Ordinance 07-2 - Notification of Dog Bites — This law requires medical service providers and veterinarians to report incidents of serious bodily injury from a dog bite to the Honolulu police. The police are required to forward the incident report for investigation by the animal control contractor (currently the Hawaiian Humane Society). The animal control contractor is required to make a determination whether the dog is dangerous.

This law does not directly affect community associations since it is unlikely that community associations, their directors or employees would be required to provide the notice. However, since incidents with dogs is a growing problem for community associations, the reporting requirement may result in actions to remove dogs from communities.

Ordinance 07-3 — Unsafe Motor Vehicles Near Schools — This law prohibits the parking of dangerous vehicles on public streets in a school zone. A dangerous vehicle is: (a) one with an exterior part that is sharp, pointed or jagged; (b) a broken windshield or window; or (c) an unlocked or open door or window that would permit access to sharp, pointed or jagged parts.

Once again, this law does not directly affect community associations, but it may affect parking by association residents on public streets.

Ordinance 07-10 — Real Property Tax Classifications for Condominiums — This law eliminates the distinction for real property tax purposes between improved residential, unimproved residential and apartment uses. Over the years, the City and County of Honolulu have been adjusting residential real property tax rates so that the rates for condominiums are now the same for other improved residential property. For the fiscal year ending June, 2007, the tax rate for $1,000 net assessed value of land was $3.59 for both improved residential and apartment properties. This new law finalizes the process of equalizing the tax rates and creates a single tax rate for all residential property beginning with the tax year beginning July 1, 2008. We anticipate, however, that for the tax year commencing on July 1, 2007 that the tax rate for condominiums and improved residential property will be the same.

Ordinance 07-22 — Adoption of 2003 Edition of the Uniform Building Code — This law adopts the 2003 Edition of the Uniform Building Code. The law becomes effective on September 18, 2007. Community Associations making modifications to their projects after that date may need to comply with the new edition of the building code.

Ordinance 07-29 — Sewer Rates — This law adopts new sewer rates for the City and County of Honolulu. The new rates will be effective on July 1, 2007.