Learning Center

6 Tips to Go Green

200 years ago there were less than one billion people on earth. If it seems like things have gotten a bit more crowded, it's because there are now over 7 billion of us humans taking up space and using precious resources. Condo and Homeowner Associations can do their part to protect the earth by implementing green practices and making more  eco-friendly choices. Here are six suggestions a "green" HOA or condo association can implement, from our friends at Evercondo: 1. Use Paperless Communicati [...]

Why People Find Condo Life Appealing

Condominium lifestyle must be attractive because so many people continue to live in these communities. What makes it so great? In a nutshell, a more carefree lifestyle. The convenience of not having to deal with the logistics of maintaining a single family home. Many condominiums offer a package of amenities such as a desirable location, pools, social and entertainment activities and other quality of life enhancing benefits like property management services. For most, it provides peace of mind [...]

2018-09-25T20:02:58-10:00Community|

Being informed about condo associations

If you are considering purchasing a condominium on Maui for the first time, there are a few things to learn about regarding associations, rules and fees. Here are the top ten questions you should be asking your realtor. 1. Learn about homeowner’s association rules and fees and ask if there are any current assessments in place or planned for the future. Nobody wants to pay an “extra” fee every month for condo ownership. Though amounts can vary widely, association fees are virtually unavoidable [...]

10 Strategies to Improve Your Life at Work and at Home

Spring is a natural time to feel energized, take stock of our lives, appreciate what we’ve accomplished and consider making adjustments for healthy changes at work or at home. But how many times have you vowed to make a change that didn’t materialize? Your life is a balancing act. When positive elements work together we are happier and more successful. If pieces are missing, the equilibrium of life is off-kilter. The good news is you probably are already doing some things right. Consider these [...]

2018-04-25T06:12:56-10:00Community|

Having a prescription does not mean escaping no smoking rules

With medical marijuana dispensaries rolling out across the state, property managers and condo association are fielding growing complaints about smoking "weed." However, if an association has a no smoking policy, there are protections, even from prescribed medical marijuana. According to the Hawaii Department of Health, the smell of cannabis smoke from a neighbor’s home (including condos) fall under “smoke free” laws, if the property has them in place. Registry staff typically refer complainant [...]

State approves Maui capital improvement funds

One sign of an improved economy: increased public capital improvement projects. Central Maui is scheduled receive $83.26 million in state funds for capital improvement projects. Among projects approved by the House Budget Committee is $10 million towards the construction of a new middle school in Central Maui; $1 million for the construction of the Maui High School STEM education building; $2.5 million for plans, acquisition, design and construction of a civic center and bus hub in Kahului; an [...]

2018-05-18T06:03:55-10:00Community|

Is Your Condo Property Registered with DCCA?

We wanted to pass along this often overlooked regulation (especially among smaller complexes) from the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Real Estate Division: Condominium owners and board members should be aware that each project or association having more than five units is required to register with the Real Estate Commission by completing the Commission’s registration application and paying mandatory fees, pursuant to §514B-103(a)(b), HRS. The Commission may also require add [...]

Bring life, fragrance and function to your lanai

Landscaping brings life to any home. You can still achieve the design and emotional benefits plants bring, even if your outdoor space is limited to a small hard-surface area. If you are new to condo life or just miss having a garden, here are two great ways to bring color and life to your lanai. Add Edibles Most spaces outside a condo are not condusive to a corn patch, but you can still grow plants to enhance your dining experience. Consider an herb garden. For a small investment of space, you [...]

2018-10-13T02:02:43-10:00Lifestyle|

Considering an HOA Board Position?

There is a greater sense of involvement when you serve on your homeowners association (HOA) or condo board of directors. Just make sure you are ready for the responsibility.   Here are a few tips in becoming a good HOA board member.   1. Be prepared for meetings Not only should you read and digest information sent out prior to each meeting, you should also be well versed on the governing documents of the organization.Trying to read materials on the fly during a meeting slows down progress. You [...]

Condo and Homeowner Associations Must File GET Returns or Pay the Price

There are different types of nonprofits, including homeowner and condominium associations. However, not all nonprofits are the same when it comes to tax deductions and tax liability. You may have heard the term “501(c)(3) organization” associated with your favorite nonprofit charity. The reference, 501(c)(3), comes from the section of the federal Internal Revenue Code describing such entities. Contributions to 501(c)(3)s are usually deductible on a donor’s income tax return. There are a host o [...]

Go to Top