Coldwell Banker Realty, Honolulu, Hawaii
What prompted you to get your CRS Designation?
I became a REALTOR® in October 2014. I found out about the CRS Designation while attending the regional meetings here in Hawaii. While networking at the meetings, two brokers I highly respect, Lorna Gagnon and Jack Tyrell, shared the value of CRS with me. Lorna said, “Akino, the one designation you should strive for is the CRS,” and Jack said, “CRS has the best training, and the national convention, Sell-a-bration, is a game changer.” I became a member right away in 2015.
What areas have you focused on with RRC?
I started volunteering for RRC in 2015 because I liked the education it provides. When I changed careers and went into real estate, I made a point of signing on with a brokerage that had the best training programs. That was important for me.
As the incoming president of the state chapter, I want to create an at-a-glance sheet for all new agents describing all the designations: CRS, CRB, CIPS, HIREC [Hawaii Real Estate Commission], SRES [Safe Routes to School], etc. The alphabet soup was mind-boggling as a new agent.
I always share the amazing training content CRS provides to its members and the power of the network for referrals. When I came back from my first Sell-a-bration in 2017, my BIC gave me an opportunity to present what I learned during our business meeting. Many who heard it became members or earned their designation right away.
How’s your market?
I am on Oahu, and we get to assist an array of clients: local buyers and sellers, transplants who are moving from other states or back to the mainland, and international clients who are mostly from Asia
and Canada. Just like the rest of the U.S., it is a seller’s market for single-family homes. Because Hawaii is a vacation destination, many condos in Waikiki are sitting on the market longer due to the pandemic. Right now, of the 2,300 condos listed in the state, 700 are in Waikiki. For anyone who has always wanted to own a property in Hawaii—especially Waikiki—right now is a great time to buy; the current sale price to list price average is 93%. We have short-term rental condos that rent as frequently as daily, just like a hotel. Investors buy them because of the maximum rental income potential. Buyers purchase second homes because of the maximum rental flexibility that allows them to generate rental income and utilize them for personal enjoyment between bookings.
What was one of your favorite recent RRC activities?
I was the education leader for 2018–2019, and in 2020 I spearheaded the Pau Hana, the happy hour event we have each year for all REALTORS® on the island during which we bring in sponsors and special guests. This year was our first virtual Pau Hana, and Howard Hughes, a developer, offered virtual tours of the new luxury condo developments in our area.
For 2019’s Pau Hana, I hired the owner of a Mexican restaurant to cater the food for the event. Being a transplant from California, I know how hard it is to find good Mexican food here. I was excited about connecting him with other REALTORS®. Everybody loved it.
Are you involved in other activities?
I was the parent representative for the school community council for my younger daughter’s elementary school.
I connected the school with a local business, a boba teashop, Teapresso. The shop set up a booth at the school carnival, and there was quite a line! Teapresso got its name out to people in the community, and the school got a percentage of the proceeds. The principal told me that the owner has come by with free drinks for the teachers several times since the carnival. I love connecting people and giving back to the community.
Akino Hayakawa, CRS, achieved the CRS Designation in 2017. She can be reached at akinoh@cbpacific.com or 808-226-7645.
Photo: Marco Garcia
