Help for disabled friend...

[tutusue]

I just received a phone call from a good friend asking for help. She needs to know what government agency to call to report a serious problem with the condo building where she rents in Waikiki.

Both she and her husband have medical challenges and are not able to walk up and down stairs. They live on the 17th floor and now both elevators are out. He's stuck on the 17th floor as are her medications. She's stuck on the first floor. The elevator company walked off the job. Evidently a special part is needed that will take 6 weeks to get. This is not related to the public housing elevator problems reported here (http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007707040395). It does involve the same elevator repair company, however.

Their finances don't allow for a hotel room. I told her to talk with the condo's resident manager and request that the association put her up in a hotel tonight. Still, she needs to notify the appropriate government agency.

Do any of you have ideas about who to call...especially after hours?

Many mahalos.

[LikaNui]

WOW. I'd call the Attorney General and the Mayor tomorrow... and the news media for sure. But for now, call the Red Cross or talk to your local Fire Department. Also, maybe the Visitors Aloha Society would have suggestions.
Also, try calling the managers of some of the bigger hotels. The Outrigger chain is known for helping in situations like this.
Please keep us posted, and best of luck!

[1stwahine]

The Hawaii Disability Rights Center should be called asap!
http://www.icdri.org/legal/HAWAIIPADD.htm

As LikaNui said, call the Media!!! Call 911 and get medical attention asap!!

This is a MAJOR STORY!!!

Auntie Lynn

[tutusue]

Thanks LN and Auntie. I passed along the info. My friend is in her apt. now and completely stressing over how she's going to get to work tomorrow. I'm stunned at how she got there. Apparently one member of the elevator repair team stayed behind yesterday, planted himself on the roof of the elevator and is operating that one elevator as best as he can, manually taking the elevator up and down and opening the door. It's a long process. Turns out he's still on the job...over 24 hours straight. My friend aptly noted that the guy can't continue ad infinitum and she has no idea if another repair person will replace him.

This situation has given me a whole, new perspective on now living on the 19th floor. I've never lived higher than the 2nd floor. My Makaha unit is on the 2nd floor. The office I just moved out of was on the 2nd floor. A previous condo in Hawaii Kai was on the 2nd floor. I've been thru hurricanes and earthquakes...all no higher than the 2nd floor! I've always had easy access in and out of my unit...dark, but easy! Now I need to plan for the 19th floor and my daughter has to plan for the 36th floor...17 floors above me. I think my hurricane kit becomes even more important than ever because it won't take a hurricane to confine me to my unit. It can take something as relatively "simple" as an extended power outage. :eek:

[cynsaligia]

I just received a phone call from a good friend asking for help. She needs to know what government agency to call to report a serious problem with the condo building where she rents in Waikiki.

Both she and her husband have medical challenges and are not able to walk up and down stairs. They live on the 17th floor and now both elevators are out. He's stuck on the 17th floor as are her medications. She's stuck on the first floor. The elevator company walked off the job. Evidently a special part is needed that will take 6 weeks to get. This is not related to the public housing elevator problems reported here (http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007707040395). It does involve the same elevator repair company, however.

Their finances don't allow for a hotel room. I told her to talk with the condo's resident manager and request that the association put her up in a hotel tonight. Still, she needs to notify the appropriate government agency.

Do any of you have ideas about who to call...especially after hours?

Many mahalos.

legally, your friend may be in a position to end her rental agreement without penalty. the landlord has an obligation to make sure the place is fit to live in and satisfies various building codes. if the landlord fails to perform duties which make further use and enjoyment exceedingly difficult or impossible, then the landlord has "constructively evicted" the renter. if this is the case, once the landlord has been notified of the problem and has had a reasonable amount of time to remedy the problem, then the renter can abandon the premises and stop paying rent.

the department of commerce and consumer affairs also has oversight re landlord-tenant issues. have your friend call the landlord-tenant line at the dcca at 586-2634 between 8:00 and 12:00 p.m. ASAP. here is a link to the dcca's L-T page (http://www.hawaii.gov/dcca/areas/ocp/landlord_tenant/), which includes the L-T code and the dcca's handbook.

[LikaNui]

The guy who stayed to run the elevator is, simply, a hero. And in my opinion, and admittedly without knowing all the facts, it seems to me that the elevator company's actions may well have been criminal.
I want to know how this was allowed to happen, and how to prevent it from happening again.
I'd hate to see this story fade into obscurity overnight, and I'd love to see the media jump all over it. We here at HT made a difference before, with the Mayor Wright's Slippah Team (courtesy of Auntie Lynn), and I humbly suggest and hope that we all step up to the bat on this one.
Personally, I'm going to cut-and-paste both of TutuSue's posts into an e-mail that I'll send to every media, judicial and political contact that I know, and also to a whole lot that I don't know. I hope some of you will do the same. Even if you just know one or two media or political sources, that would help.
(TutuSue, it would be a huge help if you'd let me know the name of the condo and the name of their management company. Please feel free to PM me if you'd rather not post it publicly.)

[1stwahine]

I'll do the same with my contacts TutuSue!

Let's get the ball rolling!

Emails went out.

Auntie Lynn;)

[tutusue]

[...]the department of commerce and consumer affairs also has oversight re landlord-tenant issues.[...]
Thanks ericncyn...I passed along your info.
The guy who stayed to run the elevator is, simply, a hero.
AMEN!
[...](TutuSue, it would be a huge help if you'd let me know the name of the condo and the name of their management company. Please feel free to PM me if you'd rather not post it publicly.)
Check your PMs!
[...]Emails went out.[...]
Mahalo to all of you for your help. My friend is overwhelmed by your generosity of time and interest. I thank you, too.

[Vanguard]

The guy who stayed to run the elevator is, simply, a hero.

I completely agree. I hope he gets some nice media recognition, along with this issue.

[Ms_Aloha_Nui]

AARP is good also......

Call the Mayor's office and talk to Bill Brennan or Isaac Hokama.....

[LikaNui]

Check your PMs! Got it earlier and acted on the info you gave me... thanks! I sent you a PM just now with more details.
Bottom line is that thanks to Tutu's info, this situation is being handled at some very high levels by folks who can really shake up this particular tree. Now we'll have to see what actually happens.
Stay tuned...

[Leo Lakio]

I completely agree. I hope he gets some nice media recognition, along with this issue.Wouldn't hurt if his empolyer gives him a bonus and a commendation for his file, too.

You folks are amazing when motivated. (Okay, you're amazing even when NOT motivated, I'll grant you that.)

[tutusue]

AARP is good also......

Call the Mayor's office and talk to Bill Brennan or Isaac Hokama.....
Many mahalos. I've given your info to my friend.
Got it earlier and acted on the info you gave me... thanks! I sent you a PM just now with more details.
Bottom line is that thanks to Tutu's info, this situation is being handled at some very high levels by folks who can really shake up this particular tree. Now we'll have to see what actually happens.

Stay tuned...
You're amazing LN. You're like a pit bull when it comes to advocacy for the underdog! BTW, I mean that as a great, big compliment! :D

Auntie also went to bat. She cc'd me a mass email she sent. Thank you, Auntie. ;)
Wouldn't hurt if his empolyer gives him a bonus and a commendation for his file, too.

You folks are amazing when motivated. (Okay, you're amazing even when NOT motivated, I'll grant you that.)
HT ROCKS!

I hope the condo's assoc. of owners rewards the HERO handsomely.

Wed. morning update:
My friend and her husband were both unable to get to work this morning and have lost income for the day. The HERO elevator guy stayed on the job until 1am, or so, this morning, left to get some sleep and returned around 6:30am to help the residents. That was too late for my friend's husband to get to work on time. My friend had already found a replacement for the first half of her shift so she will go to work late. While waiting for the elevator she is calling all of the resources provided by the HT heros! As an aside, her employer has been most unsympathetic and unaccomodating. I just don't get people like that. Anyway, my friend, on behalf of all the affected residents, sends out her most heartfelt mahalo to everyone on HT for caring. She truly is overwhelmed by it. So am I...altho' I'm not surprised! :)

[Frankie's Market]

The guy who stayed to run the elevator is, simply, a hero. And in my opinion, and admittedly without knowing all the facts, it seems to me that the elevator company's actions may well have been criminal.
I want to know how this was allowed to happen, and how to prevent it from happening again.

It seems like Hawaii Vertical Transportation always has some excuse for leaving their elevators inoperable for weeks at a time. The state department of commerce & consumer affairs (DCCA) should definitely be notified, as well as the Better Business Bureau. If this outfit is incapable of carrying out its contracts, they shouldn't be allowed to do business in this state. Ultimately, that is the only way to prevent this situation from happening again.

Of course, there is a reason why HVT won the bids of so many contracts in the first place. They were among the cheapest. More established companies like OTIS charge more. But sometimes, you have to pay a little more if you want quality, reliability, and better service. Hopefully, condo owners/tenants remember that truism when their maintenance fees/rents are increased to cover the additional costs of paying for a grade A elevator company.

[LikaNui]

You're amazing LN. You're like a pit bull when it comes to advocacy for the underdog! BTW, I mean that as a great, big compliment! :D I won't accept the "amazing" part, but the pitbull and advocacy part is probably true... as a couple of former HT flamers learned to their dismay. :p (I won't be tiny and mention any names. ;) )
Anyway. I've already heard from one newspaper and two TV stations, and all of them are very interested in pursuing the story.
Check your PM, TutuSue.

EDIT: One of the people I contacted was Ian Lind, and he now has the story at this link (http://ilind.net/2007/07/11/unsung-hero-keeps-condo-elevator-running/#comments) on his highly-read and highly-regard blog. Interesting reply from one of his readers, too.

[tutusue]

[...]Of course, there is a reason why HVT won the bids of so many contracts in the first place. They were among the cheapest. More established companies like OTIS charge more. But sometimes, you have to pay a little more if you want quality, reliability, and better service. Hopefully, condo owners/tenants remember that truism when their maintenance fees/rents are increased to cover the additional costs of paying for a grade A elevator company.
Bull's eye, FM! Elevators are not the right areas to cut corners.
[...]
Check your PM, TutuSue.

EDIT: One of the people I contacted was Ian Lind, and he now has the story at this link (http://ilind.net/2007/07/11/unsung-hero-keeps-condo-elevator-running/#comments) on his highly-read and highly-regard blog. Interesting reply from one of his readers, too.
PM checked...now check yours!!!

Oddly enough, I, too, suggested calling Jim Dooley because my friends know him. The only times I've met Jim have been at their place! Jim is on my friend's list to call but I don't know if she's reached him or not.

Dang...this story has taken on a life of it's own!

Edit: Elevator hero's name is Tad! :D

[Leo Lakio]

Interesting reply from one of his readers, too.Reminds me of the time when, at a big company-wide meeting of my former employer, praise was being heaped upon a technician who worked over a weekend to do an installation in time for a big store opening. He had to do the overtime because someone in his office had entered the store's address wrong on the initial order, so it never got put on the regular schedule.

A co-worker leaned over to me and whispered, "Set a fire ... put out a fire ..."

[LikaNui]

PM checked...now check yours!!! Done, and mahalo plenny! Info has been passed along.
KGMB, KHON and the Star-Bulletin have all already been to the building (some are there even as I type this) and talked to folks; not sure about other media yet.

Dang...this story has taken on a life of it's own! Heh. Gonna be interesting watching the news tonight. :)
Goes to show the power of citizens willing to get involved and take on the evildoers. A big high five and hug to TutuSue and Auntie Lynn and anyone else here on HT who dove into this.
And I'm guessing that HT may start getting watched more often by more members of the media. Ryan, you ready for that?

Edit: Elevator hero's name is Tad! :D I passed that along too. If the elevator company tries to retaliate against Tad... well, let's just say that would be a very bad idea. Heh.

[1stwahine]

It's always a pleasure to help out especially, in cases like dis..;)

HT Rules!!!:D

Auntie Lynn aka Auntie Pupule
Da Unda Cova Blogga from MWH!!

[tutusue]

[...] Heh. Gonna be interesting watching the news tonight. :)
This is when I wish I had the picture-in-picture feature and a tivo!
Goes to show the power of citizens willing to get involved and take on the evildoers. A big high five and hug to TutuSue and Auntie Lynn and anyone else here on HT who dove into this.
I honestly had no idea that this story would take off. All I was looking to do was get some immediate help for my friend. I felt bad that I couldn't ask her and her hubby to stay with me but my little studio is still stacked with boxes and the furniture is still in the middle of the floor. Barely any room for me! Makaha wasn't an option either due to a problem with the shower. <sigh!>
And I'm guessing that HT may start getting watched more often by more members of the media. Ryan, you ready for that?
Oh, I know media folks lurking here who have yet to out themselves! <Wave> to...YOU!!! ;)
I passed that along too. If the elevator company tries to retaliate against Tad... well, let's just say that would be a very bad idea. Heh.
A very, very bad idea, indeed. H3!! hath no fury like a teed off tutu! :eek: I wish retaliation hadn't crossed my mind but it has. Ideally another elevator company will hear about Tad and offer him a higher paying job! <g>

[Kalona808]

I would contact the media. I am sure with such a story they would not hesitate to speak out and get this couple the right help by awareness. I would also contact American Disabilities Assn. If the sitution is of emergency as in now...They may need to contact HFD and get them to help assist the couple so atleast they can get to their unit for now.

I would report the elevator company to a few places including BBB. Hope they get assistance fast. How aweful!

[LikaNui]

This is when I wish I had the picture-in-picture feature and a tivo! Yeah, I was thinking we might even try assigning different folks to watch different channels, but I don't think we need to. I'm pretty fast with the ol' TV remote control, and I'm sure others are too. And we can look at their websites also.
I hope the media got enough to get the story on the air tonight, but since I didn't contact them until mid- to late-morning, they might not have had enough time to prepare a full story. But I think they'll still do something and wrap it with "We'll air more on this story as info becomes available" kind of tag.

I honestly had no idea that this story would take off. Disabled/handicapped tenants placed in danger by evil elevator company... oh yeah, that's the kind of story that does take off.

Oh, I know media folks lurking here who have yet to out themselves! Chris Haire? :p

By the way, Tutu, any word from your friend about who's controlling the elevator now? Still Tad, or one of his co-workers, or... ?
Maybe we could send 'em a pizza or something. :o

I would contact the media. Apparently you just now saw -- and are replying -- to the very first post from almost 24 hours ago. Nicely done, but a lot has happened since then.
Thanks for your concern!
:)

[Peshkwe]

Or some muscle rub for after, hanging out on the roof of an elevator all that time can't be the most comfortable thing to do.

[1stwahine]

Please try and save something from the news. I'll be at my daughter's graduation tonight and celebration after.

Mahalo

Auntie Lynn

[Peshkwe]

Apparently you just now saw -- and are replying -- to the very first post from almost 24 hours ago. Nicely done, but a lot has happened since then. :D
Thanks for your concern!
:)

I just caught the thread and put a link over at the Advertiser's message board to see if anyone might have ideas on where the couple could stay or get help...Kalona doesn't normally lurk here.

Just figured more heads thinking more ideas could pop out.

[Kalona808]

Apparently you just now saw -- and are replying -- to the very first post from almost 24 hours ago. Nicely done, but a lot has happened since then. :D
Thanks for your concern!
:)

LMAO I just now noticed that. LOL HAHA Ehhh but had I known I would have responded sooner. Had no idea u were ALL on it. OK so for another moment in time it sounds like I was a parrot. LOL I just responded to a link I got, didn't see all this other stuff. LMAO!!!

Bottom line .....Great job to u ALL!!! There's always some power in numbers especially when it comes to doing the right thing. :)

[genepark]

I covered the story today. As far as I know, Tad was relieved by another technician just as I left the building. The poor guy looked horrible and disheveled. A real trooper, because he was still laughing and joking about his situation. Then again, I'd probably be pretty delirious at that point.

[LikaNui]

Kalona808 and Gene -- mucho mahalos for getting involved! :)
(Note to HT newbies: Kalona808 is the Moderator of the Honolulu Advertiser's message boards, and Gene Park is a reporter for the Honolulu Star-Bulletin. He joined us at this link (http://www.hawaiithreads.com/showthread.php?t=10441) last September.)

And KGMB rocks!!! They aired the story at 5:14pm, complete with interviews of several tenants, etc. KGMB tried to call the elevator company all day but received no answer. Heh. And I loved it when the reporter (Sabrina Hall) said that all of a sudden repairs seem to be happening, once the media got involved. :D
HawaiiThreads is no ka oi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(I imagine KGMB will air it again on the 6pm news.)

I was switching between KGMB and KHNL, two stations I knew were on the story. Haven't seen anything on KHNL yet. Anybody else see anything anywhere?

EDIT: Just after posting this, I got an e-mail from KHNL -- they said they'll be running the story at 9pm on KFVE and at 10pm on KHNL. YeeeeeHAW!!!
God bless *all* you media folks who are jumping on the bandwagon to help these poor folks!

[LikaNui]

And Presto! Good ol' KGMB now has the story at this link (http://www.kgmb.com/kgmb/display.cfm?storyID=11979) on their website!
And whoa, the 6pm news just started and they used this story as a 'teaser' of their upcoming news!
Sweeeeet.

[acousticlady]

Just saw the story on the news! Way to go you guys!!

[LikaNui]

Just saw the story on the news! Way to go you guys!! Yeah, and they ran it as the #2 lead story!
Again, mahalo to them and to all the media.
:)

[tutusue]

KHON will feature the story at 10 with Jai Cunningham reporting. My friend got a kick out of how smoothly things are running now that cameras are rolling! Yesterday afternoon she waited for the elevator for 2 hours...today, 12 minutes because there's a plan in place!!! :rolleyes:

I missed all the news coverage earlier this evening as I was in a meeting. I'll start watching at 9p.

For all you media folks who got involved...MAHALO! This should be a good lesson for all of us on how such a small number of people can make such a big difference. This story wasn't just about my friend...it was about everyone living in that building. One resident is 9 months hapai. I don't want to even think about the problems she might've encountered or might still encounter. :eek:

LN, your new sig is too funny! True, but funny! :D

[LikaNui]

KHON will feature the story at 10 with Jai Cunningham reporting. Hooray! And the story just now aired on KFVE as the #3 lead story! Paul Drewes did it.

My friend got a kick out of how smoothly things are running now that cameras are rolling! Heh. Yes, I imagine all the residents there are wondering about the sudden media interest... and surely they're happy that help is on the way because of it.

Yesterday afternoon she waited for the elevator for 2 hours...today, 12 minutes because there's a plan in place!!! And the choir sang "AMEN!!!" :)

LN, your new sig is too funny! True, but funny! :D Hehehehe. I dunno, it just seemed appropriate, for now. I'll change it again in a day or two.
And Tutu, your own sig has been up for a long time but is especially apropos right now: "Today's circumstances arose from yesterday's focus."
Yes, they surely did. [/high five]

[tutusue]

Hooray! And the story just now aired on KFVE as the #3 lead story! Paul Drewes did it.
Yep! My friend was the first interview!
[...]And Tutu, your own sig has been up for a long time but is especially apropos right now: "Today's circumstances arose from yesterday's focus."
Yes, they surely did. [/high five]
Heh! I'm too lazy to change it. Leave it up long enough and it becomes fitting!

I just heard that the condo owners were assessed $800. per unit to cover the elevator repairs and, so far, there's nothing to show for that money. I assume (not a good idea, I know!) that was when the first elevator broke down earlier this year. Now they have to deal with both elevators. I would think that a monthly maintenance fee would include monies to build up a reserve to cover emergency expeditures of this nature. (Note to self...check on my own places! :o ) Who knows, maybe there was a decent reserve and another emergency ate into it prior to the elevator fiasco.

[LikaNui]

Yes, Tutu, having a reserves account is required by law!
And hey, KHON just aired the story, and it was the #1 lead story! Excellent job by Jai Cunningham, and a good lead-in by Joe Moore. Joe also did a good follow-up by pointing out the earlier problems with the same elevator company. I don't recall the other stations pointing that out.
And about that $800 special assessment... the KHON story said the repair estimate is about $350,000 to fix both elevators. But there are 144 apartments, right? Something is wrong with the numbers somewhere. The assessment seems to be more than double what was needed. (shrug)
Also, KHON has the story at this link (http://www.khon2.com/news/local/8451542.html) on their website now!
I'm looking forward to seeing what the Advertiser and the Star-Bulletin run in the morning.
And I'm guessing that the residents of the Canal House condominiums might offer to host our next HT get-together. We could, you know, take the elevator to their roof. :p

[pzarquon]

Dysfunctional elevators give residents shaft (http://starbulletin.com/2007/07/12/news/story02.html)
A broken elevator at a 25-story Waikiki condominium building has triggered residents' tempers, made occupants wait two hours to get up to their apartments and left workers trying to help out with little sleep. But this is not the first time the elevators have broken down in the three months Greg Zellner has been resident manager of Canal House on Ala Wai Boulevard.

[1stwahine]

Wooooo Hoooo!!! Celebration!!! :D

Great job LikaNui, TutuSue, The Media and Everybody who cared and showed Love and Aloha!

Only in Hawai'i!!

Auntie Lynn

[LikaNui]

The story is on KHNL's website now at this link (http://www.khnl.com/Global/story.asp?S=6778514), and they also have a two-and-a-half minute video (http://www.khnl.com/global/video/popup/pop_player.asp?ClipID1=1580395&h1=Elevator%20Lets%20Waikiki%20Residents%20Down&vt1=v&at1=News&d1=147600&LaunchPageAdTag=News&activePane=info&playerVersion=9&hostPageUrl=http%3A//www.khnl.com/Global/story.asp%3FS%3D6778514&rnd=17193060) either from this link or on the other one.
Nice piece in the Star-Bulletin, too, which PZ already linked to.
Haven't heard of anything on KITV, and I imagine the Advertiser is doing something more in-depth, probably digging into the apparently-evil elevator company, so I imagine the Advertiser story will be out soon.
I'm impressed with the Canal House staff and Tad all putting in such long hours, but on the various TV stories I noticed there are many younger folks who live at Canal House. It would be nice to see some of them volunteer for elevator duty to help out the older residents. Just a thought.
Anyway, nice to see and hear how things are apparently improving. I hope they don't backslide once the media focus dies down, so TutuSue, if your friend has any more complaints, let us know!

[tutusue]

Dysfunctional elevators give residents shaft (http://starbulletin.com/2007/07/12/news/story02.html)
I found this part of the article interesting:
And for the past two days, a technician from the company was operating the elevator manually from a control room on the roof of the building.
My friend talked extensively about Tad being on the roof of the elevator. I said to her..."You mean the roof of the building, right?". She said..."No, the elevator."! She would talk to Tad from the elevator! Maybe an intercom system was in use. :confused: And, jeez, how humble is Tad!!! He declined to give his name. Hmmm...I hope that was out of humility and not fear.
[...]Haven't heard of anything on KITV[...]
I didn't see anything on KITV either but thought I might've missed it after watching the KHON coverage where it was the lead story.
[...]Anyway, nice to see and hear how things are apparently improving. I hope they don't backslide once the media focus dies down, so TutuSue, if your friend has any more complaints, let us know!
Will do! I know one reported made the same request of my friend. They want to do a follow-up.

I wonder if anyone in the media contacted the management company?

[lavagal]

I think this Tad is a true hero. However, my concern is that he might have to endure some retaliation from his company or the building owner or building manager for making the rest of them look bad--simply by doing the right thing. I think he deserves massive compensation and a job offer from a legitimate firm that could use his 'can-do' attitude. Imagine this guy will need a massage, at the very least. And what if he actually does get injured, sprains his back? He's probably hurt for life.

I hope the press is crawling all over this like a bunch of fire ants. So many have let the ball drop, and there he is: A veritable Atlas, carrying the weight of this elevator, its cargo, and himself.

[LikaNui]

My friend talked extensively about Tad being on the roof of the elevator. I said to her..."You mean the roof of the building, right?". She said..."No, the elevator."! She would talk to Tad from the elevator! Maybe an intercom system was in use. :confused: The way it seemed to work was that folks would call the Resident Manager on his cell phone and tell him what floor they were on. Then he would call his own maintenance man on his cell phone, who was inside the elevator all the time. That guy would push the appropriate button, then he would call Tad on the roof of the building and Tad would push whatever button he had to.
A three-person three-call process. But no, nobody was on the roof of the elevator itself. You were right.
I hope that wins you a door prize.
Just not an elevator door.
:p

PS: I changed my signature line back to normal, as you may have noticed.

[tutusue]

[...]And about that $800 special assessment... the KHON story said the repair estimate is about $350,000 to fix both elevators. But there are 144 apartments, right? Something is wrong with the numbers somewhere. The assessment seems to be more than double what was needed. (shrug)[...]
Hmmm...missed this post this morning, LN. Unless my calculator is wrong, $800. x 144 units = $115,200. Are you saying the $800 per unit assessment is more than double what was needed based on what the condo association should legally have in reserves?:confused: Must admit I'm not up to speed at all in an area that I should be...other than knowing that reserves are a legal requirement.
And I'm guessing that the residents of the Canal House condominiums might offer to host our next HT get-together. We could, you know, take the elevator to their roof. :p
Count me in...as long as Tad attends! :D

[1stwahine]

Count me in...as long as Tad attends! :D

Me too!!! I wanna go too!!!:)

Auntie Lynn

[cezanne]

The story is on KHNL's website now at this link (http://www.khnl.com/Global/story.asp?S=6778514), and they also have a two-and-a-half minute video (http://www.khnl.com/global/video/popup/pop_player.asp?ClipID1=1580395&h1=Elevator%20Lets%20Waikiki%20Residents%20Down&vt1=v&at1=News&d1=147600&LaunchPageAdTag=News&activePane=info&playerVersion=9&hostPageUrl=http%3A//www.khnl.com/Global/story.asp%3FS%3D6778514&rnd=17193060) either from this link or on the other one.


Booooo! to not letting the elderly lady in!:mad: (39 sec mark)

From the HVT company site: Lifting the Industry Standard in Hawaii... (http://www.hawaiivertical.com/6.html)

Like someone said earlier..."you get what you pay for"...

[shaveice]

I think this Tad is a true hero. However, my concern is that he might have to endure some retaliation from his company or the building owner or building manager for making the rest of them look bad--simply by doing the right thing. I think he deserves massive compensation and a job offer from a legitimate firm that could use his 'can-do' attitude. Imagine this guy will need a massage, at the very least. And what if he actually does get injured, sprains his back? He's probably hurt for life.

I hope the press is crawling all over this like a bunch of fire ants. So many have let the ball drop, and there he is: A veritable Atlas, carrying the weight of this elevator, its cargo, and himself.

yup, i totally agree. like you said, i hope good things will come tad's way... what an admirable guy he is.

[GeckoGeek]

And about that $800 special assessment... the KHON story said the repair estimate is about $350,000 to fix both elevators. But there are 144 apartments, right? Something is wrong with the numbers somewhere. The assessment seems to be more than double what was needed. (shrug)

Assessments are frequently based on the square footage of the apartment. Unless all the apartments are the same size, some will be bigger and some smaller.

[tutusue]

Assessments are frequently based on the square footage of the apartment. Unless all the apartments are the same size, some will be bigger and some smaller.
Of course...why didn't I think of that, esp. since I've used that info many times the past coupla months?!!! That said, I believe the majority of the units are one bedroom, same size...aha!...google to the rescue:
"144 units all configured as one bedroom/one bath. Units have approximately 598 square fee of living space and 43 square feet of lanai".

[cezanne]

So Tutu... any word from your friend? Did they fix it?

[tutusue]

The way it seemed to work was that folks would call the Resident Manager on his cell phone and tell him what floor they were on. Then he would call his own maintenance man on his cell phone, who was inside the elevator all the time. That guy would push the appropriate button, then he would call Tad on the roof of the building and Tad would push whatever button he had to.
A three-person three-call process.[...]
According to my friend, that "choreography" happened AFTER HT came to the rescue. That's why my friend, once the media was involved, had to wait only 12 minutes. The night she called me and I posted to HT, she waited 2 hours because only Tad was involved.

Weird...I didn't see this post of yours, LN, 'til this morning even tho' I was on HT long after your date/time stamp. Same thing happened yesterday. Ditto for yesterday's post by Lavagal. :confused:

[tutusue]

So Tutu... any word from your friend? Did they fix it?
Nope...not fixed. Another 4 months is anticipated. Apparently HVT has hired a security company to man the elevator much like the Canal House staff did yesterday. So, people will continue to have to make arrangements via cell phone. Not all of the elderly residents have cell phones. Whatta mess.

There was a meeting last night with the management company's attorney, someone from HVT, BoD members who chose to attend (not all did) and the residents. It appears HVT person took all the credit for being on the roof with no acknowledgement given to Tad. My friend stopped short of saying HVT person was never on the roof but she did say that Tad was THE man for the first 36 hours. It sounds like there was a whole lotta misrepresentation of the truth goin' on. :mad:

My friend has also spoken with Jim Dooley.

Time will tell...

[LikaNui]

TutuSue -- one of my sources tells me that the HVT elevator company is saying they're pretty new at the Canal House contract, and the previous elevator company has refused to turn over any records and docunents to them, so HVT is blaming it on them.
I don't know how much, if any, truth there is to that story, but something Jim Dooley and the others may want to look into, if you or your friend want to pass that along to him/them.
(I would but I'm just racing out the door to go do about a hundred errands.)

[tutusue]

Thanks, LN. I left my friend a message to alert her.

[tutusue]

Update!

I spoke with my friend, LN, and she's aware that HVT hasn't been the only company to service the elevators during the condo's lifetime. She also mentioned that there was a mention at last week's meeting about the missing documents. Evidently, when an elevator is repaired the repair is noted for an ongoing history. Heh...I feel a screenplay comin' on..."Diary of a Mad Elevator"! :D Anyway, HVT is saying they are having trouble getting those notes. My friend wants to know why and how HVT bid on a job without that documentation. So do I.

One thing I didn't know about this Canal House fiasco is that in March, when HVT was called in, the first elevator was voluntarily taken out of service for an upgrade. Other than intermittent glitches that all elevators can experience (I just got off of one!!!), the first elevator was in working order. So...I'm curious...if that elevator was working and HVT, during an upgrade, had to take it apart, then determined they needed a new part...and that would take 6 weeks to get...why the h3!! didn't they put the previously working elevator back together and keep it in service 'til the part arrived??? Ok...so I know nothing about elevators!

My friend also mentioned that she learned in the meeting that elevator repair people are unionized and due to the volume of work, HVT has had to recruit union members from the mainland. Friend asked HVT rep why the workmen walked off the job. She said HVT rep said they were from the mainland and found living in Hawaii too expensive so they went home!!! Huh? They all made that decision on the same day??? And, if hired from out of state, don't most unions address per diem and lodging? They're probably making a decent wage if they're union. I wonder what union elevator repairmen belong to. (Aha, just found it...International Union of Elevator Constructors (http://www.iuec126.org/))

Friend also mentioned she heard from another friend who has a friend who lives in the Pavillion in Waikiki. (This is starting to sound like that childhood game, Telephone!!!) Apparently the Pavillion is also having a problem with HVT that dates back to January. I haven't heard anything about this so am guessing that all the elevators aren't affected and residents still have use of one or more elevators. Still...January>July...too long.

[LikaNui]

Anything new, TutuSue?

:confused:

[tutusue]

Anything new, TutuSue?

:confused:
Not at the moment. I'm having dinner with them on Sunday so I'll ask my friend for an update then.

Stand by...
;)

[tutusue]

Update!

There has recently been a repairman sighting on site. However, the one barely working elevator still needs to be operated manually, coordinated by cell phone between resident, assistant manager and "elevator operator". Residents need to allow a lot of lead time when they need to be somewhere. A completion date has not been given.

[LikaNui]

Thanks for the update, TutuSue, and please let me know if "the pitbull" needs to be unleashed again. (I'm working on a special project over here, doing 12-13 hour days, six days a week, for the next three weeks, but will make time to go into pitbull mode if needed.)

[tutusue]

Thanks for the update, TutuSue, and please let me know if "the pitbull" needs to be unleashed again. (I'm working on a special project over here, doing 12-13 hour days, six days a week, for the next three weeks, but will make time to go into pitbull mode if needed.)
Wot? Are you now working in film production?! :rolleyes:

[LikaNui]

Update! There has recently been a repairman sighting on site. However, the one barely working elevator still needs to be operated manually, coordinated by cell phone between resident, assistant manager and "elevator operator". Residents need to allow a lot of lead time when they need to be somewhere. A completion date has not been given. It's been a week since that last update, TutuSue, so... anything new?
Enquiring pitbulls wanna know.
:D

[tutusue]

It's been a week since that last update, TutuSue, so... anything new?
Enquiring pitbulls wanna know.
:D
<tee hee!>

As of last Thursday there's nuthin' new. Post #56 above still stands. Even tho' a repairman has been there, the residents were told at the meeting that it was going to be at least another 6 weeks before the essential part is available. I think it's time for Jim Dooley (http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Jun/20/ln/FP706200411.html) to make some more phone calls to the mainland! :D

[LikaNui]

KHNL and sister-station KFVE did an excellent follow-up tonight... hooray for them!!! :)
Three more weeks until the repairs are done, but.
Full story, video, and photos (including TutuSue's friend) are at this link (http://www.khnl.com/global/story.asp?s=6885746).
Kudos to KHNL and KFVE for staying on top of it!

[tutusue]

I, too, saw the follow-up, LN. And, yes, a high 5 to KHNL/K5 for staying on it. Actually, I am acquainted with Sharon but she's not the friend I've been referring to. My friend's husband was recently late to work twice in 2 days due to the delay in the elevator. There's no way to predict how long it will take once a resident summons it via a phone call. Whatta mess, huh!

I got a very, very teensy taste of this situation at Discovery Bay a week or so ago. One elevator was down for upgrading then the upgrade went wonky. The other 3 elevators in my tower were taking much longer than usual. There was lotsa grumbling going on in these packed spaces. I told everyone to google Canal House elevators to see what a REAL elevator problem looks like!!!

At one point I rode the elevator with a repairman. That's who told me about a malfunctioning chip. I SO wanted to ask who he worked for but bit my tongue! I was afraid I'd hit the emergency button then run screaming down the wrong floor! :D

[tutusue]

KGMB just aired a follow-up and it will probably repeat at 10p. For the most part nothing has changed. HVT told the Canal House's resident manager just today that one elevator should be fixed in 2 weeks. Hmmm...HVT didn't return the station's call. I wonder if HVT called the RM *after* it received the call from KGMB?

[LikaNui]

I'm glad to hear that a second station has done a followup!
Just tried to look at KGMB's website and see what they'd posted there, but their website seems to be down at the moment. darn it.
I'd also like to find out the answer to your question...

[tutusue]

An 82 year old gentleman was interviewed. At some point this week he hiked UP 22 flights of stairs to his condo. :(

[GeckoGeek]

An 82 year old gentleman was interviewed. At some point this week he hiked UP 22 flights of stairs to his condo. :(

Part of me finds it odd that I pay money to go to a gym to use the stair machine (about 100 floors in a half hour).

But still, I'd hate to be in that situation. I like to schedule my work outs rather then be forced to do them every time I go home.

[LikaNui]

Just tried to look at KGMB's website and see what they'd posted there, but their website seems to be down at the moment. darn it. And it's back up now. Yesterday's story is at this link (http://www.kgmb.com/kgmb/display.cfm?storyID=12188&sid=1183) on KGMB's website.

[tutusue]

Part of me finds it odd that I pay money to go to a gym to use the stair machine (about 100 floors in a half hour).

But still, I'd hate to be in that situation. I like to schedule my work outs rather then be forced to do them every time I go home.
I hear ya, GG! The additional problem for the folks who live at the Canal House is schlepping packages and groceries. I guess they just wait for the elevator regardless of how long it takes. However, the situation is so bad that many residents are sleeping on lounge chairs around the pool or in their cars in the parking structure. There's something so very, very wrong about having to do that. :mad:

I smell a major law suit down the road. And, no, my friend has not told me about one.

I forgot to give a big Mahalo in my previous post to the KGMB folks for their follow-up.

[GeckoGeek]

There's something so very, very wrong about having to do that. :mad:

I smell a major law suit down the road.

Could be. Anyone interested in doing so should document the things you've described. It's proof of suffering as opposed to just inconvenience.

I find it odd they can't get the part quicker then this. Since it sounds like it's able to be controlled by the buttons, it sounds like a control logic problem rather then something with the big heavy drive mechanics, but that's just a wild guess.

[tutusue]

[...]I find it odd they can't get the part quicker then this. Since it sounds like it's able to be controlled by the buttons, it sounds like a control logic problem rather then something with the big heavy drive mechanics, but that's just a wild guess.
When investigative reporter, Jim Dooley, did his expose on HVT and public housing (http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Jun/20/ln/FP706200411.html), he reported that the unavailable replacement part was, in fact, available on the mainland. All Jim did was make some phone calls! I would thing the property management company for the Canal House could do the same; even the resident manager!

In KGMBs report the other night it was reported that HVT is also having difficulty finding labor. Hmmm...

[GeckoGeek]

In KGMBs report the other night it was reported that HVT is also having difficulty finding labor. Hmmm...

Can't remember the last time I saw a class in relay logic. Maybe they are finally replacing those old controllers with new ones. Elevators are probably quite specialized. I wonder what the pay is like?

[tutusue]

[...]I wonder what the pay is like?
Dunno but it is a union job so it won't be minimum wage! ;)

[cezanne]

Dunno but it is a union job so it won't be minimum wage! ;)

I'd say in the neighborhood of $30+/hour. The "hero" who "sacrificed" his time to manually control the elevators in the beginning of this thread made bank.

[tutusue]

I'd say in the neighborhood of $30+/hour. The "hero" who "sacrificed" his time to manually control the elevators in the beginning of this thread made bank.
I hope so! He deserved it!

[LikaNui]

TutuSue, have you heard if the Canal House has an evacuation plan in place, in case Hurricane Flossie becomes a problem?

:eek:

[Leo Lakio]

Dunno but it is a union job so it won't be minimum wage! ;)Maybe Adrian needs to check them out...

[cezanne]

TutuSue, have you heard if the Canal House has an evacuation plan in place, in case Hurricane Flossie becomes a problem?

:eek:

They would be instructed to use the stairwells in any case of an emergency anyway.

[tutusue]

TutuSue, have you heard if the Canal House has an evacuation plan in place, in case Hurricane Flossie becomes a problem?

:eek:
I haven't talked with my friend this week-end. All my time's been spent on the phone with my daughter attempting to quell her Flossie fears. Seems she didn't make an attempt to get homeowners and hurricane insurance for her condo here 'til 2 days ago. She hasn't signed anything yet so the policy isn't in effect. My guess is the insurance company won't begin to process the policy 'til they know that Flossie's no longer a threat or they'll exclude Flossie in exchange for immediate coverage. <sigh>
They would be instructed to use the stairwells in any case of an emergency anyway.
Exactly!

[LikaNui]

They would be instructed to use the stairwells in any case of an emergency anyway.Of course they'd be so instructed. However, please recall that what started this whole Canal House thread was the problems being caused for their elderly and disabled tenants.
They are the ones I'm concerned about.
:(

[tutusue]

Of course they'd be so instructed. However, please recall that what started this whole Canal House thread was the problems being caused for their elderly and disabled tenants.
They are the ones I'm concerned about.
:(
During Iniki no one at my Makaha condo building, including the disabled residents, was allowed to use the elevators during mandatory evacuation. By the time one of my neighbors got to another neighbor who was confined to a wheelchair, disabled neighbor had already wheeled himself to the stair well, lowered himself to the ground and was descending the stairs on his bum.

The difference between my building and the Canal House? About 21 floors!

[cezanne]

Of course they'd be so instructed. However, please recall that what started this whole Canal House thread was the problems being caused for their elderly and disabled tenants.
They are the ones I'm concerned about.
:(

OK I see your concern but Canal House can serve notice to evacuate but are not responsible for evacuating it's tenants.

[LikaNui]

OK I see your concern but Canal House can serve notice to evacuate but are not responsible for evacuating it's tenants. Legally responsible, perhaps not. Morally and ethically responsible... hell yes!

:cool:

[GeckoGeek]

Seems like a dilemma. In a way, it would seem that disabled people shouldn't be moving into a building that they can't evacuate from. But then disabled people are more likely to not have enough money to buy/rent a desirable place.

What happens in the case of a fire? How responsible is the building for getting everyone out? I think this is more of a "brother's keeper" type of thing and it's all the residents that have a responsibility to look after their neighbors.

Don't even think about using the elevators. Many are tied into the fire alarm system. When the fire alarm goes off, the elevators go to the ground floor and wait for the fire department.

[LikaNui]

Anything new, TutuSue?
I'm in full-on PITBULL mode today.
:p

[tutusue]

Anything new, TutuSue?
Nope...and the owners are still paying a monthly special assessment for these elevators! I had lunch yesterday with an owner at the Canal House and nothing's changed. Several residents have moved out which has tied up the one manually operated elevator to the point of making other residents late for work. I'm having dinner tonight with my friend mentioned in my original post. I'll probably not bring up the subject as I know it will become the only topic of conversation, which is something I want to avoid!!!
I'm in full-on PITBULL mode today.
:p
So I've noticed...
:D

[tutusue]

Seems like a dilemma. In a way, it would seem that disabled people shouldn't be moving into a building that they can't evacuate from.[...]
In Discovery Bay's bi-monthly newsletter the association asks for any resident who needs special attention during an emergency or evacuation to contact the office asap as the office keeps a list. After several requests, to date only one person has responded. The last newsletter mentioned the hope that the lack of response means the condo complex has a healthy population!!! At least Discovery Bay has addressed the subject.

[GeckoGeek]

In Discovery Bay's bi-monthly newsletter the association asks for any resident who needs special attention during an emergency or evacuation to contact the office asap as the office keeps a list. After several requests, to date only one person has responded. The last newsletter mentioned the hope that the lack of response means the condo complex has a healthy population!!! At least Discovery Bay has addressed the subject.

One thing I've seen a couple of times is if one attempts to address an issue, they have to do it the right way. Otherwise they encounter liability. I know that sounds silly, but that seems to be what comes out of the courts - either you're responsible, or you're not. If you're not responsible, you're in the clear. If you take on the responsibility, then you're on the hook.

Somewhere down the line, the question will come up if keeping a list is enough. Likewise the requirement for self-reporting. What happens if someone routinely uses a wheelchair in the lobby, and the building manager sees them, but they aren't placed on the list and as a result, they are missed in an evacuation. Is the building liable?

[tutusue]

[...]Somewhere down the line, the question will come up if keeping a list is enough. Likewise the requirement for self-reporting. What happens if someone routinely uses a wheelchair in the lobby, and the building manager sees them, but they aren't placed on the list and as a result, they are missed in an evacuation. Is the building liable?
I can't answer that but the condo associations at both buildings where I own units have attorneys available. Those attorneys attend the annual meetings and are available to the BoDs for advice. I doubt anything that might have a potential liability factor would get by the attorney. At least, it shouldn't! ;)

[GeckoGeek]

At least, it shouldn't! ;)

Hopefully!

[alohacandy]

I can't answer that but the condo associations at both buildings where I own units have attorneys available. Those attorneys attend the annual meetings and are available to the BoDs for advice. I doubt anything that might have a potential liability factor would get by the attorney. At least, it shouldn't! ;)

Has anyone contacted the "bulldogs" at the Hawaii Disability Rights Center? They can be reached at 949-2922 and are located at Fort St. Mall.

[1stwahine]

Has anyone contacted the "bulldogs" at the Hawaii Disability Rights Center? They can be reached at 949-2922 and are located at Fort St. Mall.

Post Number#3 gave their Website.;)

Lynn

[alohacandy]

Post Number#3 gave their Website.;)

Lynn

Yea...I noticed...just wondered if they were contacted though.

[tutusue]

Yea...I noticed...just wondered if they were contacted though.
Dunno! I turned all the contact info over to my friend as she is "front line" and can explain the situation much better than a non-resident.

[LikaNui]

Last post here was August 30. So TutuSue, if/when you get a spare moment, could we please get an update?
Plenny mahaloz in advance for dat...
:)

[tutusue]

Last post here was August 30. So TutuSue, if/when you get a spare moment, could we please get an update?
Plenny mahaloz in advance for dat...
:)
The one elevator that was supposed to be fixed within 6 weeks (approx. early August) still hasn't been fixed so...nothing's changed. That elevator is still not operating at all and the other elevator still has to be manually operated by appointment. My friend said she's neither seen nor heard any work being done on them.

She also said there's a note posted on premises that the association is "in negotiations" with the elevator company and to please not call the media!!!!!!! Since they already had a contract with HVT, it sounds to me like the association might be in negotiations with a new elevator company...but that's just a guess on my part. Friend doesn't know because she can't get answers...possibly because she's a tenant and not an owner. <shrug>

[Honoruru]

The one elevator that was supposed to be fixed within 6 weeks (approx. early August) still hasn't been fixed so...nothing's changed. <shrug>

Boy, that really sucks! I can't believe it's taking so long to fix an elevator. Seems like there's something more going on here.

Currently, one of our elevators in our building is down, but I know that it will be fixed by ... Monday? We tend take elevators for granted, but they can be both a blessing and a curse.

[LikaNui]

She also said there's a note posted on premises that the association is "in negotiations" with the elevator company and to please not call the media!!!!!!! Since they already had a contract with HVT, it sounds to me like the association might be in negotiations with a new elevator company...but that's just a guess on my part. Does she know who posted that note? I find it offensive that someone has the nerve to tell anyone who they can or cannot contact. A note like that would make me want to contact the media and let the media know about the note! :p
But out of respect for your friend and in order to not harm negotiations that may help her and the rest of the disabled tenants there, I won't.
For now.
The pitbull stands ready to help if needed.

[tutusue]

Does she know who posted that note? I find it offensive that someone has the nerve to tell anyone who they can or cannot contact. A note like that would make me want to contact the media and let the media know about the note! :p
But out of respect for your friend and in order to not harm negotiations that may help her and the rest of the disabled tenants there, I won't.
For now.
The pitbull stands ready to help if needed.
I believe the resident manager posted the notice. As I told my friend, the media just might be contacted and it won't be by her! ;) But, yah, if the association is negotiating with a new company we wouldn't want to harm that. Still...a new elevator company, knowing the circumstances and media attention, could become heroes if they played their cards right!

[LikaNui]

I'll check with my sources at the management company's main office on Monday and see what's the scoops, then the pitbull will meditate on that info and decide about the veracity of going to the media. Again.
Which is highly likely, since it's outrageous that repairs haven't been accomplished yet, not to mention long ago!
You say your friend is a renter, not an owner. Perhaps the renters should all get together and agree to each pay only part of the rent due, since they're only getting part of what they were promised in their leases. That would get the owners attentions, who would then turn up the heat at the management company.
But if the renters do that, it's very important that they each put the balance of each month's rent into a Trust Account at their bank, payable to their landlord. (I'm not an attorney (thank Gawd) and would suggest the tenants find out if that's the correct legally way to do it.)
:o

[tutusue]

[...]then the pitbull will meditate[...]
Whatta dichotomy! :D
(hmmm...is that the right word?!!!)

[LikaNui]

Whatta dichotomy! :D (hmmm...is that the right word?!!!) Beats "lobotomy"!
:D

[cezanne]

So you would call the media even if the management asked people not to? I don't get it. Not to mention that this situation doesn't directly affect you. :confused:

[GeckoGeek]

So you would call the media even if the management asked people not to?

It would appear from this armchair that management is useless. They aren't getting results. This is about the building's tenets, not what management wants.

[LikaNui]

So you would call the media even if the management asked people not to? I don't get it. Most people will think that management's request indicates that they have something to hide. Otherwise, why would management be afraid of the media? Can you explain that?
Telling people to not contact the media was a big mistake on their part.

Not to mention that this situation doesn't directly affect you. Homeslessness, healthcare for poor children, damage to the environment, etc etc don't directly affect me either, but it would be morally reprehensible for me -- or anyone -- to ignore those issues and to not do our little bit to help.
I've always tried to be an advocate for the young, the elderly, and the infirm. This particular situation started because of TutuSue's call for assistance here. A disabled person needed help, which apparently I was able to provide in whatever small way.
The fact that someone needs help may not directly affect me, as you say, in a personal way... but it affects me in a moral way. And I have no interntion at all of apologizing for that.
To each his own.

[tutusue]

As LikaNui has stated in the past...he's an advocate for the underdog, whether or not it directly affects him. The posted notice was at the building and was directed to the residents. Management has no control over what happens away from the building. Regardless of who and how many are at fault in this elevator situation, the Canal House residents, mostly elderly, have had constant elevator problems for 7 months now...with one of only 2 elevators being completely inoperable for that length of time. This thread started when the 2nd elevator broke down. That's the one that's currently being operated manually and by appointment.

The elevator situation didn't affect anyone in the media either. However they saw it as a large enough problem involving a large enough body of people to jump on the story, even doing follow-ups.

The Canal House residents have been way too inconvenienced for way too long. :mad:

[cezanne]

*insert saluting smiley here*


Homeslessness, healthcare for poor children, damage to the environment, etc etc don't directly affect me either, but it would be morally reprehensible for me -- or anyone -- to ignore those issues and to not do our little bit to help.
I've always tried to be an advocate for the young, the elderly, and the infirm. This particular situation started because of TutuSue's call for assistance here. A disabled person needed help, which apparently I was able to provide in whatever small way.
The fact that someone needs help may not directly affect me, as you say, in a personal way... but it affects me in a moral way. And I have no interntion at all of apologizing for that.
To each his own.

[LikaNui]

Reviving this thread in the hope that TutuSue will be able to tell us that the elevator situation has been totally, finally and completely fixed in the two months since this thread was active.
So... updated news, please!

[tutusue]

(Triple post! What the heck?!)
I guess this subject is supposed to be back in the forefront of HT!!!

Funny you should ask. I spent Thanksgiving with my friends who live in the Canal House and specifically asked for an update. According to my friend, the residents still have to make appointments to ride the one manually operated elevator. There's been no progress on the elevator repairs and HVT has been "let go". Evidently HVT told management that at least one elevator was 60% repaired. New repair company surveyed the situation and said that elevator is only 20% repaired. It'll be interesting to see how long it takes for the new company to get at least one elevator back in service...and even more interesting to see if any lawsuits come out of this mess.

My friend also mentioned that one of the most difficult issues to deal with is the complete lack of remorse on the part of the HVT rep during a resident's meeting.

[LikaNui]

Thanks for the rapid update, Tutu!
It would be nice to know if the new repair company gave any kind of estimated date for the repairs, if/when you get a chance to ask your friend.
While you're doing that (if you can), I'll be putting on my Pit Bull Man mask and cape and warming up the Pit Bull Man super-weapons.
:cool:

(Any newbies curious about the Pit Bull Man reference should check post #13 in this thread. :p )

[tutusue]

Thanks for the rapid update, Tutu!
It would be nice to know if the new repair company gave any kind of estimated date for the repairs, if/when you get a chance to ask your friend.
While you're doing that (if you can), I'll be putting on my Pit Bull Man mask and cape and warming up the Pit Bull Man super-weapons.
:cool:

(Any newbies curious about the Pit Bull Man reference should check post #13 in this thread. :p )
<teehee!>

I'll call her on Wed. My next 2 days at work will be all consuming but I'll report back when I have some news. In the meantime I hope you've washed your pit bull costume since you last wore it! :D

[LikaNui]

I'll call her on Wed. My next 2 days at work will be all consuming but I'll report back when I have some news. Thanks, and good luck with the work!

In the meantime I hope you've washed your pit bull costume since you last wore it! Yes I did, but for some reason I keep having this urge to chase cars and bite their tires. :o And every time I walk past a fire hydrant... oh, never mind. :p

[tutusue]

[...]It would be nice to know if the new repair company gave any kind of estimated date for the repairs, [...]
Aha! When pressed a little further for details my friend mentioned that, while it's almost certain this new elevator repair company will get the job, they're still in the process of estimating the cost. Until that happens and the job is signed, sealed and delivered, I doubt they'll give an estimated time frame for repair. Friend says lack of media attention right now is probably good so as not to put any pressure on new repair company.

As an aside, my friend has been on crutches since early Sept. She's really caught between a rock and a hard place 'cuz she and her hubby are both in no physical condition to move yet they're being physically impacted by the ongoing elevator problems.

[LikaNui]

Aha! When pressed a little further for details my friend mentioned that, while it's almost certain this new elevator repair company will get the job, they're still in the process of estimating the cost. Until that happens and the job is signed, sealed and delivered, I doubt they'll give an estimated time frame for repair. I'd be very surprised if the condo association didn't have a policy of getting three estimates. But maybe there aren't that many elevator repair companies in the state.

Friend says lack of media attention right now is probably good so as not to put any pressure on new repair company. I think the media would put the pressure on the condo management, not the new repair company. But Pit Bull Man will heel, sit, and stay, for now. :o

She's really caught between a rock and a hard place 'cuz she and her hubby are both in no physical condition to move yet they're being physically impacted by the ongoing elevator problems. Grrrrrr. Pit Bull Man is straining at his leash, waiting for the command to attack. :mad:

[tutusue]

I'd be very surprised if the condo association didn't have a policy of getting three estimates. But maybe there aren't that many elevator repair companies in the state.
Could be. My friend is a tenant, not an owner so she may not be aware of what's been happening between the end of HVT and the current estimate status.
I think the media would put the pressure on the condo management, not the new repair company. But Pit Bull Man will heel, sit, and stay, for now. :o
Agreed. But, the high profile could indirectly cause the repair company to feel some pressure.
Grrrrrr. Pit Bull Man is straining at his leash, waiting for the command to attack. :mad:
Make sure your pit bull costume is laundered, ironed and hanging in the nearest phone booth! :D

[tutusue]

End of year update!

I had lunch with my Canal House friend today. She is still on crutches (as referenced above) and was recently diagnosed with a fractured hip. Hip replacement surgery is scheduled for early January. She must keep working until then.

When I met her at the HHV at noon she was on the phone with her husband. He had just walked up the stairs to their 17th floor unit. One of the 2 elevators is still inoperable. The other manually operated elevator is now not working. Evidentally, the repair company was on site. Husband is in his 70s, frail (110 lbs. dripping wet) and has a bad back. I'm in stand by mode to bring her to my office tonight should the elevator still not be working when she's pau with work. Friend can't navigate one stair, much less 17 floors worth.

What in God's name is this woman going to do after she gets out of the hospital if the elevators are in the same state of disrepair? And, what's she going to do between now and surgery? A hotel is not a financial option. I told her that the anticipated 3 day hospitalization will probably be an unexpected respite.

Enough already. :mad:

[LikaNui]

There you go, being psychic again. I was thinking about reviving this thread to get an update, and you beat me to it. And with a darned upsetting update.
What's the latest on the new elevator repair company? Last we heard, we were asked to not contact the media. Is that still in effect?
Pit Bull Man is straining at his leash, ready to go.

[tutusue]

Apparently there are still requests posted on the premises asking residents to not contact the media. My friend and I did not discuss the media, either. That said, I'm not a resident...and I'm PI$$ED.

I know nothing about the repair company status other than they are on site today I assume trying to get one elevator operational. There's been no update, afaik, on the status of ordered parts or an estimated date for completing repairs. That said I, intentionally, did not ask her any questions because, when I saw how truly incapacitated she's become, it really didn't make any difference to me what her answers might be. She needs an elevator NOW...not some promised, hypothetical date down the road, even if it's next week.

Enough is enough. Where do I buy a pit bull suit? I also need one for my Makaha condo situation. :mad:

[LikaNui]

Enough is enough. Where do I buy a pit bull suit? In post #114 one month ago, you told me this:
Make sure your pit bull costume is laundered, ironed and hanging in the nearest phone booth! Well, it's ready. Pit Bull Man now considers himself unleashed and on the job. Stay tuned (literally)!

I also need one for my Makaha condo situation. :mad: Anything you can explain publicly (and in a new thread, as I expect the media to review this one very shortly)? Or, feel free to PM me.

[Honoruru]

I just can't believe this is continuing for so long. Nothing can justify this.

[GeckoGeek]

Apparently there are still requests posted on the premises asking residents to not contact the media.

Are there signs asking residents not to contact their lawyers? Given the length of time, I think it's ripe for that. If you're denied your place of residence or being able to get out, that sounds like a real hardship to me.

Now, there's a standing joke in the repair business: Good, cheap, fast - pick any two. And there's quite a bit of truth to that. Now, given the amount of time the second company has been in there, I'm getting the distinct feeling that "fast" has been sacrificed. (On the downside, if "cheap" is sacrificed, then there's going to be a big assessment coming up. "Good" is something you don't want to cut too many corners with in a elevator.) Still, I wonder what's going on about balancing the needs here.


Edit: Could be. My friend is a tenant, not an owner

Stupid question, but why hasn't she moved?

[tutusue]

[...]Anything you can explain publicly (and in a new thread, as I expect the media to review this one very shortly)? Or, feel free to PM me.
Not yet. But I'd sure like to! All I'll say for now is it's...UNBELIEVABLE.
I just can't believe this is continuing for so long. Nothing can justify this.
Absolutely! It's unacceptable and inexcusable. Parts can be flown in, fer crissake...if that's the problem. I don't know that it is at this point. And I'm certainly not implicating the new repair company. At this point it doesn't make any difference. Something MUST be done.

Another update...the inoperable, manually operated elevator was restored to it's manually operated condition and my friend was able to get home.

[LikaNui]

Another update...the inoperable, manually operated elevator was restored to it's manually operated condition and my friend was able to get home. Hallelujah. Thank goodness for small blessings.
And... Canal House is going to have some visitors tomorrow.
Heh.
Woof.
:cool:

[tutusue]

Are there signs asking residents not to contact their lawyers? Given the length of time, I think it's ripe for that. If you're denied your place of residence or being able to get out, that sounds like a real hardship to me.
I don't know if lawyers are mentioned on signage but I've heard hints that some owners have contacted their legal representatives.
Now, there's a standing joke in the repair business: Good, cheap, fast - pick any two. And there's quite a bit of truth to that. Now, given the amount of time the second company has been in there, I'm getting the distinct feeling that "fast" has been sacrificed. (On the downside, if "cheap" is sacrificed, then there's going to be a big assessment coming up. "Good" is something you don't want to cut too many corners with in a elevator.) Still, I wonder what's going on about balancing the needs here.
I think there might be some hesitation over making financial decisions as the 'overage' due to payments already made to first repair company added to the estimate made by second repair company pushes the repair work way over budget. While I understand the concern, the situation is so dire at this point that the association should just bite the bullet. Easy for me to say, tho'. I did hear recently that the maintenance fees will go up to over $500./mo. beginning Jan. 1, for the one bedroom units which are approx. 600 sq. ft.

Edit:

Stupid question, but why hasn't she moved?
Not a stupid question at all. It boils down to financial and physical reasons. Both are disabled, she more than he. Physically and financially, neither are up to a move, not to mention the degree of difficulty without an appropriately operating elevator. Also, their rent is currently manageable and they fear that finding another apartment to fit within their small budget might be next to impossible. IOW...the high cost of living in Hawaii impacts them.

[alohacandy]

End of year update!


What in God's name is this woman going to do after she gets out of the hospital if the elevators are in the same state of disrepair? And, what's she going to do between now and surgery? A hotel is not a financial option. I told her that the anticipated 3 day hospitalization will probably be an unexpected respite.

Enough already. :mad:
What a frustrating situation!! I hope that the media attention gets something done FAST.

Please ask your friend to talk to her orthopedic surgeon about going to either the Rehab Hospital or a Skilled Nursing Facility where she can get some more INPATIENT therapy after her acute care hospitalization. I have seen people go first to Rehab and then to a SNF just because of situations like hers so that they can utilize as much of their inpatient benefits as possible before they return home to independent living. To ensure that this happens, she can also request to speak to either a Case Manager or a Social Worker who does Discharge Planning at the hospital where she will have her surgery. They can help facilitate the transfer to the appropriate facility for continued therapy. If you have more questions about this process, please PM me.

[tutusue]

[...]If you have more questions about this process, please PM me.
Thanks so much. I'll pass along the info you provided and will PM you if my friend has questions.

[LikaNui]

This is just a taste of things to come, but on Ian Lind's blog (http://ilind.net/) today (which is widely read, including by media and government folks), he had this:

Remember the Canal House condominium, the building that was having elevator problems that forced residents to use the stairs and later had to run one elevator manually in order to service residents? According to a discussion over at Hawaii Threads, the elevators are still not fixed. For some, it’s become a health issue. No clear indication of why fixing the elevators has turned into such an unending job. Maybe some enterprising reporters will check it out.

Mahalo for that, Ian.
More to follow. I'll keep HT posted about others who reply to my contacting them last night. And if any of you have media or governmental contacts who can help, please contact them.
'Tis the season to help others. This time, it's the elderly and disabled folks at Canal House who need our help.

[LikaNui]

Made a whole bunch of calls today, but it seems like 90% (or more) of the media and government folks are on vacation until January 2. I guess I should've expected that, but. :(

[GeckoGeek]

Not a stupid question at all. It boils down to financial and physical reasons. Both are disabled, she more than he. Physically and financially, neither are up to a move, not to mention the degree of difficulty without an appropriately operating elevator. Also, their rent is currently manageable and they fear that finding another apartment to fit within their small budget might be next to impossible. IOW...the high cost of living in Hawaii impacts them.

Well, the physical might get a little better after recovering from the hip replacement, but otherwise I think it's delaying the inevitable. The maintenance increase is going to get passed on sooner or later. The landlord may decide that the apartment needs to be renovated, or that a family member needs it, or may simply sell it. That's one of the problems with being a renter. :( Granted, it's not going to be easy to move with a busted elevator, but it may be time for them to look at their long-range plan if they haven't done so already.

[tutusue]

I hear what you're saying, GG, however I sincerely doubt my friends will consider moving until the rent goes beyond their reach. Even after the hip replacement, my friend is still dealing with a horrific case of rheumatoid arthritis. No doubt, renting is tough. Too many variables as I found out when I had my office in commercial space. One variable in particular drove me out which, in the long run, turned out to be a blessing.

[Peshkwe]

This is just a taste of things to come, but on Ian Lind's blog (http://ilind.net/) today (which is widely read, including by media and government folks), he had this:



Mahalo for that, Ian.
More to follow. I'll keep HT posted about others who reply to my contacting them last night. And if any of you have media or governmental contacts who can help, please contact them.
'Tis the season to help others. This time, it's the elderly and disabled folks at Canal House who need our help.

Looks like this guy reads Lind's blog...wonder what his take on the situation would be:

http://www.hawaiicondolaw.com/blog/

[tutusue]

Looks like this guy reads Lind's blog...wonder what his take on the situation would be:

http://www.hawaiicondolaw.com/blog/
Good link...thanx!

[tutusue]

Made a whole bunch of calls today, but it seems like 90% (or more) of the media and government folks are on vacation until January 2. I guess I should've expected that, but. :(
Waiting is probably a good thing at this point as I've heard that there are some "negotiations" going on and additional attention right now may be detrimental.

[Leo Lakio]

Waiting is probably a good thing at this point as I've heard that there are some "negotiations" going on and additional attention right now may be detrimental.Or it might be advantageous to keep the pressure and spotlight on this issue, which is over five months old.

[tutusue]

Or it might be advantageous to keep the pressure and spotlight on this issue, which is over five months old.
I hear ya! ;)

[GeckoGeek]

There's a part of me that wants to go poke around in the elevator room. And to find out what's really going on. Any idea what brand these elevators are? Perhaps it's a off-brand that's creating all the problems?

[zztype]

Update in this morning's Star-Bulletin (http://starbulletin.com/2008/01/12/news/whatever.html). Looks like things are improving.

[LikaNui]

Today's Star-Bulletin has an update at this link (http://starbulletin.com/2008/01/12/news/whatever.html), including:
Canal House still has just one working elevator, but now it is running on its own, thanks to service company ThyssenKrupp Elevator, said Canal House resident manager Greg Zellner.
The condominium, which has two elevators, faced major problems last summer when one elevator was out of service for modernization since March and the other one stopped responding.
For at least a week, condo employees and a service technician had to manually run the elevator 24 hours a day, producing two-hour waits for some residents.
(...)
The service company, Hawaii Vertical Transportation, got the elevator running again, but not without an attendant, who continually operated it from the inside for two months.
Canal House eventually canceled its contract with the company, Zellner said.
Hawaii Vertical Transportation did not return calls for comment.
In September, ThyssenKrupp repaired the partially functioning lift.
"Those guys really saved us here," Zellner said. "It took these guys three days, and the elevator was fixed and up and running by itself."
For now the condo is working to secure a contract with ThyssenKrupp to complete modernization work on both elevators. Zellner said once the contract is signed, the work will take at least a year to finish.
(...)

More at the link above, and mahalo nui to the Star-Bulletin!
So, it only took the new company three days to fix the one elevator. Interesting.
I would've liked to learn exactly what is wrong with the other one and why it can't at least be made operable until that "modernization" at least a year from now.
Still some unanswered questions, and only a semi-acceptable fix so far. :(

[tutusue]

Just spoke with my Canal House friend. She was completely unaware of the projected 1 year time frame to modernize the elevators as there are no notices to that effect posted in the building. My guess is management is waiting until a contract is signed.

She thought she'd told me that the one elevator had been fixed in Sept. That's something I would've remembered and posted here immediately. My post #115 addresses the one, manually operated elevator that broke down. Turns out it was working on it's own until it broke again on Dec. 27. It's operational now but one, working elevator for the entire building just doesn't cut it. Residents continue to miss work and doctor's appointments when that elevator acts up, as it did recently.

[LikaNui]

The good news is that the story today is the second followup to the original story. That's three strikes. Canal House management has to realize now that they'll continue to be under the microscope until such time as the problem is totally resolved.
That should be incentive.

[LikaNui]

Just spoke with my Canal House friend. She was completely unaware of the projected 1 year time frame to modernize the elevators as there are no notices to that effect posted in the building. My guess is management is waiting until a contract is signed.
She thought she'd told me that the one elevator had been fixed in Sept. That's something I would've remembered and posted here immediately. My post #115 addresses the one, manually operated elevator that broke down. Turns out it was working on it's own until it broke again on Dec. 27. It's operational now but one, working elevator for the entire building just doesn't cut it. Residents continue to miss work and doctor's appointments when that elevator acts up, as it did recently. TutuSue wrote that on January 12. So, more than two months later... any new developments, Tutu?
(I had to revive this thread, since there were other elevator problem discussions in the Busted Bishop Estate Trustee thread and then it got moved over to the Making A Community Better thread because a pit bull got confused with a bulldog in the trustee thread and wow laulau I stay lost and confused!?! :p )

[tutusue]

Same ol'...same ol', last I heard. I've been involved in too much death and destruction the past coupla months so haven't stayed on top of the Canal House situation.

It's interesting to experience elevator life on an almost daily basis for now. There are 4 elevators servicing my building and they get glitchy...stopping at unrequested floors, passing requested floors, lengthy waits, yada, yada. Thankfully, not all at once! When one of the 4 is acting up it truly affects the entire building. I can't imagine what it's like to live in a building with only 2 elevators. Or worse...no working elevators.

[LikaNui]

Same ol'...same ol', last I heard. And that was written three months ago so, you know, enquiring minds want to know: any update?
TIA!

[tutusue]

Last I heard, one elevator is operational. Residents still have to allow time in their schedules to wait for it. I don't know what the projected wait time is for the out of service elevator as my mind has been preoccupied with another condo building! ;)

[LikaNui]

Thanks for the reply, TutuSue. As long as at least one elevator is working reliably, the ol' "pitbull" will just stay in standby mode. Please let us know if and when you do hear anything more, and good luck with that other condo mess!

[WindwardOahuRN]

Elevator Hell seems to be a common occurence here. I experience it on a regular basis at work. I now have a habit of checking whether the elevator floor actually meets the level of the floor I am leaving as I enter the elevator. Yeah, I went flying one day as I mis-stepped and erroneously assumed that the exiting floor was at the same level as the entrance floor.
Silly me.