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HOA master insurance coverage has been going up, up, up. Here's the conditions of this unique situation.
It’s been a rough year for Hawaii’s Condominium Associations, with many seeing their master insurance policy costs soar by 300% or more in just one year. Some buildings even faced increases of 900% to 1,300%. Unfortunately, this situation isn’t likely to improve soon. More condos are now carry...
Helpful consumer information from the HI DCCA Real Estate Division
Important words of advice from the HI Dept. of Commerce Real Estate Division:
Sharing events of remembrance, in honor of the August 8, 2023 wildfires. Events are taking place August 8 through 10 in Lahaina and Upcountry ❤. These include:
Thursday, August 8
Paddle Out
An ocean gathering off the shores of Hanaka‘ō‘ō Beach Park. Due to limited parking and public safety needs, equipment drop-off with shuttle use from Lahaina Civic Center is required. Shuttle details and Hanaka‘ō‘ō drop-off instructions to be posted on https://www.KuhiniaMaui.org website.
9 a.m. - Hanaka‘ō‘ō Beach Park, Lahaina
Upcountry Aloha Luncheon
For residents of Upcountry Maui to gather in recognition of community resiliency during and in the aftermath of the August 8th wildfire that impacted Upcountry.
10 a.m. - Hannibal Tavares Community Center, Pukalani
One-Year Tribute and Remembrance
A community gathering in reverence of loved ones who perished in the August 8th tragedy. Out of respect for the community’s request for sensitivity and dignity, this event is not for media attendance.
5 p.m. - Lahaina Civic Center
Friday, August 9
Aloha for Kūpuna of Lahaina
Kūpuna are a cherished anchor of the community. The gathering brings kūpuna of Lahaina together to enjoy camaraderie and time to talk story. Sign-up required for participation; please visit https://www.KuhiniaMaui.org for more information.
9 a.m. – Lahaina Civic Center
Puana Aloha No Lahaina
Paying tribute through music, this event brings together entertainers including Lahaina musicians to perform traditional and contemporary songs of Lahaina.
6 p.m. – Lahaina Civic Center
Sunday, August 11
A Day of Hope and Prayer
Led by faith leaders of churches and temples that were lost in the fire, this interfaith gathering brings forward hope as recovery efforts continue. A worldwide moment of silence will be held at noon.
10 a.m. – Lahaina Civic Center
Upcountry Aloha
To give aid to farm and ranch animals in danger of the wildfire, Oskie Rice Arena opened its grounds to give safe shelter in the midst of the crisis impacting Upcountry Maui. This special event will welcome Upcountry residents to gather and share in an evening that honors community resilience and spirit.
5 p.m. – Oskie Rice Arena, Makawao
State Insurance Division requested Maui fires data from the respective insurers and carriers current as of June 30, 2024. The report is attached to the news briefing.
After a disaster or catastrophic event, insurance loss data specific to such an event is collected periodically from insurance companies doing business in the affected state. State insurance departments use the data for multiple reasons, including determining the total number of claims and insured l...
U.S. Senator Schatz bringing national attention to the anniversary of the Lahaina fires, paying tribute.
Ahead of the one-year anniversary of the Maui fires on Aug. 8, US Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) spoke on the Senate floor to pay tribute to the victims, honor survivors, outline the needs of the Lahaina community, and call for continued federal support.
On HOA participation...
A new, state-of-the-art Amazon delivery center will help keep costs down for Hawaii residents and businesses. While we still encourage buying local whenever possible, Amazon is provides essetial support to many of us throughout the islands.
Here is some info about the facility opening August 6 on Oahu, from Pacific Business news / Katie Helland:
Amazon's first delivery station in Hawaii — which representatives of the company are calling "one of the largest facilities of its kind ever built by Amazon" — will soft launch on Aug. 6.
The goal? Faster shipping times for Amazon customers in Hawaii. The new 595,000-square-foot delivery station is also the first operations facility for the company in Hawaii. It has three stories and includes a warehouse and employee parking. Delivery stations of this size typically deliver 300,000 - 400,000 packages per week, Stephanie Kalili, the senior station manager, told Pacific Business News.
The delivery station will open about 500 jobs for associates by the end of 2024, she said. That is in addition to 300 to 400 jobs for drivers through the delivery service partner program, which is already hiring.
The new facility in Honolulu had originally been slated to open in April, but that was pushed back to allow for the installation of new technology, including a system with hampers that move up and down to make it easier and more ergonomic for associates to grab packages.
For a sneak peek inside the new delivery station, click through the gallery above. For more information, read the cover story here.
The construction company for the new facility is Swinerton, confirmed a spokesperson for Amazon by email. Hawaiian Airlines previously announced a partnership with Amazon in which the airline will operate and maintain an initial fleet of 10 Airbus A330-300 freighters.
In 2023, Amazon's annual revenue was $575 billion, according to the company's latest annual report.
Amazon has partnered with about 1,500 businesses in Hawaii to help deliver their products, Kalili said. About 60% of everything sold on Amazon is a small or medium business, added a spokesperson of the company.
The building includes more than 3,000 square feet of murals by Solomon Enos that stretch across the walls of the facility and its main break room. The Makaha artist was selected by Native Hawaiian employees of Amazon who voted for his work out of several local artists, Kalili said.
Maui hotels continue to compensate for a lack of occupancy with much higher nightly room rates .
While Maui County hotel performance remains affected by the aftermath of the August wildfires, the county still led the state in revenue per available room in June due to comparatively higher average daily rate, reports the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority.
The transition to the local Office of Recovery continues in the aftermath of last year's devastating fires, with this important webinar.
The Maui News Lahaina homeowners impacted by the August 2023 wildfire are encouraged to attend the County of Maui Office of Recovery’s Homeowners Webinar on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. Officials will discuss topics related to rebuilding and housing including permitting, temporary structu...
Another Act of the 2024 Hawaii Legislature...Shaka is our official gesture.🤙
A pair of bills in the Legislature would make the shaka Hawaii's official gesture. Here are some things to know about the shaka and its purported origin.
HECO deploys $14M AI camera system to reduce risks of wildfires.
From Pacific Business News
On July 16, Hawaiian Electric announced a $14 million project to install AI-assisted video cameras "to reduce the risk of wildfires associated with company equipment." The camera's software platform — monitored by California-based company ALERTWest — is used across the country to detect fire ignitions in real time.
"These cameras with AI are able to help with early detection of any signs of a fire and this has been technology that’s proven with other electric utilities in states that are dealing with wildfire concerns," said HECO spokesman Darren Pai in an interview with PBN. "We believe that this is really going to make a significant difference in our ability to respond to any fires much more quickly."
According to the ALERTWest website, its software platform supports more than 3,000 users including those from the transportation, telecommunication, aviation and recreation industries as well as utility and water companies.
HECO said 50% of the project will be covered by the estimated $90 million in grant funds made available through the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The federal grant fund was approved in August 2023 by the U.S. Department of Energy to pay for half of HECO's proposed $190 million Climate Adaptation Transmission and Distribution Resilience Program.
“We are continuing to take action to address the growing risks from wildfires across our service territory using a variety of technologies and methods,” said Jim Alberts, HECO senior vice president and chief operations officer.
Through a five-year contract HECO signed with ALERTWest, the California company is tasked with installing and maintaining the camera stations. It will also provide around-the-clock monitoring by experienced wildfire safety professionals who will verify any false alerts. After a fire is verified, ALERTWest Operations Center staff will notify HECO and emergency response agencies.
The first camera station has already been installed in Lahaina. HECO intends to install a total of 73 stations throughout Oahu, Maui, Lanai, Molokai and Hawaii Island by the first half of 2025, the utility said.
Hawaiian Electric announced a $14 million project to install AI-assisted video cameras as its latest effort "to reduce the risk of wildfires associated with company equipment."
Do you know about Maui's Metropolitan Planning Organization? It is a federally mandated government agency that facilitates comprehensive planning for significant transportation systems on the island of Maui. The group is seeking public input on the planned transportation projects slated for funding priority THIS WEEK. See the link below.
Public input needed on Maui’s list of transportation projects prioritized for funding The Maui MPO has a draft 2025-2028 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) ready for your review! The TIP is an important document for our island—it includes all transportation projects on Ma...
The 2024 State Legislature has some benefits to condo owners, residents and associations, especially in the area of renewable energy, but not all bills passed are without controversy.
A series of bills that lawmakers say will benefit condominium owners, associations, and residents in Hawaii were signed into law in May. Governor Josh Green and state legislators say the measures take a “significant step toward addressing the housing challenges in Hawaii”, by streamlining proces...
Some interesting information on the huge impact HOAs can make through incorporating solar.
It’s the 4th of July, an opportunity to commemorate our freedom. All of us at Destination Maui, Inc. wish you a wonderful celebration. Enjoy the holiday, and let it inspire you to continue being a valued member of our nation.
A reminder for all HOAs to have updated policies regarding fireworks. This article from our sister company Destination Maui Realty contains the most update fire regulations from the Maui Fire Department.
This 4th of July, keep in mind that fires are still etched in the minds of community members. The safest way to enjoy the holiday is to find a spot to watch professional and licensed fireworks set off from shores off of Grand Wailea.
The Maui Fire Department also would like to remind residents of the following rules regarding fireworks use:
Fireworks can only be legally set off from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the Fourth of July.
Setting off fireworks outside designated times is punishable by law. Violations are subject to fines of up to $2,000.
Aerial fireworks are illegal and extremely dangerous. The import, transfer, sale, or use of aerial fireworks without a permit is a Class C Felony.
General Prohibitions:
It is unlawful to remove or extract pyrotechnic contents.
It is unlawful to throw any ignited fireworks from a moving vehicle.
It is unlawful to set off fireworks within 1,000 feet of health care facilities and facilities for animals.
It is unlawful to set off fireworks by schools.
It is unlawful to set off fireworks on public roads, in County parks, at County facilities, cane fields, or places of worship.
It is unlawful for any person without a permit to set off, ignite, discharge or otherwise cause to explode any fireworks within 500 feet from any hotel.
It is unlawful for any person to offer for sale, sell or give any fireworks to minors, and for any minors to possess, purchase, or set off, ignite or otherwise cause to explode any fireworks, except that the parents or guardians may allow the minor to use fireworks while under the immediate supervision and control of an adult.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD
Safety Tips Regarding Fireworks Use:
Fireworks can be dangerous, causing serious burns and eye injuries.
Young children and fireworks do not mix. Never give fireworks, even sparklers to young children. Sparklers burn at temperatures of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Older children should only use fireworks under the direct supervision of an adult.
Always read and follow all warnings and instructions the manufacturer lists for the safe use and handling of fireworks.
Make sure you have a clear, flat area to use the fireworks, away from structures, dry grass or brush, or other readily ignitable materials.
Have a water hose or bucket of water readily available in case of a fire.
For additional information on fireworks permits, contact the Maui Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Bureau at 808-876-4690 or refer to the Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes 132D.
Governor Green signs legislative bills that will modernize condominium management and provide greater access to clean energy.
JOSH GREEN, M.D. GOVERNOR KE KIAʻĀINA GOVERNOR JOSH GREEN SIGNS GROUNDBREAKING CONDOMINIUM BILLS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 30, 2024 HONOLULU – In a significant step toward addressing the housing challenges […]
A recent Supreme Court ruling may affect how condominium associations approach gun regulations on property. This summary of the case and legal opinion provides background, though HOAs should consult their attorney before making or changing any rules.
Possession of fi****ms can be a touchy subject, especially when community members live in close proximity in an HOA community. The following article is a summary of a legal framework at one point in time (subject to change) around a sensitive issue. It is not intended as a substitute for legal advic...
There are some compelling reasons HOAs are investigating if and how ma*****na use can be regulated in their communities.
The use of ma*****na has become a hot topic in homeowner associations (HOAs). While it's still illegal under federal law, in Hawaii, it's only approved for licensed medicinal use. If someone is caught possessing, using, or selling ma*****na without a license, they can incur stiff penalties, includin...
Signs of progress on rebuilding Lahaina! Walls are now in place for the first home to be rebuilt in the Lahaina impact zone since the deadly August 2023 wildfires.
Gene Milne was in the process of building his home on Malanai Street in Lahaina when the Aug. 8 fire tore through the neighborhood. Since Milne had active building permits, the process has been fairly smooth in starting the rebuild through the County's streamlined permitting process for fire victims.
See the complete story by Wendy Osher on mauinow.com. Photo: County of Maui/Mia A'i.
Vacation rentals were half full in April.
From Pacific Business News: Vacation rental occupancy for units statewide dropped 22 percentage points to 51% in April compared to April 2019, when the occupancy rate was 73%, according to the most recent data by the Hawaii Tourism Authority and the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism.
According to the monthly Hawaii Vacation Rental Performance Report, occupancy was also down 5 percentage points compared to last year, when units were 57% occupied.
Unit supply dipped 3% from 2019, to 823,150 unit nights in April, and demand fell 32% to 423,300 unit nights. Compared to last year, however, both categories reported increases, with unit supply jumping 11% and demand up 1%.
Average daily rate, or ADR, increased 53% from $205 in April 2019 to $312 in April 2024. However, it’s worth noting that according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ inflation calculator, $205 in April 2019 is worth the equivalent of nearly $252 in April 2024 dollars.
According to the report, ADR jumped 2% compared to April 2023, when it had been $307. However, the online inflation calculator says that $307 in April 2023 is the equivalent of $317 in April 2024.
For comparison, hotels were 72% occupied in April and had an ADR of $368.
The report defines vacation rentals as “the use of a rental house, condominium unit, private room in a private home, or shared room/space in a private home,” but does not differentiate between permitted and unpermitted properties.
The report utilizes data compiled by Lighthouse Intelligence, Ltd. and is based on properties that are listed on Airbnb, Booking.com and HomeAway. This month’s report includes data for 34,027 units and 58,284 bedrooms.
The report also features island-by-island data, and all four islands reported declines in occupancy compared to 2019, with Kauai reporting the largest drop of 27 percentage points to 52%. Hawaii Island had the lowest occupancy overall of just 45%.
However, Hawaii Island also had the largest increase in ADR for the month compared to April 2019, up 56% to $253. But it was Kauai that had the highest overall ADR of $382, followed closely by Maui County with an ADR of $377.
Looking at the island-specific data compared to last year, all four islands experienced drops in occupancy, with Maui reporting the biggest loss of 10 percentage points. As for year-over-year ADR, Oahu, Maui County and Hawaii Island reported nominal increases, while Kauai remained mostly flat.
Occupancy year-to-date fell 27 percentage points from 2019 to 57% for the first four months of the year. ADR grew 55% to $330.
Looking at year-to-date figures compared to last year, the occupancy rate fell 8 percentage points and ADR grew 2% from the same period in 2023.
A favorite verse about fathers...
"He earned his love through discipline—a thundering, velvet hand
His gentle means of sculpting souls took me years to understand"
Mahalo Dan Fogelberg!
Summer is when our relaxed island lifestyle really shines. For HOAs, it may also require extra attention to seasonal safety.
Summer is a prime season for fun and exploration, making it a lively time for your neighborhood. Residents and their guests will be keen to enjoy everything the community offers, but they might also be more likely to bend the rules. Your homeowners association (HOA) needs to be prepared. Balancing f...
If your board or HOA community members have these questions, consider attending the Community Association Institute's Board Leadership Training seminars, June 22nd and 29th. See the details here www.caihawaii.org
Community Associations Institute shares environmental initiatives and ideas for HOAs
June 5th marked World Environment Day, and CAI reiterates its commitment to helping community associations become leaders in environmental...
Fire officials predict an extremely dry summer and fall on Maui; asks for participation in watching for fires and reporting them.
Representatives of fire-related entities from state, national and local levels gathered at Fire Station 14 in Wailea to launch the state’s 8th annual Wildfire and Drought LOOKOUT! campaign on Tuesday.
This is a must-read story about a Maui County HOA taking steps to build in fire protection for their condominium community.
MOLOKAʻI, Hawaiʻi – Seven years ago, Erin Peyton made her home on this small island known for its Hawaiian culture, its broad sandy beaches, and high cliffs.
Increasing insurance costs for condos has been dramatic. But at least one major insurer says things will get better.
Some residents are finding home insurance costs to be more than double what they used to be. In addition, those who are living in community associations face increases in maintenance fees.
380 Huku Li’i Place Suite #206
Kihei, HI
96753
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Thanks to everyone who participated in the important Emergency Preparedness Seminar on Friday, produced by Destination Maui. We learned a lot and had some fun too. Food was ono! We provide regular education opportunities for our associations and staff, it was great to open this one up to the public. #dmi #lethawaiihappen
AA Oceanfront Rentals and Sales - Maui, HI
S. Kihei Road
Wake Up In Maui Vacation Rentals - South Maui
Uluniu Road
Hawaii Bound - Maui Vacation Rental
Mililani Place
