The County of Hawai’i has announced the upcoming public auction of 115 properties, scheduled for Wednesday, January 15, 2025. The auction will take place at 9:00 a.m. at Aunty Sally Kaleohano’s Lu’au Hale, located at 799 Pi’ilani Street, Hilo, Hawai’i. This auction is part of the ongoing enforcement of property tax delinquencies under the provisions of the Hawai’i County Code.
A comprehensive list of the properties available for sale will be posted at several county locations, including the County Building (25 Aupuni Street, Hilo), State Building (75 Aupuni Street, Hilo), Real Property Tax Division (Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 4, Hilo), and the Kona Real Property Tax Division (West Hawai’i Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building D, 2nd Floor, Kailua-Kona). The list will also be available for review at the Main Post Office in Hilo and on the County of Hawai’i website at www.hawaiicounty.gov/finance-real-property-tax.
The sale is open to the public, and no registration is required to attend. However, potential buyers must have payment in full ready on the day of the auction. The County accepts cashier’s checks, money orders, travelers checks, or cash – no personal checks or credit cards. It is recommended that buyers bring a cashier’s check payable to themselves for the maximum amount they intend to bid, which can be endorsed over to the County Director of Finance if they are successful.
The properties will be sold “as is,” and while the County has made efforts to provide a free and clear title, it does not guarantee the absence of liens on the properties. Purchasers will be issued a tax deed upon the sale, but title insurance is generally not available for tax deed properties, and buyers may need to clear any remaining liens on their own.
As part of the auction process, the previous owners of the properties may have a one-year redemption period following the sale. During this time, they can reclaim their property by paying the sale price plus 1% interest per month. However, the County advises that no improvements to the property should be made during this period, as the prior owner could redeem the property at any time.
If you wish to obtain additional details, such as the list of available properties, title reports, or field inspection reports, you can visit the Real Property Tax Division office or request the list in person. There is a small fee for copies of the tax sale list or reports.
For further inquiries, contact the Real Property Tax Division at Aupuni Center, 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 4, Hilo, Hawai’i, or call (808) 961-8282.
This public auction offers an opportunity for individuals and investors to acquire real property in Hawai’i, but buyers should approach with caution and ensure they fully understand the process, including the potential for liens and the redemption period.
