Latest real-estate & development news and updates
A new UHERO report highlights that Hawaii faces a severe housing crisis, with less than 25% of households able to afford a mortgage on a median-priced home. This situation profoundly affects residents, local businesses, and potential investors, necessitating innovative solutions and policy changes.
The Maui wildfires have led to Hawai'i having the highest homelessness rate in the nation while exacerbating the housing crisis and impacting the local economy.
A new report reveals that 75% of Hawaii households cannot afford a mortgage due to a housing crisis worsened by low construction rates and prolonged permitting processes. These challenges impact businesses, investors, and the overall economy.
Lahaina homeowners are encouraged to register for an online briefing to learn about free property surveys offered through the Lahaina Homeowner Recovery Program. This initiative is key to helping those affected rebuild their homes by providing essential information needed to move forward with home reconstruction.
The Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources rejected the Army's environmental impact statement for the Pohakuloa Training Area, citing inadequacies, which impacts real estate and development projects on Hawaii Island and indicates a greater focus on environmental due diligence.
Property owners in Honolulu are responsible for the unimproved sidewalk area fronting their property and may incur costs if encroachments exist. This regulation affects property management, storefront design, and development projects.
The historic Wo Fat building in Honolulu's Chinatown, a landmark with a rich history, is back on the market for $4 million, potentially impacting local real estate and development in a district undergoing revitalization. This sale creates investment opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs and investors looking to make their mark in a neighborhood undergoing a transformation.
A new loan program is launching this summer in Maui to help middle-income homeowners in Lahaina rebuild their homes after the recent wildfires. This program, a partnership with several local organizations, aims to provide vital financial assistance to those who need it most and promote long-term community recovery.
Hawaii's legislature is pushing forward on housing initiatives, with multiple bills awaiting the governor's signature. These bills aim to streamline development, increase housing availability, and provide funds for native Hawaiian housing. The legislative push could stimulate the construction industry and impact local businesses positively.
A federal trial has begun for two Hilo attorneys accused of defrauding Hawaii County of over $10 million through an affordable housing credit scheme, raising questions about the integrity of real estate development and the availability of affordable housing in Hawaii.
The Ka La‘i Ola modular housing project is preparing for the largest influx of Maui wildfire survivors to date, highlighting the need for innovative housing solutions and the impact on the local real estate market. This development underscores the ongoing recovery efforts and the critical need for affordable housing and resource management in the wake of the disaster.
Mayor Bissen announced a partnership to provide crucial financial assistance to Lahaina homeowners through a Deferred Payment Loan Program, acknowledging the challenges middle-income families face in rebuilding after the 2023 wildfires. This initiative offers a critical lifeline and addresses gaps in existing disaster recovery efforts.
A beachfront estate on Maui's Keawakapu Beach is pending sale for $28.56 million, marking the largest residential sale in Maui for 2025. This sale indicates the strength of the luxury real estate market and presents opportunities for investors and developers.
A small group of billionaires in Hawaii now controls a vast amount of the state's private land, raising concerns about the future of the real estate market, business development, and tourism. This concentrated ownership could limit opportunities for local entrepreneurs and investors, reshaping the islands' economic and social landscape.
As Maui fire survivors transition into the Ka La‘i Ola housing project, the local business community navigates both challenges and opportunities around real estate development, economic recovery, and the hospitality sector. This influx impacts resource allocation, workforce needs, and sustainable development.
The effort to rebuild Lahaina hinges on streamlining regulations that currently hinder homebuilding, according to [Hawaii Free Press](https://www.hawaiifreepress.com/Articles-Main/ID/40004/Right-to-Rebuild-No-Building-Permits-Issued-Since-Lahaina-Fire). Removing these obstacles is critical for the economic recovery, but it poses challenges for investors and construction professionals.
SB1296 aims to streamline the rebuilding process in Lahaina by easing permitting restrictions, impacting Hawaii's real estate and development sectors. This move could boost the local economy. Key to success is careful consideration of land use, environmental regulations, and equitable access.
The rebuilding of Lahaina is transitioning from a 'ghost town' to 'big construction zone', but the rebuilding process presents both opportunities and challenges for real estate developers, investors, and businesses, with important changes to the regulatory environment and local economy.
The rejection of the Pohakuloa Training Area’s EIS by Hawaii’s Land Board has implications for real estate development and potential business opportunities. While negotiations will continue, the decision highlights the need for developers to navigate environmental regulations and community concerns, possibly leading to a shift favoring sustainable projects.
A 178-unit affordable housing complex in Kahului breaks ground, prioritizing wildfire survivors. This project addresses Maui's housing crisis by offering stability to those displaced by the August 2023 wildfires.