Hawaii Renovation 19 Sep 2010 by Oahu Publications, Inc

HAWAII AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.

SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 19, 19, 2010 2010

HAWAIIRENOVATION BIA-Hawaii Remodelers

Green Resource Efficiency Going

Through

By Karen Nakamura

hat does resource efficiency really mean in green building? A resource is any physical or virtual entity of limited availability that needs to be consumed to obtain a benefit from it. Efficiency is the extent to which a resource is used for the intended purpose. The New Hawaiian Home incorporates resource efficiency in all areas of design and construction requiring material consumption.

e size. DeI Home signing the overall size of the home and interior spaces of the home to meet the intended use, paying close attention to avoid building more than what is needed.

I Lott orientation. Taking full advantage of natural resources: trade winds

for ventilation, sunlight for natural lighting, sunlight to create electricity, and reclaimed water for irrigation. e design.. IncorI Home porating products that mitigate heat gain — such

as dual pane windows, insulation in the exterior walls, radiant barrier on the roof and exterior walls. Using materials that contain recycled content and are recycled. Using materials that are harvested in sustainable practices such as certified

lumber that comes from forests that are replanted, as well as engineered wood trusses and floor joists. Specifying rapidly renewable materials such as bamboo flooring. Material ordering and sizing; de-

signing wall heights and ceiling heights to standard material sizes or multiples of standard sizes to mitigate waste. I Lott Design/Preparation/Development.. Applies to what is done to the land during construction. Before any work

commences, the land is watered. A dust screen is built around the site to control dust going into neighbors’ homes. It includes preservation of existing trees “if applicable,” and use of native vegetation landscaping with plants appropriate to the climate and grouped according to water needs. It includes impervious surfaces to allow rainwater to recharge the yard and not run off into storm drains. Exterior hardscape is designed to allow water to be managed on the lot through driveways and walkways. The use of gravel and pavers to allow water to percolate back into earth. It is the goal of The New Hawaiian Home project to educate contractors and suppliers and consumers about green building and teach owners how to live green. Next week is the sixth and final element of green building: Educating owners on how to live green to take advantage of the fea-

tures integrated into this prototype to cut operating costs.

Karen Nakamura is executive vice president of the Building Industry Association of Hawaii.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION 65 percent of the system’s cost, a photovoltaic system will normally pay for itself within six to nine years, based on current electricity rates. To take advantage of those tax credits, however, the system must be installed and generate power before the end of this year. It’s no wonder then that September to November is the busiest season for solar contractors. But beware during the peak season as many solar companies often hire inexperienced workers to meet demand.

and learning as they go to keep up with demand,” said Eric Carlson, principal with Hawaii’s solar expert, RevoluSun. “We have been fortunate to eliminate this problem by forming a partnership with one of the most respected electrical contractors in the state of Hawaii. Using their large, expertly trained

In Search of a Reputable Solar Company? Try RevoluSun

id you know that the average Hawaii homeowner will spend more than $100,000 on electricity over the next 25 years? Although that’s a staggering amount, there is an easy, sustainable solution to that problem.

Solar energy. By investing in a photovoltaic solar system, Hawaii residents can virtually eliminate their electric bill for the life of a system, which is typically 25 years. Thanks in part to generous federal and state tax credits available, which pay up to

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“Because solar sales are somewhat seasonal, it’s difficult for most solar companies to keep qualified employees throughout the year. As a result, the workers drilling holes in your roof to attach the solar system may be inexperienced

work force, we never have a shortage of qualified workers. This ensures that the job will be done right every time.” Here are some tips on how to pick a reputable solar contractor:

• Do your homework. Research the company to ensure it has the proper licensing. • Visit the Hawaii Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs at hawaii.gov/dcca or visit the Regulated Industries Complaints Office at hawaii.gov/dcca/rico to see if the firm you are planning to work with has received any complaints and the outcomes of those complaints. • Interview the solar company to find out the qualification of its installers and the firm’s protocol for scheduling installations. Be up front and determine what kind of recourse you will have should the work not be completed on time, on budget, and with no mistakes. Hawaii’s solar energy expert, RevoluSun, has a proven record of excellence. The company’s partners have overseen the sales, design and installation of $30 million in solar systems, which accounted for 30 percent of all renewable energy systems in Hawaii in 2008. Visit revolusun.com or call 7488888 to learn more about the company.

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Finest

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Cabinetry, Flooring

ome and visit Ohana Building g Supply and experience the one-stop shop for your new home or renovation needs. The company carries the largest instock cabinetry on island — with products available for

pickup or delivery within five to 10 days. Ohana Building Supply offers monthly specials and competitive prices, and its deals are worth stopping in for. Not only will you find the very popular Shaker-style cabinets in light cherry, dark

cherry and maple, you will enjoy the look of the sleek and modern, yet elegant Espresso Oak Engineered Flat Panel Medium Density Fiberboard cabinets as well. With all the trims and finishes, the prefabricated granite countertops, island tops and stainless steel sinks will complete the package. Additional accessories are avail-

able to fit any client’s needs. At Ohana Building Supply, your options don’t stop there. Come in to see the company’s stock of stylish laminate and hardwood flooring. Laminate flooring comes in a variety of colors: red teak, yellow teak, red cherry, ancient oak and sandal mahogany, with prices starting at $1.75 per square foot. If you are looking for a more natural type of flooring, the hardwood flooring may be the choice for you. Ohana Building Supply stocks hardwood flooring in oriental cherry, plantation handscrape, alii teak, lilikoi teak and mountain apple

teak with prices starting at $2.99 per square foot. The rich, beautiful colors of these floorings will complement any room. Flooring accessories such as underlayment foam and mouldings also are available. The popularity and ease of installation will pique the interest of homeowners and contractors alike. Let Ohana Building Supply’s experienced and friendly staff assist with your next project. Visit the company’s showroom Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The address is 2815 Kaihikapu St. in Mapunapuna. For more information, call 833-8338 or e-mail sales@ohanabuildingsupply.com.

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Graham Builders: years

Celebrating

raham m Builders, Hawaii’s most experienced design and build firm, has completed a huge milestone this month. Earlier this week, the locally owned company celebrated its

excellence in Hawaii

20th anniversary in the Islands. Graham Builders has a staff of seasoned professionals that works closely with homeowners to craft and customize quality homes that will last for generations.

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chairman of Graham Builders. “We want to genuinely help homeowners understand everything there is to know about getting a home construction project started.” The next seminar, Build-

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homebuilding and renovation process. “The seminars have grown with diverse topics such as multi-generation homes and ways to ‘green’ your house,” said Danny Graham, founder and

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For the past 17 years, Graham Builders has dedicated substantial resources to educate and inform the public about home renovations. Every month, the company offers a free, two-hour seminar on the

ing Your Home For Life, is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Honolulu Country Club in Salt Lake. Homeowners will discover how to start, how to select a builder, how to set a budget, as well as what you need to know about residential design, estimating, financing and scheduling. “We’ve got other areas that have been important to our local families such as planning a multi-generation home,” said Evan Fujimoto, president of Graham Builders. “Given our unique culture, our team shares ways of creating an ideal and comfortable living space for multiple generations. People have also expressed designing sustainable, more energy-efficient structures and we can show the public how to make their homes more Earth-friendly while at the same time reducing household expenses.” Those interested in future seminars can view the 2010 schedule of seminars at grahambuilders.com.

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Hydrocare: The end to Limescale

s limescale clogging your appliances, spotting your dishes and leaving residue everywhere? Hydrocare, a green and efficient water treatment solution, may be just the product that solves all of the above and more, and it’s offered through Nano Tek-On LLC. How does it work? One patented unit transmits a

unique radio frequency signal that effectively breaks up existing limescale that clogs pipes, showers and appliances. Hydrocare also will prevent any future buildup, protecting the entire plumbing system and increasing efficiency. Since limescale exists within pipes and appliances, the changes will not be readily visible. You may

see the traces of limescale breaking down on your shower doors and bathtub, however. The results will be more apparent over time as the hot water becomes hotter, the spotting on dishes becomes less, and bathtubs, sinks and shower doors become easier to clean. With Hydrocare, you’ll never have to worry about maintenance, bags of salt

and filters. You’ll also never have to worry about a change in chemical composition of the water, or whether essential minerals for healthy drinking and good taste are retained the water. You will, however, save thousands of gallons of water, increase your energy savings (up to 30 percent increase efficiency in heating water), and extend the life of your entire plumbing system and appliances. Additionally, you’ll benefit from an environmentally friendly product that does not change the chemical composition of the water. Nano Tek-On offers a three-year warranty on parts, while HydroCare offers a one-year performance guarantee. For more information on Hydrocare, contact Nano Tek-On at 395-2996, or visit the website, tekonhawaii .com.

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Hawaii Hardwood Flooring offers the best flooring material to meet customers’ renovation needs

hen choosing a floor covering for your home or business, you are probably looking for something that is beautiful, durable and easy to maintain. These days, making a decision can be difficult with so many options available. Hawaiii Hardwood d Flooring offers pre-planning and

consulting services to help with this part of your renovation, offering all flooring material — stone, wood, carpet, vinyl and tile. One wise flooring choice is stone. It is durable, easy to maintain and healthier than carpet. With a wide variety of stones to choose from, it makes an elegant choice for floor tiles to be

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used indoors as well as outdoors. Hardwood flooring is another great choice, and it is a permanent investment. It also is durable, easy to clean and does not harbor dust, bacteria or mites. Various wood species come in natural styles with several grades,

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choice. With a variety of types, carpeting is a good option to minimize noise and to cover problems with subflooring. Still, it’s not as easy to maintain as stone and hardwood floors. Whatever your inspira-

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widths and thicknesses, and Hawaii Hardwood Flooring’s large selection will allow you to find the perfect look for your home. If you are looking for a cozy, warm and soft landing, carpet might be your

tion is, Hawaii Hardwood Flooring has exactly what you are looking for. Our exclusive hardwood line has a 4-millimeter wear layer on an engineered substrait that’s designed for Hawaii and that can be refinished three to four times. Or breathe new life into your existing wood floor with our dustless sanding and finishing process that eliminates 95 percent of the dust. Visit Hawaii Hardwood Flooring’s showroom at 306 Kalihi St. It’s open seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 842-7755.

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This week I just want to take the opportunity to say “THANK YOU!” to all of you who have come to our showroom or attended our seminar. What a turn out we had last week! Due to it being SRO at the last seminar, we have had requests for an additional session. If you couldn’t come last time, we will be having another seminar on Saturday, October 9th at 10:00 am.

I know I sound like a broken record but I can’t stop preaching about the virtues of WOOD FLOORING. It’s allergy-free, it’s sanitary, it’s low-maintenance, it’s never going to lose its value, it’s easy on the body, and most important, IT’S BEAUTY WILL MAKE YOU HAPPY! Please visit again next week. Please email questions to shilton@piiwood.com. ALOHA!

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Discovering the nuances of

Solar Energy Systems

olar energy systems are generally presented to the consumer with the emphasis on tax credits and energy c Islands savings. Pacific Construction feels that the more one knows about this purchase as an informed buyer, the better the choice of systems will be. The fol-

lowing information describes particular details about solar panels or systems we believe will explain the nuances of this industry. Peak panel efficiency is an issue the consumer needs to become familiar with. All panels come with a listed power rating. The

peak panel efficiency rating is shown on module spec sheet in the pmax line. The rating will show the panel having a pmax of say 230 watts with a tolerance of plus (+) or minus (-). A 230-watt panel with a pmax rating of + 5/-5 is telling you that the panel may exceed the listed rating or it may provide less energy, up to as much as 5 percent. The module may only produce 219 watts rather the 230 watts listed on the panel, thus it’s less efficient than what the consumer is led to believe. The lower efficiency is acceptable to the manufacturer and this tolerance contradicts the listed rating. Most consumers are unaware of this at the time of purchase. Why do they produce less? Usually it is because of micro fractures in the crystalline contained in the

modules and other manufacturing nuances that may cause electrical resistance in the panels. These fractures become hot spots in the modules, and hot spots produce less energy. A general rule of thumb is to subtract the negative number from the panel rating to get a true idea of what power it will produce. The two basic types of solar modules are called mono-crystalline and polycrystalline. Mono-crystalline modules contain larger, uniformly stacked rounded cells while polycrystalline contain smaller crystal cells fused together. The crystals are grown in two sizes with the larger mono-crystalline being more expensive to grow. It

appears that the larger the crystal, the more likely it will have micro fractures. Recent demand for solar has encouraged willing manufacturers to release imperfect products rather than reject these crystals. Solar modules with more imperfections and micro fractures will produce less energy. It is important for the consumer to check where the panel is manufactured and to look for manufacturers who do not tolerate a lower-than-listed efficiency rating. The other industry issue concerns the lack of energy that is produced with low radiance. Radiance is the energy that the modules

use to excite the electrons to make the electricity. A recent forum of leaders in the industry questioned how the industry was going to go forward with the lack of candor concerning how the modules displayed up to 10 percent less energy production under low radiance conditions. Low radiant conditions include early morning and late afternoon hours as well as cloudy days. Pacific Islands Construction encourages the consumer to find out as much information as possible about solar energy prior to making a purchase. For more information, call 841-7756.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION light or very dark tones. When incorporating woods into your design, look beyond the coffee table and utilize wood surfaces in accessories such as picture frames, large dramatic flower pots or shelves. Feel free to mix the design styles of the wood accessories, but be consistent with the wood tone and carry it throughout the room for a professional appearance.

Demystifying contemporary

home decor and design M

ixed up by modern? Confused by what’s considered contemporary? With more emphasis on home design today, it can be difficult for homeowners to distinguish among the array of design styles. Contemporary (or “modern”) is characterized by clean lines and smooth surfaces without intricate details. But that doesn’t mean your home will look stark, cold and sterile. Long gone are the days of boxy furniture and eccentric decorating. Today’s updated contemporary look is a blend of comfortable, livable elements that create a sophisticated, fresh feel. To create this look in your home, start by incorporating these five key elements: color, metal accents, texture, wood tone and lighting.

Colorr Contemporary design is offset by neutral color palettes. When painting the walls, choose shades of brown, taupe, cream or pure white. However, neutral does not mean boring, so be sure to infuse the room with small splashes of a more vibrant, bold color. This may include painting one wall with an accent color, adding a bold red sofa, or adding vivid accessories, such as decorative pillows, towels, rugs or art. Just be sure not to over-accessorize — the key to contemporary design is simplicity.

Metall accents Stainless steel, nickel and chrome metals are prevalent in contemporary design, providing a decorative framework of sleek finishes. Furniture,

end tables, lamps and even bathroom fixtures featuring beautiful metal accents provide this look in all rooms of the home. In the bath, the Fina faucet from ShowHouse features soft modern style cues with a high-arc, marquise-shaped spout, lever handles and a contemporary-shaped base. The beautifully designed faucet also features a flow-optimized aerator for water savings. Texture To offset the clean, smooth lines of the metal accents, use fabrics such as silk, crushed velvet, linen or wool in your room to add texture and create a more natural,

inviting feeling. In the bathroom, this may include fluffy rugs, towels or fabric shower curtains. In family rooms, this could include over-stuffed pillows, window treatments or the furniture upholstery. Texture also can be added to walls. New wallpapers made of linen can be an interesting way to add depth to the vertical surfaces of the room.

But one word of caution — stay away from elaborate patterns or intricate details when choosing fabrics, as this will confuse the clean, contemporary look you are trying to achieve. Wood When it comes to wood surfaces, contemporary designs bring out the extremes, featuring very

Lighting Lighting is extremely important in contemporary design, often seen as the key to illuminating the room’s design. When choosing lighting for your home, there are many new choices available that provide interesting, clean lines. Track lighting or floor lamps are popular in contemporary design and often utilize metals or bold colors to reinforce the other metal accessories or splashes of color incorporated into the room. For more information about the Fina bathroom collection from ShowHouse, visit shfaucets.com.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

Change clothes: Transition your wardrobe to fit the season ne of the easiest ways to simplify your morning routine is to have an organized closet. Unfortunately, clothes tend to languish at the bottom of piles, shoes get pushed into dark corners, and finding what you want to wear becomes a hassle. Knowing where to start can seem overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. The most important tip for a streamlined closet is to divide your wardrobe into seasons, then store pieces in the basement or attic. There are some special considerations to make when keeping your off-season clothes in a garage, basement or attic, but with a little advice

from an expert, storing will no longer be difficult or time consuming. According to Barry Izsak, organizing expert and former president of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), most people do not properly store their offseason wardrobe by remembering to protect against insects and rodents. “Does it make sense to go through all the trouble of storing your valuable clothing and not do what you can to avoid an infestation of bugs and mice?” “It’s not enough to use tightfitting plastic containers or enclosed garment bags,” says Izsak. The garments that have

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• Determine if a piece is worth storing by asking: “Does it still fit?” “Do I still wear it?” “Do I still need it?” “Do I still love it?” • Empty all pockets and launder or dry-clean your clothes. • Make necessary alterations or repairs. Then: • Take an inventory to log what you have, as well as what you need. Bring this list to any off-season sales to avoid purchasing too many of one item and not enough of another.

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been stored can become desirable nesting areas for household pests so taking precautions to protect them is essential. To organize your closet and successfully transition your wardrobe, simply follow these quick tips from Izsak. Before storing:

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• Place scented fabric softener sheets in with your stored clothing to keep them smelling fresh. Remember: • Do not store clothing in dry-cleaner bags, as the plastic does not allow the fabric to breathe and can yellow clothes over time. • If storing in a bedroom, reserve the highest shelf in the closet or utilize the space under the bed. Use plastic containers, zippered garment bags or under-bed storage boxes that fit the space. Being smart about out-ofseason wardrobe storage can keep “organizing the closet” off the dreaded “to-do” list, and part of the regular routine. For more helpful organizing tips from Barry Izsak, visit ArrangingItAll.com.

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• “With focus and determination, Chris resolved unavoidable problems that arose, i.e. 40-day rain. • He completed the job in a timely manner. • Chris’s completion of the project gave me total satisfaction and happiness. • Paragon Builders is a reliable and trustworthy company which I would recommend to anyone planning to do any renovations.” Ann Keamo, Realtor, Aiea

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Courtesy of Archipelago Hawaii

License No. BC28003

Christopher Koike, Owner/Manager CELL: 808-306-2653 FAX: 808-841-6512 email:chriskoike@hawaii.rr.com

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Tips

to fend off germs lurking in your home

erms and bacteria are everywhere, including the place you strive to keep the cleanest: your home. To shield against germs, consumers are spending more than $1 billion annually on antimicrobial products, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “Because of viruses like H1N1 and other household germs, consumers are taking every precaution necessary to keep themselves and their families healthy, and that starts at home,” says Jackie Cooper, senior director of marketing and communications for Eureka. “With consumers looking for products that

will help keep the germs and bacteria at bay, there are now many options available to create a healthy living space.” Cooper offers the following tips to achieve a clean and germ-free home: • Don’t let them in. Many germs and bacteria make their way into your home by tagging along with you. Once in the house, these microorganisms have a nice, safe place to grow and multiply. Cut germs off at

• Vacuum often. Tackle the germs that already have been tracked into your home by using a vacuum with a bacteria-fighting solution to not only suck up dust and dirt, but prevent bacteria from growing in or on the vacuum as well. Eureka’s FilterAir vacuum is

treated with On-Guard Antimicrobial which inhibits the growth of bacteria on the brushroll and in specific parts of the dust cup. • Beware of the kitchen and bathroom. Don’t forget that germs also like to hang out in places like the

kitchen sink where pathogens such as salmonella and E. coli can be found. Although well-intentioned, the kitchen sponge you use to clean is only helping to spread those germs throughout your kitchen. To kill germs on the sponge, the U.S. De-

partment of Agriculture recommends microwaving it on full power for one minute. To protect your hands from germs, keep bacteria fighting soap such as Lysol Antimicrobial Soap near the sink to use when working in the kitchen.

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2841 Pukoloa St. in Mapunapuna SEPT. 19, 2010 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 11

HAWAIIRENOVATION many toilets found in current homes. • Be sure to turn off the tap when brushing your teeth. Doing so could save nearly 3,000 gallons of water per year. • Always turn the water off between tasks. Letting your faucet run for five minutes uses about as much energy as letting a 60-watt light bulb run for 14 hours.

Danze Inc., some of the most important green choices we can make involve decisions to live more green within our own home. But what does living green really mean? “For some of us it may mean putting in Energy Star appliances or energy-efficient windows,” says Detgen. “And for others it could be evaluating in-home water usage.” It’s the latter that Detgen believes could be one of the simplest and most significant steps any of us can take. “Water shortages, energy demands and the

Greening your home: What does it really take?

n today’s environmentally conscious times, it seems we’re surrounded by the need to shop, act and live “green.” Some of our choices are easy and small, while others can be big and costly. One thing is for sure — each choice can make a signifi-

cant difference. But as many of us know from experiences of trying to diet, the most successful longterm changes we make shouldn’t make us feel as if we are “giving up” the small pleasures that we enjoy. According to Ed Detgen at

cost of transporting water are all on the rise,” he says. “Finding ways to simply reduce our usage without dramatically altering our lifestyle could save billions of gallons of water each year in the United States.” Detgen offers up these tips on how you can immediately start conserving water (and save money) in your home: • Replace older toilets (1992 or earlier) with newer, high-efficiency models. They operate at 1.28 gallons per flush and could save 11 gallons of water per toilet per day. According to Detgen, Danze has several new HETs (high-efficiency toilets) that outperform and are more stylish than

• Make sure to wash only full loads of laundry. Using a high-efficiency washing machine is ideal, as they use about 28 gallons of water per load, versus an average machine that uses 41 gallons. • Take a shower rather than a bath. A full bathtub requires up to 70 gallons of water, while taking a five-minute shower uses 10 to 25 gallons. If all the water-saving, green choices still have you overwhelmed, select one tip at a time and incorporate it into your home. Looking for other tips? Visit the EPA’s WaterSense website. For more information about the performance and efficiency of Danze faucets, showerheads and toilets, visit danze.com. ARA Content

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12 | HAWAII RENOVATION | SEPT. 19, 2010