Below are some frequently asked questions and answers. If you have questions you would like answered please submit your question to wcvmgr@gmail.com . Please include your name and unit in the request.
I received in the mail from Hawaiiana; 1) Proposal to Amend the Bylaws to Reduce Notice Requirements for Maintenance Fee Increase and 2) Written Consent. What is this and what does it mean?
Our Bylaws provide for “at least (90) days prior” notice to increase maintenance fees. What this means for the Budget Committee and Board is they must start the budget process in the preceding Summer in order to do all the required work. Our Association must have everything final to mail to owners by the end of September. The majority of Associations, we are informed, only have a 30 day notice. Our 90 day requirement means we must rely upon only 6 months of the current year to project our expenses for the following year. If we were to change the notice period from 90 to 30 days, it would allow us to rely upon 8 months of data which gives a more solid basis for accurate projections. When the economy is relative stable with low inflation, the 90 days model is predictable. When the economy has the volatile inflation that we have experienced in the past two years, it is much more challenging. We believe it is in the best interest of owners to be able to rely upon the most data possible to project the budget for the following year.
The Proposal to Amend document is a more in-depth explanation. The Written Consent is for your vote, signature and returning in the postage paid envelope to Hawaiiana.
Can a Board Freeze Maintenance Fees?
No. Hawaii Law requires that the Association set a budget annually based on operational expenses and capital reserve requirements to the common elements of the property.
How can I communicate with the Association?
Our on-site manager may be reached by phone (808) 896-0442 or at his office by the pool. Board members may be reached at the phone numbers or email addresses provided on our website (waikoloacolonyvillas.frontsteps.com) in the contact section. Owners are also encouraged to explore the Association website which provides information, documents and forms. The Bylaws, Declarations and Rules may also be found there.
With Insurance premiums constantly on the rise, how does Waikoloa Colony Villas ensure we are getting the best prices?
The Association uses an insurance broker that shops several different insurance companies for price and coverage options. These options are presented to the BOD for analysis and selection.
How come my monthly AOAO fees keep going up?
External factors such as inflation, cost of goods and replacement costs drive insurance companies to increase their coverage costs. Federal and state regulations drive the cost of resources such as water and energy up. The cost of maintenance and labor increases each year as well. The BOD reviews and monitors the expenses monthly to keep as close to budget as possible.
Are there other factors that drive our AOAO fees?
Yes. By law we are required to maintain and fund a reserve fund for 30 years. The funding is used for planned major projects such as painting, roof replacement, irrigation, and pool surfaces. Additionally, part of your AOAO fees are sent to the resort as our contribution to the infrastructure.
Has WCV considered solar option?
The BOD has reviewed and continues to monitor this option. With current technology and efficiency of panels, the amount of roof space on the common buildings and residential buildings does not provide enough room for enough panels to make the investment reasonable.
Does the roof structure of our buildings support solar panels?
The roof material, concrete tiles, are not ideal for the installation of solar panels. As we begin the reroofing effort the association may consider this option in the materials selection.
What other options have the Association considered with regard to solar panels?
Other complexes installed car ports to add additional square footage for solar panels. This would require a very significant investment that far exceeds the savings we would get over the life span of the panels. Additionally, the aesthetics of our community would not be enhanced by this option.
Were there other considerations with Solar energy?
Yes. There would be a considerable investment by each homeowner for solar batteries and wiring the panels for each unit. The cost far exceeds the savings over the lifetime of the investment. Homeowners would be responsible for installation and the cost to remove the panels when roof maintenance is needed. Additionally, having a good portion of our buildings along a golf course, the Waikoloa Land Company would not recommend solar panels and they would get damaged by errant golf balls.
If solar is not a viable option as a homeowner what other ways can save electricity?
Utilizing LED light bulbs and replacing the undercounter florescent lighting with LED strips can be a good start. Some homeowners have installed water heaters that have heat pumps (such as the Rheem ProTerra) in them taking the heat from the garage to heat the water. Installing an energy efficient Air Conditioning unit can also be a great energy saver. You can install a Sense monitor (Sense.com) in your home. This allows you to identify what appliances are running and the amount of energy they consume. This can help you plan the best way to become as energy efficient as possible. Additionally, the local electric company offer rebates and programs for appliance tune ups and maintenance. This can help offset the cost of the service.
Has the Association considered saving water by using a drip system in the plant beds?
Yes, it has been considered and we continue to evaluate the options as technology changes. Current options require a significant investment that does not yield sufficient savings over the life span of the installed equipment.
Has the Association considered converting some of the landscaping to hardscaping?
Yes. We continue to look at options and talk with landscape architects about this option.
What do I do if I notice a Landscaping issue such as dead/brown grass, dead plants or over growing plants?
Please notify the site manager as soon as possible with your concerns.
What do I do if I see a broken or malfunctioning sprinkler?
Please notify the site manager immediately. Broken and malfunctioning sprinklers can lead to unexpected water expenditure.
What should I do if I want to add or change plants around my unit?
You can download the Landscape Modification Form (Forms | Waikoloa Colony Community Portal (frontsteps.com)) and follow the instructions to begin the process.
Can I talk with the landscape technicians directly if I see or have an issue?
No. Our landscape staff has many duties each day. If you have issues or concerns please contact the site manager.
Does WCV have an AED on the property?
Recently the WCV Board approved the purchase and installation of two of these life saving devices. The WCV AED system boxes, located near the recreation center entrance and the Makai pool gate, includes an AED and its necessary accessories. There are instructions on the front of the boxes about how to access the AED. The AED will coach you through the rest of the steps with visual and audio prompts.
Can I add a screen door to my entry or tile my lanai?
You can download the WCV Modification Request Form (Forms | Waikoloa Colony Community Portal (frontsteps.com)) and follow the instructions to begin the process.
