Convening A Working Group On The Governance Of Housing Subdivisions In The Puna District, Hawaii County.
The resolution calls for the convening of a working group tasked with reviewing existing procedures and rules within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs that have successfully governed condominium associations. The goal is to adapt these frameworks to improve governance in Puna subdivisions, focusing on creating effective systems for maintaining roads and shared infrastructure. By establishing a governing entity, it seeks to facilitate better maintenance and equitable assessment processes for landowners, thereby enhancing community safety and cohesion.
Senate Resolution 213 (SR213) addresses the challenges faced in the governance of housing subdivisions in the Puna District of Hawaii County. It highlights historical issues arising from the approval of large subdivisions in the 1960s that did not necessitate the creation of homeowner's associations (HOAs). As a result, the absence of organized governance has led to deteriorating roads, which pose risks to emergency response capabilities, exemplified by the tragic case of Dana Ireland in 1991, where delays in ambulance arrival significantly impacted health outcomes.
An important aspect of SR213 is the need for statutory guidance on the rights and responsibilities of homeowners regarding shared roads and infrastructure not managed by an association. The resolution highlights previously failed attempts to establish such governance structures and underscores the need for a dispute resolution process that allows landowners to appeal assessments regarding maintenance contributions. This absence of clear guidance has led to legal disputes and financial burdens for homeowners, emphasizing the importance of the proposed working group's recommendations.
Finally, the resolution tasks the working group with submitting a report of findings and potential legislative proposals by the next legislative session, indicating a proactive approach by the state to address these longstanding issues. By enhancing the governance of subdivisions, the bill aims to improve local infrastructure, ensuring better safety for its residents and emergency services.