Waikiki Banyan

Aloha Waikiki Banyan Owners!

While the Banyan is doing relatively well in this struggling economy we do have challenges because of huge increases in electrical, sewer, and water costs.

Over the years the Board has supported increased efficiency in our electrical use. Our switch to demand-side high-rise pumps was assisted by Hawaiian Electric Company with a $20,000 rebate.The pumps paid for themselves within two years. HECO also supported, with rebates, our change to energy efficient electric ballasts and low wattage fluorescent lamps. We have had our common areas surveyed for energy efficiency and the Board is pretty much at the limit of what it can do to lower energy usage while keeping the building looking good. Some of our major rental agents, like Resort Quest, have also helped keep energy costs down by installing only energy saver appliances, changing lights to compact fluorescents (CFLs) and by turning off air conditioners when a unit is vacant.

You, as an owner, can help keep your long-term costs down by making similar efforts. If you buy new appliances like stoves, refrigerators or air conditioners, purchase only those labeled “energy-star”. A switch from incandescent lights to CFLs costs more up front but because of the superior life expectancy of the CFLs you save money in the long run while using less electricity. And, easiest of all, you can be energy-wise about using your air conditioner. Please crack-open your lanai door before you leave your apartment and turn your ac off while you are gone. Experiment with using your air conditioner fan rather than the cooling element to keep your apartment air fresh. You might be surprised how cooling moving air is.

Since 2005 the City and County has dramatically increased water and sewer rates. The increases will continue to escalate through, at least, 2010. Association employees are careful in their use of water and our sinks, toilets and water supply lines are well maintained. You can help by fixing leaky faucets and making sure that the flapper on your toilet tank fits snugly and doesn’t continually leak water into the bowl. Small efforts by each owner can pay big dividends in lower maintenance costs over the long run.

Aloha

Bob Carbone
c/o Administration Office
201 Ohua Ave., #306
Honolulu, HI 96815