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In Hawaii, not only do we have a responsility to take care of our environment but we have a responsibility to understand the potential risks and consequences of purchasing coastal land. Ahhhh. Hawaii is surely a paradise with its beautiful trade winds, blue sunny skies and panoramic breathtaking scenery. A land so unique that will come with drastic weather and ocean changes that will threaten the coastlines and property.
There will always be some natural hazards that potential purchasers of coastal property (regardless if you are planning on purchasing undeveloped or developed land) need to be aware of:
- Hurricanes and high surf which onsets chronic erosion in the long term. June through November is Hurricane season and storm surges, wind and rain from hurricanes can cause severe damage to properties fronting the ocean as well as low lying areas.
- Tsunamis would create a more devastating destruction in just that one single event that can last for hours. Research the history of the area to see if there is any historical tsunami information on that area. You can also find out where evacuation zones are in the front section of the telephone book.
Both natural hazards described above can create bluff failure and erosion for cliff-front properties as well.
Things to consider when investing in coastal land:
- Is the elevation above sea level and is there potential for flooding?
- Condition of the shoreline (rocky, sandy or cliff) and is it stable or chronically eroding?
- Does configuration of the lot allow for moving the dwellings if it is threatened by a coastal hazard?
- Research the shoreline development history of the property and ask if there were any attempts to control the erosion and if so, was it successful?
- Any applications for shoreline structures and were they denied or accepted and why? Are the existing structures legal?
- Do a coastal hazard assessment and a professional geologist or engineer can do this.
A licensed REALTOR® has a duty to disclose (disclose and disclose) any material facts and any documentation coastal hazard history on the property. Not always are coastal hazard known and buyers are advised to do their due diligence. There is also an Standard Oceanfront Property Addendum that will be drafted by the REALTOR® and submitted with the offer.
The Standard Oceanfront Property Addendum basically has in depth pertinent information documented such as the zoning, special management area, tsunami and hurricane zone and so forth amongst advising that the only way to get the property square footage is to do a State Certified Shoreline Survey. And information regarding the lender and that the lender may require flood insurance as well.
Not only are the natural hazards a biggie in purchasing coastal property but there are other laws that protect the "discovered" burial or worshipping sites of ancient Hawaiians. More can be read here: Purchasing Hawaii Vacant Land? Ancient Hawaiian Burial Sites and Laws
In closing: Disclose, disclose, disclose and do your due diligence!
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Mililani Hawaii Real Estate Blog 2007
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate® and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocations, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents, Home Buyers and Sellers.
© 2007-2012 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.
All rights reserved.
Matt: And it's REALLY tough to get insurance with single wall construction and on the water!
Is the elevation above sea level and is there potential for flooding?
You can say that again.
Sally,
Great information for consumers, disclosure is key!!! :)
Sally... you make a great point about protecting the environment and your cost. .... awareness. Besides, I love the scenic pictures.
Jeff: Awareness is right. I have loads of pictures...don't have to go far for scenery!
Coastal hazards...not an issue here. :>
Sally~
Quietly you offer wisdom that is much needed today. Thank you for your posts and inspiration. Thank you for caring about our precious natural resources and those who can learn to walk lightly on the Earth. As a real estate professional, you bring that special gift to the table that I am sure your clients appreciate.
Jeff: Oh...well, one day you might need the info.
Susie: Aww.....shucks.
Carole: I just spoke with him a few days ago...wanted to make sure he got his home exemption form in.
janeAnne: and you have such supportive comments that surely give me the boost to keep on writing! Thanks so much!
George: I live way above sea level in CENTRAL Oahu...yup....I too will admire from a distance and on occasion.
Steph: Well, not only interesting but also more expensive as well as expenses.
Great advice! Good post.
Lisa: Thanks for stopping by
Marlene: I'm glad I'm above sea level but not on a cliff or hill....my tradeoff is just living here in Hawaii ...in a little townhouse.
Sally, This post is worthy of another feature at Localism. Truly amazing and well presented and EXTREMELY useful for anyone considering the purchase of coastal lands. Rating this one a 5 ! How lucky your clients are to have you representing them....
Jo
David: You live down there...let me know how much yours is.
Jo: I believe it will help some....there is more to it than a little article but it sure will open eyes for a lot!
I was watching the Today Show this morning when they were featuring one of the islands. Naturally thought of you. I can't imagine what it would be like selling property that might "go away".
Interesting "issues" you have with property there. Like Jeff G above, "coastal problems" aren't a concern here. Or said another way, when Ohio has coastal problems ... we'll ALL be in trouble ... and Al Gore will say, "told you so"! ;-)
Is anyone selling any of that brand new land that is created there every day (The Big Island)? Who owns that new land? Does the adjacent landowner reap the benefits the newly created land? Just curious.....
FYI from your question...it was 1982-1983
The state of Hawaii is claiming that new land.
One issue many do not realize, is if you purchase a beach front property the ocean gives and takes. I saw a property that changes by 25% in size in a couple of years.
Chris: Some just cracked and fell into the ocean....on the news last night they were saying that the lava flow is moving slowly...but if it starts moving faster a neighboring community might be getting rolled over...destroyed.
Uh...my kids graduated 1999 and 2000...I guess you're older. :)
Randy: There are some that change every year regardless....