Newsletter ~ January/February 2024

Updated E-Newsletter Format

We've adopted an updated newsletter format to make it easier to read the latest news and more convenient to click on links to our website to view important documents. We hope that you like this new format!

VIEW WEBSITE

Thank you to all of the homeowners who made recent repairs to their homes as a response to the "friendly reminder" letters which were sent as a result of the walk-through last August. We asked that homeowners make the repairs by the end of December, and many of you did.

A follow-up walk-through will be done soon and any uncompleted repairs will be issued a violation notice. In addition, if there are major obvious violations (such as gutters), violation letters will be sent by Hawaiian Properties. Our development is now approximately 35 years old and we appreciate everyone working together to make sure The Heights at Wailuna continues to be a premier place to live!

ARCHITECTURAL MODIFICATIONS

Please familiarize yourself with The Heights at Wailuna Architectural Modification Guidelines and Architectural Modification Form (Application for Modifications, Additions or Improvements). Prior board approval is required for alterations such as installation of split air conditioning or photovoltaic solar panels/battery; replacement of exterior lights, garage door, gutters or utility/side doors; repair of siding/chimneys or roofs; or repaint of home exteriors. In addition, board approval is required for structural additions, extensions, or enclosures such as patio covers, storage sheds and deck.

Our Architectural Modification Guidelines state under Architectural/Modification Review Fees, "The Association may charge a reasonable fee for the administrative costs associated with accepting, preparing copies, reviewing, obtaining legal or licensed architect review, and notifying homeowners of Architectural Committee and/or Board’s action on submitted applications. Specific fees will be determined on a case by case basis consistent with the level of review required. The fee must be received by the Association at the time the request is made and will cover the costs of any external review. Any excess funds will be refunded to the homeowner."

Beginning this year, application requests for additions, extensions, and enclosures will be reviewed by a licensed architect hired by the Association to review that proposed improvement and renovation plans are in accordance with The Height's governing documents. Furthermore, the architect will provide expertise to evaluate the feasibility and design aspects of proposed projects. Applications for home additions/extensions will initially be assessed $1,000.00 and applications for enclosures such as patio covers, storage sheds and decks will initially be assessed $500.00 as a deposit for review by a licensed architect which will be on contract with the Association, who will charge a reasonable fee based on the amount of time required to review the application.

After the project has been completed, the architect will review to confirm the addition was built according to the blueprints which were submitted. After completion of the project, the Association will determine if any excess funds remain after paying the architect for the initial review and confirmation that the addition was built according to blueprints. Any remaining amounts from the deposit not used to pay for the initial review and the final confirmation will be refunded to the homeowner.

Finances

The board worked diligently with our Property Manager to accomplish major projects last year - and in a fiscally-responsible manner. Below, you'll see how the 2023 expenses compared to the budgeted amount. Utilities (sewage, water, electric) account for the largest category; Contracts (landscaping, tree removal, plumbing) is the second largest category. Our total actual expenses were $912,410 compared to our budgeted amount of $1,013,496. The "actual" Capital Expenses is much lower than the budgeted amount because the irrigation system has not yet been entirely completed.

You'll also see a pie chart reflecting the 2024 budget. Major projects this year include replacing the stamped concrete (located by the two entrances), irrigation system repairs, and rock wall repairs.

Water Usage & Rates

As homeowners at The Heights, we don't receive individual water bills but instead our HOA pays an aggregate monthly bill. As noted above, "utilities" account for the largest expense to our HOA. On November 28, 2023 the Board of Directors for the Honolulu Board of Water Supply adopted a proposed rate increase over a five-year schedule that went into effect on February 1, 2024.

According to a Civil Beat article, "Overall, monthly water bills are projected to increase by about 50% or more over the next five years. Specific increases will vary by individual ratepayer due to a complex system of user categories and pricing tiers. But generally, rates will go up 10% on Feb. 1; 10% on July 1; 9% on July 1, 2025, 8.5% on July 1, 2026; 8% on July 1, 2027; and 8% on July 1, 2028." The article also stated that, "According to a BWS presentation, an average single-family household that uses 9,000 gallons of water each month will see their charge increase from $59.50 to $97.80."

The Heights Board of Directors has asked Hawaii National Landscaping to limit watering of common areas during the winter months to Monday and Thursday mornings for five minutes. Please don't tamper with the sprinkler timer in your front area and if you see that it's on more frequently than what's noted above, please let Les know so HNL staff can adjust your timer.

If you have an irrigation system in your side/back yard, please watch how much you are watering, especially during the winter months.

If you notice excessive water which may indicate irrigation system leakage, please notify our Property Manager, Les Chang, and indicate the approximate location and include a photo of the water.

Also, for a limited time the Board of Water Supply is offering a $100 rebate on eligible water-saving toilets through its Water Sensible Residential Toilet Rebate Program.

Board of Directors

Karen Goto

Jennifer Jungel (Secretary)

Laurie Kim

Donna Kishi (Vice President)

Sasha Mak (President)

Lynn Villafana (Treasurer)

Desiree Yamauchi

Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of the Association of Apartment Owners (AOAO) of The Heights at Wailuna will be held at The Lodge (98-1856 Kaahumanu Street) on Monday, March 25 beginning at 6 pm. All owners are encouraged to attend the meeting, however, if you do not plan on attending, please return the proxy form that was mailed to you to ensure that a quorum is met. Deadline to return the form is Thursday, March 21, 2024.

Board Meetings

Board meetings for 2024 are scheduled for the following dates at 6:00 pm at The Lodge. All owners are invited to attend the meetings.

January 22
February 26
March 25 (Annual Mtg.)
April 22
May 27
June 24
July 22
August 26
September 23
October 28
November 25

Friendly Reminders

* While it is the homeowner's responsibility to maintain their gutters, the AOAO will replace malfunctioning gutters on the zero lot side of a home. We are currently working to determine which homes need gutter replacement on the zero lot side of the unit.

* The speed limit within The Heights is 15 mph. Remember to drive with caution within our neighborhood.

* Incoming mail needs to include your unit letter or it might not be delivered correctly to your home.

* There have been complaints of dogs running loose, owners not picking up after their pets, and dogs being left outside all day and creating a nuisance. Please be considerate of your neighbors. Our Rules and Regulations note, "Pets shall not be allowed to be housed and/or maintained in these side yard areas. Dogs and other pets shall not be allowed to be contained in those areas of a Condo lot described as side yards."