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Learning About HOA Oversight

With several bills moving through the Hawaii State Legislature that could affect HOAs, HOA boards and their members are wise to understand which entities oversees HOAs, and the general authority HOAs have. HOA Oversight The oversight of numerous planned communities in Hawaii falls under the purview of homeowners associations (HOAs). Regulations at the local, state, and federal levels, along with governing documents, are in place to govern HOAs in Hawaii. Authority Over HOAs in Hawaii Hawaii Plan [...]

UHERO: Maui Wildfires Not Derailing the State’s Economy

The latest economic forecast from the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization (UHERO) is better than expected.  The report anticipates the state's financial well-being and recovery following the Maui wildfires. Although the report states only about 1% job growth in 2024, flat visitor arrivals and reduced visitor spending, overall it is not an economic crisis. "All of this is punctuated by the losses that happened on Maui," Carl Bonham, UHERO executive director, said. "And what we're [...]

Government and Nonprofit $500M Maui Interim Housing Plan

The community of Maui County responded immediately to Maui’s devastating fires on August 8, 2023. From beach landings of food and support for the people of Lahaina, to the many ensuing fundraisers, we showed up for each other before any official programs. This included DMI staff, though dealing with their own grief over the fires, who activated volunteer efforts, supported housing needs for fire victims and collected donations. As we turn toward the next phase of recovery and rebuilding, we see [...]

HOA New Year’s Resolutions to Make Better Communities

As we wrap up 2023, the arrival of a new year signals the perfect time for homeowners’ associations to set some resolutions aimed at enhancing community living. Let's explore some practical and achievable New Year's resolutions for HOA boards. 1. Revise and Update Community Rules A community's governing documents, like its bylaws and CC&Rs, are the backbone of its regulations. It's common for these documents to become outdated over time, potentially causing unintended violations. As part of [...]

Holiday Party Liability Considerations for Associations

December, and sometimes January, is filled with holiday parties. It’s a great time for your community to get together, recognize the hard work of staff and volunteers, and socialize. We’ve culled a few tips from experts on holiday events for homeowners associations, so there is joy and not heartache in your celebration. From traditional holiday parties to those done in association with a winter board meeting, best practices suggest gatherings not be focused on religious beliefs in order to be [...]

Two Funds, Two Different Functions: HOA Operations and Reserves

Funding the ongoing operations of an HOA community stands out as one of the most critical functions of an HOA board — perhaps even the most pivotal. Ensuring the smooth running of day-to-day activities and planning for the long term is key to maintaining a steady flow of funds for a community's effective functioning. It is also an HOA board member's duty to responsibly allocate funds according to guidelines outlined in a reserve study. This study addresses larger issues like roof replacements, n [...]

Seven Things to be Thankful for in your Homeowner’s Association

Volunteering as an HOA board member of your homeowner’s association is sometimes a thankless job – but there are a few things you can be grateful for. Your HOA does good things for the community and makes it a better place to live. Following is a list of some of the things you can be thankful for in your Association. Amenities Community associations generally provide amenities that many individual homeowners might not be able to afford. These include clubhouses, tennis courts, pools, exercise fa [...]

Strengthening Our Communities

  People in Maui County show up for each other in an unprecedented way. During the recent fires, neighbors from cowboys to construction crews helped with upcountry blazes, while Molokai residents immediately loaded essential supplies from their small island to motor over by boat to their neighbors in West Maui. Island canoe clubs and people on jet ski's transferred goods to shore. Many more examples exist, but they can be pared down to this: If there is a sincere need, we're here for each o [...]

How Will Maui Fires Affect Insurance Rates? 

The Maui wildfires are estimated to cost insurers up to US$3-billion in damages, creating one of the largest insured losses in Hawaii’s history, according to an analyst report. This leads many property owners wondering if the tragedy will result in higher homeowners insurance rates across Hawai‘i. And as natural disasters are escalated by climate change, will policies be adequate or even obtainable? We’ve gathered some experts opinions. The Aug. 8 blazes did the most destruction in Lahaina, but [...]

Understanding Elevated HOA Fees in Hawaii

Hawaii's elevated cost of living is a well-known fact, significantly surpassing the national average. As a result, those relocating to the islands often find themselves compelled to implement strategic lifestyle adjustments to counterbalance this steep rise in expenses. One of the prominent contributing factors to this augmented cost is the considerably higher Homeowners Association (HOA) fees prevalent in Hawaii, which are more than double the national average. For individuals contemplating the [...]

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