Hawaii Home + Remodeling March/April 2021

FRESH IDEAS FOR SPRING H AWA I I H O M E + R E M O D E L I N G

F R E E | M A R C H /APR IL 2 02 1 SPRING REVIVAL VOLUME X XII, ISSUE 3-4 | FREE

GREEN LIVING

Eco-friendly changes for your abode

Natural Beauty

3/4

A Windward home’s garden blooms into a tranquil oasis

20 2 1

UPGRADE YOUR REMODEL WITH A 0.50% CASH-OUT REFI FEE WAIVER. 1, 2

Take advantage of today’s mortgage rates and have even more money to put towards beautifying your home.

Offer valid with Auto-Pay. To apply, visit fhb.com/refi.

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1. This mortgage discount offer (“Offer”) is applicable for cash out refinance transactions financed through First Hawaiian Bank residential real estate. Offer good only with a completed loan application to First Hawaiian Bank submitted by 5/31/2021. This Offer is subject to automatic payment by ACH from a new or existing First Hawaiian Bank checking account. If a borrower opts out of automatic payment, this Offer does not apply. This Offer cannot be combined with any other promotional offers. This Offer is subject to change or discontinuation without notice. Offer good for 1-4 unit single family dwellings, condotels, and condos located in Hawaii, Guam and Saipan. Must be owner occupied. For purposes of this promotion, a cash out refinance is defined as a refinancing of a home mortgage loan where at least $2,001 or more than your existing mortgage balance and closing fees and costs is disbursed to you and/or your creditors as part of your new loan transaction. Applicants are subject to loan qualification, underwriting guidelines, and credit policy of First Hawaiian Bank. Certain terms and restrictions apply. For more information please contact a First Hawaiian Bank loan officer.

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CONTENTS MARCH/APRIL 2021

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14

28

38

52

Expert advice on starting a home garden.

A Windward home’s outdoor sanctuary.

How to make greener efforts in your abode.

Find out what a financial planner can do for you.

Good to Grow

Hidden Oasis

Sustainability Guide

Financial Planning

on the cover: Steve’s Gardening Service brings this enchanting garden oasis to life. Photo by Aaron K. Yoshino hawaiihomemag.com • MARCH/APRIL 2021 • 7

PHOTOS: OLIVIER KONING; GETTY IMAGES; AARON K. YOSHINO; COURTESY OF KICHLER LIGHTING

IN EVERY ISSUE: 8 EDITOR’S NOTES | 11 WELCOME | 58 RADAR

EDITOR’S NOTES

It’s hard to imagine that this time last year, we were just heading into lockdown, unaware of how the following year would unfold.

8 • MARCH/APRIL 2021 • hawaiihomemag.com

page 14 for some tips and tricks to help you get started. Maybe you’re looking to make a greener effort at home; see page 38 for our sustainability guide that outlines small and large ideas that you can incorporate into your house and daily routine.

In honor of the season, this issue also features a lush, tranquil garden at a home on the Windward Side, see page 28.

It’s a true oasis for the owners, allowing them to disconnect from the world and reconnect with each other.

The start of spring is often seen as a signal of hope, which is what I plan to carry with me this year.

Whether you’ve been spending your time learning a new skill, trying something for the first time, or starting a home project, I hope you’re making the most of this time. And, speaking of hope, I hope you carry some of that with you, too.

Take care,

Stephanie Nguyen, EDITOR

stephanien@hawaiihomemag.com

PHOTO: AARON K. YOSHINO

S

ince last march, we’ve retreated indoors and kept our eyes on the news for COVID-19 updates and daily case counts. We’ve adapted how we head outdoors — only for necessity or with extreme caution. It’s surreal. On one hand, we’ve been at a standstill. But on the other, we’ve found ways to pass and fill our time.

Many of us have taken on home renovation projects or started new hobbies, like baking or gardening. In fact, so many people have rushed to garden shops in search of tools, seeds and soil, that local home improvement stores have had to bring in more supplies to meet the demand.

I’ve spent my time in the kitchen, like so many of us have done in isolation, exploring new recipes — I made my first focaccia! — and venturing into bread baking.

We’ve all had to pivot during these difficult times, a testament to how we’re able to adjust when we have to. 2020 really did a number on us and I think many of us are looking for new ideas to refresh and reset in 2021.

In our March-April issue, we embrace change with the start of spring. If you’re thinking of adding a home garden, see

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Right this Way well-designed garden paths help to define spaces and guide you through a yard. This custom-made paver pathway not only makes walking around the garden easier, but it also accentuates the thriving greenery. See more of this garden oasis, starting on page 28.

11 • DECEMBER 2020 • hawaiihomemag.com

hawaiihomemag.com • MARCH/APRIL 2021 • 11

FLORALS

Take it Tropical Flowers that flourish in our warm island climate.

BY STEPHANIE NGUYEN

wing into spring with a fresh floral arrangement to brighten up your abode. For our tropical climate, you’ll want to find flowers that can handle the humidity, with beautiful textures, vibrant colors and sometimes fragrant smells that’ll only boost your home’s appeal.

Here are some of our favorites.

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BIRD OF PARADISE Bright blue, orange and white — the bird of paradise has a distinctive look that’s sure to make a statement.

GINGER These fragrant blooms are long-lasting and perfect for high humidity. They come in pink, red, orange and more.

12 • MARCH/APRIL 2021 • hawaiihomemag.com

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES; COURTESY OF PUNA KAMALII FLOWERS

ANTHURIUM These heart-shaped flowers come in an array of vibrant colors, from red and pink to white, green and even purple.

FLORALS

PROTEA When you think tropical blooms, a protea will be one of the first flowers that comes to mind. This uniquely shaped flower — with its fuzzy, spiky appearance — is certainly eye-catching.

BUNDLE OF BLOOMS

ORCHID Orchids bring an air of elegance wherever they are placed. One of the easiest to grow and find is Phalaenopsis, also known as a moth orchid.

From beautiful orchid lei and floral bouquets to holiday wreaths and an array of foliage — there’s flowers for every occasion at Puna Kamalii Flowers.

“Lots of love goes into every one of our arrangements,” shares Vicki Nelson of Puna Kamalii Flowers. “They are fresh cut, lovingly hand-picked flowers and foliage that go into each arrangement.”

Its Hamakua Bouquet, for instance, features a beautiful mix of tropical flowers, including red, orange and tropic fleur heliconia; red and pink anthuriums; pink and torch ginger; and many more bright blooms. Plus, Puna Kamalii Flowers’ arrangements are designed by employees with disabilities and job coach assistants — each purchase supports those with developmental disabilities — and can be shipped anywhere in the United States. Puna Kamalii Flowers, 866-982-8322, flowersfromhawaii.biz.

hawaiihomemag.com • MARCH/APRIL 2021 • 13

GARDENING

Get to Gardening These expert tips will help you grow your own food on your lanai or in your backyard.

BY CATHERINE TOTH FOX

rowing your own food, even on a small scale, is a fun, healthy hobby that has the benefit of putting food on your table. And it helps the environment, too.

Almost 90% of the state’s food is imported, arriving on either a cargo plane or container ship with large carbon footprints. Should those supply lines break because of a dock strike, natural disaster — a global pandemic, even — Hawaii’s grocery stores would have only about five to seven days of food.

It’s no surprise that during the COVID-19 pandemic, which started in March 2020 in the Islands, people have looked for ways to grow their own food, whether on small lanai in containers or in raised grow-beds in spacious backyards.

“Gardening has definitely become more popular since the state shutdown in March,” says Katherine Hachmeister of City Mill. “Many people have started home vegetable gardens or re-scaped their yards.”

Customers have been stocking up on potting soil, hoses, watering cans, seeds and vegetable starters — so much so City Mill had to bring in more gardening supplies and plants to keep up with demand.

Starting a home garden may seem easy enough. But there’s lots to consider: size of your garden, what you want to grow, how to keep your plants alive. Here’s some advice on how to start a home garden that will be more stress-relieving than stressful.

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START SMALL AND SIMPLE. Don’t go big right away. Find a manageable outdoor space, planter box or container. “You can always build on your garden,” Hachmeister says.

KNOW WHAT YOU WANT. Do you want to plant vegetables, herbs, flowers — or a combination?

Different plants have different growing needs, from sunlight to nutrients in the soil. “Take note of what kind of garden you want to create, how much sun it will get and how much time you would like to devote to tending to the things that you plant,” Hachmeister says. “That way we can pick out the correct type of soil and plants that will best suit the customer’s individual needs.”

GARDENING

PICK THE RIGHT PLANTS. If you’re new to gardening, you might want to start with fairly low-maintenance plants that are likely to do well in Hawaii’s climate. Consider herbs — mint, basil, thyme, oregano, rosemary — which are easy to grow and survive in full to partial sun.

Cherry tomatoes and eggplant — both need full sun — are also great starter veggies, Hachmeister says, since they’re fairly hardy and grow pretty quickly. If you’re interested in flowering plants, Hachmeister suggests vinca or ixora, easy-care plants that can handle Hawaii’s sun.

DON’T GIVE UP. Your plants may die — and that’s OK, Hachmeister says. “Don’t get discouraged if you try to grow something and don’t succeed at first,” she says. “Even the most experienced growers and gardening experts still kill plants now and then. It’s how we learn.

But most importantly gardening should be about having fun and enjoying the outdoors.” hawaiihomemag.com • MARCH/APRIL 2021 • 15

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

DO YOUR RESEARCH. There are tons of resources available — books, blogs, YouTube — that tackle every aspect of gardening, from choosing the right soil to dealing with pests.

(The University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Master Gardener Program is a great resource for Hawaii residents.) Hachmeister recommends bringing questions with you when you’re shopping for gardening supplies, too, so you know exactly what you need for the garden you’re trying to create.

16 • MARCH/APRIL 2021 • hawaiihomemag.com

classically

CONTEMPORARY

The first floor of this family home is remade into a modern, open space.

STORY BY STEPHANIE NGUYEN PHOTOS BY OLIVIER KONING FEATURING DTC HAWAII

hawaiihomemag.com • MARCH/APRIL 2021 • 17

omeowners annette and clifford nishikawa had spent years

cultivating a running list of ideas for a home renovation.

They frequented BIAHawaii home shows, looking at products and talking to designers and contractors. They researched and thought about what their ideal renovation would be like. They dreamed about it for years, while they continued to live in their two-story family home.

Now both retired, they decided it was time to get serious about remodeling. “This is a big house for two,” shares Annette.

“We had no need of a family room and living room; the living area was dated and needed the renovation. Now, we had the means and time to renovate and make better use of the entire footprint of the house.”

The Nishikawas called upon Brenton Liu of DTC Hawaii to give their home a modern makeover with aging in place in mind. “We were very impressed with his willingness to listen to our needs and design our dream kitchen based on our needs,” says Clifford. “He also was able to show us other ideas, designs and materials to enhance our home improvements.”

The project began with the idea of creating an open-concept kitchen and grew into a full renovation of the entire first floor of the home, which included their bedroom and bathroom, making it ideal for aging in place.

Load-bearing walls posed a challenge in the kitchen, so DTC Hawaii tore them down and put up additional beams to support the second floor. Two of the beams are exposed and work with the overall design. Two-tone cabinetry from DeWils Fine Cabinetry and Canyon Creek Cabinet Co. in a slab door style were chosen for its sleekness and to achieve the contemporary feel the homeowners wanted.

18 • MARCH/APRIL 2021 • hawaiihomemag.com

A large 9-foot island draws attention with its Silestone countertop in Calcutta Gold that softly shimmers and flows down with waterfall edges. DTC Hawaii created an efficient, universally designed work zone layout in the kitchen: There’s a prep zone (small prep sink near the cooktop), cook zone (cooktop and hood), cleanup zone (large single washing sink and dishwasher) and a storage zone (cabinetry throughout and at the island).

There’s also a new enclosed pantry for even more storage.

above: The large, functional kitchen features a wide, shallow refrigerator paneled to match the gray cabinets and other wall appliances that are easily accessible. right: An art niche next to the wine cooler is a focal point in the kitchen. The homeowners highlight a few special pieces, such as this one called “Earth Cycle” by Hiroki Morinoue.

hawaiihomemag.com • MARCH/APRIL 2021 • 19

20 • MARCH/APRIL 2021 • hawaiihomemag.com

left: Above the floating vanity are vertical Lunada Bay Tile backsplash accents that provide natural movement and subtle color to the bathroom.

above: The walk-in shower has a bench and hand-held shower head, good ideas for people planning to age in place. Grab bars can be installed later, as well.

“The pantry takes space from the living room and the adjoining bedroom and it looks like it belongs,” rather than like an add-on, Annette says. Liu added thermal coating on the walls to keep things cool in the pantry, which is on the hot side of the house.

“The design is simple, clean and modern, geared for easy island living, entertaining, use and maintenance,” says Annette of her kitchen. The former family room was also converted into the new dining area, making way for a large, open living space that connects to the kitchen.

The new bathroom echoes the design style of the kitchen, with a focus on aging-in-place updates.

“It’s a small area, so Brenton’s design maximizes use of space,” mentions Annette.

The walk-in shower has a bench and hand-held shower head. The shower niche and vanity backsplash feature colorful Lunada Bay Tile in Bargello Flannel Mix. “I loved how the linear pattern worked with the more natural movement tile,” says Liu. “[It] has good color, but not too overwhelming.”

Overall, the Nishikawas love the look and openness of their home. “No matter from what angle you look at the renovation, something special will catch your eye,” says Annette. From the island with waterfall edges, lights under the cabinets and high-end Thermador appliances in the kitchen to the colorful backsplash and crisp, clean design of the walk-in shower in the bathroom, “everywhere you look there is something special to marvel at,” she says.

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Rebuilding for Two

Generations An Oahu family designed a brand-new home specifically for grandmother and granddaughter to share.

STORY BY ROBBIE DINGEMAN PHOTOS COURTESY OF S. TANAKA CONSTRUCTION FEATURING S. TANAKA CONSTRUCTION

hawaiihomemag.com • MARCH/APRIL 2021 • 23

T

The grandmother and granddaughter share this open-concept kitchen on the first floor of their multigenerational home.

he owners of this classic kaimuki property knew they

wanted to make over the 1940s family home to include a welcoming ground-floor space for the matriarch of the family along with a second-floor living area designed for her college-student granddaughter.

For this job, the family chose S. Tanaka Construction as its contractor to tear down the old and build anew. Each multigenerational dwelling can have challenges, says Jennifer Liu of S. Tanaka Construction. “It’s taking the space and trying to make it work for multiple people.”

While traditionally family members want space to get away from one another, this project took a different twist. All agreed on a plan to demolish the one-story, threebedroom, one-bath home and to build two stories with room for generations to come.

However, the granddaughter requested one main kitchen rather than two because she prefers to cook and eat with her very independent 87-year-old grandmother. Who wasn’t surprised? The mom in the middle: “She did not want that separation from her grandma,” she says. “They’ve always been best friends.”

Upstairs, the 22-year-old has a full-size fridge and a wet bar, a desk alcove for studying, her master bedroom/bath as well as another two bedrooms and bath.

Downstairs, the grandmother has a spacious bedroom and bath. The open-concept kitchen with adjoining patio, serves as the hub of the home. “We do family dinners every Sunday,” says the daughter-in-law.

The family selected S. Tanaka Construction after a consultation appointment and several contractor seminars, according to the daughter-in-law, who helped coordinate the project. She and her husband live in Kunia and were happy that the project finished on time — from demolition day in January 2020 to moving into the new place in September 2020 — and on budget, especially during a pandemic.

They visit often, and the daughter-in-law sometimes sleeps over during the week as she works nearby.

24 • MARCH/APRIL 2021 • hawaiihomemag.com

hawaiihomemag.com • MARCH/APRIL 2021 • 25

The family was happy with the quality of communication and materials recommended by the contractor, including luxury vinyl flooring throughout: “The only thing we personally wanted to upgrade on was when we did the shutters, the vinyl shutters on all the windows. We always went with who they referred and their quotes came in below anybody else we tried to contact.”

Liu says this project was unusual for focusing on grandparent and grandchild.

But she says multigenerational projects are quite common, with our high Hawaii cost of living prompting parents and

26 • MARCH/APRIL 2021 • hawaiihomemag.com

children to build together.

The family, like many of us, got ideas from watching HGTV, which helped them find ways to make their home unique. Liu explains: “We basically just kind of put it into realistic financial terms, because sometimes the things you see, and the prices you hear on TV shows don’t always match up with what we can get here.”

For the family, the transition from kitchen to patio to backyard proved a key factor in designing the home: “So out of the kitchen, you step down onto a large patio that has stairs that you can go down to the backyard. That’s exactly what we envisioned.”

above: Upstairs, the granddaughter has her own wet bar and full-sized fridge, along with a desk alcove for her to study. right: The second floor bathroom features Bellmont Cabinet Co. cabinetry in Firma Ash from Pacific Source and the same countertop and flooring as the kitchen.

WHERE TO GET IT Cabinets: Bellmont Cabinet Co. in Porta, Bianco Matte and Firma, Weathered, from Pacific Source Countertops: Prefabricated Quartz in white diamond, from Selective Stone Flooring: Engage Genesis Waterproof Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring by Metroflor Lighting Fixtures: Selected from Dial Electric Supply Co. Plumbing Fixtures: Selected from Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery

hawaiihomemag.com • MARCH/APRIL 2021 • 27

Hidden Oasis An enchanting garden courtyard is brought to life.

STORY BY STEPHANIE NGUYEN PHOTOS BY AARON K. YOSHINO FEATURING STEVE’S GARDENING SERVICE

28 • MARCH/APRIL 2021 • hawaiihomemag.com

hawaiihomemag.com • MARCH/APRIL 2021 • 29

W

hen you step into this lush garden,

you are immediately immersed in the sights and soft sounds of nature, from the vibrant greenery to the occasional chirping bird.

The roars from the nearby beach and busy streets all but disappear. It’s exactly what the owners had intended when they set their sights on creating an outdoor sanctuary at their new home on the Windward Side.

While their home — which was designed and built by Dan O’Sullivan Construction and Mason Architects — was under construction, the owners hired Steve Dewald of Steve’s Gardening Service to put together their

30 • MARCH/APRIL 2021 • hawaiihomemag.com

garden oasis, utilizing designs from landscape architect Loriann Gordon.

“Both Steve and Loriann gave us great help,” says the wife. Both her and her husband were involved in the whole process, from start to finish, especially with plant selection.

The verdant garden celebrates its location, echoing vibrant green colors and tropical foliage, all picked by the homeowners. “I like things to feel real and a part of nature,” says the wife.

Pavers lead you through the garden that’s designed to have separate areas, from the yard and lanai with outdoor seating to the outdoor showers in the back.

Custom art pieces made by the wife, a professional ceramic artist and sculptor, are treasures discovered along the way, like the bird bath in the center.

above: The landscape design involved a lot of high-end custom work, from the paver pathway to the living wall at the outdoor lanai. top right: This bird bath was one of the custom pieces that the wife, a professional ceramic artist and sculptor, made for the garden. right: Many tropical plants, like taro, were planted throughout the space.

hawaiihomemag.com • MARCH/APRIL 2021 • 31

Steve’s Gardening Service used a lot of organic materials, along with a drip irrigation system for the property to be more water-conscious and a full set of LED lights from Beachside Lighting. The overall design featured an intricate set of plans and a lot of custom touches, shares Dewald, making it a truly unique project.

Between the guest house and main house is an 32 • MARCH/APRIL 2021 • hawaiihomemag.com

outdoor lanai and dining area where the homeowners can enjoy meals together or entertain outside. A living wall — which features plants that the couple and their daughter hand-selected — is there too, for privacy and aesthetics. “It looks gorgeous,” says Dewald, who helped set it up with his team.

The intimate yet inviting garden allows the couple to

far left: Creating the living wall was a family project, with the homeowners and their daughter picking out plants from nurseries together. left: The garden offers numerous spaces for the couple to sit, relax and take in the surroundings. below: Two outdoor showers make it easy for the couple to rinse off sand from the beach, which is mere steps away from their home.

really disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with their loved ones. “[I love that] I can feel completely separated from the rest of the world in the garden,” says the wife.

Adds the husband: “I love sitting in the outdoor dining room, looking into the yard at dusk, watching it get dark and the landscape lights come on and the last of the birds disappear. It’s very peaceful.” hawaiihomemag.com • MARCH/APRIL 2021 • 33

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THE BIA-HAWAII VIRTUAL BIG HOME BUILDING & REMODELING SHOW

March 26-28, 2021 Free Admission All Weekend | Register at homeshowhawaii.com Get ready for the BIA-Hawaii’s first-ever virtual Big Home Building & Remodeling Show, presented by First Hawaiian Bank! Fun and informative seminars, exclusive offers and giveaways, and a stellar lineup of exhibitors will be a part of the show.

And the best part? You can access the entire show from the comforts of home anytime, anywhere (until May 31, 2021). Find everything you need for your home improvement projects, see the latest trends and products, and learn from the pros at the three-day online show.

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THE BIA-HAWAII VIRTUAL BIG HOME BUILDING & REMODELING SHOW

W H AT T O E X P E C T AT THE SHOW KEYNOTE SPEAKER: DESIGNER AND HGTV HOST SARAH RICHARDSON

Sarah Richardson, an internationally acclaimed designer and HGTV host, will be the keynote speaker to open the show. Richardson has more than 20 years of experience in design and television. Her work has been featured in Country Living, Coastal Living, Good Housekeeping and House Beautiful.

ENJOY LIVE CHATS AND SEMINARS FROM EXPERTS Live sessions will be held every day of the show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hawaii Home + Remodeling will be hosting several seminar series, in partnership with local professionals.

BROWSE INTERACTIVE EXHIBITOR BOOTHS Licensed contractors, suppliers and other exhibitors will be on hand to answer any questions; you can even set up appointments to discuss your plans further.

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LEARN FROM THE PROS ON MAJOR TOPICS Aging in place, first-time homebuying, financing a renovation — these are just a few of the many topics to be covered in the three-day home show.

DISCOVER THE LATEST TRENDS AND IDEAS Explore new kitchen and bath trends and great ideas to incorporate into your home, including Sarah Richardson’s session on “Home Décor – Tips and Tricks – Sarah Style.”

ACCESS ANYTIME, ANYWHERE Missed a live session?

Don’t worry, you can see past seminars and access resources until May 31, 2021.

Registration for the show is free. Visit homeshowhawaii.com.

PHOTO: STACEY BRANDFORD; ILLUSTRATIONS: GETTY IMAGES

sarahrichardsondesign.com @sarahrichardsondesign @sarahrichardson.design @sarahrichardsondsgn

HAWAII BUSINESS PRESENTS THE

CHANGE EVENTS SERIES

We reprise our CHANGE Event Series and hear from voices across the Islands –from Kaua‘i to Hawai‘i Island, we are inviting change makers to join us as attendees and panelists.

CHANGE is our shared kuleana throughout all of Hawai‘i.

M A H A L O T O O U R P R E S E N T I N G P A R T N E R S :

E V E N T

DAT E S :

• Community & Economy – THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021 • Health & Wellness – THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021 • Arts & Culture – THURSDAY, APRIL 22 , 2021 • Natural Environment – THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021 • Government & Civics – THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 2021 • Education – THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2021

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y G U I D E

Going Green Starts at Home Take the first steps toward a more environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible lifestyle by incorporating a few changes to your abode.

BY LENNIE OMALZA

limate change, man-made pollution and various other environmental factors are part of living in our modern world. As daunting as these issues may be, it’s important to remember that every bit of effort counts — we can all take strides to help save the planet and protect our aina.

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S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y G U I D E

EFFICIENT ENERGY conserving energy saves money, too. Try these practical, everyday tips from Hawaii Energy to save power while keeping extra cash in your pocketbook.

• Get creative with small appliances in the kitchen. Pressure cookers, toaster ovens, microwaves and air fryers all use significantly less energy than stoves and ovens, and often cook meals a lot faster.

• Fill it up. Always make sure you’re washing a full load when you run

the dishwasher. This will result in fewer loads overall, helping you save both energy and water. Avoid pre-rinsing dishes to conserve even more water.

• Use less hot water. Water heating can be the biggest cost on your energy bill. Taking shorter showers and washing your clothes in cold water will save you time and money.

• Set your appliances to energysaving mode. It’s good practice to check if your appliances and other electronic gadgets have this feature; just set it once and you’re good to go!

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S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y G U I D E

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S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y G U I D E

hawaii is different from the mainland in many ways, one of which is the fact that in the Islands, as much as half of the energy used in your home goes toward keeping it cool. Al Whitworth of Island Cooling recommends installing a whole-house fan to draw heat out of your home while simultaneously increasing indoor air quality. This type of energyefficient cooling system is perfect for our Island climate and lifestyle, allowing for open windows, cool and comfortable spaces, and lots of fresh air. hawaiihomemag.com • MARCH/APRIL 2021 • 41

PHOTO: COURTESY OF ISLAND COOLING; ILLUSTRATION: GETTY IMAGES

CLEAN COOLING

LOW-IMPACT LIGHTING the right lighting will save energy while producing less heat.

Choose LED lights when illuminating your home but be sure to compare the lumens of light per produced watt, as not all LEDs are created equal.

Kichler Lighting from HPM Building Supply offers a variety of stylish and eco-friendly options, including: •D immable LED lighting, which provides just the right amount

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of light while saving energy.

LED lighting is unique in that if you dim the LED light 50%, you automatically use 50% less electricity. In comparison, other types of lightbulbs become less efficient when dimmed.

• LED flat panel lights, which are available in round or square options.

In addition to offering a clean and sleek modern update to surfacemount light fixtures, this type of LED is an energy saver. These lights provide good illumination while producing less glare than light fixtures with regular bulbs.

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF KICHLER LIGHTING; ILLUSTRATION: GETTY IMAGES

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PLANETFRIENDLY POOLS green living steps can be made all around the house, including outside. Clifton Crawford of Pacific Pool & Spa offers these tips for ensuring your pool is ecofriendly and up to par: • I nvest in a variable speed pool pump, which allows you to control the pump over a wide range of RPM (revolutions per minute), unlike a typical singleor two-speed pool pump. These pumps are quieter, will help you save on energy costs, and many even offer convenient, built-in programming features as well as better filtering capabilities. onsider a salt chlorine •C generator, which uses electrolysis to naturally convert salt into chlorine. In addition to being easy to maintain and producing chlorine that is gentler on your skin, these generators reduce the amount of chemicals your pool, spa or hot tub is putting out into the environment.

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PHOTO: DAVID CROXFORD; LLUSTRATION: GETTY IMAGES

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y G U I D E

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S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y G U I D E

A GREEN GROUP EFFORT no matter where you decide to start — whether it’s with taking shorter showers, installing a few LEDs, purchasing a wholehouse fan, or getting some new pool equipment — remember to get the whole ohana involved, because going green is a group effort! Here are a few extra suggestions to get the entire family on board:

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• Donate or sell your family’s used items. Make like Marie Kondo and ask yourself: Does it spark joy? If it doesn’t, get it out of your house and into the hands of someone who can use it.

Don’t let old items waste away in a landfill when they could be getting a whole new life.

• Take a walk. Did you know that greenhouse gas emissions from transportation are the largest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions in the country? If your destination is close enough that a drive isn’t necessary, opt for a stroll instead.

PHOTOS & ILLUSTRATION: GETTY IMAGES

YO UR CO M P L ET E STO NE CO MPANY

• Recycle. Landfills are a major contributor to soil pollution, and more than half of all items buried in landfills could have been recycled. Make the process easy for the whole household to embrace by keeping color-coded bins near the garbage can for easy sorting.

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y G U I D E

OUTSIDE

Gone to the Dogs Create a safe and fun outdoor space for your pet.

BY CATHERINE TOTH FOX

n hawaii our pets are spoiled with year-round sunshine and balmy weather. But there can be dangers lurking in our backyards — and we may not even know it. “You have to think about everything,” says Steve Dewald of Steve’s Gardening Service, who’s helped Hawaii residents create outdoor spaces for their pets, including rabbits, for decades. Here are some tips from experts on ensuring your backyard is safe and fun for your furry friends.

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OUTSIDE

Get the Right Grass

There are several ways dogs, in particular, can destroy lawns: digging, running and pooping. But the biggest problem is urine, which contains urea, a byproduct created during the metabolism of protein.

Urea contains a lot of nitrogen — and excess amounts of it can “burn” and kill plants and grass. Dewald suggests ultraresilient grasses such as El Toro Zoysia and prefers real grass over synthetic versions, even ones made for pets. “It’s a super strong grass for animals,” he says.

“It’s a really durable and beautiful grass. … Anytime you can use real grass with an animal, you’re better off. It’s even good on their joints.”

(This particular grass, though, needs a lot of sun, so it’s not the best for shaded areas.)

Unless you want to hose down your lawn every day, Dewald suggests installing an irrigation system to help dilute the urine and reduce the effects it will have on your lawn.

Make sure you have good drainage, too. (No one likes a muddy dog!) And choose pop-up sprinkler heads — or even portable sprinklers — if your dog likes to chew on them. You can also spray or rub pepper sauce or other topical deterrents to make them unappealing to your pooch. hawaiihomemag.com • MARCH/APRIL 2021 • 49

PHOTOS: DAVID CROXFORD, GETTY IMAGES

Consider an Irrigation System

OUTSIDE

Some common plants are dangerous to pets if they eat them, including azaleas, lilies, plumeria, oleander and mums. Check with your vet or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for a list of plants that can irritate or even kill your pet. Dewald also suggests that you avoid planting fragile flowers and vegetables that your pets may dig up, run through or destroy. Consider using raised planter beds or containers for those.

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Use Dog-Safe Fertilizers and Pest Control

Some lawn chemicals can cause mild stomach issues in your pets, others can result in death. The Animal Poison Control Center says it receives thousands of calls every year from pet owners whose dogs ingested fertilizer. Apply fertilizer per instructions and keep your pets off the lawn and out of the garden for 48 hours or until the fertilizer has soaked into the soil or dried. Insecticides and snail bait tend to be the most poisonous to pets. Use pet-friendly alternatives. (Dewald swears by a dish of beer to attract snails and slugs.) Talk to your vet about options.

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES; DAVID CROXFORD; COURTESY OF TIMBERTECH

Grow Pet-Friendly Plants

OUTSIDE

Create Cool, Shady Spaces

Pets need shady areas to cool down and get out of the sun. (Even tortoises need burrows to protect them from extreme heat and dogs can get sunburned and suffer from heatstroke.) Trees and covered lanai work. Or you can install overhead tarps or shade cloths that stretch over parts of your backyard.

Install Fences and Railings for Safety

All pets — dogs, cats, rabbits, tortoises — need boundaries in the yard. Make sure your outdoor space is secure with safe and durable fencing and railings. Rinell Wood Systems offers a variety of exterior railing systems that are not only durable — dogs will test this! — but will fit into any style of outdoor space. It also supplies pavers, which are great for dogs that love to run, romp and dig. Placing pavers along your fence line — where dogs love to run — will help prevent digging and wear and tear in that area.

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FINANCE

What is a Financial Planner?

Find out what one can do for you and how to choose the right fit.

ust like your taxes, sometimes it’s better to leave your personal finances to the experts —especially when you’re planning something big. Financial planners can help you set goals to buy a home, manage your investments, make a plan to pay off your debt and prepare you for retirement. But with so many options out there, where to begin? Here are some important things to keep in mind when choosing a financial planner.

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First decide what it is you need assistance with, such as saving to buy a home. Are you determining how much life insurance you need or wanting to make some long-term investments? Try HawaiiUSA FCU’s free financial calculators at invest.hawaiiusafcu.com.

Then send your reports to the company’s certified fund specialists to talk through your options.

If you’re not sure where to begin, most local banks employ wealth management teams. Set up a call with

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

BY KATRINA VALCOURT

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FINANCE

an adviser to determine if you’ll make a good team. You want to feel comfortable with the person with whom you’re entrusting your funds, so don’t settle for the first adviser you get on the phone. Try First Hawaiian Bank’s Wealth Management services to get started.

You also want to make sure you’re working with someone who has your best interests in mind, not their own paycheck. Find out what your prospective adviser’s licenses are and what those mean. Firms registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, such as Cadinha & Co., are all fiduciaries, which means they have the responsibility to act in good faith. On Bank of Hawaii’s website, you can see which of its advisers are also certified financial planners or chartered financial analysts.

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MAINTENANCE

Spring into Action It’s time to make your home sparkle and shine.

BY STEPHANIE NGUYEN

or many, spring symbolizes new beginnings — and cleaning house allows you to embrace a fresh start at home. Spring cleaning can be a fun ritual for you and your family; here are some areas to tackle when you get to it.

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SURFACES

It’s important to not only wipe down all your surfaces but to tend to each of them properly. Dust and grease can build up over time on kitchen cabinets — especially ones above the vent hood and range — and around the corners of your floors; make sure to wipe down these areas. Many surfaces, like quartz, require sealants for added protection. Granite needs to be polished to restore its shine and keep stains away. You can find sealants and cleaning products for stone, porcelain and quartz surfaces at Selective Stone.

FILTERS & VENTS

When’s the last time you checked your air filters and dryer vents? These often forgotten areas need cleaning regularly. Even if you clean out the lint filter from your dryer vent, you should still check the dryer ducts and outdoor vent to see if there’s anything you missed. For your AC, Cosco Hawaii carries filter replacements, as well as dehumidifiers — which can help reduce humidity, mold and dust.

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MAINTENANCE

WINDOWS & WINDOW TREATMENTS

Windows need to be taken care of both inside and out, and your window treatments, too.

Dust and clean blinds, shades, screens and shutters. Shutters can suffer from wear and tear over time, and Island Shutters offers the option to refinish, refurbish and renew shutters bought through the company.

GARDEN

Take the time to tend to your garden — or make plans to start one this year. If you’re looking for a more low-maintenance rock garden or landscaped display in the backyard, pick up some ornaments, fountains, pavers and more at Kiso Store. For a flourishing garden grove of fruits and vegetables, City Mill carries not only planters and raised garden beds, but also seeds, plants and fertilizer to get you started.

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I N D U S T R Y WAT C H

Save the Date: The Big Home Show is Back Now is the time to tackle home projects — and BIA-Hawaii has the solution.

ith all of the extra time we’re spending at home these days, now might be the perfect time to tackle those home improvement projects on your to-do list.

The Building Industry Association of Hawaii has you covered. From March 26 to 28, 2021, BIA-Hawaii will host its immensely popular home event: The Big Home Building & Remodeling Show. Because of the pandemic, this year’s event will be done online, but will feature some in-person opportunities.

With more than 100 industry companies represented, our shows are the biggest, best-established and most respected expos in Hawaii. This year’s expanded hybrid

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show allows easier access for even more people, including Mainland and international exhibitors, instructors and attendees.

Attend seminars and take advantage of hundreds of displays and examples at the show. The online platform allows for safe, on-demand exhibitor meetings. Experts will be available for face-to-face consultations and appointment setting. We’ve also developed safe in-person opportunities to touch and feel products like beautiful flooring and specialty countertops, and the Kids Corner will feature something for everyone. Registered attendees have the opportunity to win prizes every day of the show, as well as a chance to win the overall show prize.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF BIA-HAWAII

BY JESS LEORNA

I N D U S T R Y WAT C H

left: Atlas Construction is a tenured BIA-Hawaii member, sponsor and participant at the home show, typically held at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall.

This year, the show will be held as an interactive, virtual event.

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Exhibitors are top-quality, licensed contractors and suppliers in compliance with Hawaii laws; the businesses have been reviewed by the Better Business Bureau and the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

You won’t want to miss these show highlights:

chat, face to face, private messaging, live demonstrations and/or appointments

• Designer and HGTV Host Sarah Richardson as keynote speaker • A Big Show Treasure Hunt, booth giveaways and prizes

Now, more than ever, we all need (and deserve) the home of our dreams. The Big Home Building & Remodeling Show is the perfect opportunity to tackle your honey-do list, customize your living space, meet with experts, ask questions and gather advice in an easy-to-use safe space. We invite you, your family and friends to attend at no cost.

• Goodie bags for the first 250 attendees who login each day • Project planning, designing, financing and budgeting seminars • Sessions on trends and innovations for the home • Aging-in-place and COVID-19 safety sessions

Visit homeshowhawaii.com.

• The chance to connect with industry experts through live

Jess Leorna is CEO of the Building Industry Association of Hawaii.

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RADAR Trap dust in the fluffy layers of flannel and fleece, then slip the cheery top of this duster off the handle and toss it in the washing machine for easy cleaning.

No Time to Waste

BY CHRISTI YOUNG PHOTO BY AARON K. YOSHINO

if 2021 is the year for going green, welcome Protea Zero Waste. The new Kailua shop stocks its chic shelves with eco-friendly home and beauty products and features a refillable bar boasting everything from house and glass cleaners to pet shampoo by the ounce.

Here are some of our favorite finds.

Made using the skin of the coffee bean, which is usually discarded during roasting, this coffee cup is dishwasher-safe and lightweight for sleek sipping.

These 100% cotton flannel towels soak up spills and get more absorbent with every wash.

Clockwise from top: Marley’s Monsters Washable Duster, $32; Huskee Coffee Cup, $22; Marley’s Monsters Unpaper Towels, $16 for set of six; Hemp Dish Scrubby in yellow, $10; Eco Coconut Scourer, $8 for two; Marley’s Monsters Drawstring Bowl and Plate Covers, $12-$16 each; No Tox Life Vegan Dish Block, $30; Bamboo Soap Shelf, $8; Eco Soap Dishes, $12 each. Protea Zero Waste; 35 Kainehe St., Kailua, Oahu; 744-0184; proteazerowaste.com.

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Your Refinance Mortgage Check List With so many people filing for refinancing their mortgage these days, it can take a lot longer than you’d expect to have your refinance go through. However, you can help to speed things up by gathering all of the appropriate documents before starting the refinance process.

That’s why HawaiiUSA has put together a quick checklist of the types of documents you’ll need to make sure your loan application goes as quickly and smoothly as possible.

Proof of Income Most recent month’s consecutive paystubs Most recent 2 years’ W-2s.

Most recent 2 years’ Federal Tax Returns

Outstanding Debt Most recent mortgage statement Most recent statement for any/all loans that will be included in the refinance

Personal Information Social Security number Residential address for the past 2 years State ID, Driver’s license, or US passport

Ready for next steps?

Insured by NCUA

Proof of Assets Bank, investment, and 401k statements for the past 2 months List of all property owned

Proof of Insurance Current homeowners/hurricane insurance policy declaration page

Additional Documents Current benefit letter for Social Security or pension income Most recent 2 years’ 1099s for Social Security or pension income

hawaiiusafcu.com/refi