All Forum Posts by: SD Young

Aloha Michael, 

Congrats on the two properties, that must feel great having more piece of mind because of those investments.  

I'm fortunate to work with many of the teams that are moving the market here in the islands. So I know of several projects, right now or in the pipeline, that will really impact the areas they're targeting. Our firm is finalizing plans for one client right now, for instance, which will construct several properties over the next 2-5 years.  I'd love to develop a parcel within the vicinity for obvious reasons.

I've located an oceanfront lot (in the SMA, so this is the main constraint), a single family residence, but it's ideal for turning into 2-4 condos. Views are amazing and unique, and the site offers some incredible architectural opportunities. I'd redevelop the property into 2-3 bedroom units with an 'island-modern' aesthetic. One unit could recoup the purchase of the property.  So one idea could be a house hack, preferably with a redevelopment loan for up to 4 units. Rough estimate of hard costs would be around $3mm. 

Duc Ong, 

The ADU really wouldn't be a good option, as I'd want to sell these units. The site is large enough to accommodate it.

Hi there, I'm a newbie architect in Hawaii trying to break free of a 60+ hour work week to start developing my own properties. I'm also new to BP. 

I know it's easier to get started in real estate on the mainland, but that doesn't interest me. Hawaii is overpriced, has huge homelessness problems, and the inventory of quality housing is minimal. Still, I'd love to do be able to do something here that is beautiful and lucrative. I'd rather not continue paying thousands of dollars each month in rent either. 

Anybody experienced doing deals here? 

The latest wall I've discovered is the SMA permit process. I'm guessing places like coastal California have similar constraints. I'm looking at some properties close to the water that would have huge potential, but they're part of a "Special Management Area" that require an Environmental Impact Statement or even a full blown Assessment, before the board even considers approving a building permit. These are run down single family homes. But they all have to go through the SMA process, which can torpedo development plans, even the small projects I want to get off the ground. 

Thanks for your thoughts.