Bill might require training for volunteers who serve on condo boards
A condo association board in Hawaii holds the responsibility of making decisions on behalf of the condo owners, regardless of whether the community consists of a small building with four units or a large complex with hundreds of units. Their fiduciary duty encompasses various tasks, including setting maintenance fees and allocating funds for significant repairs that can amount to millions of dollars. A proposal currently under consideration in Hawaii's State Legislature aims to mandate leadership training for condo board members. The curriculum for this training would be developed by the Real Estate Commission. However, critics argue that organizations like the Hawaii Chapter of CAI already provide free training sessions, both in-person and online, for directors and owners. They believe that imposing this additional requirement would only hinder the recruitment of owners willing to serve on condo boards. Hawaii has approximately 2,000 condominium buildings and complexes throughout the state. Hawaii lawmakers introduced a bill that would require board members to successfully complete a board leadership course within 90 days of being elected. SB729, after undergoing several amendments by Senate and House lawmakers, currently awaits its fate in the conference committee before the Legislature adjourns. The bill also stipulates that budgeting for sprinkler installation will be mandatory for buildings deemed necessary by the Honolulu Fire Department. As per the amended bill's current language, the state auditor would be tasked with evaluating a proposal within the legislation. This proposal would require condo board members to review an association's articles of incorporation, bylaws, rules, and regulations within 90 days and complete a board leadership course within their first year. Let us know your thoughts on mandated board training by leaving a comment at HOACommunityLeaders.com.