Newsletter

Makaha Valley Plantation Community Newsletter – November 2023 Edition

Aloha to all our residents of Makaha Valley Plantation – both new and long-standing members of our vibrant community! As we embrace the beautiful month of November, we’re excited to share with you some important updates and friendly reminders in our monthly newsletter. Mahalo for taking the time to stay informed and connected with our community happenings!

Progress on Hot Water System Upgrades

MVP has engaged in discussions with a vendor, coordinated by Hawaii Unified, to provide a solar thermal system and replace our heat pumps. They’ve posed several important questions to help us appropriately size the system for both the current and future needs of the complex. MVP houses a diverse range of homeowners, each with unique usage demands. While some units are occupied only a few months annually, others house relatively large families living year-round. One key aspect we need to determine is the amount of hot water consumed in the complex. Currently, we monitor overall water usage without distinguishing between hot and cold water consumption. Understanding whether usage is seasonal is another aspect we aim to clarify to offer accurate and useful feedback.

Regarding the solar thermal system, we’ve learned that it cannot be integrated with the heat pumps but can operate in tandem with them. This necessitates adding more tanks to the washhouses, and we are currently discussing potential locations for these additions. The advantage of the solar thermal system is its ability to reduce reliance on our electrically powered heat pumps, as it’s primarily solar-driven.

As for the heat pumps, we are in the process of sourcing them and are awaiting a quote detailing the cost to the investor and the timeline for delivery and installation. Rest assured, we will provide further information on these developments in the coming months.

Washer and Dryer Update

In April, our new agreement with WASH came into effect, bringing notable changes to MVP. One significant shift is in the revenue we receive to offset the expenses of providing utilities for the laundry equipment. Previously at 40%, our share has now increased to 63.85%. This boost in revenue will help in managing our communal utilities more effectively.

The new laundry equipment has been ordered and is scheduled for installation in January 2024. Until the upgraded machines are in place, we will continue charging $1.75 per load for washing or drying. Once the new equipment is installed, the cost per load will rise to $2.00. This increase is necessary to align with the enhanced capabilities and efficiencies of the new equipment.

Our initial hope was for an earlier delivery and installation date. However, we’ve encountered delays due to broader supply chain issues, including chip shortages and heightened demand on the manufacturer. These external factors have inevitably affected our timeline.

We’re excited about the prospect of more efficient laundry facilities and believe this will greatly benefit our community. We look forward to sharing more updates in the upcoming months.

Update on PV System and Charging Stations

MVP has been actively engaging with Holu Hou Energy and Hawaii Energy to explore viable solutions for providing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Built between 1974-1976, our complex wasn’t designed for the electrical demands we encounter today, particularly for EV charging. Upgrading our electrical infrastructure is essential for this endeavor, and we’re gathering data to inform our planning and make incremental improvements.

Economic considerations are also at the forefront. Equipping each unit with a charging station outlet is a costly venture, and the potential return on investment is uncertain. To gauge interest, we plan to conduct surveys. Our diverse community includes senior citizens, young professionals working remotely, investors owning most units, and some residents on government assistance. Their interest in EV charging stations varies, so these surveys will be crucial in our decision-making process.

One proposal involves setting up public charging stations, which is why we’re in discussions with Hawaii Energy, a government organization that could assist us in this setup. The plan is to start with a few stations for use by homeowners and guests. However, finding suitable locations for these stations is challenging, given our limited parking space and the need for equitable access across the complex.

Regulating station use is another topic under consideration. Proposals include increasing charging rates after a certain period to encourage turnover or having the system shut off and become unavailable to the same user ID until the next day. Implementing a sign-up sheet was also suggested, but this would require significant monitoring.

Holu Hou Energy is also liaising with HECO to obtain schematics and data for the system integration. We’ll provide more details on this progress in our upcoming newsletters.

Living with Aloha by the Pool

We cherish the harmony and respect that define our community at Makaha Valley Plantation. Recently, however, there have been incidents of vandalism and harassment around our pool area. We kindly remind everyone to abide by the pool rules to ensure a safe and pleasant environment for all. Familiarize yourself with the house rules available at makahavalleyplantation.org/forms/. Let’s work together to avoid the necessity for citations and fines. Remember, living together means living with Aloha.

Your Voice in Our Community – Election Bylaws Amendment

We are in the critical final two weeks of voting on our Election Bylaws amendment. Achieving the 66% threshold required to change our bylaws is essential for ensuring our Board of Directors accurately represents our diverse community. This amendment will facilitate easier election and re-election processes for board members. If you haven’t cast your vote yet, please do so as soon as possible by contacting the front office. Your participation is vital for our community’s progress.

Responsible Trash Disposal

A friendly reminder to all MVP residents: our communal garbage bins are not intended for bulky items like furniture. Disposing of such items improperly not only violates community guidelines but also incurs additional costs for the association – a cost shared by all. Please be considerate and dispose of large items responsibly to help keep our community clean and our expenses in check.

Maintenance Fee Update

We would like to inform our residents about an upcoming change to the maintenance fees. Despite our best efforts to maintain the fees at their current level, the realities of inflation and rising insurance costs have made an increase unavoidable. The Board of Directors has worked tirelessly to minimize the impact of this. We encourage all residents to review the updated budget carefully and feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. We appreciate your understanding as we navigate these challenging economic times together.

As we conclude this edition of our newsletter, we want to extend a heartfelt Mahalo to everyone in our community for your ongoing support and cooperation. Remember, the strength of Makaha Valley Plantation lies in our collective effort to maintain a welcoming, respectful, and vibrant community. Should you have any questions or need assistance, the MVP Board of Directors is always here to help.

Mahalo from the MVP Board of Directors!

Aloha MVP Residents,

We extend a warm welcome to both our new and existing residents as we dive into the October 2023 edition of the MVP newsletter. While we cherish the vibrant community spirit that binds us together, we must also acknowledge the recent tragedy in Maui, which continues to weigh heavily on our hearts. In light of this, we want to reassure everyone that the safety and well-being of our community is our top priority. With this in mind, we are actively addressing concerns related to fire safety to ensure our beloved MVP remains a secure and serene haven for all.

Feeding Feral Cats

It has come to our attention that some residents are still feeding feral cats within our community. While we understand the compassion behind this act, it’s essential to recognize that this well-intentioned gesture can have unintended consequences. Feeding feral cats not only disrupts the local ecosystem but also poses potential health risks, particularly for our young and elderly residents. Cat Scratch Disease, a severe bacterial infection, can result from cat scratches. To safeguard the health and hygiene of our community, we kindly request that you refrain from feeding these cats. Your cooperation is vital in maintaining a safe environment for all.

PV Solar Project Meeting Update

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the owners who attended our recent information meeting about the PV Solar Project. Your participation and engagement were greatly appreciated. Here are some key takeaways from the meeting:

• Ted emphasized the crucial role of solar and battery storage systems in emergency situations, highlighting their effectiveness during the recent Maui fires.
• The installation of solar panels and battery storage will enhance our community’s resilience during power outages, ensuring access to electricity, refrigeration, and lighting in emergencies.
• This project aligns with Hawaii’s sustainability efforts, contributing to reducing our community’s carbon footprint.
• Regarding funding, it’s important to note that the roofing project is being paid for by the investors of the project, and not sourced from the HOA reserves.
• Concerns about the appearance of solar panels were addressed, assuring a low-profile, sleek design.

Prioritizing Fire Safety

As we navigate through the scorching summer, our collective concern for fire safety takes center stage. We took proactive steps by inviting the fire captain and fire inspectors to assess our property and review our fire procedures. Their evaluation indicated that our existing fire plan is robust, requiring no immediate modifications. Following a thorough walkthrough of the property, a few areas identified for improvement have been promptly addressed by our tree trimmers. If you have any further concerns or questions about our fire safety measures, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Feeding Animals

We kindly request the community’s cooperation in refraining from feeding local wildlife and stray animals. This practice can lead to several concerns such as unpleasant odors, spoiled food, and creates difficulties for our staff in maintaining a clean environment. If you happen to notice a neighbor engaging in this behavior, we encourage you to inform our front office so that we can address the situation appropriately. It’s important to remember that not everyone is aware of the challenges associated with feeding animals, so let’s foster a harmonious living environment together.

Dog Doo Doo Don’ts

The issue of unattended dog waste on our sidewalks persists! We kindly remind all residents to be diligent in cleaning up after their beloved furry 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. By identifying and addressing this concern, we can politely remind everyone that we share the same pathways within our community.

In closing, we want to express our gratitude for your continued support and involvement in making MVP a thriving and secure community. Your commitment to our shared well-being is what makes MVP a truly special place to call home.

Mahalo from the MVP Board of Directors

Aloha Makaha Valley Plantation Residents!

Welcome to the August edition of the MVP Newsletter! As we navigate through the sweltering summer days, we hope you’re finding ways to beat the heat. Please remember to exercise caution with open flames and cigarettes, ensuring the safety of our vibrant community.

HO6 Resolution Passed – Proof of Insurance Due

We’re thrilled to announce the successful passage of the HO6 insurance resolution—a significant achievement benefiting our entire community. To ensure seamless implementation, we kindly request every owner to submit their “proof of insurance” by August 1st.
If you haven’t already, please obtain a copy of your insurance from your provider and email it to HO6@insuringhawaii.com and chester@touchstoneproperties-hawaii.com. Also, you may want to have your insurance company add Insurance Associates as additional interest on your policy so that they receive it yearly.
 
Insurance Associates Inc.
800 Bethel St. #200
Honolulu, HI 96813

Your cooperation is essential to avoid additional HOA fees. Questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out.

Update on Election By Laws

Our ongoing efforts to enhance our election procedure bylaws are in full swing. We invite all owners who haven’t yet submitted their votes to participate and help shape a more representative and community-driven election process. Time is running out, so please connect with Chester from Touchstone Properties or visit the front office to ensure your voice is heard.

Supporting Lahaina Fire Victims

Our hearts go out to those affected by the devastating fires in Lahaina. Let’s come together as a tight-knit Hawaii community and offer our support during these challenging times. Stay safe and extend a helping hand to those in need.

Stay Connected with Free Internet

Did you know that your HOA fees include a complimentary internet and cable package from Spectrum? Enjoy services like Spectrum TV® Select, Entertainment and Sports View, Spectrum Internet® Ultra 500 mbps with Wi-Fi (including a FREE Modem and Router), and two HD DVR Boxes. If you haven’t made the switch yet, contact Spectrum’s Bulk customer care line at 1-855-326-5115. If you get stuck feel free to reach out to us and we can help you get your free internet!

Update On Our Hot Water Heaters

We’re committed to enhancing your living experience here at MVP. We’re currently exploring options to upgrade or replace our hot water heater system to provide you with better comfort and efficiency. Keep an eye out for updates as we strive to elevate our community’s amenities.

Paws and Reflect (Cleaning up after our dogs)

Let’s maintain the harmony and beauty of our community by looking out for one another. Remember, we have strict guidelines in place for pet owners to clean up after their furry companions. It’s a small action that makes a big difference in keeping our surroundings clean and pleasant for everyone. By taking responsibility, we create a more joyful and Aloha-filled environment for all.

We extend our sincere appreciation to each one of you for making Makaha Valley Plantation a wonderful place to call home. Thank you for your continued support, and remember, your MVP Board of Directors is here for you.

Mahalo and warm regards,
The MVP Board of Directors

Aloha MVP Residents!

Greetings to all our wonderful new and existing residents of Makaha Valley Plantation (MVP)! As we bask in the summer sunshine, we’re reminded of how fortunate we are to call this beautiful community on the west side of Oahu our home, with the beach just a stone’s throw away. We hope you’re all enjoying the season and the vibrant spirit of our tight-knit community. This month’s newsletter brings some exciting updates and important reminders to keep our MVP living experience exceptional.

H06 Resolution Passed: Don’t Forget to Submit Proof of Insurance!

Great news! The H06 insurance resolution has been successfully passed, benefiting the entire community. However, to proceed with the next steps, we need “proof of insurance” from every owner by August 1st. If you haven’t done so already, please provide your insurance information by emailing H06@insuringhawaii.com and chester@touchstoneproperties-hawaii.com. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Update on PV System

We’re thrilled to share significant progress on our long-awaited PV system! Designing and implementing such a system in our vast multi-family complex posed several challenges, especially with the unexpected hurdles brought on by the pandemic, supply chain issues, and changing laws. But fear not, we’ve found a path forward!

Partnering with Holu Hou Energy, a company known for their patented multi-family project system, and Hawaii Unified, we are on the verge of a groundbreaking solution. Their expertise has been demonstrated in the successful completion of the Koa’e Makana multi-family complex on Kuai, and they’re gearing up to apply the same technology to 5,000 military homes across the islands.

Holu Hou Energies will handle the design and engineering, while Hawaii Unified will manage the installation. Progress is already underway, with engineers on our property setting up a schedule for the design work and permitting process. Permits are expected to be secured by the end of the year.

With our community’s concerns in mind, we’re also focusing on the condition of our heat pumps, aiming to prioritize upgrades for a more reliable source of hot water. Stay tuned for further updates as we make strides towards a greener and more sustainable future!

Election By Laws Update

We’re still in the process of amending our election procedure bylaws to make the process smoother, more representative, and aligned with our community’s desires. But we need your active participation! If you haven’t already, please cast your votes to elect new members and shape the future of MVP.

To submit your vote, reach out to Chester from Touchstone Properties or visit the front office. Your engagement ensures a strong and vibrant community leadership!

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. Be a responsible resident and utilize proper facilities for disposal. Together, we’ll keep our surroundings clean and pristine!

Supporting Our Chicken Catching Program

To address the overpopulation of chickens, we’re ramping up our chicken-catching program. The captured chickens and eggs will be thoughtfully relocated to a local farm. We kindly request that you refrain from feeding the chickens and other animals. Doing so creates challenges and uncleanliness for everyone. Let’s work together to maintain a harmonious living environment.

As we conclude this newsletter, we extend a heartfelt “Mahalo” to all MVP residents for being an essential part of this vibrant community. Your cooperation, engagement, and friendly spirit are what make our home truly special.

Mahalo from the MVP Board of Directors.

Aloha,

Welcome to the June edition of our community newsletter, “MVP Connections”! We extend a warm greeting to both our new and existing residents. It’s a pleasure to come together and share the latest updates and important information that affect our vibrant community here on the west side of Oahu.

H06 Resolution Update

The MVP Board is thrilled to announce the successful passing of the H06 Resolution! Mahalo to our diligent front office for going above and beyond, contacting homeowners and gathering votes to approve this vital By-Laws change. This new requirement ensures that homeowners purchase H06 insurance, providing comprehensive coverage for their condos and neighboring units in the event of any damage. We express our deepest gratitude to all homeowners for their invaluable support in getting this amendment passed.

Shaping Our Community, One Vote at a Time

We are still in the process of seeking votes to amend our election procedure bylaws, a significant step towards fostering a more representative process and reflecting our community’s desires. Our aim is to make electing new members and conducting smoother elections a reality. The deadline for submitting your vote is approaching soon, so we urge all homeowners who have not yet done so to reach out to Chester from Touchstone Properties or visit the front office to cast your vote. Let’s come together and shape the future of our community through active participation.

Keeping Our Information Updated

It has come to our attention that changes to homeowners’ addresses and emails are not accurately reflected in Touchstone’s directory of homeowners. To address this, we kindly request that each homeowner takes the initiative to update their information directly with Touchstone. This will help prevent any delays in communication and ensure that everyone stays informed. We understand that changes in ownership and personal contact details can occur, but by promptly updating your information, we can maintain a seamless flow of important announcements. Let’s work together to avoid any challenges, especially when it comes to future billing of electricity. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Guidelines for Unit Projects

Let’s address a common misconception among homeowners that may lead to misunderstandings. It is not accurate to assume that we can do whatever we want to our units without any restrictions. Before initiating any projects within your unit, it’s crucial to review and comply with the necessary documents provided on MVP’s website. These documents outline the process that needs to be completed, reviewed, and approved before starting any kind of projects. Let’s ensure that all projects undertaken align with our community guidelines and maintain the harmony we value. Your adherence to these guidelines will contribute to a safe and enjoyable environment for all.

We’re Online!

Did you know that our website, www.makahavalleyplantation.org, is a treasure trove of useful information? It contains essential details such as front office contact information, house rules, pet registration forms, construction forms, and even a map of the property. Take a moment to explore our website and discover more about our wonderful community. It’s a valuable resource at your fingertips!

Communication and Community

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our property manager, Chester Reeves, the front office, or the board directly. You can find all the contact details for the front office and management at: https://makahavalleyplantation.org/contact/

The email addresses of the Board of Directors are also available at https://makahavalleyplantation.org/association/. We believe in the importance of community and open communication, so please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any inquiries!

Mahalo,

MVP Board of Directors

Aloha,

Welcome to the May 2023 edition of the Makaha Valley Plantation newsletter! Our aim is to bring you the latest MVP news, project updates, and foster a strong community here on the westside.

Mahalo, Tommy!

The entire Board of Directors wishes to bid a fond farewell to our former Board President, Tommy Sowell. Tommy served on the board for over twelve years, most of them as President. His invaluable insight and experience contributed greatly to the community. With his background as an entrepreneur, general contractor, and real estate investor, Tommy possessed extensive knowledge of the buildings at Makaha Valley Plantation and real estate values. He also studied Hawaii Condo Laws and provided guidance to the board on procedural matters. Tommy has chosen to retire from the board of directors to pursue his dream of writing a book. He will be deeply missed at MVP!

H06 By-Laws Due Date

If you haven’t yet submitted your vote for the HO6 Insurance resolution, please check your email for a message from the front office. If you haven’t received it, kindly reach out to us!

This motion aims to make HO6 insurance mandatory for all owners, ensuring comprehensive coverage for both you and your neighbors. While most owners already have H06 insurance, passing this motion will allow us to take action, such as obtaining competitively priced insurance, ultimately helping to keep HOA fees down! Deadline for HO6 is May 31, 2023.

Update on the Voting By-Laws

As a reminder, you should have received a letter explaining a change to the HOA by-laws to streamline the election process. We are still working to gather the necessary votes. If you suspect you may not have voted, please contact us so we can provide you with a consent form!

Feeding Animals

We kindly request that the community refrains from feeding local wildlife and stray animals. This practice leads to issues such as odor, spoiled food, and makes it challenging for our staff to maintain a clean environment. If you notice a neighbor engaging in this behavior, please inform our front staff so that we can address the matter. Not everyone reads these newsletters or is aware of the problems associated with feeding animals, so let’s work together to live in harmony.

Treatment of Staff

Our dedicated staff and security team do an excellent job, and we are fortunate to have them on board. We remind everyone to treat them with kindness and respect. If you encounter any issues with a staff member, please inform the front office or your property manager, Chester Reeves. Harassment of staff is never acceptable, and such behavior will have consequences as we are liable for it. Thank you for treating others with compassion and kindness in your interactions!

Did you know that MVP has a webpage?

Our website is a valuable resource filled with helpful information, forms, house rules, and guidelines that every resident should follow.

If you’re planning repairs or renovations, remember to complete the necessary forms. Depending on the situation, you may require Board approval or need to provide building permits and drawings. Please familiarize yourself with designated construction times and the required construction materials for your unit, including sound-proofing materials for new flooring. These guidelines are in place to prevent costly mistakes.

If you’re a pet owner, don’t forget to register your pet. Stay informed about MVP happenings by completing the homeowner information form.

We strongly recommend reading the House Rules, which promote respect and cooperation within our community. Let’s work together to create a harmonious environment.

For more information and resources, please visit our helpful MVP website at www.makahavalleyplantation.org.

Communication and Community

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our property manager, Chester Reeves, the front office, or the board directly. You can find all the contact details for the front office and management at: https://makahavalleyplantation.org/contact/

The email addresses of the Board of Directors are also available at https://makahavalleyplantation.org/association/. We believe in the importance of community and open communication, so please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any inquiries!

Mahalo,

MVP Board of Directors

Aloha

Welcome to the April 2023 edition of the Makaha Valley Plantation newsletter! The aim of this newsletter is to bring you the latest MVP news, project updates, and help build community here on the westside.

Update on the Solar PV Project

There were some questions in our recent owners meeting about the Solar PV project so we want to clarify things for the rest of the community. As a reminder MVP is not paying anything for the solar installation and upgrades – all of the capital expenditure is coming from a set of investors, and implemented by our contractor Hawaii Unified. Sounds to good to be true? Well they will be earning money on all of the energy that is collected, which is why they are investing in the project. There are many benefits to our community, such as upgrading our electrical system, enabling EV charging stall updates, enabling mini-split air conditioner installations, and improving our water heater systems (finally!). We have also locked-in our electricity rate at $0.28 per kWh for the next 25 years, which is already cheaper than what HECO is charging, so this will save home owners a lot of money in electricity usage.

You can find these answers, and many other details, on our website’s Solar FAQ section: https://makahavalleyplantation.org/solar_faq/ – If you have other questions or concerns please get in touch!

New Trees

There were several trees that posed problems to the buildings at MVP.  Those trees were taken out and as promised new trees are being relocated and planted with better types of trees for our community.  Here are some pictures of trees that have been planted in the last couple of days.  We are excited about these new additions to the complex and we hope you are as well!

Employee Retention Credits at MVP

If you attended our annual meeting you may recall that our Treasurer, Greg Sokolowski,  mentioned he was working on the possibility that MVP might qualify for an Employee Retention Credit. This is a program run by the IRS that recognises, via a tax deductible credit, businesses and organizations that continued to pay their employees while shutdown during COVID. The program offers upwards of $26,000 for each employee which, given our 34 employees, would have been very helpful! Unfortunately, MVP didn’t qualify because we did not actually shut down, but we can be glad that we were able to continue operations and did not face a reduction in maintenance. It’s worth noting that we were not shut down by a government agency as we are deemed an essential operation and the employees were needed to continue operation. So, no big tax breaks here, but in the spirit of communication we wanted to update you of the result of this project.

Safety and Security

Given the shooting in Maili the other weekend it seems like a good time to remind the residents of MVP about their own security. Our security staff are not policemen but there are things they can do to help ensure your safety. If you are being, or feel, threatened you can and must notify HPD as well as our security. Our security will come down to your unit and bear witness to whatever is occuring, which greatly helps us in future prosecution or legal action. It is against the law to threaten people and that is a police matter. It is important that you report this right away and not wait hours or days to act on this situation.

In the case of noise complaints, you need to report them when it happens, so that our security can get down to your unit and witness this complaint. We know that the noise or arguing may well stop before our security gets there but over time they will catch incidences and we can take further action. It sometimes takes time but the people who violate the House Rules always do get caught. We understand that in the moment it is frustrating but our security team needs to follow proper procedure, so please do not be shy and reach out if you feel something is amiss.

If you see anyone feeding the cats or chickens, you need to report that to security also. Nobody wants to smell the odor of the cats or chickens when they defecate or urinate around their units. You may say to yourself that security doesn’t get to your unit fast enough to catch the people feeding the animals but what does happen is that security is now on notice that it is happening and when they are making their rounds, they will be looking towards those units that have been reported feeding the animals. These people do eventually get caught and are fined, which does a lot to deter this behavior. We are aware that some of them change where they feed the animals but security is aware and looks for this when making their rounds.

So if you see something wrong, then please report it! Our security team is here to help, and they need our help in order to do their jobs and keep our community safe and harmonious.

Seeking Volunteers

As you’ll see below we are still struggling to get enough votes to update our election bylaws update and H06 insurance requirements. This is likely partially due to owners being off-island and not being fully engaged with the community, but we are seeking volunteers to hit the pavement and do some door knocking to help engage with owners who have not responded to these votes. If you are interested in improving your community and life here on the westside then please reach out to mvpcommunicationcommittee@gmail.com – mahalo in advance!

Election Bylaws Update

As we’ve mentioned in previous emails we are eager to update our bylaws to make our elections effective and efficient, such that the members of the community who receive the most votes can join the board. We have received votes from 30.4% of the community, well short of the 67% we need to make this change. As such the front office will be reaching out to all owners to update their contact information, as we suspect that many of our emails and contact addresses are out of date. If your contact information has changed, be it your email, phone or postal address please let the front office know!

HO6 Insurance Resolution Reminder

As you’ve heard we are looking to pass a bylaw that makes H06 insurance a requirement. We have received votes from 44.98% of owners, which we are grateful for, but we need push a little further to get the 50.1% approval needed. This helps protect all owners in the event of flooding, water leakage, and a range of other accidents that can happen. It also allows the association to purchase more competitively priced insurance, which will help us avoid association rate increases.

You should have received a letter about an amendment to the bylaws, making H06 insurance mandatory, but if you have not received this or know of another owner who hasn’t we encourage you to contact Touchstone and get a new packet sent out!

If we are able to pass this motion we will be able to obtain more competitively priced insurance, which goes a long way to keeping all of our HOA fees down!

Moving back to Zoom for General Association Meetings

During the heights of the COVID-19 lockdowns we moved our general association meetings to Zoom. There were some technical challenges but it was a helpful way to keep the community together while everyone was remote. Since the lockdowns have ended we had moved our meetings back to in-person at the Kiana pools, however we found that this was difficult for owners to attend, particularly owners who live off-island, so we have moved back to doing Zoom meetings for now. Our next meeting will be on June 20th so look out for Zoom meeting information from the front office closer to the time.

Communicating and Community

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our property manager, Chester Reeves, the front office, or the board directly. All of the phone numbers and emails for the front office and management are available at: https://makahavalleyplantation.org/contact/

You can also find the email addresses of the board of directors at https://makahavalleyplantation.org/association/. Most boards do not make themselves so accessible, but we believe that community and communication are important, so please contact us if you have any questions!

Mahalo,

MVP Board of Directors

Aloha
 
Welcome to the March 2023 edition of the Makaha Valley Plantation newsletter! The aim of this newsletter is to bring you the latest MVP news, project updates, and help build community here on the westside.
 
Annual Owners Association Meeting
 
It was wonderful getting to see so many of you in person the other weekend, and particularly meet the new members of our community! With all of the disruptions around COVID over these last few years it’s been good to see one another in person, and we look forward to our upcoming general meetings. In this meeting our board president of the last 13 years, Tommy Sowell, retired from the position of president. We are grateful to Tommy for leading the board and bringing all of his experience and savvy to the position – Mahalo Tommy! We held elections for 5 roles and, as you’ll see below, no-one was able to reach the majority of votes needed to gain a board position. With Tommy stepping down, the board elected Kathy Sowell to the position of President. Gregory Sokolowski will remain as treasurer, with Patrick Muldoney taking on the role of secretary. Larry Moore remains vice president. With these election results, we now find ourselves in the unusual position of having SEVEN positions up for election next year!
 
Election Bylaws and an Election Committee
 
It’s obviously not ideal to be unable to elect new, or even existing, board members. Ten members of the community ran for office, some new to Makaha and some long-time owners, demonstrating that people are eager to stand and serve – this is fantastic news and bodes well for the future of Makaha Valley Plantation!
 
As such it is more important than ever that we update and modernize our bylaws. This issue is causing our election troubles and until this is changed it will be hard to elect new members of to the board, which reduces trust and communication between the board and the community at large.
 
The board tried to get a mail-out vote to change this bylaw last year but this was unsuccessful. For this change to happen we will need the community itself to get involved, contribute to the bylaws updating process, and help foster the support of the community at large. If you are interested in helping form an Election Bylaws Committee then please reach out to the board! We can’t do this alone – we need you! If you are interested in getting involved, please get in touch.
 

 
Pickle Ball Update
 
We’re excited to share that the tennis courts have been updated with Pickle Ball lines! Pickle Ball is a fun and accessible sport for all ages, so we hope to see you out on the courts as the weather improves.
 

 
Kiana Jacuzzi Update
 
After 50 years our jacuzzi’s were finally starting to show their age so we’re excited to share an update on the progress of their renovations! The Kiana jacuzzi is replaced and looking sharp, and ready for everyone to enjoy again. The Ala Mahiku jacuzzi is still being worked on and we hope to have it sorted out soon. Please look out for notices and emails regarding these updates.
 
Washer Dryer Updates
 
WASH is the company that provides our laundry room services. We have been negotiating a new contract with them, as well as investigating other options. After investigating all available options, including managing our own laundry rooms, we have decided to go ahead with a renewal of the WASH contract.
 
A company that wants to provide laundry services to MVP must have hundreds of thousands of dollars to invest in equipment, technicians, transportation, spare parts, software apps that can link to your phone, an accurate accounting system, internet capabilities and an administration staff to manage all of this. In addition, they pay most of the revenue generated from the washers and dryers to MVP. At this stage MVP does not have the capital, manpower, technicians, spare parts, and all the other aspects to conduct an inhouse program.
 
With regards to allowing owners to install their own washers and dryers we have determined that now is not an appropriate time to pursue this. We first need to finish the PV project and upgrade our electrical systems, such that many owners can have high-power appliances such as dryers without threatening the whole community’s grid. The other issue is that we really need everyone to have H06 insurance, such that everyone is covered in the event of leaks or damages. Our H06 bylaws amendment has only received 36% correspondence, which we hope to increase this year.
 
Another issue is that you also would have higher water charges in your maintenance.  With the laundry rooms we get some remuneration for water usage out of the revenue from the washers.  If the washer is in the unit, that water becomes a part of the maintenance, and we all share in the cost of that. 
 
With the renewal of this contract with WASH they will be providing all new equipment and new features to make doing laundry a little easier.  If you have lived at MVP for a while, you’ll know we haven’t raised the cost of doing laundry over the last 7 years. We all know that everything has gone up.  There will be a small increase of $0.25 a load and we will continue to keep prices as low as possible.  Please review the flier that gives more details on what new features you will be able to use.  The HOA has worked with WASH over the years and has been very satisfied with their equipment and service.  We look forward to working with them again.
 
WASH is introducing a new Mobile App + Card Bundle that will make life easier for everyone! New features of the service include:

1. Receive real-time alerts and notifications when your laundry is done
2. Room View allows you to remotely see if machines are available
3. Recharge your WASH card via the mobile app
4. Updated credit kiosks that support credit and debit cards
5. Contactless card payment at the washers and dryers

You can read more here (https://makahavalleyplantation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Mobile-AppCard-Bundle.pdf) and if you have any queries please reach out!

HO6 Insurance Resolution Reminder

As mentioned in the Washer-Dryer update above it is very hard for us to get to a position of allowing owners to install washers and dryers without an assurance that, in the event of fire or flooding, everyone will be covered.

You should have received a letter about an amendment to the bylaws, making H06 insurance mandatory, but if you have not received this or know of an another owner who hasn’t we encourage you to contact Touchstone and get a new packet sent out!

If we are able to pass this motion we will be able to obtain more competitively priced insurance, which goes a long way to keeping all of our HOA fees down!

Communicating and Community

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our property manager, Chester Reeves, the front office, or the board directly. All of the phone numbers and emails for the front office and management are available at: https://makahavalleyplantation.org/contact/

You can also find the email addresses of the board of directors at https://makahavalleyplantation.org/association/. Most boards do not make themselves so accessible, but we believe that community and communication are important, so please contact us if you have any questions!

Mahalo,
MVP Board of Directors

Aloha

Welcome to the February 2023 edition of the Makaha Valley Plantation newsletter! The aim of this newsletter is to bring you the latest MVP news, project updates, and help build community here on the westside.

Association of Owners Annual Meeting

As a reminder for owners, we have our upcoming annual association meeting.

Date: Saturday, March 18, 2023

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 look forward to seeing you all, discussing updates to Makaha Valley Plantation, and we have five board positions up for election!

Hot tub repairs and replacement

If you weren’t at the last Board meeting one of the hot tubs is down and will need to be replaced.  We have gotten many, many years of service and it just needs to be replaced.  For now, we will make some temporary repairs to keep it going while we source a contractor to build us new ones.  These contractors will also need to obtain permits for the extensive work that needs to be done.  I’m sure most of you have heard how difficult it is to get a building permit in a timely matter.  We hope to have a contractor identified soon and have them start drawing and applying for building permits for the new hot tubs.  We appreciate your patience.

Tree Trimming

Over the next month MVP will have the trees trimmed around the property (it’s amazing how fast they grow). The large trees provide many benefits, not the least of which is lowering the temperature around the property.  Unfortunately, some have grown so much they are uprooting driveways, undermining building foundations and the mailbox areas.  According to our arborist, if we were to cut back the roots as much as they need to be cut back there is a very good chance they would die.  We can’t have them undermining our building foundations nor destroying our driveways and mailbox areas.  We have some other trees that were planted only a few feet from our building and in fifty years they have been reduced to just a large trunk.  We have consulted various professionals and, due to the issues these trees are causing, we reluctantly need to take them down.

Once the old trees are removed, we are going to replant new trees that are better situated for the area, provide plenty of shade, and don’t have the aggressive root system the current trees have. We located some lumber mills and had them come out and they will be working with the arborist to cut them down in such a way that they can be reused.  The lumber mills will in turn cut them up for wood craft artisan to make table tops, chairs, bowls, plaques, and other artful wood pieces to grace the homes around the islands and the world.  We ask for your understanding in this matter and we look forward to planting a new group of trees that will give us shade and greenery for decades.

Update on the HOA Voting By Laws

We have received 15% correspondence for changing our HOA Voting By Laws, well short of the majority needed to enact this resolution. As a reminder the change we are looking to make is to allow enable community members to be elected to the Board of Directors by receiving the greatest number of votes, rather than requiring they meet approval of the majority of the community, which as we found last year makes it hard to elect new members, or even re-elect prior members.

In our upcoming annual meeting, there are FIVE seats open, so if we are not able to make this change ahead of time it is likely to be difficult to elect any new, or re-elect existing, board members. You should have received an explainer letter and voting form but if you have not please reach out to Chester at Touchstone so they can provide you with one!

HO6 Insurance Resolution Reminder

This is what could happen if a leak took place above your unit. (The above picture is of a unit not in MVP). Nobody should have to deal with this, but it can happen.  If you’re not properly insured, the HOA insurance will only repair your unit to its original condition.  That means replacing the drywall and painting the walls and a credit toward flooring and other basic items.  You could also be faced with paying the $25,000 deductible, all because of a careless mistake. Are you prepared to do that?

The board of Directors has recently put forward a motion to make HO6 insurance mandatory for all owners – this will ensure that whatever happens to you, or your neighbor’s unit, everyone will be properly covered. Most owners already have H06 insurance which is great, but we need to pass this motion in order to take action, such as obtaining more competitively priced insurance which will help in keeping HOA fees down!

We have received 31% approval from the community and need 50% approval to proceed with this motion. You should have received an explanation letter titled “Resolution to Require Owners Insurance”.  If you haven’t received or misplaced the voting form, please reach out to Chester at Touchstone. We encourage you to be involved in your home, investment, and community by protecting it with the proper insurance.

Mahalo,

MVP Board of Directors

Aloha

Happy Holidays and welcome to the January 2023 edition of the Makaha Valley Plantation newsletter! The aim of this newsletter is to bring you the latest MVP news, project updates, and help build community here on the westside.

General Meeting

As a reminder for owners we have an upcoming board meeting this Tuesday. If you’re an owner living on-island we hope to see you there:

Date: Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Time: 6:30 p.m. – Call to Order     

Place: Kiana Pool Pavilion

A Note On Water Hoses and Public Spaces

Please refrain from using personal water hoses on any common area spigots or faucets. Rule D.1 on Page 8 of the House Rules reads: “No apartment Owner, Occupant or Guest shall place, store or maintain in the halls, lobbies, stairways, landings, walkways, grounds or other Common Elements of Makaha Valley Plantation any furniture, plants, packages, or objects of any kind, nor obstruct transit through such Common Elements in any manner whatsoever…”

If you would like to wash your car we have a designated area for this purpose, so just check with the guard shack and they can give you the key. Mahalo!

Update on the HOA Voting By Laws

We are nearing our next general election and all owners should have received a letter detailing the changes to the HOA by-laws that we’ve been discussing for a while. As a reminder the change we are looking to make is to allow enable community members to be elected to the Board of Directors by receiving the greatest number of votes, rather than requiring they meet approval by the majority of the community, which as we found last year makes it hard to elect new members, or even re-elect prior members.

You should have received your updated letter and voting form but if you have not please reach out to Chester at Touchstone so they can provide you with one. If you have any questions about this change then please reach out so we can clarify anything that is on your mind!

H06 Insurance Resolution Reminder

No-one likes bad news and there is no worse news than your home, or someone else’s, being damaged and finding out that it is not properly covered by insurance! The Board of Directors has recently put forward a motion to make H06 Insurance mandatory for all owners – this will ensure that whatever happens to you, or your neighbors home, everyone will be properly covered. It will also mean that the association is able to purchase more competitively priced insurance, which will help avoid association fee increases as insurance rates have been increasing over the last few years!

You should have received an explainer letter titled “Resolution to Require Owner Insurance”, and Mahalo to everyone who has submitted their vote. If you haven’t submitted your vote please go ahead and do so, or reach out to Chester at Touchstone if you did not receive the letter. We appreciate your involvement in helping protect our community!

Mahalo,

MVP Board of Directors