State to fix water leaks at condo
By Andrew Gomes
Advertiser Staff Writer
The state has approved spending $3 million to repair extensive rainwater leaks at its 244-unit Honuakaha Affordable Housing Complex in Kaka'ako where residents have complained about water damage for years.
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The recently reached agreement resolved a two-year delay created when residents balked at absolving the state from liability for the project.
Residents at the Honuakaha Affordable Housing Complex in Kaka'ako have complained about water damage for years. After a two-year delay, the state will spend $3 million to fix rainwater leaks.
Honuakaha resident Jason Suapaia said compromises were made to allow residents to seek more money from the state if $3 million isn't enough to correct the problems, but the state won't pay for water damage to unit interiors.
"Some of the owners were livid, but agreed to the compromise," Suapaia said. "Most of the owners just wanted the problem fixed. If we have to pay out anything, our maintenance fees will go up."
Honuakaha is a seven-story complex at 545 Queen St. containing 151 rental apartments for seniors and 93 fee-simple condominiums. The Hawaii Community Development Authority developed the project by renovating an existing building near the historic Royal Brewery building.
Water leaks appeared soon after the complex opened in 1995, Suapaia said. He said the roof leaks into top-floor units, and runoff from an interior courtyard can flood second-floor units during heavy rains. The courtyard, which is above the parking garage, also leaks below.
"If it rains heavy, you'll have waterfalls in the parking lot," Suapaia said. "It's very concerning."
The Legislature approved financing repairs using general obligation bonds. Design is estimated to cost $400,000, and construction at $2.6 million.
Suapaia said the Honuakaha owners association is negotiating with a contractor, and construction is expected to begin next spring.
The development authority said it may seek to recover expenses from contractors and materials suppliers involved with the original renovation. The authority in May sued private companies that renovated the adjacent Royal Brewery building for office use. In that case, the state is seeking unspecified damages to eliminate noxious fumes emanating from termite-treated wood.
Reach Andrew Gomes at agomes@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8065.
