How to CPR a Property in Hawaii

How to CPR a property in Hawaii involves creating a Condominium Property Regime (CPR), a powerful and flexible way to divide a single property into multiple legal units of ownership, even without a multi-story building.

In Hawaii, CPRs are commonly used to create legally distinct units on agricultural or residential lots, especially where subdivision is not otherwise feasible. But the CPR process is complex, technical, and requires legal, architectural, and survey coordination. That’s where we come in.

How to CPR a Property in Hawaii: Understanding Condominium Property Regimes

CPR stands for Condominium Property Regime, a legal mechanism that allows a single parcel of land to be divided into two or more independently owned units. Despite the term "condominium" , the structure does not have to resemble a traditional apartment building. CPRs are used across Hawaii to separate ownership of multiple homes, cottages, or buildings on one parcel.

Each unit becomes its own real property interest, with its own TMK (Tax Map Key) number, and can be sold, transferred, or financed separately. CPRs are especially popular in Maui for family compound planning, selling off individual units, or simplifying estate planning.

How the CPR Process Works in Hawaii

While the exact process varies by project, CPR creation generally requires:

• Title review and legal analysis

• An architect's project certification

• A surveyor's site map and metes-and-bounds description

• Drafting of the declaration, bylaws, and public report

• Filing with the State of Hawaii Real Estate Branch

• Possible amendments to the existing title or use

Legal coordination is essential, without proper drafting and compliance, the State will reject the CPR or flag the property in the future. Working with a law firm ensures the correct legal structure is in place from the beginning.

When You Should Consider CPRing a Property in Hawaii

• You want to legally separate multiple existing dwellings

• You plan to build and sell new units on a shared lot

• You’re managing a family property with multiple living areas

• You want each unit to have a separate address or tax record

Why CPR Is Different From Subdividing Property in Hawaii

A CPR is not the same as a subdivision. It does not create new lots, but instead divides a single lot into multiple units for ownership purposes. This is critical for properties in Maui County where zoning or water limits restrict subdivisions.

Common Mistakes When CPRing a Property in Hawaii

• Incomplete or inaccurate site plans

• Non-compliant architectural certifications

• Misunderstanding of zoning limits or use rights

• Failure to align with County or State rules

Many property owners attempt a CPR without full legal support, only to find their application delayed or denied, or worse, rejected after filing. Fixing a defective CPR is significantly harder than doing it right the first time.

Work With a Hawaii Attorney to CPR a Property the Right Way

Working with an experienced CPR lawyer on Maui ensures your project complies with state and county regulations, avoids costly delays, and results in a CPR that is legally sound, transferable, and financeable.

At Wailea Law LLLC, we’ve successfully completed CPR filings across Maui and other Hawaiian islands. We collaborate with surveyors, architects, and real estate professionals to complete your CPR as efficiently and compliantly as possible.

Thinking about a CPR in Hawaii? Contact Wailea Law LLLC today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you create a compliant, transferable CPR that meets your goals.