Orchidland Conflict

[KeaauRich]

birchl, you raise an interesting point, but I don't think it's a Hawaiian vs. Haole/American/Mainland thing. I think folks who serve on association boards are, for the most part, truly community minded people who want the best for their neighborhoods. However, their task is complicated by a number of facts. The county denies all responsibility for roads, yet requires that these roads be open to all. Some local residents want improvements and property value increases and are willing to pay for them, while some residents prefer a more isolated existence and don't care about increased property values that would raise their tax bill). Full time residents see the need for road repairs and community services and are willing to pay their share, while some mainland investors have never even seen their properties and don't feel required to contribute to community improvements. Those who do pay are justifiably upset that their contributions seem to go into a black hole, those who don't want to pay or can't afford to pay are angry whenever fee increases are introduced, and the associations have limited ability to force non-payers to ante up.

It's a no-win situation that can only lead to dissension. Much as I don't want to see our community (or others) subject to receivership, I suspect that that may be the only solution that will enable the associations to get back on track.