Kauai Real Estate Update- For a complete list of everything that Sold, was Just Listed or went Under Contract last week on the island click here: Kauai Real Estate Update July 6 to 12, 2026
Poipu Beach Real Estate Update- For the Fee Simple real estate activity in Poipu since the beginning of the year click here: Poipu Beach Fee Simple Current Market Analysis
Kiahuna Plantation Real Estate Update- Kiahuna Plantation #183|Under Contract List Price $699,000 (LH)
More than eleven years ago, I sat with the Beckers at their dining room table at Kiahuna Plantation #183 getting a listing agreement signed. The Beckers were well known and very much loved by owners at the resort, including me. Don Becker had an incredible elevated sense of humor as did his smart and gorgeous wife Mary Jo. That was two owners ago, the Beckers have passed on but I am thrilled to now be involved with a lovely couple in their purchase of the unit which has had additional renovations done to it and is lovelier than ever.
I also just listed unit #227 at the Kiahuna Plantation for $350,000 (LH) which has horizon ocean views, has been renovated and direct rental income to be passed along to the future owner that I'd be happy to share with you. For a complete list of the Kiahuna Plantation activity click here: Kiahuna Plantation Current Market Analysis
Kauai Summer Storm Threatens Homes On Waimea River
Clouds, grey skies, rain and wind. Hardly the usual Kauai July weather but this is how it’s been since the middle of last week. At the mouth of the Waimea River a new threat emerged over the weekend when the direction of the river shifted from its historical path putting some homes in danger. The new western flowing path quickly eroding shorelines.
Residents grabbed shovels and hand tools and tried to create a diversionary path but their efforts failed. The river came within 20 feet of backyard that usually has 125 feet in between it and the river.
The Kauai County of Public Works and the Kauai Emergency Management Agency (KEMA) are monitoring and working on the impacted areas.
The Kauai weather forecast for this week does not look like it will be helping things. The next 10 days are forecasted for anywhere from 45% to 60% chance of rain.
Got Cesspool? Opportunity For Conversion
Cesspools in Hawaii will need to be converted to Septic Systems by January 1, 2050 which is less than 24 years away. Hawaii has over 80,000 cesspools that are dumping 50 million gallons of waste into the groundwater every day. No argument that switching a cesspool to a septic system is a win, the problem is the cost which will only increase as the years go on.
To help in addressing this our Governor signed House Bill 1618 into law which establishes a $2 Million dollar fund to Hawaii homeowners for low-interest or forgivable loans to finance their conversions. If all 80,000 cesspools were replaced today it would cost $2.4 billion so this $2 Million is hoped to be “seed money” for this fund as they work towards getting additional monies.
My advice is to get in front of this now if you can, if finances don’t permit that start a budget. As time goes on the cost will only continue to go up and government assistance may, or may not be there 20 years from now.
Current Cesspools Grandfathered In. As we get closer to 2050 this will become a bigger and bigger issue with each passing year for selling homes with cesspools as well. If you bought a home, or are looking at a home with a cesspool, it’s grandfathered in. But, if you are doing a remodel to your property certain permits will trigger you to do the conversion sooner.
Stay tuned for details on the application process for the loan. To read the bill click here: House Bill 1618
Can New Hawaii Film Tax Credit Save The Industry?
Our filmmaking industry in Hawaii wasn’t struggling, it was over. The reason, our film industry felt, was because Hawaii was not offering competitive tax incentives coupled with the high cost of union labor. Filmmakers instead chose to go overseas.
The Filmmaking industry made several runs at getting legislation for tax credits but those attempts failed. Until now. Senate Bill 2580 will provide:
🎬 5% tax credit for Local hires
🎬 Increased Per-Production Cap from $17M to $20M
🎬 High-Spend Exemption for $60M and more
🎬 Streaming Platforms are now included for tax credits
🎬 Tax credit extended to 2038
🎬 Expanded Aggregate Cap from $50M to $80M with rollover to the following year
A First Hawaiian Bank In California?
I’m not familiar with Tri Counties Banks but a google search showed 75 locations in the Northern California and Bay Area. Folks in those areas might be seeing some changes when First Hawaiian acquires Tri Counties Bank in an all-stock purchase worth $2 Billion dollars.
The combined banks will become the sixth largest bank in the Western United States.
The boards of both companies have approved the acquisition which will close by the end of this year.
