By Gordon Y.K. Pang
Advertiser Staff Writer

Q: Is there a state or county agency that oversees real estate laws governing the boards of directors of condominiums? Can I find information such as audits, residency of board members and use of funds?

A: The Real Estate Commission, which falls under the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, gives advice and information to condominium associations and condominium owners, but does not have regulating authority, said Cynthia Yee, a senior condominium specialist with the commission.

Condo associations are required to conduct annual audits and make them available to owners at least one month before their annual meetings, Yee said, although associations for condominiums with 20 units or less can opt out of doing such reports by a majority vote of the owners. Owners also have a right to have condo associations make available to them copies of financial statements, accounts ledgers, insurance policies and other documents, Yee said.

Condo associations are not required to distribute such information to the general public, Yee said, but must register with the commission and include the number of a contact person. For more information on the state's condominium laws, visit the commission's Web page at www.hawaii.gov/hirec/ or call 586-2646.

Q: How can I determine which streets are under the jurisdiction of the state and which fall under the city? Could you give us the numbers to call to fix streetlights that are either not operating or on during the day? For instance, there's been a dead light bulb on the corner of Ke'eaumoku Street and Kapi'olani Boulevard for six months. I feel keeping streetlights lit can cut down on robberies and automobile accidents.

A: The state is responsible for 78 roads, or sections of roads, on O'ahu. Most are major thoroughfares, but it also includes sections of neighborhood streets. Everything else on O'ahu falls under city jurisdiction. Call either the city street lighting 24-hour hot line at 564-6113 to report outages or daylight-running lamps or the city complaint line at 523-4381. On the state side, call the 24-hour hot line at 485-6207 (also good for dead animal pickups and potholes) or leave a message at the Highways Division hot line at 831-6714.

Do you ever get frustrated or confused trying to navigate the various layers of government? Are you looking for an answer to a simple question but can't figure out where to start? If you have a question or a problem and need help getting to the right person, you can reach The Bureaucracy Buster one of three ways:

• E-mail: buster@honoluluadvertiser.com

• Phone: 535-2454 and leave a message.

Be sure to give us your name and daytime telephone number.