A Kona association paid $162,500 for refusing accommodations that cost it nothing
A Kona association paid $162,500 for refusing accommodations that cost it nothing
2026-09-10 · Hawaii · Compliance
A 54-unit Kailua-Kona association, its managing agent, the unit sellers and the sellers’ realtor paid a combined $162,500 and accepted federal oversight, after refusing three accommodation and modification requests that a prospective buyer with paraplegia offered to fund himself.12
The matter is United States v. Kailua Village Condominium Association, resolved by consent decrees announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Hawaii in February 2025 and reported to Hawaii boards by the Real Estate Branch in the December 2025 Condominium Bulletin.
What was asked for
The buyer, living in the unit during escrow under an early occupancy agreement, requested — at his own expense — an accessible parking space, a temporary ramp, and permission to install an accessible toilet.
According to the government’s allegations, the on-site manager refused, failed to comply with federal accessibility requirements, and engaged in discriminatory and harassing conduct. The buyer withdrew from the purchase.
What the decrees require
- $162,500 in damages to the complainant;
- mandatory fair housing training for agents and employees;
- adoption of a fair housing policy subject to federal approval;
- written policies and signage on reasonable modifications and accommodations;
- records retention and reporting; and
- strict prohibitions on disability discrimination.
This is a settlement, not an adjudication — no court found the allegations proven. It remains the clearest current statement of federal enforcement posture toward Hawaii condominium boards.
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