Owning a home in Hawaiʻi is often out of reach for local families, but a new partnership is showing that there’s another way forward. On August 22, the Uyeda ʻohana celebrated moving into their new 3-bedroom, 2-bath house in Hilo, a milestone that also marks progress in the island’s fight for affordable housing.

The home was made possible through a collaboration between Hawaiʻi County and HALE O Hawaiʻi Community Land Trust. Their approach is based on a community land trust model, where families buy homes through long-term leases while the land remains in trust. This reduces costs for buyers and ensures the property stays affordable for future generations.

Funding for the pilot home came from the county’s Affordable Housing Production Program, paired with state-owned land leased for 65 years to HALE O Hawaiʻi. Another home in Volcano has already been completed under the same model, with additional projects in progress.

County leaders say this strategy represents more than just one family’s success. It’s a blueprint for long-term housing stability, one that allows local families to put down roots without being priced out. By combining government support with community stewardship, Hawaiʻi Island is beginning to build homes that will remain affordable for generations.

Source: Big Island Now

Later this month, crews will be heading up Mauna Kea once again, not for recreation, but for protection. On August 27–28, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will carry out animal control operations to help save one of Hawaiʻi’s rarest forest birds: the palila.

Why It Matters? Feral goats, sheep, and mouflon might not sound like a big deal at first, but on the slopes of Mauna Kea they’ve been changing the land for generations. These animals were brought here long ago and, with no natural predators, their numbers grew quickly. Today, they eat through native forests that our endangered species depend on to survive.

The palila is one of those species. This small honeycreeper lives only on the upper slopes of Mauna Kea and feeds mainly on the seeds of the māmane tree. When herds strip the forest bare, the māmane disappears, and so does the palila’s chance at survival. This isn’t just about one bird, though. In Hawaiian culture, each plant, bird, and stone has its place in the balance of the ʻāina. When one disappears, the whole system suffers.

How the Work Will Be Done? DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife will use both ground crews and helicopters to bring herd numbers down. It’s tough work, and not everyone agrees with it, but it’s required by federal law to protect the palila’s habitat. Hunting is already open year-round with no bag limits for these animals, and while hunters play an important role, it hasn’t been enough to stop the damage.

Looking Ahead! This kind of work is never easy. Hawaiʻi has a long tradition of hunting and gathering, but we also have a kuleana (responsibility) to care for the ʻāina and the creatures that live here. The palila is more than an endangered bird, it’s a part of Mauna Kea’s identity, a reminder of how connected we are to the land.

Every action taken on the mountain isn’t just about numbers or management. It’s about aloha ʻāina, loving and protecting the land so that future generations can still hear the call of the palila in the high forests of Mauna Kea.

Source: Big Island Now

Every week, the West Hawaii Association of REALTORS® hosts dynamic networking events and regional caravan previews that bring together local agents to showcase the latest listings. These gatherings are more than routine meetings; they’re a cornerstone of collaboration, property visibility, and market knowledge in the Big Island real estate community.

Caravans typically rotate through different regions such as Kona, Waikoloa, and Waimea, giving every area of West Hawaii a chance to shine. Dozens of agents attend, previewing multiple properties in a single morning, an invaluable way to gain firsthand knowledge of homes beyond online listings. For sellers, this means a property can gain exposure to a network of professionals actively matching homes with buyers.

Beyond property previews, these weekly meet-ups foster business development and community. REALTORS® exchange referrals, market updates, and insights, all while strengthening professional ties. It’s collaboration over competition, an extension of the aloha spirit that defines West Hawaii.

For buyers and sellers, the benefits are clear: REALTORS® stay sharp, connected, and in tune with market trends, while listings gain maximum visibility in a vibrant ecosystem. In an evolving market, these caravans ensure properties and agents remain front and center.

Whether you’re selling a home or simply watching the market, weekly REALTOR® networking is a powerful driver of real estate success in West Hawaii.

Information adapted from West Hawaii Association of REALTORS®. Read more at westhawaiirealtors.com