Newsletter

Aloha from the Makaha Valley Plantation Board of Directors,

Fire Inspection Report

As we move through summer fire safety and prevention is on the top of everyone’s mind, both the Board of Directors, and owners who have attended recent meetings. As such we wanted to share that the Honolulu Fire Department has conducted a fire inspection, given our proximity to the neighboring golf course. The inspector has reviewed the firebreak around our property and found it to be in compliance. They reviewed our overall fire preparedness and procedures and gave a “Satisfactory” rating. We have received no violations, nor guidance on improvements at this stage. We are in as good of a place as we can be.

We all share responsibility on fire safety in our communities so HFD recommends reviewing their fire and life safety documentation here: https://fire.honolulu.gov/fire-and-life-safety/

If you notice any unsafe behavior or have concerns then please reach out!

Promoting Positions

We would like to provide updates on personnel roles to our security and management team. Chris Hodges is Assistant Manager in training, under the mentorship of our long-time General Manager; Joseph Nunuha. We are very excited to be shepherding a new generation of leaders in our community.

Responsible Fire Grill Usage

Given the increasing danger of fires we would like to ask that everyone be mindful when using the shared fire grills. This includes putting out all fires, and ensuring that embers are properly disposed of. As an additional precaution during high wind days staff will close the grills and prevent them from being used, in accordance with guidance from the fire marshal. If you notice the grills not being used responsibly then please let the front office or security personnel know! We are fortunate to have all of the shared facilities that we do so please be mindful and weather-aware.

Don’t feed the animals – increases in fines coming soon!

In the spirit of Aloha, we kindly remind everyone to refrain from feeding stray cats, chickens and peacocks on our shared property. Not only is it a violation of our bylaws, but it also risks the health of our community, not to mention possible citations and fines. Please respect your friends and neighbors, as our staff diligently works on capturing chickens and finding solutions for stray cats. If you observe someone feeding the animals, report it to the front office, anonymously if preferred. Unfortunately, this is becoming a greater and greater issue and we will soon be increasing the fines for this behavior.  Together, let’s ensure the health and cleanliness of our community!

Mahalo for being part of the MVP community! Your cooperation and engagement contribute to making Makaha Valley Plantation a wonderful place to call home.

Mahalo,

The MVP Board of Directors

Aloha from the Makaha Valley Plantation Board of Directors,

Changes to your Board of Directors

Earlier this year we sadly accepted Greg Solokoski’s resignation as board member and Treasurer. We recently ratified the appointment of Lyn Kaaihue to replace Greg on the Board. Thank you for volunteering Lyn – we’re very grateful to have your presence and guidance!

In sad news Regan Wolford has recently resigned for health reasons. Regan has served diligently on the board for the past 10 years, lending expertise in so many areas. Thank you Regan. We appreciate your service and hope that brighter days are ahead for you. Mahalo nui loa i nā mea āpau

Update On Water Heaters

The functioning of our water heaters and ensuring everyone has access to hot water is our top priority. As such we have been researching different options and taking bids on replacements. We have secured a bid for replacing our 29 water heaters in the wash buildings, which themselves date back to the original building of MVP! They’ve served us well but 50 years is enough. We are taking additional bids and determining the most capital efficient approach to this project, but we are excited to finally be nearing a solution to one of our biggest problems!

As ever, if you are unsatisfied with your water temperature please let the front office know so immediate steps can be taken to address the issue. With any luck, those calls will soon be a thing of the past.

Hybrid-Zoom Meetings Survey Results

Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent Hybrid-Zoom meeting survey! It’s great to get owners directly involved in decision making at MVP. With 39 responses 74% of owners indicated they are not supportive of on-site Zoom-hybrid meetings. The main sticking point is the cost which adds up over a year due to needing a new Zoom license, computer equipment, and to pay staff members extra hours to operate the meeting. We can certainly revisit this in the future but for now the community has spoken, and we look forward to using survey mechanisms like this to solicit further feedback.

Responsible Disposal of Bulky Items

A friendly reminder to owners and tenants to properly disposing of bulky items, furniture, toilets, mattresses, and construction materials. Dumping them at the trash bin enclosures not only creates eyesores but also burdens our hardworking staff. Be a responsible resident and utilize proper facilities for disposal. Together, we’ll keep our surroundings clean and pristine!

Cat Trapping Pilot Initiative

We are excited to announce the launch of our cat trapping system aimed at managing the feral cat population in our community. We have successfully trapped two kittens and an adult female cat, had them spayed/neutered, and safely returned them to the area. If you own a cat please be aware that if they go outside they may be caught and if you are identified you will receive citations. Our dog owners are very responsible when it comes to leashes and keeping dogs indoors so there is no reason cats should receive special treatment.

A special thank you goes to Jolynn and a member of our community for their dedication and hard work in getting this initiative started. Your efforts are greatly appreciated and vital to the success of this program! We look forward to seeing how this pilot unfolds.

Looking for documents?

If you need a copy of the house rules, bylaws, minutes, or master insurance certificate then good news – we have that all on our website and the owner’s portal: https://makahavalleyplantation.org/owners-portal/ – if you don’t have an account please contact the Front Office and they’ll get you connected! If there is additional documentation you are looking for please email mvpcommunicationcommittee@gmail.com and we’ll get it for you or send you in the right direction.

If you need more insurance information, such as if your lender/bank requires a new certificate automatically every year when the AOAO insurance renews, then please contact certificates@insuringhawaii.com. Make sure you supply the name and address of the lender/bank and request that they be named as an “additional insured”.

Tree Trimming

It Is that time of year again!  Our annual tree trimming will begin shortly. Please be patient as the landscapers keep our paradise a paradise.

Painting Committee

It’s getting near time to paint our buildings and the question is, what color? Our community has strong feelings on this matter. Some feel our building colors are outdated and unmodern, others feel we should be trimming back expenses. In the interests of moving as a community we are forming a Paint Committee to look at different options and color combinations, with the intent of bringing forward a color and vote to the community. Andrew Clark has agreed to chair this committee but he needs your help – if you have expertise in painting, in renovations, or a good eye for color please reach out to mvpcommunicationcommittee@gmail.com

Appealing Fines and Citations

No-one likes to receive a fine and we understand there are sometimes extenuating circumstances. If you’d like to appeal a fine or provide more context then rather than calling our property manager please put something in writing and send it to Chester at Touchstone at: chester@touchstoneproperties-hawaii.com. That helps with tracking and resolving issues and ensuring communication does not fall through the cracks.

Responsible Fire Grill Usage

Given the increasing danger of fires we would like to ask that everyone be mindful when using the shared fire grills. This includes putting out all fires, and ensuring that embers are properly disposed of. As an additional precaution during high wind days staff will close the grills and prevent them from being used, in accordance with guidance from the fire marshal. If you notice the grills not being used responsibly then please let the front office or security personnel know! We are fortunate to have all of the shared facilities that we do so please be mindful and weather-aware.

Mahalo,

The MVP Board of Directors

Aloha from the Makaha Valley Plantation Board of Directors,

Hybrid-Zoom Meetings Survey

Before 2019, our general meetings were held on-site, providing a great opportunity for the community to meet, mingle, and share their thoughts. During COVID, we switched to Zoom meetings, which offered the convenience of remote participation and allowed off-island owners to join in.

Given the benefits of both formats, we are now considering a hybrid solution and would love to hear your opinion! Implementing hybrid meetings would require the owner’s association to pay for a dedicated Zoom account, set up a computer, camera, and microphone in the cabanas, and have a staff member manage the on-site meeting equipment.

This setup would cost several thousand dollars each year. Do you think this is a worthwhile endeavor? Please fill out this survey to share your thoughts and let your voice be heard here: https://forms.gle/uAfY2zW5jc8bX8zm6


Cats and Toxoplasmosis

As a community, our shared goal is to maintain a safe, healthy, and pleasant living environment for everyone. Recently, we’ve noticed an increasing issue with feral cats within our neighborhood. While these cats may seem harmless, feeding them can lead to significant problems, both for the animals and our community. There are a few reasons for this…

Population Growth: Feeding feral cats encourages them to stay and reproduce. One well-fed feral cat can lead to many more, exacerbating the problem. The more cats there are, the harder it becomes to manage their population.

Wildlife Impact: Feral cats are natural hunters and can significantly impact local wildlife, including birds and small mammals. This disrupts the ecosystem and reduces biodiversity in our area.

Health Risks: Feral cats often carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans and pets. One of the most concerning is toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection that can have serious health consequences.The parasite can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with cat feces, contaminated soil, or unwashed vegetables from gardens where infected cats may defecate.

While many people may experience mild or no symptoms, toxoplasmosis can cause flu-like symptoms and more severe health issues for those with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and infants. In severe cases, it can lead to eye and brain damage. If you would like to learn more about toxoplasmosis you can learn about it’s effect on humans here (https://makahavalleyplantation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/catowners_2017_240523_163642.pdf) and the local seal population here (https://makahavalleyplantation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/A-Cat-astrophic-Threat-for-Seals.pdf).

It is crucial that all residents refrain from feeding feral cats. If you notice a neighbour feeding the cats please inform security or the front office so appropriate fines can be levied.

Please watch your step

We ask that you please watch your step walking through the property. Chickens sometimes dig holes for nesting so if you notice a hole or damage to the grounds please contact the front office so our groundskeepers can fill it in. Thanks!

HECO Power Outage Plans

You may have seen some recent communication from Hawaiian Electric about the Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program as part of their Wildfire Safety Strategy. It’s important for you and your family to have an action plan so you know what to do if you see the PSPS Alert. As with a hurricane, you should be prepared to be without electricity for an extended time, possibly days. You can learn more about the Hawaiian Electric Emergency Handbook for ways to prepare: https://www.hawaiianelectric.com/safety-and-outages/storm-center/emergency-preparedness-handbook

HECO asks that owners (and tenants) update their contact information through their Online Customer Service Center: https://eservice.hawaiianelectric.com/bdisu/logon.sap. Customers using electric-powered medical equipment or who refrigerate medication are urged to prepare for the possibility of extended power outages. Those customers should provide their contact information to Hawaiian Electric to receive notifications in advance of a PSPS by submitting an online Medical Needs Communications Form (https://pages.hawaiianelectric.com/medical-needs-form) or calling them at 808-548-7311.

If you have further questions on this topic feel free to reach out, or you can contact HECO Oahu directly at (808) 548-7311

Mahalo,

The MVP Board of Directors

Aloha from the Makaha Valley Plantation Board of Directors,

Letter from the President

As you likely know, we have had significant changes to our Board of Directors this year.  As a result, we have reviewed numerous issues facing us at MVP.  The first of these is the solar panel contract.  This contract was signed four and a half years ago or so.  It was an all-encompassing contract that would have been of no cost to us.  It included replacing our water heaters and installing solar panels and electric car charger stations. When I first heard of this it seemed too good to be true.  It appears that it was.  To date very little has been done on the project.

As a result, last month, we asked John Morris, our attorney to review the contract and provide us with what options we have available.  John and his office told us the vendor was in breach of the agreement in numerous instances.  They proposed that our manager send a letter to the vendor and, in accordance with the terms of the agreement, give the vendor an “opportunity to cure” these breaches.  We did that last month.  We have heard nothing from the vendor.

In the meantime, we have been asking for quotes for replacement water heaters.  In addition, we have contacted numerous solar panel project consulting companies and have asked for bids to provide us with consulting on our project.  Finally, we have put together a solar panel project committee comprised of board members and owners with relevant experience and knowledge.  If you are interested in being on the committee and have such experience please let Chester know.

Sorry for the bad news.  We will keep you updated as we appear to need to start over on this project.

Joe informs me it is time to begin repainting again.  It was supposed to start last year but, due to our fees increase it was decided to delay a year.  We could delay another year but, in order to protect our buildings we will eventually need to paint.  One proposal I have heard is to change our colors.  I have heard from many, including my wife, our buildings could use a color update.  This would only be entertained by the board if 1) costs did not increase with new colors and 2) owners agreed that this would be a good idea.  I believe a paint update could modernise the aeshetic of MVP and could increase the value of our collective property.

One of the Board’s primary goals is to keep costs down.  Once we have bids we will let you know and Andrew will reach out to solicit color combination suggestions.

We were saddened to hear that Greg recently resigned from his Board position and from his Officer position as treasurer.  He contributed much and he will be missed.  Now we need to replace him and we welcome nominations.  Please send them to Chester at touchstone: chester@touchstoneproperties-hawaii.com

I am excited to be your new President with this great Board!  I know I speak for the Board when I say we look forward to keeping MVP our own piece of paradise as it is and to improving it as we can – and keeping HOA fees as low as possible!

Responsible Disposal of Bulky Items

Let’s maintain the beauty of our community by properly disposing of bulky items, furniture, toilets, mattresses, and construction materials. Dumping them at the trash bin enclosures not only creates eyesores but also burdens our hardworking staff. We have a recycling center right here in Waianae (near Pililaau Park) called Reynolds Recycling – you can learn more about their service here: https://www.reynoldsrecycling.com/

For large items you we also have the Waianae Convenience Center located at 85-572 Waianae Valley Road. You can even check ahead and beat the line with their live webcam here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=by7OsQkK0Ms

Let’s keep our common areas clean!

Election By-Laws Update (Repeat)

Last year we tried to update our Bylaws with a Proposed Voting Amendment. Unfortunately, we fell just shy of the 66% of owner-participation necessary, so we are trying again this year.

Our Bylaws currently require directors be elected at a meeting where (1) a quorum is present and (2) a majority of those present vote in favor of electing that individual. These requirements make it difficult to elect directors because of “quorum-only” proxies. Let’s dig into that…

Imagine a typical annual meeting where we reach 55% quorum, where 40% of owners are attending or have designated their proxy to another owner, and 15% are quorum-only votes. A “quorum-only” vote is where an owner indicates that the meeting can occur, but they do not assign their voting power to anyone. The best way to think of this is that each quorum-only owner is an empty chair in the room. The way our bylaws are written those empty chairs count in the voting tally which makes that majority very hard to reach.

At our last election we had 55% quorum, which meant a director needed over 27.5% of the vote to be elected (because 55% divided by 2 is 27.5%) – but in practical terms that meant that 67.5% of the real owners (and their designated proxies) present had to vote for that particular candidate in order to out-vote those empty chairs! Not very practical.

So, with that analogy in mind our By-laws amendment is simply excluding those quorum-only owners from the voting process. In this way we can still get quorum and have the meeting, but when it comes to the voting it’s only actual owners and proxies that will be counted, thereby making it much easier for directors to achieve a majority and be elected!

This change will lead to much more efficient elections and a board that is more representative of the owner’s will. If you have any questions about this, please reach out!

Promoting Positions

As we look to the future we would like to announce some changes to our security and management. Chris Hodges is now an Assistant Manager in training and Naomi Tagaloa will be Chief of Security in training.

Appreciating our staff

We the board would like to thank our office staff for all the hard work they do everyday. It is a largely thankless job and often the ladies have to deal with difficult issues.  They do their jobs with smiles on their faces and respect for our owners and renters. Thank you both for continuously doing such a great job.

Dog Poo Reminder

We would like to kindly remind all residents to be diligent in cleaning up after their dog companions. If you are aware of a neighbor who may not be as attentive to this responsibility please don’t hesitate to contact our front office. The slipper you save could be your own!

Kiana Jacuzzi

Please note that the Kiana Jacuzzi replacement is still in progress and will be through the month of June.

Mahalo,

The MVP Board of Directors

Aloha from Makaha Valley Plantation,

Thank you Greg!

It is with a heavy heart that we share that Greg Sokolowski is retiring as MVP Treasurer and Board member to focus on his health, family and to take some time to travel. Greg has served as treasurer of MVP for 27 years, having joined in 1997, and we are forever grateful for his diligence and leadership. Our association is in an extremely healthy financial position, has some of the lowest HOA rates on the island, and during the time he served, home values have multiplied many times over. He leaves us in a strong financial position and his shoes will be hard to fill. Thank you Greg and we look forward to hearing about your next adventures!

Mahalo no kāu lawelawe

Employment IRA Program

Our staff is the lifeblood of our organization and in recent years it has become increasingly competitive and difficult to retain our best workers. Six months ago the Board of Directors undertook a review of our staff compensation plan and realized we could implement an IRA matching program and still stay within our budget. Providing retirement support is crucial for any modern worker so we are glad to have rolled this out, and we are optimistic this will help us attract and keep hard working, dedicated and professional employees. To all of our security, groundskeepers and administration staff – thank you for choosing MVP!

Dog Poo Reminder

We would like to kindly remind all residents to be diligent in cleaning up after their dog companions. If you are aware of a neighbor who may not be as attentive to this responsibility please don’t hesitate to contact our front office. The slipper you save could be your own!

Mahalo,

The MVP Board of Directors

Aloha from Makaha Valley Plantation,

Welcome to the MVP April 2024 newsletter. To our existing owners and new owners, we wish you a warm (albeit wintery) welcome!

Checking Owner Accounts and Overdue Fees

It is every homeowners responsibility to pay their association fees promptly, as well as citations and other expenses. An overdue account can result in overdue charges and, if left unattended, the costs can rack up. You can setup a login with Touchstone and determine if your account is accurate and up to date – otherwise you may find unexpected or unpleasant costs appearing!

To check your account you’ll need to create a login with Touchstone.

1. Visit https://www.touchstoneproperties-hawaii.com
2. Click View your account or payment history – this will open the SKYLINE dashboard.
3. You’ll need to enter a username and password and if this is your first time here you’ll need to call Touchstone on 808-566-4100
4. Tell the operator you are signing up for a SKYLINE Dashboard Account and you will be transferred to accounting, and can then request a username and password.
5. Once you receive your unique username and password, write it down for future reference, and proceed with your login!
6. You can then review your account history and make payments as needed.

Election By-Laws Update

Last year we tried to update our Bylaws with a Proposed Voting Amendment. Unfortunately, we fell just shy of the 66% of owner-votes necessary, so we are trying again this year.

Our Bylaws currently require directors be elected at a meeting where (1) a quorum is present and (2) a majority of those present vote in favor of electing that individual. These requirements make it difficult to elect directors because of “quorum-only” proxies. Let’s dig into that…

Imagine a typical annual meeting where we reach 55% quorum, where 40% of owners are attending or have designated their proxy to another owner, and 15% are quorum-only votes. A quorum-only vote is where an owner indicates that the meeting can occur, but they do not assign their voting power to anyone. The best way to think of this is that every quorum-only owner is an empty chair in the room.

That’s helpful to get a meeting to occur but empty-chairs do not vote, yet are included in the overall majority-calculation. The empty chairs are “present” but they abstain from voting.

At our last election we had 55% quorum, which meant a director needed over 27.5% of the vote to be elected (because 55% divided by 2 is 27.5%) – but in practical terms that meant that 67.5% of the real owners (and their designated proxies) present had to vote for a particular candidate. We were fortunate to elect 4 directors this year but when there are many candidates, or the race is close, no-one gets elected and current directors roll over to the next year.

So, with that analogy in mind our By-laws amendment is simply excluding those empty quorum-only chairs from the voting process. In this way we can still get quorum and have the meeting, but when it comes to the voting it’s only actual owners (and designated proxies) that will be counted, thereby making it much easier for directors to achieve a majority and be elected! This change will lead to much more efficient elections and a board that is more representative of the owner’s will. If you have any questions about this, please reach out!

Lanai and Windows Reminder

We’d like to remind owners and tenants of the rules associated with items on lanais and in windows. These rules ensure that owners on higher levels do not adversely affect owners below them and ensures that the entire complex maintains a pleasing and consistent aesthetic. From the house rules:

D3 – No personal items, including but not limited to clothes, towels, bathing apparel, toys, brooms, mops, cartons, shoes slippers, laundry or other objects shall be hung on or from lanais or landing railings, or placed on lanai, doorways, passageways, stairs or landings.

D16 – Window coverings, curtains and drapes shall be white and shall hang at full length at all times with appropriate tie-backs allowed. The requirement applies only to the fabric visible from outside the apartment. Draperies or curtains with separate linings may be in any color so long as the lining is white. No Occupant may use bed sheets, towels, or similar items as drapes or cover the windows with newspaper or aluminum foil. All window coverings shall be kept in good condition at all times.

Thanks for helping us keep MVP beautiful!

Owner’s Portal Update and Insurance Summary

Have you looked at our new Owner’s Portal yet? We have recently added a summary of our insurance policy so you can better understand where your association fees are going! To get a login please contact Jolynn in the front office (email mvpadmin001@hawaii.rr.com) and then login at https://makahavalleyplantation.org/login/

We will continue adding documents to the portal so owners have more and more information about their association.

Thank you for being a member of our wonderful community! If you have any questions or would like to get in touch please feel free to reach out to Chester, our property manager, or your board of directors: www.makahavalleyplantation.org

Mahalo,

The MVP Board of Directors

Aloha from Makaha Valley Plantation,

Welcome to the MVP March 2024 newsletter. To our existing owners and new owners we wish you a warm (albeit wintery) welcome!

Annual Meeting and Election Update

Thanks to all of the owners who were able to attend (from as far as Oregon!) our annual meeting. We are happy to report that we were able to successfully elect 4 board members: Andrew Clark, Jim Waldon and Patrick Muldowney will continue to serve on your board. We’re also glad to add Bobbi Mothes to the board, who brings a strong history in law and tax which will surely be a great value to our association.

Going forward Jim Waldon will serve as President, Lawrence (Larry) Moore will serve as Vice President, Greg Sokolowski will serve as Treasurer, and Bobbi Mothes will serve as Secretary. As always you can contact your board or learn more about how the association operates at https://makahavalleyplantation.org/association/

Aloha from Bobbi Mothes

My name is Bobbi Mothes and I would like to say big mahalos for electing me to your Board. I will be the new Secretary, and I look forward to serving for the next year. For those who don’t know me, I have lived at Makaha Valley Plantation since December 2017, and I love it here! You may see me walking around with my dachshund Ser Douglas Cinnamon Raisin Toast (picture below). If you see us, please stop and tell Ser he is cute – if he doesn’t get his daily socials he is insufferable!

In a past life I was an attorney, and when I left the practice of law I transitioned to education and earned a Masters degree in special education (5 years New York City, 3 years Waianae HS—go Seariders!)

Now that I am “fully retired” I use my law degree to write about tax law and other legal topics. I don’t do well with too much free time, and tax law is really boring, so here I am volunteering to help out! This is familiar territory for me, as I spent many years volunteering with the PTA when my daughter was small, and several years with other volunteer organizations.

I hope to help our Board solve any problems that come up, and keep MVP a great place to live. Mahalo!

Ser Douglas Cinnamon Raisin Toast

Introducing the Owner’s Portal

We are excited to introduce the Makaha Valley Plantation Owner’s Portal. This is an owner’s-only section of our website that provides secure access to a growing number of documents that cannot be publicly provided such as financial reports, annual meeting notes and bylaws declarations. Over time we will expand this section and provide further documents. If there is a particular item you are interested in then please reach out and we’ll see if we can provide it!

So how do you access the owner’s portal? First you’ll then need to contact Jolynn at the front office and request an account. Her email is mvpadmin001@hawaii.rr.com. Once you’ve been verified as an owner we’ll let you know so you can reset your password, and then you have access! Login at https://makahavalleyplantation.org/login/ – your home for all things MVP!

This is a Beta release so if you have any issues, concerns or questions then please get in touch!

Kathy and Tommy’s Retirement

We’d like to thank Kathy and Tommy Sowell for their years of service on the MVP board. It is their hard work and dedication to this community that has led to Makaha Valley Plantation being the beautiful, harmonious and highly valued community that it is today. Thank you Kathy and Tommy and we hope they have a fabulous and adventurous retirement. Mahalo!

Chicken update and Security Reminder

Our grounds team has been diligently working to remove roosters, hens, and as many eggs as possible. Totals for 2024 alone are 21 roosters, 21 hens, and 365 eggs – that’s a lot of omelettes! This helps but does not solve the chicken problem so we are currently trialing setting traps each week – this allows us to more consistently remove chickens, without taking too much time from our staff’s other duties.

If you do see someone feeding the chickens (or stray cats) then please contact security. If you have a photo of an offender then please also contact security as this can help in the citations and fining process.

Wash Machine Update

Our new WASH Laundry machines have been installed and are running well! If you haven’t already done so download the WASH app so you can add credit, remotely check machine availability, and have a much better washing experience. If you have any technical issues or are having trouble with the WASH app please get in touch with the front office!

Mahalo for being part of the MVP community! Your cooperation and engagement contribute to making Makaha Valley Plantation a wonderful place to call home.

– MVP Board of Directors

Aloha from Makaha Valley Plantation,

Welcome to the February 2024 edition of the Makaha Valley Plantation (MVP) newsletter! Whether you’re a new resident or a familiar face, we’re thrilled to have you with us. Let’s dive into the updates and news that make our community special.

Washer and Dryer Update

Exciting news! New laundry equipment from WASH is being installed across all MVP locations. Enjoy an enhanced washing experience, complete with the convenience of the new WASH mobile app. You can easily add credit and even check machine availability without leaving your home. Please remember that the hours of operation for the washrooms is 7am to 10pm

General Meeting and Quorum Packet

As we embark on the new year, our annual association meeting is on the horizon. Keep an eye on your mail for the essential election packet. If you haven’t received it or suspect any issues with association correspondence, please reach out to Touchstone to ensure your mailing address is up to date. Every quorum vote and proxy matter, so let’s make our voices heard!

Date: Saturday, March 2, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. Registration; 9:30 a.m. Call to Order
Place: Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, Dining Pavilion, 86-260 Farrington Hwy, Waianae, HI 96792

We’re excited to gather, share updates about Makaha Valley Plantation, and there are seven board positions up for election. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Mini Split Air Conditioning Survey

MVP is exploring the potential demand of Mini-Split Air Conditioners in preparation for EV system and electrical upgrades. Your valuable feedback on this matter is crucial, as it directly impacts the design of the PV system to handle peak summer demand. Reach out to the board if you have questions, and please take a moment to share your thoughts through our survey:

https://forms.gle/VwFNqnPjxW8WKbW16

Electrical Vehicles and Public Charging Survey

We wanted to again solicit owner feedback on the prospect of having EV chargers, either in public stalls or in residents’ stalls. The demand within our community (and appetite for paying for these amenities) has an effect on the design of our PV systems and electrical infrastructure. If you are thinking of buying an EV in the next few years let us know below!

https://forms.gle/txtNzj3okUbYUQWdA

Jacuzzi Updates

Our jacuzzi replacement and pool deck re-painting is scheduled to begin on Feb 12th. These will continue for a couple of months and begin with the Ala Mahiku jacuzzi and pool. Kiana will still be operational so we look forward to seeing you there!

Don’t feed the animals – increases in fines coming soon!

In the spirit of Aloha, we kindly remind everyone to refrain from feeding stray cats, chickens and peacocks on our shared property. Not only is it a violation of our bylaws, but it also risks the health of our community, not to mention possible citations and fines. Please respect your friends and neighbors, as our staff diligently works on capturing chickens and finding solutions for stray cats. If you observe someone feeding the animals, report it to the front office, anonymously if preferred. Unfortunately, this is becoming a greater and greater issue and we will soon be increasing the fines for this behaviour.  Together, let’s ensure the health and cleanliness of our beloved community!

Mahalo for being part of the MVP community! Your cooperation and engagement contribute to making Makaha Valley Plantation a wonderful place to call home.

Mahalo from the MVP Board of Directors

Aloha, Makaha Valley Plantation!

As we step into the first month of 2024, we extend a warm aloha to both our new and familiar MVP residents. Welcome to the January edition of our community newsletter, where we share updates and news that connect us all.

Election Bylaws Update

Unfortunately the amendment to change our election voting process did not pass.  We ended up with a 58% owner participation, which is pretty good, but we need 67% owner participation for amendments like this. It’s important that we get this amendment passed as it greatly enhances community participation and makes it much easier to elect new (or existing) board members, so we will be reintroducing the amendment at our January meeting. You may have already a new voting letter. There also seemed to be some confusion about exactly what this amendment meant so we will be working to explain it more clearly in this coming year. As ever if you have any questions about this amendment please get in touch as we are happy to clarify!

EV Survey

MVP is embracing sustainability with our Solar PV project, and your input is invaluable! The EV Survey is a crucial step in exploring options for EV chargers in public spaces and personal parking stalls. With 35 responses already received, we’re gaining insightful perspectives on what our community desires in terms of EV charging solutions.

If you haven’t shared your thoughts yet, please take a moment to fill out the survey here: https://forms.gle/ni1sETA9JNnQo56R9

Your contribution will play a vital role in shaping the future of sustainable transportation in our community.

Washer and Dryer Changeover

Exciting changes are underway as we usher in the new year with a Washer and Dryer Changeover. Our agreement with WASH brings upgraded laundry equipment, scheduled for installation in the 3rd and 4th week of January. While we continue to charge $1.75 per load until the new machines are in place, the cost will increase to $2.00 per load post-installation, aligning with enhanced capabilities and efficiencies.

As we transition to a new card and app system please use your existing WASH card balance and run it down close to zero. That ensures that you won’t be stuck with an unusable balance once the new facilities are installed!

Personal Washer/Dryers and Renovation Forms

A friendly reminder to our MVP ohana: personal washers and dryers cannot be installed as per our agreement with WASH. If renovations or construction are on your horizon, contact the front office and submit an application/permit before commencing any internal work. This ensures the safety and stability of our shared homes and prevents issues related to leaks, flooding, or damage from improper construction work.

Mahalo for being an essential part of our Makaha Valley Plantation community. Your engagement and cooperation make MVP a vibrant and thriving place to call home. Wishing you all a prosperous and joy-filled start to 2024.

Mahalo from the MVP Board of Directors

Aloha and happy holidays! As we embrace the beauty of December 2023 on the westside, we extend a warm welcome to both new and longtime residents. This month’s newsletter is filled with updates and valuable information that we hope will enhance your experience here in our vibrant community. Mahalo for being part of the MVP family!

Water Conservation

As we all know costs at MVP have gone up this year. Under common water we are setting aside $231,646 and for common sewer we are setting aside $509,472.  As of September of 2023 we have spent $180,650 for common water and we have already spent $371,110 for common sewer. None of us are happy about passing those on to owners so conserving water could reduce this amount significantly and would be environmentally friendly.

Here are some tips for conserving water:

1. If you are leaving your unit for more that a week turn off your water valves.  I know a few people who returned to their units to find a slow leak in their toilet water tank.  Aside from the danger of causing damage to your, or others’ unit, this can add up. A dripping faucet can use 2 to 20 gallons of water per day, which could add up to 60 to 600 gallons per month. With a large complex like ours you can imagine just how enormous that water wastage can be!
2. Install low volume toilets. Toilets account for about 30 percent of a household’s water use. Standard toilets use about 7 gallons per flush, while low-flow toilets use about 1.6 gallons per flush – a great saving!
3. Check for leaks.  Sometimes these can go undetected if behind the wall. If you suspect, there is a leak please contact MVP office so that we can do an inspection.

There are many other ways to save water and if you have any additional ideas, we would love to hear about it!

An update to Cable Billing

In 2022 the cable bill was incorporated in the maintenance the reason being it provided only the require basic cable which consisted of about 20 channels.  If you wanted the internet or additional programs, you had to pay for it separately.  Out of maintenance we were paying around $49, a household a month.  Most people who had added additional cable channels and the internet were paying over $100 per month outside the maintenance.  When we negotiated the new contract, we got much a faster system so now we can stream channels you couldn’t before. The internet is included in the package and now we get over 100 channels to view.  The cost went up to from $49.00 to $54.84 a month to the HOA which is less than $6.00 per household but for those that use the additional service was a cost saving of $50 or more.

Now for the more complicated matter.  Most units are two bedrooms and one bath.  But there are a handful of three-bedroom one bath and there are a couple of three bedroom one and a half baths townhouses.  They have a slightly larger share of ownership in the complex.   With that their share of the cost increases slightly in all the categories than say a two-bedroom unit.

Since the HOA is being charged a flat fee for every unit and not due to their size or number of bedrooms it was determined that a flat fee should be charged to all the units as well.  To do that we had to separate the charge from the other expenses.  That is why you see that in the upcoming maintenance fee.  It may look like we are adding that much more to our maintenance, but we are taking out what we used to pay which turns out to be a small increase with much more benefits.

EV Survey

As part of the Solar PV project we are looking at options related to EV chargers, both in public stalls and helping owners install chargers at their parking stall. We first need to find out if our community is even interested in EVs or planning on buying an EV as that will help us understand what solution will best serve our community. Please take a moment and fill out this survey and let us know what you think: https://forms.gle/8QDoyGFC4RBhHtfd6

Heat Pumps and Solar Thermal Updates

We have been working closely with Heliodyne Solar Hot Water and PACE Supply Corp. on the solar thermal system and heat pumps. We provided them with current drawings of the wash houses, as this is where the current and future heat pumps and solar water systems will be located.

PACE will be conducting a site inspection to determine the placement of two additional water tanks and the current heat pumps. This inspection is scheduled to take place in the first week of December. After the inspection, PACE and Heliodyne will work together to design and prepare a quote for Hawaii Unified and MVP to review.

Update on the PV system

Holu Hou Energy is working with HECO to determine the capacity of the transformers in and around the MVP complex. These studies are necessary to determine if the existing transformers have sufficient capacity, or if additional capacity is needed. The results of these studies will also have a bearing on the batteries that will be used.

HECO has been slow in responding to request from Holu Hou Energy due to the numerous lawsuits from the Lahaina fire.  Their engineering department has been overwhelmed with various studies to prove their stance in the cases.  We hope to have all the information needed by the end of December.  Will get an update from Holu Hou Energy in January.

As we conclude this newsletter, we’d like to express our heartfelt thanks for your continued support and engagement. Your participation and enthusiasm make our community truly special!

Wishing you a joyous holiday season filled with warmth, unity, and aloha spirit!

With gratitude,

The MVP Board of Directors