E Malama kakou kekahi i kekahi
(Let’s take care of each other)
Welcome to the Makaha Valley Plantation Newsletter for November 2021. This is written by neighbors for neighbors – whether owner or occupant you’re a valued member of the community and we’re excited to get to know you! Our mission is to connect our neighbors through fun, service, community, sharing, and important information.
Mahalo Nui Loa
Happy Thanksgiving! Please join us in giving thanks to everyone that makes our community a safe, peaceful and beautiful place to live including our management company, the front office, security team, maintenance team, and our wonderful neighbors.
Quick Headlines
- We have a new website! Visit www.makahavalleyplantation.org to check it out. We have chosen the dolphin as our theme because Nia’as (Dolphins) are often called the “angels of the sea”. In Hawaii they are adored symbols of joy, healing, and playfulness that thousands of people connect with. We’d love to hear what you think about the site. The website has all the information and resources you’re familiar with, and we’ll be adding more features over time.
- We are sad to say that Izzy Bracic, our friendly and hardworking property manager, is stepping away from his role at Touchstone Property Management. We wish him all the best and welcome Chester Reeves to the plantation. Mahalo Izzy!
- You can now find minutes from the September Board Meeting at https://makahavalleyplantation.org/association/
Ghosts!
There was a delightful Halloween Meet and Treat at the Ala Mahiku Mailboxes! Ghosts, ghouls and all sorts of great costumes came out for trick and treat. We can only include a few here but we’ll be uploading more photos of the event at https://makahavalleyplantation.org/community/
Fruit Harvesting
We’re lucky to have delicious fruit trees on the property and, as per House Rule G.6, you’re welcome to take any fruit that is within arms reach. For your safety please don’t use a picker or step ladder – instead call the front office and they’ll happily help get you some high-hanging fruit!
Call It In
Thanks to Chris and the professional and protective MVP security team, we are glad to report that thefts at MVP are down, but if you see any suspicious behaviour, particularly at unusual times of day, please call the security gate on (808) 695 – 9464. Noise violations and pool violations are down, however unregistered pets continue to be an issue, so please ensure your furry friend is registered with the office and has a blue or red tag.
Solar Prices for Low Income Households
Over the next couple of years as the new Solar PV and Electrical system comes online electricity prices will be subtly changing. We have contracted a rate of $0.28/kwh fixed for the next 25 years on what is produced by the PV system. At times when the plantation uses more than is produced and stored in local battery storage we will fall back to use the HECO electrical grid, at whatever they are charging at the time. After doing some research HECO’s low-income electricity program will be available for low-income households, as it is currently – great news for those who make use of this valuable program!
Holiday Decorations
We’re entering the most festive time of year and are excited to see people starting to put up decorations. Occupants can place holiday decorations whenever they please; they are traditionally removed within 30 days after the end of the holidays.
Fire Safety
As we all know the Leeward side is hotter and dryer than the rest of the island, but we can all help out by being aware and mindful of cigarettes and to grill safely. MVPs first defense against fire is keeping our grounds lush and watered. Additionally, if there are Red Flag warning days we will notify the community via email to ensure everyone is aware.
Recreational Outrigger Paddling
In keeping with our dolphin theme, and our mission to connect MVP to the community and culture surrounding us, we have been invited by Aunty Bea to join in recreational outrigger paddling. It’s happening on Wednesdays and Sundays at 8:00 am at Pokai Bay, and you can sign up for 4 ½ months of paddling. The cost for the season is $65.00 and $15.00 for a guest one time ride. Meeting place is at the outrigger canoes. A COVID-19 vaccination record is required and temperatures will be taken. Weather permitting, Aunty Bea will says we can go out for an hour or a little longer, if the dolphins are around!
Vehicle Information
A friendly reminder to please keep these aspects of your vehicle current:
- Current vehicle registration
- Valid liability insurance card
- Current safety inspection sticker and/or State authorized alteration sticker
- Engine and exhaust noise level compliant
- No evidence of oil or acid leakage from vehicle
- All exterior lights and turn signals in working condition
The office asks that you let them know if you are out of compliance and need some time or help to get the proper documents. They are eager to help; they just need to know what is happening.
Heard it on the Grapevine
There are many ways to get updated information about our community. There are postings in the flyer boxes at the bottom of every building, bulletin boards at the mailboxes and at the front office, the website, the newsletter, and conversation with neighbors, and the main office. If you know of a neighbor that may not be able to access this information you can print a newsletter and share it with them, or they can visit www.makahavalleyplantation.org and go to the Newsletter section. The main office will also have a few copies printed out to take. We want to include everyone!
If you have any suggestions for an upcoming issue or questions we can help answer, we accept submissions between the 1st and 15th of the month. Please send your ideas and thoughts to mvpcommunicationcommittee@gmail.com
Until next month,
Lokomaika’i
(kindness with aloha!)
Written and edited by Andrew Clark, Jane Finstrom, and the Communication Committee