Community News

June 25, 2026

Keeping Generational Lands in Local Families

Across Hawaiʻi Island, some properties represent much more than a place to live. They hold generations of family history, cherished memories, and deep connections to the land. As property values continue to rise, however, some longtime families face a growing challenge: keeping ancestral lands in the family while managing increasing …

View More
Posted in Community News
June 9, 2026

Why the Permitting Process Matters to Hawaii’s Future

When people talk about housing in Hawaiʻi, the conversation often centers around affordability, availability, and the challenge of creating enough homes for local residents. But one part of the housing picture that receives less attention is the permitting process.

Before a home can be built, renovated, or expanded, plans typically …

View More
Posted in Community News
May 27, 2026

Letter from Big Island, Hawaii - May 2026

This is Chiaki Yamada with KW-Big Island. I hope you are enjoying the beautiful early summer days. I love the vivid colors of the shower tree blossoms – a real indication that the summer season is in full swing.

Despite experiencing a market slowdown earlier this year, April brought positive …

View More
Posted in Community News
May 26, 2026

A Positive Step Toward Supporting Local Housing on Hawaii Island

Housing affordability continues to be one of the most important conversations across Hawaiʻi Island, and recent discussions at the County Council reflect a growing effort to support local residents while planning thoughtfully for the future.

One proposal currently being reviewed would slightly reduce property tax rates for many owner-occupied homes …

View More
Posted in Community News
May 7, 2026

Planning Ahead: What Hawaii’s Changing Population Means for Housing

One of the quieter shifts happening across Hawaiʻi is something that doesn’t always show up right away, but has long-term impact: the way the population is changing.

Recent projections suggest the state may need close to 60,000 additional housing units by 2050. A large portion of that, about 44 …

View More
Posted in Community News
April 21, 2026

Finding Balance: What Ongoing Tax Talks Could Mean for Local Families

Conversations around cost of living in Hawaiʻi are nothing new, but they’ve been getting more attention lately, and for good reason. From groceries to housing, everyday expenses continue to shape how people plan their lives here. That’s part of what’s driving the current discussions at the State Capitol around tax …

View More
Posted in Community News
April 2, 2026

Why Faster Permits Matter More Than Ever

If there’s one part of building in Hawaiʻi that almost everyone agrees on, it’s this: the permitting process can take time, sometimes more than expected. Whether it’s a new home, an addition, or even a small improvement, delays can ripple into everything from construction schedules to overall costs.

That’s why …

View More
Posted in Community News
March 30, 2026

When Support Shows Up: A Look at Community Relief in Challenging Times

There are moments when the strength of a community becomes most visible, usually after something difficult. Recent heavy rains and flooding across Hawaiʻi have been one of those moments, bringing both challenges and a renewed focus on how support reaches the people who need it most.

A recently approved relief …

View More
Posted in Community News
March 13, 2026

Hawai'i’s Ongoing Effort to Balance Taxes, Housing, and Everyday Costs

Each year, Hawaiʻi’s legislative session brings new conversations about how to support local families and strengthen island communities. The 2026 session, which runs through May 8, has once again placed a spotlight on topics many residents talk about often, the cost of living, housing, and how government policies can help …

View More
Posted in Community News
March 6, 2026

Understanding North Kona’s Water Supply

Water has always played a quiet but important role in how communities grow in West Hawaiʻi. In North Kona, much of that water comes from the Keauhou aquifer, a natural underground source that supports homes, schools, farms, and local businesses across the region.

On average, about 14 million gallons of …

View More
Posted in Community News