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Virus Hits Condo Sales Again As expected, the no-longer-new coronavirus hit sales of Hawaii condos even harder in May than in April, compared to those same months a year earlier. On Oahu, sales volume compared to May 2019 fell 51.2%, from 520 to 245. The median price also dropped, though not as precipitously, 4.4%, from $417,500 a year ago to $399,000. On the Big Island, condo sales plummeted 63%, to 29 in May from 79 a year earlier. The median price dropped 15%, to $319,000 from $375,000. On Kauai, the number of condo sales dropped 47%, to 26 from 49 a year earlier. The median price fell 37%, to $367,500 from $580,000. Industry leaders attribute the statewide fall to several factors related to the global pandemic: stay-at-home orders on each of the Islands, thousands of Hawaii workers suddenly unemployed, social distancing rules that shut down open houses except by appointment and some would-be sellers simply not wanting strangers potentially bringing germs into their home. But better times could be ahead, with state and county governments moving to re-open more businesses and activities, including the state allowing open houses again as of June 5, with social-distancing and sanitizing protocols in effect. The median is the price point at which half of condos sold for more and half for less. Sources include the Honolulu Board of Realtors, Kauai Board of Realtors, Realtors Association of Maui and Hawaii Island Realtors. ❖
Kanter Taking Over Expo Change is afoot for the big Hawaii Buildings, Facilities and Property Management Expo. Ken Kanter, who since the launch of the Expo in March of 2008 by Douglas Trade Shows has served as exposition director through his company Creative Service Associates, announced last month that he will now be producing the Expo. “I will continue as the exposition director and Nicole Noda-Muth, my assistant for the past nine years, will continue as exhibitor services manager,” Kanter said in Ken Kanter a release. The 2021 Expo is tentatively scheduled for March 10-11 at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center in Honolulu. The 2020 Expo, which closed March 12, was one of the last big public events before Honolulu went into lockdown because of the coronavirus scare. Kanter notes that the Blaisdell Center plans to open soon for small gatherings, but health-safety and social-distancing guidelines for large events are still being determined. Past exhibitors will be updated via email. For more information: 781-5438 or kanter@lava.net. ❖
Re-opening Condo Amenities Notes from IREM’s well-attended webinar BY DON CHAPMAN With large public gatherings banned by the coronavirus shutdown, educational events for building managers and board members have been curtailed. But that didn’t stop IREM from hosting a webinar, “COVID: A Call to ARMS.” Veteran building managers Duane Komine, Davie Felipe and Jose Dominguez led the well-attended June 2 session via Zoom, moderated by Laurel Kagimoto of IREM. “The last two months have been a tremendous learning opportunity,” said Komine, the ever-optimistic general manager at Hokua. The first topic of discussion was re-opening amenities to residents. Preparation and following government Phase 2 standards are key to re-opening, said Dominguez, general manager at Keauhou Place. And that starts, Komine said, with “showing force in cleaning.” When residents see effort being put into sanitizing common areas—pressure-washing the pool deck, for example—it gives them a “sense of cleanliness” and will make them feel more relaxed. Preparation includes creating social distancing spaces on pool decks by removing chairs and limiting the number of people using any one area. “And you have to make reservations mandatory” for all amenities, Dominguez said, “pool, barbecue, gym.” Felipe, general manager at Anaha, agreed and also sug-
Duane Komine
Davie Felipe
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