Every Board Needs a Roadmap
In many condominium associations across Hawaii, it remains common practice to rely entirely on a single managing agent or property management company to handle everything—from accounting to maintenance oversight to governance support. While this may seem efficient, it creates an enormous risk: lack of checks and balances have opened the door to mismanagement, fraud, and real-life embezzlement.
Segregation of duties is not just good business practice—it’s a safeguard for every homeowner in the building. When the same party has full control over both financial and operational functions, there is no independent review, no meaningful accountability, and very little transparency. Without adequate oversight, even well-meaning boards can fail to detect problems until it’s too late.
Condominium boards must adopt a proactive approach to governance, one that mirrors the accountability and risk-reduction systems used in professional financial management. This is detailed in the free roadmap download for you.
Take Back Control
It is not yet common in Hawaii to hire an accountant outside the management company—but it should be. Doing so is one of the most vital checks and balances a board can implement. With proper segregation of duties, boards can ensure:
- Owners’ money is protected
- Financial processes are verified and auditable
- Governance decisions are not unduly influenced by outside vendors
- Residents have confidence in how their association is managed
Boards have the authority—and the responsibility—to make these reforms. That’s why I created the Roadmap for Condo Board Member Reform Efforts, which I’m sharing below for free. It offers a clear, practical path forward for any board member ready to act in the best interest of their fellow homeowners.
Roadmap for Condo Reform Efforts
Objective: Create a strategic, lawful, and transparent path to ensure the managing agent and site manager are operating in compliance with the association’s governing documents, state laws, and ethical standards. Establish systems for oversight, fairness, and proper separation of responsibilities. A central goal of this roadmap is to implement segregation of duties to reduce the association’s exposure to embezzlement, fraud, or other financial losses. While it is not yet common practice in Hawaii, retaining an accountant independent from the management company is an essential check and balance. This should become the standard to ensure owners are protected and financial integrity is preserved.
Unlock the Roadmap
This resource is being shared freely as a tool to help conscientious board members and concerned owners improve transparency and reduce risk within their associations. To protect the integrity of this work and allow for continued conversation, access to the full roadmap is granted via email submission. Once submitted, you’ll receive access to the complete document. You can check the box below to receive occasional updates or tools aligned with this initiative. No spam—just helpful resources that empower you to lead with confidence.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog and roadmap is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy through extensive research, neither Jessica Herzog, Local Parliamentarian, nor Leeward REPAIR, LLC, guarantees that the content is free from errors or omissions. The publisher shall not be held liable for any discrepancies, misinterpretations, or outcomes resulting from the use of this information. Users are strongly encouraged to consult a qualified legal professional for advice regarding their specific situation.