The next phase of the pandemic is upon us, Kauai — as of last week, we’ve shifted from Stay-At-Home on to the Safer-At-Home order of protecting ourselves and our fellow Kauaians — some more businesses will be slowly opening, and I will be keeping you informed as they do. For now, though, here’s some good news, featured listings, plus a quick market update.
Waimea Canyon, Kokee State Park
Kauai COVID-19 Updates
In most recent news, Kauai still has 21 confirmed cases of COVID-19, while statewide there are 638 confirmed cases.
Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami has implemented 4 Emergency Rules as of May 13, 2020 and Governor David Ige signed a 7th Supplementary Emergency Proclamation authorizing the first group of businesses to re-open and allows residents to leave their homes to patronize certain businesses and activities under the new “Safer-At-Home” order. For more information, visit kauai.gov/covid-19
* NEW* Mayor’s Emergency Rule #8 – Effective May 15 – 29 as a pilot program
- Allows people to use the beach (YAY!) under the following restrictions:
- All groups should be part of the same household, and should net exceed 10 people
- Any and all persons on the beach who are not part of the same household shall comply with social distancing requirements, with the exception of caregivers escorting a dependent
- Beaches or sand area may only be used a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset, unless a person is engaged in shoreline fishing or permitted outdoor exercise
- All other restrictions found in the Governor’s Safer-at-Home order must be followed, such as quarantine restrictions.
- *NEW* Mayor’s Emergency Rule #9 – Effective May 31
- Extends the current mandatory 14-Day quarantine for all incoming visitors through June 30.
Need Help or Can Help?
Check out these programs aimed to help you and your family during this time. If you’re able to help those in need, see a few programs below where you can donate funds.
- Kauai COVID-19 Emergency Funds Loan
- Through a partnership with the County of Kauai and Kauai Government Employees Federal Credit Union.
- Qualified Applicants will receive financial counseling and may be eligible for 0% interest personal loans of up to $10,000
- The types of households that might be served by this program could include; Taxi or service industry drivers, Independent Contractors, Small Business Owners, Legal Vacation Rental or Long-Term Rental Owners, and Gig Workers.
- CARES Act Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
- PUA is tailored to self-employed, gig, workers, and independent contractors to receive unemployment assistance.
- Food Distribution Program
- The County is partnering with the Kauai Independent Food Bank and the Hawaii Foodbank, Kauai Chapter, to do a mass food distribution of 500 boxes every Saturday for members of the public who are experiencing hardship due to COVID-19.
- May 16: Hanapēpē Neighborhood Center;
- May 23: Kapa‘a Ballfield (Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex);
- May 30: North Shore (site yet to be determined)
- Special Arrangements for Real Property Taxpayers
- The Real Property Assessment Division is announcing that it will not require taxpayers whose 2020 Assessment included the Additional Home Exemption Relating to Owner-Occupants’ Income or Very Low Income Credit for the 2020 Tax Year to re-apply for the 2021 Tax Year.
- Chef Hui, Give & Go Community Meal Program
- Hawaii Life is giving community based and monetary support to Chef Hui, an organization with a goal of paying for and distributing 20,000 meals.
- The County is partnering with the Kauai Independent Food Bank and the Hawaii Foodbank, Kauai Chapter, to do a mass food distribution of 500 boxes every Saturday for members of the public who are experiencing hardship due to COVID-19.
- Hawaii Life Charitable Fund
- We are currently accepting donations for the Hawaii Resilience Fund recently established by the Hawaii Community Foundation. The HLCF will match the first $40,000 in donations received. Please join our efforts to support the most critical needs in our Hawaii community during the Covid-19 Emergency. Please reference ‘HLCF Covid-19’ when making a donation.
Helpful Resources
For real-time updates and helpful resources, check out my Kauai Life with COVID-19 Facebook Group and my Liv Kauai’s COVID-19 Resource Page below.
KAUAI LIFE WITH COVID-19 FACEBOOK GROUP
LIV KAUAI’S COVID-19 RESOURCE PAGE
Kauai Real Estate Market Update
The below graphics display the tracked listing updates island-wide. Comparing the weeks of February 10 – May 11 in 2019 to February 9 – May 9 in 2020.
The market has somewhat taken a short turn upwards including more listings being released and less listing being withdrawn; however, we are seeing the number of sales average out – making it seem like homes are still selling! The median sales price for single family homes on Kauai in April 2020 was $725,000 compared to March 2020 $750,000. A slight decrease.
The median sales price for condos decreased by 29% from March ($699,950) to April ($499,500). As an outlier, there were five Kauai Beach Resort condos that sold under $200,000. Using the same dates for 2019 and 2020 I calculated the averages for New Listings, Sales, Price Changes, and Withdrawn Listings.
- New Listings YTD – 2019 avg. = 33 | 2020 avg. = 24
- Sales YTD – 2019 avg. = 22 | 2020 avg. = 18
- Price Changes YTD – 2019 avg. = 12 | 2020 avg. = 16
- Withdrawn Listings YTD – 2019 avg. = 5 | 2020 avg. = 11
It’s becoming more of a Buyer’s market due to the lack of inventory and presumed issues with obtaining loans. If you’re a cash buyer looking for a quality investment in Kauai – NOW IS THE TIME! If you’re looking for a home here on Kauai, let me help you monitor the market and find the right one. Contact Me!
*Hawaii Information Service cannot provide the number of homes under contract or holding contingencies and back on the market homes from 2019.
Featured Listings: Properties with Virtual Tours
Get your FREE list of Properties with Virtual Tours HERE.
Kauai Market Reports
Below are real-time market reports complete with a Buyer or Seller Advantage, Median List Price, Market Profile, Market Segment, and so much more for each respective city.
Aloha For Now
Be safe, stay healthy, and keep dreaming of Kauai!
Let’s Connect!
What’s Your Hawai’i Life?
If you are interested in appearing on our hit HGTV show “Hawai’i Life” during the process of purchasing a home or condo here on Kauai, contact me to find out how.
Follow Me Socially
WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK
Leave your opinion here. Please be nice. Your Email address will be kept private, this form is secure and we never spam you.