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John A. Morris

John A. Morris

JOHN A. MORRIS first became involved with condominiums and homeowner associations when he served for three years (1988-1991) as the first condominium specialist for the Hawaii Real Estate Commission.  As condominium specialist, he gave advice on questions about the condominium law and helped review developers’ filings for new projects.  He also helped establish the Commission’s condominium education and mediation programs and proposed and drafted new legislation and rules for the Commission, including the legislation and rules relating to reserves.  On behalf of the Commission, he prepared a detailed report for the 1991 legislative session analyzing the issues he encountered as condominium specialist and the problem areas of the law.

Mr. Morris has spoken and written articles about homeowner associations and legislation affecting them.  Each year, he helps the firm publish a 400 page “Director’s Guide to Hawaii Community Association Law”, a handbook for directors which includes the condominium law and  other relevant statutes, as well as an analysis  of the legal requirements relating to the management and operation of homeowner associations in Hawaii.  The Director’s Guide is a resource used by many managers and directors throughout the State of Hawaii.

Mr. Morris is a past president of the Hawaii Chapter of CAI and a member and  former co-chair of its Legislative Action Committee.  Every year, he participates in legislative hearings on changes to the condominium law and provides testimony on proposed bills.  In 2011, he served as a member of the Mortgage Foreclosure Task Force Advisory Committee.  The committee was created by the Legislature to provide advice and assistance in developing a fair and effective foreclosure law.

In 1997, Mr. Morris received the Hawaii Chapter of CAI’s highest honor, the Richard Murray Gourley Distinguished Service Award.  Mr. Morris was included in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for Real Estate Law (first included in 2011).