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Newsletter |
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| Volume 3 Issue 2 -- Summer 2003 |
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FROM THE MANAGER’S DESK
Aloha from sunny Maui, Jim.
On with the news…
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
Our most recent Board of Directors meeting was held on property April 4th. This meeting is normally held via phone conferencing. Six Directors attended in person and three Directors attended by conference call. Laura McSweeny was the only other homeowner in attendance.
Jim Hess reported a healthy financial picture in spite of stiff increases in utilities and insurances. Higgins Maddigan reported on the fine condition of our buildings and grounds. Dick Krell reported the results of the recent survey…as anticipated, a lively discussion followed that report.
The survey indicated that a majority of the homeowners would prefer to operate the office during normal business hours only. Dick Greene formed a committee to study the effects of a change in office hours and develop a plan to identify and mitigate any issues that may come up as a result of any change. The BOD plans no action on the carport issue for lack of interest. There will be no action regarding tree removal other than normal pruning and maintenance. A copy of the survey results is included with this newsletter.
The next Board of Directors meeting will be held October 17th in Scottsdale.
LEASED FEE INTEREST UPDATE
Earlier this year the AOAO closed escrow with the purchase of the fee interest of thirteen apartments. The intent was for the AOAO to control the fee interests, making them available for the owners of those units to purchase.
To date, four owners have purchased and closed escrow, and three others are in escrow to close before May 15th. Communication continues with the remaining six.
AS LAST, A NEW PHONE SYSTEM!
On March 3rd, a new phone system was installed replacing a system that was over fifteen years old. At this time we also changed our dial tone provider from Verizon to Pacific Light Net, and increased our total line capacity.
What does this all mean? Well, our first benefit is a clearer phone signal and no more dead lines while attempting to dial out. Nationwide long distance is now billed to any resident at only 10 cents per minute. Second phone lines are available to residents through our system at a most reasonable price of only $15.00 per month.
The project cost of $30,000 was budgeted and paid through reserve funds.
KOA HAPPENINGS
Kaanapali Operations Association Inc is the organization that manages and maintains the common areas within our resort area. As a member, the Kaanapali Royal contributes about $23,000 annually for our portion.
KOA recently approved a comprehensive landscape plan designed to rejuvenate and invigorate the existing common areas. The work is being prioritized and will occur over time as budget allows.
There are major changes planned at the entrances to the resort. Fountains, new pathways, garden benches, and low profile path-lights are included in the plan.
TREE WORK IN PROGRESS
As scheduled, the final three African Tulip trees near the "P" building were removed this month.
Following that work, the trimmers moved into our parking lots for scheduled trimming on the monkeypod trees. Trimming this year is a bit heavier than in the past, with the intent to reduce the size of the crowns.
As a reminder…all owners that keep a vehicle on property are required to leave access to a key when they are off island. There are occasions when we MUST move your vehicle.
WATER TOWERS INSTALLED
In February, two (of four) water towers were replaced, one each in the north and south AC rooms. The project also included replacement of the ducting in stainless steel.
The project cost of $85,000 was budgeted and paid through reserve funds.
OFFICE REMODEL
If you haven’t visited in a while, you will be surprised at our new office entrance.
The breezeway doors through the office (to the courtyard) have been totally removed. A new glass wall and door was added separating the breezeway from the office. The benefits are a cleaner, quieter, and more comfortable office environment.
Future plans include carpet, paint, and office furniture. An additional storage closet is also in the plans. Comments have been overwhelmingly positive on the changes.
GOLF COURSE NOISE
Following our January meeting, several owners signed a petition expressing their discomfort regarding the early morning mowing schedule on the sixteenth fairway.
As a result, the golf course grounds crew made changes to their schedule that puts this work as late as possible. In fact, they have redirected the route to nearby areas, so as to minimize early noise as much as possible along our property.
WHAT’S UP WITH THOSE FROGS?
Take a walk after sunset in any direction from the Kaanapali Royal and you will most certainly come across Bufo Marinus, commonly referred to as cane toads. These adult toads range in size from four to nine inches, although it is rare to see these toads larger than six inches. There are hundreds of toads surrounding the Kaanapali Royal.
Cane toads were introduced to Hawaii in 1932 in an effort to control insects that threatened the sugar cane industry. Their diet consists mostly of insects, bees, termites, mosquitoes, and other bugs. However, cane toads will eat almost anything including pet food and household scraps.
This toad is considered to be the most introduced amphibian in the world. In many parts of the world it is now considered a pest itself as it outcompetes native amphibians.
Cane toads produce a bufotoxin in the paratoid gland behind their head that is toxic to small animals and pets. In Hawaii it is estimated that up to fifty household pets a year die after mouthing cane toads. There have been human deaths reported from eating toads, or even eating soup made from boiled toad eggs.
A cane toad will respond to a threat by turning sideways to direct its venom towards the attacker. The venom can be easily absorbed in the eyes, mouth or nose, and may cause intense pain or temporary blindness. First aid treatment is flushing the area with lots of water.
My advice…don’t play with the frogs!
CHANGES IN THE WIND
It is always good to see new faces on property, please welcome these new owners.
B302 – Gretchen Von Helms & Jan Ronis
D302– Jeff & Amalia Nelson
H102– Larry & Patricia Jackson
And a fond aloha to old friends.
B302– Jim & June Sweeney
D302– Robert & Kip Wood
H102– Kristian & Dianne Armstrong |
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