Updates from the WCA Committees
Safety & Risk Committee
by Terry Hunt
The Wailea Community Association recently upgraded our emergency radio system
to digital. This upgrade was prompted by the break down of our old analog
radio repeater. After doing some research, it turns out most (if not all)
of the emergency services on Maui have either switched to digital or are now
in process of doing so. The digital radio system we chose is also less expensive
and provides better range than the outdated analog system.
The reason for our community radio system is two fold: First, in the event of a disaster where all other forms of communication are no longer working, we will have our radio system for communication within the community, and with emergency services. And second, for immediate communication with all members of the emergency radio system. One call, and everyone on the system receives the alert. Whatever that alert may be.
All members of the Wailea Safety & Risk Committee were informed of the impending upgrade and, in-turn, are upgrading their systems to match. It’s really as easy as purchasing a hand-held digital radio that is programmed with our emergency radio frequency.
If you have any questions about the emergency radio system, or how to purchase
a radio, you may contact Terry Hunt at 874-6866 or email operations@wcamaui.com.
Design & Covenants Committee
by Larry Clark
Environmental and energy efficiency are ever more important, especially in
Hawaii where we are so dependant upon fossil fuels and a limited supply of
potable water. The WCA continues to take important steps to towards a more
sustainable future.
Recently, the WCA began requiring that at least 50% of all plant types (trees, shrubs and ground cover, and accent plants and vines) shall be drought tolerant for construction projects. In addition irrigation design must recognize the reduced water requirements of drought tolerant landscaping. All lots, to include residential, multi-family, commercial and hotel, must have automation devices designed to work with the sprinkler/irrigation system to shutoff the system when watering is unnecessary.
We are also looking towards renewable energy requirements in new construction, to be enacted by the end of the year. At a minimum, we expect all structures to be designed to incorporate photovoltaic, or equivalent, for energy requirements (“system”). The system(s) must be incorporated into the design at the time of submittal to the Design Committee, whether or not the system is constructed. The Design Committee review and approval will be required inclusive of the system. Should the system not be constructed, the Design Committee will require approval of both the design with and without the system.
1. Solar units not mounted on the roof (ground mounted) should be installed according to the setback requirements. Any such structure shall be concealed from neighbors’ views.
2. Aluminum trim, if used and visible, may be anodized or otherwise color treated to blend with the surroundings.
3. Solar collectors should be installed on the plane of roof material (flush mounted).
4. A sample or illustrated brochure of the proposed solar unit, which clearly depicts the unit and defines the material used, must be submitted with the application.
5. Construction drawings for the proposed installation must be provided, showing the location and number of collectors, attachment to the roof structure, and location of any other exterior components.
6. Calculations must be provided showing the number and area of the collectors required.
If you have any questions on how you can utilize this technology on your
existing home, please contact us.