What are community associations?

Community Associations refers to the organizations that manage and operate common property for the owners of a condominium, planned community and residential cooperative. In Hawaii, condominiums are governed by Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 514B. Condominiums are the most common for of community association in Hawaii. In a condominium, all the members own the common areas jointly while each member owns their own apartment.

Planned Communities are governed by Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 421J. In Planned Communities, the association is normally a Nonprofit Corporation and the corporation owns the common property. Each of the members own their lots.

Residential cooperatives are normally governed by Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 421I. In a residential cooperative, the cooperative is normally a corporation that owns or leases the Project. Each shareholder has the right to lease or sublease an apartment from the cooperative.