Mark Your Calendars

Watchdog © 2011

For regular readers of Watchdog's area this is not news. But, if you are stopping by on your way over to the 'official' website then you may not be aware this Thursday evening at 6P there is a special meeting of the Board scheduled. You need to plan to be there. The Agenda is as busy as always and decisions will be made you may wish to speak to. 

Since there is no agenda posted to the 'official' website I will give you the list that the meeting was called to consider. Understand, this is not a complete list. But it is sufficient to warrant your attention and attendance.

On this list you will notice the 'Agreement' listed for discussion. This Agreement is a DANGEROUS precedent to be set by this or any Board. It is dangerous for the unsuspecting Member who signs it because they are asked and has nary an ounce of malice in their intent. Dangerous because they do not understand the mere 'sharing' of information with someone who has not signed the 'Agreement' appears to lead the unsuspecting and innocent Member into the target zone for litigation. There are Members in our community who are well connected with reporters, who even share their opinions in the local 'editorial' section of the East Hawaii paper. Imagine what may happen if information about 'secret meetings' or 'Agreements' that are overkill for our Association or a Board running wild and the individual actually signed the 'Agreement'? Never understanding that merely sharing their opinion with someone who has not signed the 'Agreement' could lead them to any number of scenarios that could prove uncomfortable. As a matter of consideration, let's take the matter from a different perspective. Say the individual did sign the 'Agreement' then did share the information -- what now? The Board has just lined themselves up to initiate some injunction/lawsuit? If so, why? Do you know why this has all evolved? Because Members of the community, who did not see a couple of petitions which had been widely circulated through out the Pahoa area, and which were introduced into the record of a the 2011 Annual Board Meeting, but were not permitted to be viewed by anyone who wished to see them, DO wish to see them. Much ado about nothing! If you sign your name to a document that you know will be used to accomplish some purpose you best be ready to stand by your signature when it winds up becoming law. What fool does not understand -- you sign a petition it is with the intent of enforcing it. But, wait! What is the big deal? You signed it, you own it, why the secrecy? Finally, the Board decides to make them available but to require an affidavit be signed by the Member. Then, the Board is told an affidavit must be signed by a notary to become binding so they whip out a huge crushing ball of a replacement document, the 'Agreement'! You simply must see it to know what it contains. If you have seen it and believe it is 'just fine' 'no problem' then sign it. Remember, it is still binding even after it is terminated! Remember, because your liability at that point is also binding, even after it is terminated. 

So, besides the 'Agreement' what else:

1. ·         Termite quotes should be available – decide on company
2. ·         Decision on whether to change banks
3. ·         Agreement/affidavit: decide what information it will apply to and who can execute on behalf of HSCA
4. ·         Member's  contract to take Minutes
5. ·         Recommendations from HR and Finance committees

Now, you might be wondering 'what recommendations' from the HR and Finance committees? When did those meetings happen? Where was the notice? Yeah, no, those are valid questions. Just picture ::::smile; nod; dismissed::::