Community

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 [...]

Six Great Holiday Party Ideas for Condo Owners

The difference between a so-so party and an outstanding one could hinge on planning a theme and a few simple activities in advance. These activities are easy to plan and execute at your condo. 1. Gingerbread House Decoration Contest: The tradition of decorating a gingerbread house for Christmas may seem like a kiddy treat, but it adults get incredibly creative (and competitive) with this fun activity! Many grocery stores have small gingerbread kits right now, which eliminates baking or hunting f [...]

Our Concern for Your Data Privacy

A question comes up from an owner about once a quarter: Why didn’t I get your newsletter? That’s an excellent question, because we want all members of the HOAs we serve to get this information. The answer has to do with not sending unsolicited email under data privacy laws, and aligning current policies with more stringent regulations that are coming soon (and many states have already been adopted). Your association collects owner names, addresses, emails and phone numbers for efficient communic [...]

Are Your Association Pool Rules FHA Compliant?

Maui County experienced a record-breaking heat wave this past summer, making community pools more popular than ever. An increase in activity may prompt associations to consider new pool rules. But tread carefully- associations often violate the Fair Housing Act by adopting well-intentioned, or what might be considered “common sense” rules for pools and other property amenities. A better understanding of the Fair Housing Act will help associations understand where they have gone astray, and hopef [...]

Create Bonds Between Your HOA and Residents

Fall is a great time of year to focus on our interpersonal relationships. Call it a warm-up to the holidays. During the summer travel season, homeowners can develop a sense of disconnect within their neighborhoods and miss the value their HOA provides. Ultimately, this may cause grumbling about paying dues or other association related things. If that is happening in your community, it could be because your HOA is missing the boat on sharing what is really important–people connections. The goal o [...]

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