Community

Maui Visitors Stats and Efforts to Manage Tourism

For over a year, we have yearned to get things "back to normal" in our daily lives. But there is one "normal" that many would like to see addressed in a different way, and that is the impact from the dramatic rise in tourism. With visitor numbers returning to pre-pandemic levels, complaints of crowded beaches and roads, strained infrastructure and impacts on natural resources have risen once again. Last month, Maui's Mayor informally asked airlines for fewer tourists. Even with partial COVID-19 [...]

New Hawaii Condo Living Guide Video Series Now Online

The Hawaii Real Estate Commission released its new “Hawaii Condo Living Guide” video series to help deliver valuable information to current and prospective condominium owners and boards. The first six educational videos are available online and broken up into a series of short segments for ease of viewing. The commission intends to continue releasing more engaging episodes periodically. “This locally produced video series is a creative way to reach out to residents with important information,” s [...]

UPDATE: Business Changes on Maui Due to Coronavirus

We are fortunate to have many outdoor activities to enjoy, away from crowds. However, with rising COVID-19 numbers in Hawaii, the state and county has put new rules in place to help protect the community and visitors. Effective September 15, 2021, many indoor activities are curtailed or require proof of full vaccination, including indoor dining. Travelers are strongly advised to stay up to date on current rules. Note: This page is being updated as official information becomes available.  What yo [...]

Hawaii’s 2021 Hurricane Season Is Here- Be Prepared

There is a near- or below-normal hurricane season predicted for the Central Pacific this year, according to NOAA’s Central Pacific Hurricane Center and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, divisions of the National Weather Service. The outlook predicts a 45% chance of near-normal tropical cyclone, and also a 35% chance for below-normal activity, and 20% chance of an above-normal season. However, as NOAA’s director of the Pacific Hurricane Center points out “It only takes one direct hit, or even a c [...]

Hurricane Planning? Don’t Forget the Elevator!

Elevators are a major investment for a property. According to Taylor Ronnander from OTIS Elevator Company, properties are wise to take appropriate action prior to a major weather event to protect the elevator equipment and prevent shutdowns. Examine your property insurance coverage to see if you are fully covered for a hurricane, including elevators. Here are other preventative measures Ronnander recommends for elevators. BEFORE A HURRICANE Weather stripping around doors should be checked, and r [...]

Time to Start Dialing 808 Area Code on Local Calls

Hawaii residents might want to update local phone numbers stored in their phone. Starting in October, all local numbers must be dialed with the 808 area code first. All phone service providers will be implementing this mandatory change to 10-digit local calling. The change applies to all local calls, including those on the same island. The new calling method goes into effect on Oct. 24. Reason for the Change The telecommunications change is coming after the Federal Communications Commission adop [...]

Create a Post-Pandemic HOA Strategy Plan

There are two paths forward for home owners’ associations in 2021. One is to plan for a return to “business as usual” post pandemic. Another is to re-energize and adapt your HOA to be better equipped for the future through strategic planning. Why Create or Revisit a Strategy Plan? In short, strategic planning involves goal setting, including long-term plans for your community and the path to get there. It allows directors to detach from the issues of day-to-day association management, revisit yo [...]

Maui Property Tax Deferral

People owning property on Maui will have a little longer to pay their property taxes without penalty. Mayor Michael Victorino has authorized a 60-day deferral of the 10 percent penalty for Real Property Taxes due on Feb. 20, 2021. Assessment of the penalty will be deferred through April 21, 2021, to help with the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Taxpayers may make Real Property Tax payments from Feb. 20 to April 21, 2021, without incurring the 10 percent penalty. However, the standard [...]

7 HOA Resolutions for the New Year

Following the hand that 2020 dealt us, now is the time to focus on rebuilding our community connections! Let's work on something that brings us together. New Year’s resolutions tend to be short lived. However, this year’s resolution aim is to strengthen the governance that fosters positive relationships between HOA board members and residents, avoids expensive problems and creates peace with simple efforts that make long lasting results. HOA, the best year yet is here! Here are seven resolutions [...]

Maui Vacation Rental Occupancy Dismal in November

Even though vacation rentals outpaced hotel occupancy in November, numbers are still low, according to the latest data released last week by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. According to HTA’s monthly Hawaii Vacation Rental Performance Report, vacation rentals throughout the state were just under 32% occupied last month, but Maui County's figures dropped even lower than that. For comparison, rental units were 69% occupied across the state in November of 2019. The occupancy rate reflects a unit supp [...]

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