Community

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 [...]

An HOA Focus on Community Wellbeing After a Disaster

There is an eerie quietness that is still felt after the recent fire disasters that decimated Lahaina, impacted Upcountry Maui. and caused evacuations in Kihei. These moments of calm are due in part to lack of visitors, but also our own processing of the events. Returning to business as usual, even if your HOA was not directly affected, can be difficult. An important element of what happens after a disaster, beyond volunteering and reconstruction, is addressing mental health. Associations can pl [...]

Maui Fire and Evacuation Updates

Our entire community is affected by the widespread fires that swept through upcountry Maui, Kihei, and the devastating blaze in Lahaina. We are now experiencing the community coming together with aloha and resilience. In that spirit, we are passing along these resources. For those wanting to help, we suggest donating to the Maui Food Bank. Their website also lists all of the food distribution sites. For more updates, see the County of Maui alert page here. Please see other emergency information [...]

New SMA and Shoreline Rules for Maui County

After over a decade of collaboration between the community and the county, Maui County’s Planning Commission approved updates to the Special Management Area (SMA) and Shoreline Rules. The updates were approved by the Commission in an 8-0 vote on March 28. When adopted, the rules will bring more balance and flexibility for homeowners, while also improving coastal resilience for the environment. Maui County originally established SMA and Shoreline Rules in the early 1970s to create shoreline build [...]

April is Tsunami Awareness Month

Tsunamis are a series of hazardous, large, long ocean waves caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions under the sea. You cannot swim or surf tsunamis because they flood the land like a rushing river (or fast-rising tide) rather than curling and breaking like a regular surfing wave. A tsunami picks up and carries debris, significantly increasing the chance of injury, property destruction, and death. Emergency officials will be holding events around the state this month to raise awareness of the [...]

Should an HOA Board Ever Bend the Rules?

An association has rules to preserve the overall appearance of the community, to protect the value of common property and owners’ homes, and to make the neighborhood a great place to live. However, there are rare cases when the association may receive a request to waive some regulations and rules. The board doesn’t make such decisions without careful thought first. Upholding the rules and being flexible when issues arise is like walking a tightrope and can become a slippery slope. Board members [...]

Steps to Resolving Disputes in an HOA

While living in a homeowners association ideally would be problem free, conflict unfortunately occurs from time to time. There are several steps that owners and boards may take in resolving conflicts. Talk to the Board/Owner A conversation between the parties in a conflict may help resolve problems. Rather than letting potential misunderstandings, or differing expectations of rights and responsibilities fester, continuing to openly discuss the issues may resolve the problems. Many conflicts in c [...]

Top Trends for HOAs in 2023

Whew! The last few years have been bumpy for homeowners, including those in HOAs. We’ve all felt the impact of record inflation. Sky-high real estate prices benefited some and stung others, while lack of inventory kept many homeowners in place. HOAs have faced rising insurance and well as other costs, while sea level rise and climate change trends are not far from our thoughts. There are a few things that will impact HOAs significantly in 2023, but not all of them are bad. Here is a rundown of t [...]

Upcoming Legislation Supporting Owners and HOAs in 2023

The Community Association Institute's  Federal Legislative Action Committee is carrying momentum from 2022 into the 118th Congress, which convenes in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 3. This past year saw important legislation introduced in Congress to help condominium homeowners finance major building repairs, a CAI-led coalition working to support mortgage credit for condominium and cooperative homeowners, and renewed interest in disaster assistance for community associations. Safe Buildings & Sa [...]

Go to Top