Kuhio Shores Newsletters - December 13, 2004

NEWSLETTER
KUHIO SHORES AT POIPU
12/13/04

Aloha Fellow Homeowners,

REMINDER: The 2005 annual homeowners meeting will be held March 14th. Please plan to attend.

A board meeting was conducted December 1, 2004, telephonically.

You recently received a letter from Hawaii First, Inc., advising you of an increase in monthly maintenance fees effective 1/1/05. It was explained to the board that a combination of factors made this action necessary. I would first like to expand on the information provided you from Hawaii First regarding the lobby office. It was not the board’s idea nor was it our decision to terminate rental of the office. This action was taken at the advice of the AOAO attorney who related that to maintain such an activity would most likely lead to legal problems. American Disability Act (ADA) issues brought forth on Kauai in recent months would make a condo association vulnerable to all ADA regulations, including each and every condo unit as long as there is a function or activity on site that caters to the public. The business in the office did cater to the public which could have had far reaching effect on each of our units. As such, we took the advice of our attorney and no longer have a business or activity that caters to the pubic on site. Renting out the office in the lobby contribute to only 8% of the maintenance fee increase. The most significant increase is for insurance costs brought on largely by the Florida hurricanes. Rising operational costs also contributed as well as proper funding of the reserve fund. Kuhio Shores still remains among the lower maintenance fee condo associations. The lobby office will mainly be used for storage, fax room, security office, etc. Further, we have moved out of the storage facility that we rented in Koloa for some time and will save on that cost. Storage materials have been transferred to the lobby office.

We are currently in the process of renovation the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floor elevator lobbies with different paint, softer lighting and new carpeting in those areas. Also, all walkways and hallways were recently power washed and repainted.

Bids have been received to replace the gate and fencing at the West end of the building as the current gate has rusted badly. The keypad entry system will continue to be used.

We will also be installing a safety guard rail next to the concrete drainage trough adjacent to the sidewalk leading to the gate.

A comprehensive proposed landscape plan for all areas surrounding the entrance portico was submitted by Director Bob Farrington who is a landscape architect. It would totally alter the appearance of this area even though existing palm trees would remain. It would entail many more plantings, new and additional seating, use of boulders, a pond with a one foot waterfall, full ground cover, etc. The plan is very impressive and was approved unanimously by the board as the financing was included in the budget.

On the local front, an official with Grove Farm has confirmed that their company is negotiating with Costco and that a store could be open and operating in the Puhi area by this time next year. A&B has yet to begin construction on the Kukuiula, 1000 acre project but they are currently planning to construct condominiums and affordable housing in the Port Allen area if approved. A new shopping center is also in the planning for the Poipu area with one story shops, grocery stores and parking for 450 automobiles. The exact location has not been reported.

Jo and I arrived on island November 2nd, and will be here until May 1st. If you have any concerns, comments or questions please feel free to contact me.

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for March 2, 205, at 1:00 Pacific time.

The board wishes all of you a very enjoyable and safe holiday season.