Here are the latest updates from Hawai’i Island REALTORS® regarding the May 2018 Puna eruption and lava threat. Be sure to check out our collection of Eruption Resources as well. We welcome submissions of additional resources or information of interest to the HIR membership, as well as questions, via email to admin@hawaiiislandrealtors.org.

Update: May 21, 2018 at 1:44 p.m.

Real Property Tax Remission Information

The Real Property Tax Division of the County of Hawaii Department of Finance has issued guidance via email for owners/recorded lessees of agricultural use properties who may qualify for remission of tax liability. For more information, click here:

https://www.hawaiiislandrealtors.org/eruption/real-property-tax-remission-information/

Update: May 11, 2018 at 8:28 a.m.

Hawaii Property Insurance Association (HPIA) Suspension of New Business in Leilani Estates and surrounding areas

For more information on the Hawaii Property Insurance Association and areas affected by the moratorium please talk to your preferred insurance agent or call HPIA at 808-564-8111.

May 10 Notice – AMENDED Suspension (http://files.constantcontact.com/deee5a08001/e0d4b852-e925-44d3-bfcc-29cbdea42e6f.pdf)
View May 4 Notice (http://files.constantcontact.com/deee5a08001/e419a6ee-4e4d-47cc-8bc8-ed15782b4c7b.pdf)

Office of the Governor – Emergency Proclamation

May 9 Supplementary Proclamation (https://governor.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/18-05-09-Supplemental-Emergency-Proclamation-for-2018-Kilauea-Eruption.pdf)
View May 3 Proclamation (http://files.constantcontact.com/deee5a08001/add9a58c-98bf-4468-abe3-43ffe8299234.pdf)

County of Hawaii – Emergency Proclamation: Why this is important to REALTORS®: No rent increases on residential dwelling units are allowed during the emergency proclamation unless the increases were already included in a writing and signed by the tenant prior to the date of the emergency proclamation. For more on this please contact the Office of Consumer Protection in Hilo at 808-933-0910.

DOWNLOAD: Hawaii-County-Emergency-Proclamation-2018-05-03.pdf

As a reminder, the Hawai’i County Emergency Proclamation was effective May 3, 2018 and continuing thereon for 60 days or until further action by the Mayor’s Office.

Update: May 8, 2018 at 2:34 p.m.

We Can Use Your Help!

All donations can be dropped off at the HIR House (1321 Kino’ole Street, Hilo) between 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday – Friday.

DONATIONS NEEDED:

• Camping/Outdoor Gear (ie. tents; mattress/cots; beach chair; camping stove & butane; etc.)• Lighters
• Flashlights/Lanterns/Head lamps
• Batteries (assorted)
• Men/Women/Children Underwear (new!)
• Sanitary Napkins
• Canned Goods & Other Non-Perishable Items
• Bottled Water
• Baby Diapers & Wipes
• Paper Towels
• Wet Wipes/Clorox Wipes
• Bath Tissues
• Facial Tissues
• Gallon Size Ziploc Bags
• Keiki Activities (reading books, coloring books, crayons/markers, etc.)
• Toothbrush/Toothpaste/Dental Floss
• Body Wash (travel size)
• Shampoo/Conditioner (travel size)
• Bath Towels/Washcloths
• Blankets/Pillows
• Dog/Cat Food
• Pet Crates
• Shipping Pallets

DONATE VIA AMAZON WISH LIST:

If you are in a place to contribute by making a donation but are unable to physically drop-off items, you may purchase items via Amazon.com. We created a “Wish List” of items that are needed to assist evacuees. Most of the evacuees left everything behind, and 35 homes were destroyed by the lava. Anything that you can give, and if there is anyway that you can help it is most appreciated. If you have already donated through your church or other community organizations -thank you! If you are able to volunteer in the area the assistance is needed.

Donate Via Wish List – http://a.co/fGKX23o

Items ordered through our Amazon Wish List will be delivered directly to the HIR House. Our REALTOR® volunteers are ready to assist in delivering the donations to the community hub (Pu’uhonua o Puna) on a regular basis.

100% COMMUNITY DRIVEN

Pu’uhonua o Puna Information and Supply Hub was set up to help individuals displaced by the May 2018 lava activities, whose goal is to provide information and supplies directly to the people. If you are able to lend your time to volunteer please do so! https://www.facebook.com/puuhonuaopuna

BIG ISLAND LAVA FLOW HOUSING NETWORK

One of our REALTOR® members started a Facebook page called Big Island Lava Flow Housing Network to connect people who need housing with those who have housing. Please share! https://www.facebook.com/groups/181465539348847/about/

We will continue to provide resource information and ways to help those affected as we are better able to coordinate our volunteers. For now, due to the uncertainty of both earthquakes and lava activity, please prepare your emergency plans, supplies and homes. Be Safe.

Update: May 4, 2018 at 4:43 p.m.

Hawaii Property Insurance Association (HPIA) Suspension of New Business in Leilani Estates and surrounding areas

Hawaii Property Insurance Association (HPIA) is not accepting any applications for new HPIA Homeowners and/or Dwelling Fire policies, requests to increase or change coverage, or reinstatements for property that is located within Leilani Estates and the surrounding areas experiencing volcanic activity. An evacuation order is in effect and a state of emergency has been declared in this area.

For more information on the Hawaii Property Insurance Association and areas affected by the moratorium please talk to your preferred insurance agent or call HPIA at 808-564-8111.

DOWNLOAD: HPIA-Bulletin-2018-0401-Suspension-of-New-Business.pdf

Office of the Governor – Emergency Proclamation

DOWNLOAD: Hawaii-Governor-Emergency-Proclamation-2018-05-03.pdf

County of Hawaii – Emergency Proclamation

DOWNLOAD: Hawaii-County-Emergency-Proclamation-2018-05-03.pdf

Why this is important to REALTORS®: No rent increases on residential dwelling units are allowed during the emergency proclamation unless the increases were already included in a writing and signed by the tenant prior to the date of the emergency proclamation. For more on this please contact the Office of Consumer Protection in Hilo at 808-933-0910.

Update: May 4, 2018 at 3:27 p.m.

The situation in Leilani subdivision continues to develop and all residents of Leilani and Lanipuna have been required to evacuate. This situation occurred quickly with little warning to residents and evacuation notices happened fast.

All residents in lower Puna should be putting an emergency plan together. Many will be concerned about access to their homes if eruption continues and crosses major highways. There are several access routes to lower Puna still open at this time, but we know an uncertain future is on many residents’ minds.

Civil Defense and emergency personnel are managing the immediate threat to public safety. Our community organizations, non-profits, and volunteers will need to organize resources outside of the evacuation zone for those impacted.

Housing will be an issue. We saw this in 2014 as lava approached Pāhoa. Rental units were snatched up quickly by those who had the means. Our housing inventory is already very restricted and emergency housing is a concern. We will see what needs to be done in the days ahead and as we do, we will continue to work together as Hawai’i Island ‘ohana.

Mahalo nui loa,

Kehau Costa, HIR Executive Officer