While businesses on Maui have been hunkering down to deal with the slow economy, there have been a few more glimmers of a beginning recovery.
First of all, both condo and home sales were up in November. Two more single-family homes were sold this year in November than last - 67 to 65. Median prices were down 1 percent.
Condo sales really took off. According to the Realtors Association of Maui, 69 condominiums sold in November this year compared to only 29 in November 2008. Prices were just about unchanged - $400,000 was the median price this year compared to $399,000 last year.
Secondly, Continental Airlines has decided to add even more direct service to Maui from Southern California. In addition to its previously announced daily service from Los Angeles, Continental has elected to also add a four-times per week nonstop flight to and from Orange County.
Both new Continental services from Southern California will begin March 7, 2010. Like the previously announced Los Angeles service, the Orange County flight will be on a new Boeing 737-700.
The new services from Continental follow several new flights put in by Alaska Airlines.
So, while there is still a long way to go, there are signs that the economy is beginning to turn around. These two vital signs in real estate and the visitor industry are welcome developments.
We are nowhere near where we need to be, but the climb back has begun.
* Editorials reflect the opinion of the publisher.
