An Arizona resident is pushing back against his homeowners’ association (HOA) after being fined for placing a cooler of free bottled water in his driveway—and he’s now raising $50,000 to cover legal costs.
David Martin of Goodyear, Arizona, first set out the cooler in 2020 to help pedestrians, delivery workers, and neighborhood kids stay hydrated during the state’s extreme summer heat. But his HOA, the Canyon Trails Unit 4 West Association, slapped him with $650 in fines, claiming the cooler violated community rules about unsightly items.
Martin argues he hasn’t broken any rules and refuses to remove the cooler or pay the fines. With temperatures regularly soaring above 100°F, he says the small act of kindness is a necessary public service. His story has gone viral, and supporters have shipped him over 150 cases of bottled water to show solidarity.
The legal battle could cost Martin up to $50,000, prompting him to launch a fundraiser. He’s selling T-shirts through his sneaker business, Candy Man Kicks, with the slogan “Free. Cold. Water.” Proceeds go toward his legal defense.
While the HOA says it has no issue with residents handing out water, it objects to what it views as advertising from a visible cooler on private property.
“The rules do not allow residents to advertise water bottle distribution from a portable cooler placed near their garage and visible to neighboring homes,” the association said in a statement to 12News.
Martin counters that the cooler isn’t a permanent fixture—he brings it inside every night—and says the fight is about more than HOA rules.
The inspiration came from his late grandfather, who once turned his own home into a community food pantry.
“He always told me, ‘You’re a good boy. Always do the right thing,’” Martin said. “And that’s all I’m trying to do.”
