I've lived in this building as a tenant for the last five years, and love the location and the security of the building. It has a beautiful garden deck, with pool, my rent is affordable, I'm walking distance to groceries and restaurants in Chinatown, there is easy access to the freeway, and it's close to the airport and my place of work (when I commuted). I also have met some wonderful neighbors here and some of the staff are super nice and hard working and I count them as friends.
So why three stars? Several reasons: old AF piping, poor management, and an unresponsive and ineffective board. For the first, the pipes are connected to your neighbor, which means that any clogs or backups from your neighbors to the side or above or below you will affect you. I've had water pour into my kitchen from a broken pipe above and last year reported water leaking into the hallway from a common pipe. As it's nearly impossible to locate the true source of a problem, you end up duking it out with your neighbor when it's possible NEITHER of you are the actual problem (maybe it's from above, maybe it's just time!). Without a communal approach to clogs, you're in disputes with people who live right next to you. As far as management goes - the security here, except for the lead guy (HMM), turns over like sets at the beach and people get fired for minor infractions. Most of the guards are friendly, but rules and application are inconsistent - sometimes I need to call security to let my guests up; other times they just let them in and hardly anyone signs in. I even heard there was a case of suicide where a non-resident jumped off a top floor because security let them up. I don't think they offer holiday or weekend pay for housekeeping or landscaping staff, who are mostly immigrant workers. Sounds like they need a union!! Additionally, the elevators BLOW. They are often out for repair, or blocked off for someone moving. It would be nice if residents could use the elevator unless someone was ACTIVELY transporting items, but it will sit open and unutilized to the annoyance of many.
Tonight I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Kevin Lye, VP of the board here, who appeared to have stalked me at this hour, who asked me if I resided in the building and if I was an owner. I probably shouldn't have answered such specific questions at 11 PM in Chinatown no less, but didn't want to be rude. Kevin then informed me that under House Rules, animals should not defecate on property, in the courtyard or on the perimeter, and that security reviews footage to match animals and residents for infractions. This is just hours after I was informed by the head security guard that there have been "complaints" about my dog laying on the bench next to me. "Was it a white lady," I asked? The sheepish look told me everything I needed to know. A few weeks ago, a Karen, nearly shaking with fury, berated me for the fact that my dog was sitting politely on the bench. Mind you - my dog is calm, well-behaved, and HIGHLY beloved by residents of many ages and the staff. Turns out Karen is actually named Joyce Allen, who is the president of the board.
If I can't walk my dog in the secure green area, nor around my building which provides lighting and security cameras (ironically used to police my behavior...), where in Chinatown should I walk? If I am assaulted, I can say that my apartment board strictly prohibits me from walking my ESA around my residence, so I have to go to more dangerous streets. So my dog doing her business on grass is a problem, but racist behavior and security guards wearing MAGA hats is cool?
TBH, I think I'm being targeted for some pretty benign behavior. Back in August, I sent a message to the board regarding some racist neighbors' behavior - my Korean neighbor shared that she was shaken by a neighbor down the hall yelling "F*ck you, go back to your country!" when she informed him that the elevator was at the 5 person limit per COVID/Kukui Plaza guidelines. Another Korean neighbor informed me that she is harassed by another resident and security has taken no action. I shared this with Kevin and informed him that I told my neighbor to report this to the board. Kevin confirmed the board never reviewed these matters, despite my email to admin...at at time when anti-Asian violence is at a high, the lack of action is pretty reprehensible.
Nationally, we've had three mass shooting in the last month, a senior citizen set on fire at Cultural Plaza, an uptick in violence across the city, and THIS is what my board cares about? I have no recourse as a resident - I can't attend board meetings, my matters don't get reviewed, and I can't run for the board to manage issues that I care about: proper neighborly conduct, improving staff morale and retention, ensuring proper maintenance, checking in on house-bound kupuna who may not get proper meals or may need help in case of emergency. No vote, no voice, I guess. read more