Waikiki Banyan

     In its infinite wisdom the National Flood Insurance Program has decided to reclassify buildings like the Waikiki Banyan, whose building square footage is more than 25% non-residential, from “other-residential” to “non-residential.” What this does for the Banyan is qualify us to purchase up to $500,000 in flood insurance coverage. This is good for the building because in case of a flood the previous limit of $250,000 would not have sufficed to cover the probable damage.
     This is also very good news for unit owners whose mortgage holders have been requiring them to purchase additional insurance because of the lower limit previously imposed on the building.
     If you are one of those owners now is the time to request a certificate of flood insurance from Atlas Insurance (808) 533-8607 or email maysonATatlasinsurance. Take the information to your mortgage holder. They may reconsider requiring additional insurance. If there are continued problems Admin has a packet of information which demonstrates why the building is classified the way it is. We can mail or fax it to you.
     Also, owners have informed us that Bank of Hawaii is no longer requiring additional flood insurance as a condition of their loans. The adjustment is not automatic, you have to ask for it.

     As the Waikiki Banyan public ages, a number of owners and residents find themselves in need of assisting social services.
     The Waikiki Community Center is a neighbor of the Banyan. They offer a number of social services. The one most pertinent to the Banyan is the Malama Seniors in Waikiki Program which assists people who are at least 60 years of age with free supportive services by an experienced and licensed Social Worker. They “provide counseling and referrals to appropriate agencies for services such as: money management, transportation, personal care, housing, caregiver assistance, counseling, advocacy, and housekeeping.”
     “The service is free but donations are welcomed, appointments are recommended, walk-ins are welcomed. The program assists kupuna who may be having difficulty with daily activities, housing, finances, and many other issues.”
     They can be reached at 923-1802 x105. Or just go mauka to where the farmers market is.