One Archer Lane
board sues over
alleged defectsThe condo's directors claim
the developer and builders
are financially responsible
for damages in the units
The board of apartment owners of the One Archer Lane condominium, built by Jack Myers in 1998, has sued the building's developer and builders over construction defects.
The board of directors of the Association of Apartment Owners has sued the project's developer Myers Corp., general contractor Fletcher Pacific Construction Co., supplier Firestone Building Products Co., architect Media Five Ltd. and other companies for intentionally hiding the defects to avoid liability.
After the 41-story, 330-unit South King Street project was completed in February 1998, the board found signs of defective design and construction. The defendants either knew or should have known about the defects, the suit said. The defects, which were not described in the suit, may require costly repairs and lead to decreased value of the units, and the board is seeking damages on behalf of individual owners.
Fletcher Pacific was acquired in 1999 by Pittsburgh-based Dick Corp., and the company's position is it did not assume Fletcher's liability, a spokeswoman said. The Durrant Group of Phoenix acquired the operating assets of Media Five in 2001.
Jack Myers, who relocated to California around the time One Archer Lane was finished, could not be reached for comment. His other Hawaii projects include the $140 million Hawaii Prince Hotel in Waikiki, the $17 million Waikiki Trade Center office building and the more than $200 million First Hawaiian Center office high-rise in downtown Honolulu.
Fee-simple residences in One Archer Lane, ranging from roughly 600 square feet to 900 square feet, have sold recently for between $269,000 for a one-bedroom unit to $386,250 for a two-bedroom unit, with monthly maintenance fees from $244 to $329.
The civil suit, filed Dec. 3 in state Circuit Court, alleges breach of contract, breach of express and implied warranties, unfair and deceptive trade practices and fraudulent concealment. The board is seeking unspecified punitive damages, special damages, statutory damages and attorney's fees.
Wayne Parsons, attorney for the board, could not be reached for comment.
The defendants have 20 days to respond to the lawsuit.