak, Wailea Realty holds the third largest market share, behind Hawaii Life, in the master-planned resort community of Wailea. Since the acquisition, 53 brokers and salespeople from Wailea Realty Corporation have joined the Hawaii Life team, expanding the company’s presence and breadth of service on the island of Maui. 

“We spent a lot of time considering the best direction for both our clients and our salespeople,” said Wailea Realty President and owner-broker Bradley MacAurther. “Hawaii Life is an internationally recognized brand that offers our clients extraordinary exposure to potential buyers, and it was very meaningful that they’re a locally owned and operated company.”

Owner-broker Tom Tezak, who ranked No. 6 in total sales for agents on Maui in 2021, plans to leverage Hawaii Life’s founding membership of Forbes Global Properties, a global consortium of top-tier real estate firms around the world. “Several companies entered the market this past year touting various claims, so we wanted to strengthen the position of both our agents and our clients with something legitimate. The access to the Forbes audience is really impressive,” said Tezak.

MacArthur and Tezak will work alongside the sales team at Wailea from the same office locations, located in The Shops at Wailea within the Wailea Resort and Rainbow Mall in Kihei, joining Hawaii Life’s four other offices on Maui and locations across the island chain.

About Hawaii Life

Founded in 2008, Hawaii Life is a 100% locally owned and operated real estate brokerage and the State of Hawaii’s leading firm in high-end listings and sales. The company reached $3.68 billion in Hawaii property sales in 2021. Hawaii Life is the exclusive Hawaii member of Forbes Global Properties and is one of Luxury Portfolio International’s® global network of premier, locally branded real estate companies. To learn more about Hawaii Life, please visit the state’s most trafficked real estate website at hawaiilife.com.

National real estate brokerage Compass comes to Hawaii

Compass today announced its expansion to the State of Hawaii. Top agents from O’ahu, Maui, Kaua’i and the Big Island have joined the firm.

Founding Compass Hawaii agents include: Sean Ahearn, Yvonne Ahearn, Debbie Arakaki, Greg Burns, Jason Carey, Deanna Davis, Donna Duryea, Jim Karlovsky, Tom Loratta, Tony Pinkert, Dennis and Martha Rush, Michael Shower and Nicole Vincent. Together, these agents and their teams represent more than $350 million in 2019 sales volume.

“One of our core principles as a business is to collaborate without ego and that’s exactly what we are announcing today – a collaboration between Compass and some of the most experienced real estate professionals in Hawaii,” said Compass Founder and CEO, Robert Reffkin. “Compass agents across the country have been asking us to come to Hawaii for some time. We’re excited to be able to deliver for our customers by connecting them to this incredible group of agents with a deep understanding of Hawaii real estate.”

As a leading national real estate technology company, Compass’ end-to-end software platform, bespoke marketing and proprietary programs currently serve over 18,000 real estate agents in 165+ U.S. cities. Hawaii represents the top-requested expansion market by current Compass agents, as this move strengthens Compass’ already robust nationwide referral network.

The company is actively hiring for a variety of agent-support roles throughout O’ahu, Maui, Kaua’i and the Big Island. Debbie Arakaki, a top-producing residential broker since 2005 and among the top 3% of Maui brokers, has been named Compass’ Principal Broker for Hawaii and Broker in Charge for Maui.

“In Compass, we have found a partner that truly recognizes the value of each agent and is committed to investing in our future,” said Compass Principal Broker Debbie Arakaki. “Today’s client expects a knowledgeable agent using modern technology to go along with our already highly personalized approach. The current real estate market is rapidly changing, and now is the perfect time for a progressive company like Compass to enter Hawaii’s market.”

Sean Ahearn, who is also on the Board of Directors for the MLS provider for Kauai and Hawaii, joins Compass as a founding agent and Broker in Charge for Kaua’i.

“Compass delivers the ability to collaborate with a high-performance network of top-tier agents nationwide, while at the same time recognizing that the heartbeat of real estate in Hawaii will always be community-driven,” said Sean Ahearn. “I’m already impressed by Compass’ commitment to supporting agents and the team’s deference to our culture. This thoughtful approach, paired with Compass’ exclusive products and programs, will allow us to focus on what we do best – serving our clients.” 

Former President of the West Hawaii Association of Realtors, Margaret Reynolds, has joined Compass as Broker in Charge for the Big Island. Tom Loratta and Tony Pinkert, both perennial Top 100 producing agents in Hawaii, are among the initial agents joining Compass on the Big Island.

“We have already connected with several top Compass agents who have clients looking for real estate in Hawaii,” said founding agents Tony Pinkert and Tom Loratta. “Some of the very best agents in the world have chosen to partner with Compass – being connected to this network of referral partners will have a huge impact on our business.”

Founded in 2012, Compass provides tools and services that help real estate agents grow their businesses and better serve their clients. According to REAL Trends, Compass increased its total sales volume by 100.4% and total number of transactions by 144.6% between 2018 and 2019. In 2020, Compass is poised to report another year of steady growth. The company recently noted that it had seen consecutive record-breaking months of revenue throughout the summer and that revenue was nearly 50% higher than the same period last year.

About Compass

Compass is a leading national real estate company, providing tools and services to help real estate agents grow their businesses and better serve their clients. As one of the largest groups of small business owners in the country, real estate agents utilize the end-to-end Compass platform to improve their productivity and help them manage their business more effectively. Compass currently powers over 18,000 real estate agents across 165+ U.S. cities and is the largest independent real estate brokerage in the U.S.,  responsible for over $91 billion in real estate transactions in 2019 (according to REAL Trends). For more information on how Compass powers one of the largest groups of business owners in the country, please visit www.Compass.com

Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/compass-comes-to-hawaii-301159679.html

Hawaii’s Nalula.com has national ambitions

Nalula.com is a new real estate technology company, currently focused on the Hawaii market but planning to expand to the national market in the first quarter of 2021. Nalula.com aims to bring transparency to the real estate industry. Essential data and current market conditions should be readily available as people make one of the largest financial decisions of their life, buying and selling a home, yet they are not.

One of Nalula.com’s most helpful aspects for buyers and sellers is their Smart Price. The Smart Price provides a fair market value by not only considering previous sales, but current market conditions. This data reveals good deals as well as bad deals clearly showing who wants to sell their property in the short term and who is willing to wait in order to receive a higher offer. Nalula.com also provides other important data to its users through unique filters allowing buyers to sort through the best deals as well as an abundance of information on the market conditions so one can determine if they’re shopping in a fair Seller’s or Buyer’s market. Nalula.com is also very pandemic friendly with thousands of videos and virtual tours for buyers to use as they explore their options for a home.

Nalula.com was founded by Jeff Berzolla in 2020. Jeff started working in the online industry in the late 90s and has worked for, consulted for and started several successful web-based businesses. Jeff founded, grew and sold the largest vacation rental technology and marketing company in Hawaii. With Nalula.com, Jeff hopes to make all of the essential information an informed buyer needs to make a smart offer on a real estate purchase readily available. Personally frustrated by personal searches to buy real estate and only finding websites that were simply a regurgitation of the local MLS info, Jeff was inspired to make Nalula.com do it all better.

Jeff decided to start with the Hawaii real estate market as he lives in Hawaii for most of the year and felt it would be most beneficial to start with a market that he has lots of local knowledge about. Nalula.com is different from his previous projects mostly because of major technological advancements. Tools like React, Serverless technology and many other incredible open source resources are allowing him and his team to do in a week what used to require a month or a quarter to develop.

Nalula.com plans to expand to the national market in Quarter 1 of 2021. Jeff realizes that there is a lot of misinformation on the internet right now and a lot of old guard industry folks defending the antiquated establishment. Jeff looks forward to Nalula.com’s technology and business ethics becoming part of the national conversation to show that a better and more honest way exists.

When asked about what he hopes to see the company grow into, Jeff responded, “I hope to see our company become a top ten national online real estate player in the coming year. Our north star is data transparency and doing what is best for the consumer. I know that these principles will lead us to a successful place no matter how quickly we grow.” Nalula.com is going to bring great changes to the national real estate industry as it has already begun to with the Hawaii real estate industry.

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