News from Real Estate

Rice Street Revitalization: In 2015, the Kaua‘i Board of REALTORS® took a pro-active role in the County’s effort to breathe life and economic stimulation into the Lihu‘e Rice Street business district.

With the recent National “TIGER” Grant (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) award to the County of Kaua‘i in the amount of $13 million, the Kaua‘i Board of REALTORS® took the opportunity to apply for and receive a $16,500 “Smart Growth Grant” from the National Association of REALTORS® to hire a consultant to assist in recreating an image for Rice Street with property owners and businesses. The information collected and submitted to the consultant was taken from the Community Meetings implemented by the County of Kaua‘i; the development of the Urban Core Design; and the creation of a logo/brand for “Rice Street.”

Board of Realtors Scholarship. Left to right front row seating: Geneva Dela Cruz; Bronwyn Kay; Bailey Bernabe; Standing Vianne Tabata, KBR Scholarship Committee; Lisa Ledesma, KBR Scholarship Committee; Halley Soller; Don Kolenda, KBR Scholarship Committee; Grace Yatsko; Gabrielle LaFratta; Karen Ono, KBR Executive Officer; Rowena Cobb, KBR Scholarship Committee; Leah Ragsac, KBR Scholarship Committee.

“The County and the Rice Street Business Community have been very excited to have the local REALTORS® involvement,” says Executive Officer Karen Ono, “Our ‘Young Peoples Network’ has been actively spreading the word by canvasing the businesses along Rice Street to create awareness within the community and to announce the Rice Street Block Party on Sept. 23, 2017 starting at 5 p.m.”

Plans are to create a festive party atmosphere by temporarily closing the area of Rice Street between Kress and Hardy streets to traffic , encouraging local businesses to stay open, and bringing in live entertainment, food trucks, artists, and activities for both adults and keiki. The street will be realigned in accordance with the “TIGER” grant design making the area multimodal by adding additional on street parking, bike lanes, and additional pedestrian crosswalks.

The Kaua‘i Board of REALTORS® intends to continue with the overall project in the future by applying for a National Association of REALTORS® “Placemaking Micro-grant” which would provide funding for making attractive outdoor spaces along the Rice Street corridor.

Participants in the Kaua‘i Habitat Build a Thon.

Habitat for Humanity: One home at a time, the Kaua‘i Board of REALTORS® raised $100,000 over a three-year period to sponsor the first Kaua‘i Habitat “American Dream Home.” In addition, volunteers actively provide manpower in the ‘Ele‘ele and Anahola projects.

Rose Ringed Parakeet Study: The KBR worked with the Hawai‘i Association of REALTORS® and state legislators to help pass HB655 CD1 which authorizes State Funding for invasive species “rose-ringed parakeet” study. Gov. David Ige signed the bill — which had been introduced by state Rep. Nadine Nakamura, D-14 — into law here on Kaua‘i at the Grove Farm Museum.

ADU Extension/Support: KBR has worked with Kaua‘i County to extend the date and to notify each property owner who were eligible for an ADU but had failed to re-apply for certification on other than Residentially Zoned lots.

Landlord Summit recipients awardees.

Supporting Flood Insurance Remains Available: Kaua‘i Board of REALTORS®, Hawai‘i Association of REALTORS®, and the National Association of REALTORS®, are working together at all levels of government to insure the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is renewed by Sept. 30, 2017 so that Flood Insurance will remain available to property owners.

Sponsored Educational Public Seminars: The Kaua‘i Board of REALTORS® co-sponsored the 2017 Hawai‘i State Association of Counties (HSAC) conference and co-sponsored the first Landlord Summit on Kaua`i to address: Domestic violence, Homeless Issues, Landlord Support Hotline, Risk Mitigation, Mental Health, HUD Vouchers, Comfort/Service Animals, Medical Cannabis, and Cesspool Conversion.

Contact the Kaua‘i Board of REALTORS® at 808.245.4049 or KBR@Kaua‘iBoard.com Their office is at 4359 Kukui Grove Street Suite#103, Lihu`e, HI 96766.

Rice Street Branding and Block Party Committee.