Does the board need an owner vote?
The board needs approval from a majority of owners to spend more than 20% over the adopted operating budget, unless it is an emergency.
HRS 514B-148Hawaii special assessments: what your board must do.
Master insurance premiums that have multiplied since 2023.
Why Hawaii owners are getting these bills
Master insurance premiums for many condo buildings rose sharply after the 2023 Maui wildfires, and associations must keep the property insured and fund reserves, which pushes fees and assessments up.
HRS 514B-143; 514B-148Condos
What notice must owners get?
Owners must get 30 days' written notice of maintenance fee increases. For extraordinary assessments, the board's resolution with its findings must be sent with the notice.
HRS 514B-148Your right to see the records
You can inspect and get copies of association records. Minutes are due within 15 days when sent; for other documents the association has 30 calendar days to provide them or refuse in writing.
HRS 514B-152; 514B-154Payment plans, late fees and liens
Interest on late payments is capped at 18% a year. You can ask for a written, itemised statement of what you owe and use mediation for disputed fees, but you can't withhold the assessment itself while you dispute it.
HRS 514B-144; 514B-146HOAs (houses and townhouses)
Owner vote
Hawaii's planned community law sets no owner vote for special assessments; check your governing documents.
HRS 421J-9Notice
Owners must get 30 days' written notice of assessment increases.
HRS 421J-9Records
You can inspect association records. The association has up to 60 calendar days for most documents.
HRS 421J-7; 421J-10Payment, late fees and liens
Unpaid assessments become a lien. You can request a written statement of charges and mediation, but you must keep paying the assessment.
HRS 421J-10.5Summarised from the statutes in November 2026. Not legal advice; your declaration and bylaws may add more rules.