NEWSLETTER
KUHIO SHORES AT POIPU
February 5, 2005
Aloha Fellow Homeowner,
A special meeting of the Board of Directors was conducted telephonically February 3rd. The primary reason for calling this special meeting was at the request of the newly formed committee to study upgrading and remodeling of the main lobby and portico. Originally, I reported that the committee was slated to present their recommendations at the annual meeting, however they persevered, worked very hard and were ready to present their recommendations much earlier. On February 1st, the committee made a presentation to four members of the board and other owners on site as it was their desire to complete the project prior to the annual meeting if the project was approved by the board. Their presentation was very professional, well documented and was very impressive. We were presented with layouts and an estimate of the cost involved. They further desired to complete this project earlier as some of the committee members will not be on island shortly after the annual meeting and thy wanted to participate in the work of the project to keep the labor costs down. The special board meeting was held two days later. After discussion at this meeting the committee recommendations were unanimously approved and proper funds were apportioned for the project. The committee did an outstanding job in the formulation of this undertaking and have great ideas. You will be duly impressed when you see the end product.
Stainless steel corner guards have been installed to the corners of all elevator openings as they were constantly being chipped by luggage and the luggage cart. They are attractive and provide needed protection.
In the early days of January, we experienced two torrential wind-blown rainstorms from the South and Southwest. (One storm even spawned a tornado that caused severe damage at the Nation Tropical Botanical Gardens) At times the wind speeds were reported to be between 40 and 50 miles per hour. Several ocean front units experienced window leaks. There were very few problems with the lanai windows and doors but with dining room windows, bedroom windows on the 9 stack and living room and bedroom windows on the 19 stack. The window contractor who installed our windows after Iniki, moved to the mainland so we contacted another local window contractor to review this problem with us. After spending a good deal of time examining these windows, he stated that the window channels could not drain the accumulated water as the strong wind would not allow the weep holes to drain even though they were protected with a diverter. As such, the window channels overflowed into the units. He said that the deflectors on the weep holes will allow drainage in windy conditions but not in winds the force we experienced. His only remedy was to recommend that we place pieces of foam into the deflector to prevent the wind from blowing in but at the same time saying the window channels may still fill with water as the water would only drip out the weep holes through the sponge material. We had all of these windows re-caulked last year and that did not appear to contribute to the leaking. We will continue to search for a remedy to this problem even if we have to fly in an expert from Oahu.
The "one" stack also experienced water problems but of a different nature. When the wind-blown rain came from the Southwest and West, the windows leaked but not into the individual unit. They leaked down through the brick wall to the units below causing ceiling damage and wet walls. The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floor windows are original windows and will be replaced but we also discovered that when the building was constructed, the brick below the window ledges were left hollow and not grouted. When these windows are replaced, the brick will be properly grouted. We have a like problem with the bedroom windows in the 9 stack and they will receive the same attention. In all cases, Albert will be contacting owners for a time that the work may be accomplished in their units. He is currently grouting under the window ledges in the laundry rooms.
Not only did the strong Kona winds cause window problems but our landscaping took a big hit. Vegetation ocean front and much in the parking lot and roadside was severely burned from the wind driven salt spray. Most of the shower trees lost half of their leaves and Stan had to trim many plants almost to ground level. The Oleander and Jasmine plants not only sustained damage but at the recommendation of our in-house landscape architect, Bob Farrington, the Oleander was cut to a three foot height in order to let the Jasmine receive some sunshine to aid in its growth. Needless to say, it isn't real pretty here right now but this is Kauai and we have already seen new growth in all of these areas.
We are in the process of replacing the four solar panels on the roof which supplement our hot water system for the laundry rooms. They are badly corroded and leaking. The shells and glass are in good condition and we will be replacing the interior grids and piping system for approximately one-half the budgeted amount.
Repairs are also needed to the seawall installed after Iniki. Some of the lava rack has come loose and fallen out and repairs will be scheduled as soon as possible. To neglect it would be to let it deteriorate.
Please remember that the annual meeting is March 14th. We look forward to seeing you at the meeting. Proxies will be mailed out within the next two weeks. If you cannot attend the meeting it is very important that you complete and return your proxy because if we do not have a quorum, we cannot have a meeting. Any of us on the board would be privileged to vote your proxy.
Mahalo and we hope to see you soon.
Dan Elliot, President
AOAO Board of Directors
(for the Board of Directors)
| 
