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The City Of Hilo
ON THE ISLAND OF HAWAII
COMMUNITY PROFILE
The Island of superlatives: most affordable, most lush rainforest, newest land, most
southern point in the United States and friendliest volcanoes. The community of Hilo is
the financial, education center and the Island's soul.
Hawaii County is one of the most desirable areas in the world to vacation, to live and
to retire! With almost spring-like conditions year-round and a wide variety of areas in
which to live, work and play, Hawaii County has something for everyone! Hawaii County
consists of urban, rural or tourist areas from which to choose. It also has a high
proportion of undeveloped areas.
The South Hilo District is the business and government center of the Island of Hawaii,
the largest Island in the chain. It is a geographic district some 398 square miles in
size, with a population of approximately 45,000 and is the center for the retail
activities for more than 75,000 people. The Island of Hawaii's total population as of
June, 1995 was 137,531. Click here for more information on Hawaii County
The diversified economy of the Hilo area includes agriculture, livestock, trade,
tourism, construction, education and government.
Photo by G. Brad Lewis
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Most major business and government offices on the Island of Hawaii have their
headquarters in Hilo. Hilo serves as the gateway to the Hawaii Volcanoes
National Park. A modern, convenient airport and a deep water harbor are among the
primary features of the community, which is the hub of the transportation for the Island. |
GEOGRAPHY
| The topography of the Hilo area is mostly sloping, from the tops of the scenic Mauna
Kea and Mauna Loa mountains to the sea. Because the Island of Hawaii is the newest island
in the Hawaiian chain, there are few white sand beaches in the area. Hilo Bay, however,
boasts a superb black sand beach. The soil in Hilo is conducive to the growth of a variety
of diversified agricultural products. Earthquakes.
Because of the very nature of the volcanic Islands, Hawaii County experiences many
earthquakes. Most of the earthquakes are in the lower seismic range, but occasionally
there are tremors of a more powerful nature. |
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WEATHER
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Hawaii has a mild and temperate climate, relatively free from
uncomfortable extremes. With the exceptions of rare tropical storms, one can rely on the
repetition of the daily weather report. In the winter the temperatures average in the
low-70's and mid-70's in the summer. One of the great advantages the East side of the
island of Hawaii has is the abundance of rainfall. The droughts and water shortages that
plague other parts of the State are very rare in Hilo. The Hilo area boasts some of the
purest water in the world. The rainfall, averaging in excess of 128 inches a year,
qualifies Hilo as the "Rainiest City in the U.S. " This warm, tropical rain
falls primarily at night, and helps to make Hilo a lush, green community with fresh air
and many waterfalls. The mean temperatures and rainfall for Hilo based on the 1997
statistics for each month are:
| Month |
Temp |
Rainfall |
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
|
73.1
72.7°
73.3°
74.0°
75.0°
76.7°
77.4°
78.0°
77.7°
74.3°
76.8°
72.4° |
2.33"
7.85"
19.25"
6.03"
10.75"
22.7"
19.38"
4.75"
8.98"
8.86"
12.64"
8.10" |
Click here for local
weather report |
HURRICANES – Hawaii experiences hurricanes from time to time. The east side
of this Island has been particularly blessed without any hurricanes for a long period of
time. Many lenders will require hurricane insurance as part of the lending process.
Hurricane season is from June 1st to September 30th.
TSUNAMIS – Tsunamis (or tidal waves) occur from time to time. Earthquakes
any place in the Pacific Basin infrequently cause tsunamis. The Island is equipped with
tsunami warning sirens along the coastal areas and provide several hours of warning to
leave the beaches and other low-lying areas.
The front of the phone book covers all these types of emergencies and procedures to
follow.
Hawaii is also equipped with the 911 emergency system.
GOVERNMENT
The Island of Hawaii is all one governmental unit, the County of Hawaii. Unlike some
other jurisdictions, there are no individual city or municipal governments.
The County has a Mayor and a nine member County Council.
The Hawaii Police Department and the Hawaii Fire Department have their headquarters in
Hilo.
Taxation directly effecting people in Hawaii is of three basic types:
Real property taxes for the County are based on a tax rate of $8.50 per $1,000
valuation for all buildings in all classes except the homeowner's class and for land
classified as improved residential. Based on $1,000 valuation, the following apply: $4.45
tax rate for land and building for a new classification called Home Owners Class and
$10.00 for all lands in the other classifications. Properties are assessed at 100% of fair
market value.
Sales tax. Hawaii's sales tax is 4% on all goods and services.
State Income Tax. Hawaii's personal income tax ranges from 2 to 10% depending on income
and filing status. Hawaii has the same rules as federal law for the tax treatment of gains
made on the sale of a principal residence.
EDUCATION
The District of Hilo has the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hawaii Community College,
and three major high schools.
The combined university units, UHH and HCC has an enrollment of 4820 with two and four
year programs ranging from agriculture, arts and sciences, vocational and technical
training. For more information about the University of Hawaii at Hilo go to: www.UHH.Hawaii.edu
Two public high schools Waiakea and Hilo, have 2,299 and 1,779 students respectively. A
private school, St. Joseph's, is also located in Hilo. It serves youngsters from
pre-school through high school.
To get a full school report on the Hilo and Puna area schools, click
here.
RELIGION
Nearly every religion is represented in the Hilo community, ranging from Catholic to
Buddhist, from Seventh Day Adventist to Baptist, Mormon to Lutheran.
MEDICAL SERVICES
Hilo boasts a modern acute care hospital the Hilo Medical Center, a $40 million
facility opened in 1985.
More than 85 physicians of nearly every specialty are available in Hilo, as well as a
variety of other health care professionals.
There are several HMO's from which to choose. These are: Hawaii Medical Service
Association (HMSA), Kaiser Permanente, and Kapiolani HealthHawaii, Queens Island Care.
UTILITIES
Electric power for the Island of Hawaii is provided by the Hawaii Electric Light Co.
which is headquartered in Hilo. The sources of electricity are from the utilization of
both burned fuel and from geothermal. The average monthly residential electric bill on the
Island of Hawaii is approximately $85.00.
GAS – There is no natural gas. Propane tank gas is provided by The Gas Company.
WATER – Water is either from the County supply or from a catchment system. Many
people are not familiar with the catchment system. It is a collection of water from the
roof to a catchment tank. The water is then pumped into the home for usage. Care of the
catchment system is important and there are brochures to help you with its care. Private
wells are not common.
TRASH COLLECTION –Hawaii County does not provide any public collection of trash.
You will need to engage the services of a private collector.
The Hawaiian Telephone Company's operations for the Island of Hawaii are also
headquartered in Hilo and serve the entire island. Cellular service is available from a
variety of providers. Basic residential telephone bills average in the neighborhood of
$35.00.
AUTOMOBILE INFORMATION
INSURANCE - It is required
Bring with you the following:
- Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) or Affidavit from your present registration agency. This
needs to be presented with your application for automobile insurance.
- Bring a written statement from your present auto insurance carrier showing any claims
experience over the past three years. This letter may be helpful in getting a lower
insurance premium in Hawaii. It is not required.
REGISTRATION - Must Register 30 days after arrival.
Bring with you the following:
- Hawaii Safety Inspection Certificate. Inspection fee around $15.00. (safety inspection
requires verification of current vehicle insurance policy)
- Bill of lading from shipping company whose vessel landed the vehicle on the Island of
Hawaii
- Title (if no lien holder) and current vehicle registration.
- If new vehicle – manufacture’s Certificate of Origin.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR MOTOR VEHICLE IN THIS ORDER:
- INSURANCE COVERAGE
- SAFETY INSPECTION CERTIFICATE
- MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION
Phone number: Motor Vehicle Registration (808) 961-8351 – County of Hawaii
ANIMAL QUARANTINE
Hawaii is a rabies free state. Hawaii’s quarantine law is designed to protect
residents and pets from potentially serious health problems associated with the presence
and spread of rabies. Trained animal caretakers are concerned about the animals in their
charge and are available to help ease the transition to their new home in Hawaii.
Importation of dogs, cats and other carnivores into Hawaii is governed by Chapter 4-29
of the State of Hawaii, Department of Agriculture Administrative Rules. Animals are
required to complete a 120 day confinement in the State Animal Quarantine Station. If
specific pre-arrival and post-arrival requirements are met, animals may qualify for either a 5-day or a 30 day
followed by a 90-day post quarantine observation period where the pet is
released to the owner.
Resident guide dogs, signal and service dogs, whose owners required special medical
treatment, may be eligible for reduced quarantine.
For further information you can contact the Department of Agriculture at this web site:
www.hawaiiag.org/hdoa or call them directly at 808.483.7151.
SHOPPING
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Hilo boasts a great variety of shopping opportunities, ranging from national chain
stores to specialty shops with many unusual features. There are three major shopping
centers in Hilo, plus the "Main Street" of downtown Hilo. |
RECREATION
One of the finer aspects of life in Hilo is the recreational opportunities that are
available.These opportunities are only limited by your imagination and your budget.
The University of Hawaii at Hilo offers intercollegiate basketball, volleyball,
baseball and softball. There is also a busy high school sports program and many community
sports activities.
| In addition, fishing, hunting, skin diving, sailing, horseback riding and many other
outdoor activities are available. There are white, black sand beaches and even a green
sand beach to explore. They are all within a two hour drive from Hilo. There is a
County-wide park system, and camping is permitted at some of the public beaches for a
short period of time. Hawaii Volcano National Park is available for camping, hiking and
viewing. |
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This Island is cooled by gentle trade winds and is blessed with a year-round temperate
climate, making it the perfect place to golf. World renowned golf course architects have
crafted championship courses from the Island's varied terrain, creating spectacular vistas
and unparalleled golf challenges. There are 19 championship golf courses on the Island
each with its own special beauty.
In the winter you can occasionally ski atop Mauna Kea, our majestic mountain!
HOUSING
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Housing in the Hilo area is the most affordable in the Island chain. You can buy a
three or four bedroom home for approximately $150,000 or rent a two or three bedroom home
for $800. The current median price is $120,000 for residences in the Hilo area. A real
Hilo advantage is affordable housing!
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Life style choices are as varied as your taste and budget will permit. Available
housing ranges from small apartments and condos to beach estates. You can live in urban or
rural environments , near the ocean or at the Volcano.
Ownership in Hawaii is either fee simple or leasehold.
Fee simple ownership is probably the most familiar form of ownership to buyers
of residential property. A fee simple buyer acquires ownership of the entire property,
including both the land and the buildings. The fee owner does not pay ground rent, but
does pay property taxes and maintenance fees (condos). The fee owner has the right to
possess, use the land and dispose of the land as they wish, sell it, to give it away,
trade it, lease it or pass it to others upon death.
Leasehold – the Leasehold interest is created when a fee simple landowner
enters in an agreement called a ground lease with a lessee. A lessee buys leasehold rights
much as one buys fee simple rights. The leasehold interest differs from fee simple
interest in several respects. The buyer of residential leasehold property does not own the
land and must pay ground rent. Second, the use of the land is limited to the remaining
years covered by the lease. Thereafter, the land returns to the lessor, and is called
reversion. Depending on the provisions of any surrender clause in the lease, the buildings
and improvements on the land may also revert to the lessor. Finally, the use, maintenance
and alteration of the leased premises are subject to any restrictions contained in the
lease.
TERMITES
Termites are ever present in tropical areas. A buyer of Hawaiian property should request a
termite inspection and treatment (if required) prior to concluding the purchase of real
estate. The inspection will determine the presence of any active termite infestation The
termite company will recommend the appropriate treatment depending on the kind of termites
found.
REAL PROPERTY TAXES
HOW PROPERTY IS TAXED
ASSESSMENTS
CURRENT RATES – OWNER OCCUPIED
$4.45/$1,000 of assessed value
CURRENT RATES – INVESTOR
$8.50/$1,000 OF ASSESSED VALUE
CURRENT RATES – investor – condo property
$8.50/$1,000 OF assessed value of the structure
$10.00/$1,000 of assessed value of the land
CURRENT RATES –Land
Residential - $8.50/$1,000 of assessed value
Agricultural - $10.00/$1,000 of assessed value
New assessments come out in March for the tax year starting July 1st.
EXEMPTIONS
Hawaii law provides home exemptions for property tax purposes. The exemption serves to reduce the assessed value of your property
Who Qualified for the exemption: Every owner-occupied property is entitled to the basic home exemption of $40,000.
Age 60 to 69 – $80,000 exemption when one of the owners reaches age 60. He/she must have reached 60 on or before December 31st preceding the tax year for which the exemption is claimed.
Age 70 or over - $100,000 –
Claims may also be filed by those with Hansen’s Disease, blind, deaf and totally disabled.
For more information contact the Real Property Office at 808.961.8201
POPULATION
RESIDENT POPULATION, BY DISTRICTS, HAWAII COUNTY: 1980, 1990, AND 2000
|
District |
April 1,
1980 |
April 1,
1990 |
April 1,
2000 |
Percent change
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1980 to
1990 |
1990 to
2000 |
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Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, 1990 Census of Population and Housing Unit Counts Hawaii, 1990 CPH-2-13 (March 1993), table 8; and Census 2000 Redistricting Data, (Public Law 94-171) Summary File; figures compiled and calculated by County of Hawaii, Department of Research & Development.
RESTAURANTS
| Hilo has a great diversity of places to eat, as well as a number of exciting
entertainment spots. Mexican, Italian, Japanese, Thai, Filipino, Chinese, Hawaiian and
traditional American food are all available in a variety of restaurants and a number of
night spots offer after dinner entertainment. There is also a wide selection of fast food
restaurants and similar attractions. |
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NEWS MEDIA
The Hawaii Tribune-Herald, a 21,000 daily circulation newspaper, is published each
morning in Hilo. In addition, there are other daily newspapers, one from Kona and two from
Honolulu, are available in Hilo. To read about local happenings check out this
link www.hilohawaiitribune.com
There are eight radio stations in Hilo, four AM and four FM.
All three national network television statements broadcast in Hilo, and a 48-channel
cable system offers a wide selection of broadcast opportunities from around the world.
Television reception without cable is limited to two or three channels and reception is
often poor. Where cable is not available people have relied on satellite dishes to obtain
better reception.
MORE ABOUT HAWAII
Hawaii Visitors &
Convention Bureau
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