Kauai Real Estate Update- For a complete list of what Sold, was Just Listed and what went Under Contract on the island of Kauai last week click here; Kauai Real Estate Update December 8 to 14, 2025
Poipu Beach Real Estate Update- Sold | Poipu Crater #5 | $960,000
It’s not surprising if you have not heard of Poipu Crater, there are only 32 units in this complex and they don’t come up for sale too often. Each building only has two units, townhouse style so no units above or below you and a massive lanai that is more like an outdoor living room. Contact me for more information on Poipu Crater and click here for information on this unit that sold; Poipu Crater #5
For all the fee simple activity in Poipu click here; Poipu Beach Fee Simple Current Market Analysis
For the Kiahuna Plantation click here: Kiahuna Plantation Current Market Analysis
Kauai’s Mayor Prohibiting Disposable Bodyboards
Our Mayor signed Bill No. 2976 into law which prohibits the sale, rental or distribution of “disposable polystyrene foam bodyboards” here on the island of Kauai. This bill will take effect in 1 years allowing businesses time to adjust.
Not all bodyboards are alike. A disposable bodyboard is a buoyant rectangular object over 23 inches in length used for riding waves in a predominantly prone position. A non-disposable or ‘durable bodyboard’ is defined as a one-piece compression-molded, high-density polyethylene or polycarbonate bodyboard. Another key difference being: the price. The disposable bodyboards are cheap and a favorite for visitors who don’t want to take the board home. The problem is these boards break up easily and are hazard for our environment. The more durable boards have a longer life span and are not considered a threat.
The disposable bodyboards break into smaller fragments more easily and contributes to litter, landfill burdens and “ingestion and entanglement risks for wildlife”.
To see this bill in its entirety click here: Bill No. 2976
Feds Cut Interest Rate
September, October and now December of 2025 all saw a -25 basis point drop in interest rates. Stocks rose and Treasury yield dipped when the news that the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates last week for the third and final time this year. The target range for the federal funds is at 3.50% to 3.75%
As I had written in a previous blog the mortgage rates don’t drop when the Feds have announced the rates have been cut. The mortgage industry has already been baking that into the rates weeks before.
But….most people don’t know that. They will go by what they see on Good Morning America and that means they get the news of rate drops too late. For those that have been in the process of getting a loan the won’t see a difference in rate because this anticipated news was already baked in, for those just starting to they will see a cut.
But it’s still good news for the housing industry as a rate cut helps to bolster consumer confidence, as buyers start buying and properties start get picked off this can spur those waiting on the sidelines to act. Mortgage rates are currently the lowest they have been this year.
Zillow Lawsuits Combined
There are two class action lawsuits against Zillow which a Federal Judge recently combined. Why this matters: This accelerates both cases which in turn: reduces duplication, focuses discovery and ensure that rulings apply consistently to all plaintiffs. For Zillow they have one fight, not two.
The two cases combined are:
Armstrong vs Zillow filed November 7th, 2025 This case alleges that the Zillow “Premier Agent” and “Flex” agents steer buyers to Zillow Home Loans for pre-approval. The more leads they send the program, its alleged, the higher quality leads they agents get.
Taylor vs Zillow filed November 19, 2025 alleges that several real estate teams schemed to compel agents to steer buyers to Zillow Home Loans which is a RESPA violation. Its further alleged that those agents must meet quotas.
Looped into the complaint is the “Contact Agent” or “Request a Tour” button on listings which lead people to believe they are contacting the Listing Agent when, in fact, they are sent to a Zillow Flex agent who pays Zillow as much as 40% referral fee from their commission, all done without the knowledge of the Buyer.
You can see the similarities between the two which have now been combined.
Free Wifi At Some Kauai County Parks
There is free public Wi-Fi in seven of our County parks here on Kauai. The “Kauai HI-Wifi Starlink Program” was announced last week. This is not only a benefit to residents and visitors but a huge communication win for lifeguards, hikers, government workers and rangers as this satellite service is designed for “emergency readiness”.
Most notable is the location at Ke’e Beach which is very remote. This beach is located at the very end of the road on the North Shore and is the beginning of the Kalalau Trail. The “Starlink Gen 3” model is designed to operate in remote locals with extreme weather. It’s also available during power outages, floods and storms.
Here is where the Wi-Fi is available at this time:
👩💻 Kee Beach Lifeguard Tower — Portable Starlink system for Ocean Safety;
👩💻 Kilauea Park — 2460 Keneke St., Kilauea;
👩💻 Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex — 4610 Olohena Rd., Kapaa;
👩💻 Isenberg Park — 3353 Eono St., Lihue;
👩💻 Hanapepe Stadium — 4431 Puolo Rd., Hanapepe;
👩💻 Waimea Athletic Field — 9531 Huakai Rd., Waimea;
👩💻 Kekaha Faye Park — Elepaio Rd., Kekaha; and
👩💻 Vidinha Stadium — 3170 Hoolako St., Lihue, pending completion of construction.
