Property Manager Jim Merrell has posted some highlights from the Board of Directors meeting held on June 3, 2010.
Lili`uokalani Gardens at Waikiki JUNE 2010 Board of Directors’ Meeting
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS
The Board agreed to hold a resident’s informational meeting regarding hurricane preparedness. The program will be put on by the Honolulu Police Department, and will be held at the pool pavilion on Thursday, June 17, 2010, at 6:00 pm.
LOUD PARTIES
Lili`uokalani Gardens has been around since 1984 and so have parties at the pavilion. As enjoyable as parties can be, one problem incurred is that pavilion and barbecue parties sometimes spill into the pool area. Remember, when you “rent” the pavilion or have a barbecue party at our newly renovated barbecue areas (3 of them), you are not renting the pool and the pool must remain open for all residents. Another problem is parties inside the pool area. There is a limit on the number of guests one can have at the pool area. Certainly if all occupants of our 385 apartments tried to use the pool at the same time, we would have overcrowding. Recently there were three separate parties at the pool/barbecue areas going on, involving adults and children. The parties got loud and those seeking the quiet enjoyment of the common elements and their own units nearby were interrupted. Please be mindful of the guest limit rules and your neighbors when involved in gatherings on the common elements.
COMMERCIAL UNITS - Amendments passed
The Owners of Lili`uokalani Gardens have voted and approved the amendments to allow the borrowing of funds to purchase the leased fee interest in the three commercial units and to authorize the purchase of commercial units 1 and 3. The Board negotiated a loan with First Hawaiian Bank for the purchase price which ended up at around $725,000. The original price was increased by the lessor about $8,000 for each time a deadline to purchase was missed. Owners finally submitted enough positive votes to exceed 67% and pass the amendment allowing the Board to purchase the units. Commercial unit 1 is the resident manager’s office and conference room. Commercial unit 2 is the resident manager’s apartment and a tenant-occupied studio rental. Commercial unit 3 is an occupied rental space in the Queen tower, first floor.
ENERGY COSTS MORE
The Board reviewed rising energy costs during its June meeting and discussed ways to reduce costs. Currently, the association is getting a monthly credit back from Hawaiian Electric Company for participating in the Energy Scout program. All hallways use low wattage energy efficient bulbs. The chiller runs 24 hours per day and the Board directed that the cost to replace the chiller with a more energy efficient design be reviewed to identify whether it would make sense to replace this chiller now, rather then later. The lobby temperatures have been raised to reduce energy costs. The Board installed variable frequency drive booster pumps which have really helped reduce costs. Perhaps all the oil spilling into the gulf is affecting prices?
ANNUAL MEETING
The Association annual meeting was held on April 1, 2010 and three candidates were nominated for two directorships. The Association members cast their ballots for Harry Jackson and Geno Baruffi. The five Board members are Joe Orneallas (2011), President, Mark Smith (2011), Vice President, Francia Hamnett (2011), Secretary, Harry Jackson (2012), Treasurer and Director Geno Baruffi (2012). Thanks to Dan McMahon for offering to serve on the Board. Next year, the Board will hold an informal informational meeting in February.
OWNER CONCERNS
An owner attended the Board meeting and addressed the Board with several items of concern. While the Board took the matter under advisement and later responded through the Managing Agent, all owners are reminded that they do not have to wait until a Board meeting if they have maintenance concerns and Resident Manager John Suster can be contacted on any business day during regular business hours. If it is a serious matter, especially during non-business hours, the watchman should be contacted.
GOT QUESTIONS??
If you have questions regarding the property, please see the friendly folks at our office in the King Tower. If you are an inquiring owner with a question for the Board or management, you can ask the Resident Manager or write a letter to the Board in care of Touchstone Properties, Ltd., 680 Iwilei Road, Suite 550, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817. Don’t forget to include your name and address.
http://www.liliuokalanigardens.com/article.php?story=20100610105123988