Hr 071413 opt by Oahu Publications, Inc

JULY 14, 2013 | HAWAIIRENOVATION.STARADVERTISER.COM PAGE 7

GREEN YOUR HOME WITH SMART PRODUCTS |

PAGE 4

14 2013

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JULY

SKY HIGH OVER ENERGY-EFFICIENT SKYLIGHTS | THE PLIGHT OF THE BUMBLEBEE |

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AN EDITION OF

Retail manager Joe Borowski gets ready to demonstrate how to apply roof coatings.

A growing number of Hawaiiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s homeowners are seeing the benefits of rolling on a protective roof coating, thanks to the Cool Roof Store, which hosts its One Day Sale and Demo this Saturday. See page 3 Photo by Rachel Breit

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2 JULY 14 • 2013

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y the time you read this, it will be the day after the wedding, and my sister will be married. I can’t believe how quickly everything has gone by. Lately, I’ve found myself reminiscing more than usual. Minutes looking through things left behind at my childhood home quickly turn to hours, and what used to seem like a lifetime ago suddenly seems like yesterday. Notes we passed in high school, volleyball jerseys, license plates and yearbooks all take me back. I always questioned why my mom saved all of these things, but now I understand. They conjure up emotions and vivid memories, often of things that might have otherwise been forgotten. It almost seems wrong for

Preserve handwritten treasures Scan memorable pieces of paper such as a note from your spouse or your grandmother’s recipe. Then, upload to a website such as Walmart, Sam’s Club, Shutterfly or Picasa. From there, you can transform the image into anything from mugs to dishware and even hand towels.

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COOL ROOF STORE JULY 14 • 2013 3

COVER STORY

PHOTOS BY

Rachel Breit

Don’t miss your chance to be roof coating savvy C

ome learn about two new silicone roof coatings with introductory prices. This Saturday, July 20, at the Cool Roof Store’s big One Day Sale and Demo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the public will have a chance to learn first-hand about one of the biggest revolutions in home improvement today — re-coating rather than replacing your existing roof. Why tear off your old roof every 10 to 15 years and then pay to have it hauled to the dump? Protective cool roof coatings can extend the life of your roof for as long as your structure lasts. Recent advances in siliconeand ceramic-based coatings make the application easy and much less expensive than traditional re-roofing.The silicone coatings come with a manufacturer’s 50-year material warranty — even if you have continual ponding water. Never reroof again, simply re-coat. The lowest prices of the year on all the company’s major coatings are always reserved for the One Day Sale and Demo. This is even more true this Saturday for APOC and NXT silicones, which will be offered at very low introductory prices that will not be repeated in the future.

However, you must attend the sale on Saturday to receive those savings. Rain checks will be issued that day only at the event in case of a sell out. There are exciting new silicone roof coatings on the market — NXT Silicone, APOC SilaFlex as well as the old favorite, GacoRoof, which remains a big seller. Each of these products has its own physical qualities as well as material warranties by the manufacturers. Representatives will be on hand at the One Day Sale to explain the

differences between each leading brand. Homeowners with Monier tile, asphalt shingles or metal roofs will want to hear about the amazing NXT Cool Zone acrylic coating, which reflects between 30 and 91 percent of the sun’s heat, depending on the color. Even the very darkest colors, like charcoal grey, resist fading and cracking because of their cross-linking polymer chemistry and nanotechnology. They have proven themselves for 42 years in Australia’s extreme heat and have covered more than 800,000

ON THE COVER

COOL ROOF STORE contact // 591-1900 address // 575-G Cooke St. web // www.CoolRoofStore.net

roofs worldwide. This is unlike any other roof paint you have seen. Make your old Monier and shingle roofs look like new, and cool down your home at the same time. Whether you want to do it yourself or have a roofer help you, you will want to attend this One Day Sale and Demo. If you want to have a licensed contractor install it for you, LeakMaster Roofing is offering $500 off any new estimates for roofs larger than 2,000 square feet. Smaller roofs will also have discounts prorated according to size. For example, a 1,000-square-foot roof will have a $250 discount. Remember, you have to attend the One Day Sale to qualify for any of the sales or discounts. Let the Cool Roof Store experts help you decide how much coating your roof will need. Bring your pictures and a measurement of your roof size. Plenty of free street parking is available, but come early to grab a good seat, as these events are always well attended. Visit the Cool Roof Store and LeakMaster Roofing at 575-G Cooke St. in Kakaako. Go to www.leakmaster.com for web specials and video tips. For a free home estimate, call 591-1900. JULY 14, 2013 • 3

4 JULY 14 • 2013 AMERICAN CARPET ONE

All-natural carpeting BY KYLE GALDEIRA

hose looking for a dependable, attractive and functional floor covering suitable for both residential and commercial settings receive the total package with wool carpet. And, as is the case with a host of other flooring options, American Carpet One is Hawaii’s leading authority on wool carpeting and its expert installation. Wool is an ideal fabric for carpeting as an all-natural product, as well as a sustainable flooring option. Sheep are shorn every nine to 12 months, making the material renewable, and wool is also biodegradable. For those worried about upkeep, wool eases anxiety as it naturally resists soil. The construction of wool fibers is similar to that of scales on a fish or roofing shingles in that they naturally overlap and inhibit dirt from adhering to the material, resulting in one of the most soil-resistant carpet options on the market. “Wool is very easy to clean, and because of the natural protection it provides against soiling, it actually doesn’t need any additional stain applications,” explained Danette Hoe, sales trainer at American Carpet One.“Many synthetic fibers have some additional technology added to make them

stain-resistant. Wool naturally repels the stains.” Wool is also a naturally curling fiber, so issues with matting or crushing are not a problem. The product naturally kinks, as wool fibers spring back to their initial shape and form. For those dealing with pesky allergies, wool does not promote the growth of dust mites or bacteria and a minimal amount of latex is used when applying the carpet to the subfloor. “It does tend to be the most hypoallergenic floor covering available,” Hoe said. “It also doesn’t hold a flame and is naturally self-extinguishing, which is the reason why you’ll find wool in a lot of hotels and hallways.” Hoe mentioned that homeowners utilizing wool carpeting tend to stay with the product over time, as the fiber ages evenly over the decades much the same way an

AMERICAN CARPET ONE contact // 447-2752 web // www.AmericanCarpetOne.com

attractive hardwood floor does. American Carpet One features three display racks full of wool carpet options at its 33,000 square-foot facility, and has 100 percent wool products available for installation immediately, in addition to specially ordered varieties. Certified Flooring Installers (CFI) at American Carpet One are poised to adequately handle every step of all installation jobs from prepping the sub-floor to installing the desired flooring option. American Carpet One offers customers a means of meeting the highest industry standards while providing the best installation quality and service available. Contact them company to set up a free consultation,including measurements of a home or business.

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302 Sand Island Access Rd. • 447-2752 • Mon.-Fri.: 9 am.- 5 pm. • Sat.(7/20 only): 9am-4pm. • Sun.: Closed Contractor License #C-7137 Visit americancarpetone.com/midweek *Ends 7/20/13. See store for details. **See Store for details. On approved credit. Minimum 25% down payment and minimum monthly payments of 3.75% of the amount financed, but not less than $25 is required. No finance charges will be assessed as long as the minimum monthly payments are made and the amount financed is paid in full by the end of the promotion period. See store for details. u ] q Welcome. Photos shown are for illustration only and does not necessarily represent actual product. See store for details.

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6 JULY 14 â&#x20AC;˘ 2013 GOLDEN CABINETS & STONE

Granite means top style is set in stone BY KYLE GALDEIRA s pending home improvement projects command the attention of property owners this summer, customers will be pleased to learn that Golden Cabinets & Stone recently added 10 new countertop varieties to its extensive inventory. Owner Wayne Cao explained that the fresh, new countertop styles, which include two quartz models, are available for those looking to build a kitchen or bathroom from scratch, or simply spruce up an existing space. To sweeten the deal, all of the aforementioned countertops are in stock and specially priced. Customers are encouraged to check out the new inventory in person at Golden Cabinets & Stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s convenient central location.The company serves its customers that have come to appreciate the businessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; professional service, quality products and â&#x20AC;&#x153;unbeatableâ&#x20AC;? prices. With a 3,000-squarefoot showroom at its Kalihi-Palama store located at 1299 Kaumualii St., Golden Cabinets & Stone offers its customers mul-

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contact // 836-8181 address // 1299 Kaumualii St. tiple elements of customization, which in turn allows clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; creativity to run wild. Golden Cabinets & Stone has gained a reputation for offering quality, affordable cabinetry and countertops to meet the needs of Hawaiiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s consumers for more than five years. Cao noticed how expensive it had become to purchase the products in Hawaii and sought to bring more affordable options to local residents. Cao noted that Golden Cabinets & Stone is fully stocked with inventory, and â&#x20AC;&#x153;a wide range of choicesâ&#x20AC;? are available for customers shopping for everything from cabinetry to hardware â&#x20AC;&#x201D; including handles for an attractive yet functional touch. Those building from scratch or remodeling an existing space have the choice of including 30- and 40-inch wall cabinets as

well as featuring glass panels as an added artistic element. Special orders are welcomed, and if customers provide the measurements for their desired cabinetry, Golden Cabinets & Stone can create a 3D computer rendering of what their project will look like upon completion. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When we transform a clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outdated kitchen into a new, more functional space, it is most satisfying seeing their face and hearing how much their whole family enjoys this new element in their home,â&#x20AC;? Cao said. Golden Cabinets & Stone offers a multitude of cabinetry in addition to 50 varieties of granite and quartz countertops, 30 choices of sinks and an array of high-quality

porcelain floor tile varieties, which resemble travertine â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a form of limestone deposited by mineral springs.The vast array of options leads to ideal combinations when renovating a bathroom or kitchen. Other possibilities for utilizing cabinetry include modifying office areas, adding closets or sprucing up a garage or lanai with various storage elements. The cabinetry selections are constructed from solid wood doors and plywood boxes, and provide customers with unsurpassed quality not available from competitors that offer particle or pressboard styles. Golden Cabinets & Stone is continually introducing new cabinet options along with countertops.

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Learn what it means to be anowner-builder BY KAREN NAKAMURA ew regulations for the OwnerBuilder Permit went into effect July 1, 2013. The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) and its Regulated Industries Complaints Office (RICO) have the brochure on the new regulations. RICO is the enforcement arm of more than 45 professional boards, commissions and programs that are administratively attached to the DCCA. RICO receives complaints, conducts investigations and prosecutes licensing law violations. RICO also prosecutes unlicensed activity through the issuance of citations and by filing civil lawsuits in Circuit Courts. RICO works to resolve consumer complaints where appropriate and provides consumer education about various issues relating to licensing and consumer protection. Contact the Regulated Industries Complaints Office by visiting 235 S. Beretania St. in Honolulu, calling the Consumer Resource Center at 587-4272 or going online at hawaii.gov/dcca/rico.

The brochure answers the following questions: â&#x20AC;˘ Who is an owner-builder? â&#x20AC;˘ What does an owner-builder permit allow me to do? Work In Progress

â&#x20AC;˘ What are my responsibilities? â&#x20AC;˘ Can I hire anybody to work on my project? â&#x20AC;˘ Can I hire someone to manage my project? â&#x20AC;˘ What kind of records am I required to keep? â&#x20AC;˘ What are my risks? â&#x20AC;˘ Am I subject to liens? â&#x20AC;˘ Do I need insurance? â&#x20AC;˘ Are there restrictions? When can I sell what I have built? â&#x20AC;˘ What is the Contractors Recovery Fund? â&#x20AC;˘ Am I subject to penalties? â&#x20AC;˘ What is Chapter 444 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes? (hawaii.gov/dcca/pvl/ boards/contractors/statute_rules) For more information, contact Karen Nakamura at ktn@biahawaii.org. Karen Nakamura is CEO of the Building Industry Association of Hawaii.

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8 JULY 14 • 2013 G&S SHUTTER DESIGNS

Control your home’s climate with shutters T his state is definitely one of the most beautiful places to live, and some of us are lucky enough to call Hawaii home. While we are blessed with great weather year-round, every homeowner knows the troubles of heat and moisture that take a toll on our homes. Being able to control the amount of heat that penetrates our homes is one of the best features that plantation shutters allow any homeowner. Plantation shutters make it easy to insulate your home, and they keep the cool in and the heat out. The ability to regulate the

G&S SHUTTER DESIGNS contact // 383-1407 web // www.gsshutterdesigns.com

temperature in your home helps to upkeep the interior by blocking out harmful heat and UV rays that can wear and damage your floors, furniture and paint. Shutters also help to keep your home cooler, which in turn will make it easier to beat Hawaii’s heat.

Polycore shutters are built to last. “The quality and strength of our Polycore Shutter is unmatched in the shutter industry,” said Gavin Shibuya, owner of G&S Shutter Designs. The aluminum core that runs through our louvers is one of the best features of the Polycore Shutter and no

other shutter on the market today has that feature. “It allows us to take our panels up to 36 inches in width and the louvers will not sag because of the additional support from the aluminum core,” said Shibuya. “We really just want to offer our cus>>SEE PAGE 20

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Three’s company in this customized home This is part two of a two-part series. ast month, we shared the story of Rob Taone and his family’s experience of building a multigenerational home in Manoa that would be big enough for three families. After living with his wife’s parents for 15 years, Rob and his family came to the conclusion that their existing house was lacking privacy. While the original plan called for merely adding a second-level master suite, the plans changed when Rob’s father-in-law decided it was time to replace the house completely. With Rob’s sister-in-law’s family also on board, the three families worked with Graham Builders to design and build a new, two-story house tailored to each families’ separate needs. “Like many Hawaii families, Rob, with his wife and son, had been living in a multigen-

FREE SEMINAR Building Your Home for Life July 16, 6 p.m., Honolulu Country Club

erational home for some time. They yearned for a house that afforded them privacy and felt like they had their own home,” said Evan Fujimoto, president of Graham Builders. “After sitting down with Rob and his in-laws, we learned what each family was looking for in the new house and designed a home that included shared and segregated living areas that took personal space into consideration.” The recently completed house has a total of 3,218 square feet of living area and lanai space. The six bedroom, five bathroom (including one with accessible features) house features one full kitchen, a wet bar, vaulted ceilings, Radianz countertops, three living rooms, a carport and large driveway. A fenced-in courtyard provides the families with privacy and seclusion from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. Strategically placed clerestory and sillvent windows allow for maximized views and ventilation. Other green elements include energy efficient lighting, low-flow water fixtures, reclaimed redwood, solar water heating and PV systems, and Techshield roof sheathing.

GRAHAM BUILDERS contact // 593-2808 web // www.grahambuilders.com “My family and I are very pleased with our new home as it turned out to be what we had envisioned from the start. It has been a pleasure working with Graham Builders and seeing how honest a company in this day and age can be.The openness and responsiveness of the entire staff is what

sets them apart from the rest,” said Taone. To learn more, sign up for Graham Builders’ free upcoming “Building Your Home for Life” seminar Tuesday, July 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Honolulu Country Club. Visit www.grahambuilders.com or call 593-2808 to register.

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10 JULY 14 â&#x20AC;˘ 2013 WINDOWS HAWAII

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BY KAINOA KEA hen planning to make a major purchase for your home, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wise to understand the warranty. Entering into an agreement before knowing the product may result in regrets and additional expenses beyond your â&#x20AC;&#x153;bargainâ&#x20AC;? buy; so caveat emptor, â&#x20AC;&#x153;let the buyer beware,â&#x20AC;? when thinking of purchasing. If you are not sure about the â&#x20AC;&#x153;fine print,â&#x20AC;? consider how this company will address the following:

â&#x20AC;˘ Commitment to you is critical in a large market. In a major purchase lifecycle,your first interaction with the company should not be your last. â&#x20AC;˘ Craftsmanshipisacompetitiveadvantagethatsetssimilarproductsapart. Any company will represent its product. But a company that commits itself to the product,its manufacturer and the workmanship of its workforce is exceptionally rare.

WINDOWS HAWAII contact // 671-0808 â&#x20AC;˘ 383-7233 web // www.windows-hawaii.com

â&#x20AC;˘ Pricing indicates material/service quality. If saving money is the ultimate goal, think long term and invest in a product that will last. Choose a company that offers reputable products and services,plus competitive pricing. Also consideraskingquestionssuchas:

â&#x20AC;˘What is the difference betweenâ&#x20AC;&#x153;Lifetimeâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Limited Lifetimeâ&#x20AC;? warranties? â&#x20AC;˘ What is covered and included under the warranty? â&#x20AC;˘ How does accidental breakage affect the warranty? â&#x20AC;˘ What nulls and voids a warranty? â&#x20AC;˘Will I have product suppor t and ser vice after I purchase? â&#x20AC;˘ Will I have to pay more for someone to

help me with future problems? Every company has its own warranty policy despite carrying the same product. Some companies offer installation warranties while others do not.Collect as much information as possible in order to make a sound decision and avoid buyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s remorse.

Windows Hawaii offers a variety of window and sliding door options, in addition to other home improvement products that are all covered by an installation warranty.

Kainoa Kea is the office manager at Windows Hawaii.

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ALICE INOUE JULY 14 • 2013 11

A Devil of a Job Are you dissatisfied with work? Start feeling better about your job by creating a bit of clarity within yourself and your home that no matter what they do they can find no other job or they can do nothing about their current challenging work situation. If you want to feel good, focus on things you can change. I like to guide my clients in the direction where change is more likely to happen.

with

Alice Inoue

QUESTION OFTHE WEEK: I feel stuck in a job I don’t love. I know I should feel lucky that I even have a job, but it’s hard to feel positive about it. Do you have any advice for me, feng shui or otherwise? f everyone loved his or her job, it wouldn’t be called “work.” Most of us “work” for a paycheck so that we can afford to “play,” or do what we love, when we are not working. But the goal is to find out how to get paid for doing what you love. A famous quote from Confucius says: “Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Many of my clients feel stuck in their jobs, but don’t dare leave because of the economy or other reasons. According to a research report by the Society for Human Resource Management, only 29 percent of working people between the ages of 31 and 61 reported being “very satisfied” with their jobs. The other 71 percent were either “somewhat satisfied” or not satisfied at all. According to the report, the main contributing factors to dissatisfaction in the workplace were an imbalance between the worker’s interests and his or her duties, the work being either too demanding or not demanding enough, being burnt out, poor relationship with a co-worker or boss, inadequate compensation, lack of opportunity to use or hone skills, poor job flexibility, poor work-life balance or bad corporate culture.

Take the time to identify where you are Many times I see clients who have not clarified their values or what is most important to them.Which of those factors applies to you? Sometimes when people dread their job, they haven’t taken the time to identify what really makes them happy or unhappy in their profession or where their talents or desires lie. To prepare your mind and heart for a move to a happier work environment, think

It’s time to get clear If you have been reading my column for a while, you probably understand by now that metaphors are the language of feng shui. In other words, if you are overwhelmed in life, look for the excess items in your home

about how you’d like to use your abilities to make a difference, and then align your work with your higher purpose. Easier said than done, I know, but with intent and desire, it can be done! Feng shui guidance Feng shui has no quick fixes, but I can offer some feng shui guidance. First, understand that feng shui is driven by a person’s ultimate intention. If you cannot determine what you really want, putting a fountain in the “career area” near the entrance of your home will not necessarily bring about changes in job opportunities. Why? It would be the same as giving a young child the keys to your car and expecting him or her to know how to drive it. The car works, but the child is not clear on what to do with it. Second, be clear about what you want more of and what is not working for you at your current job. People often complain

that may symbolically represent your situation. If you are burnt out, look around your home for all the electrical items that are burnt out.When you are lacking clarity, create more clear spaces within the home. Be specific about what you really want Use feng shui to change your job situation

by first making sure you know exactly what you do not like about your current job and exactly what you want in a new one. Instead of focusing on how much you hate your current job or on the need to find another, focus on how it would feel in the job of your dreams. What inspires you? What is your ultimate goal beyond receiving adequate pay? Nothing around you will change until you change your outlook and achieve greater clarity.

Create clarity in your environment Along with asking yourself these questions, create clarity in your environment by doing the following: Clear your entrance. Inasmuch as the entrance symbolically represents opportunity and is considered the career area, tidy up shoes, straighten up the welcome mat, get rid of any dead plants, sweep away leaves and make it look as if it is ready for your most respected guests. Clear off horizontal surfaces. Help mirror your clarity of purpose as you take steps to change your future by clearing off all tabletops, dressers, desks and counters to symbolize clear future horizons. Clear up old business. Unfinished business keeps you tied to the past, unable to move forward. Do you owe someone an apology or a thank you note? Do you have a project that you keep meaning to do but haven’t gotten to? Either abandon it completely (instead of letting it drain your mental energy) or schedule the time to finish it and get it out of the way. A bad job situation can really drain your energy,but having a vision beyond today is the key to surviving it.You don’t need to figure out a way to love the job you are stuck with. Just be clear on the present situation and the desired feeling of your future situation.

Alice Inoue is a life guide at Alice Inoue Life Guidance, LLC, a company committed to assisting people in living empowered lives. Alice shares her wisdom as a professional speaker and personal consultant.Visit www.ali ceinspired.com. JULY 14, 2013 • 11

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GREEN YOUR HOME WITH SMART PRODUCTS |

AN EDITION OF

y choosing effective cooling measures, your home can become a comfortable retreat from summer’s heat. | See page 3

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14 2013

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JULY

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HOW TO BEAT THE HEAT By following these seven green-friendly tips, you can reach the pinnacle of cool this summer By Rachel Breit

ummer is here and that means barbecuing, beach going and other outdoor adventures. If the higher temperatures of summer have you in hot pursuit of breezy conditions, here are at least seven effective ways to help you chill out. Listed below, the first four options are examples of passive cooling measures. They utilize physics and nature, and, in most cases, render air conditioning unnecessary. They keep the heat out with insulation or light-colored pigments and let the cool air in through natural ventilation. And they harness the natural cooling effects of trade winds, which, thankfully, are strongest during summer. If you’ve tried the passive options for cooling but still require an extra dose of chill, consider the last three types of active cooling measures, which require energy use. By using the following active cooling options in an efficient way, and especially in conjunction with passive techniques, you can reduce the amount of energy needed to remain cool this summer.

Open windows shaded by plants, like these louvers from Breezeway, are perfect for letting nature do the job of cooling.

1. Natural Ventilation Luckily we live in Hawaii, so we can open our homes to get the most of what nature can provide. Let your house breathe, so to speak, by opening up your roof and your walls. One possibility is to add ridge, eave or gable vents to your roof. As wind travels over your roof, low pressure is created around vents, which sucks hot air out of your home and draws fresh air in. Make sure vents are sized properly for your space and are well placed for optimal ventilation. For instance, gable vents are most effective when placed on both windward and leeward sides, in the natural path of wind. Additionally, ventilated skylights allow light in, while

letting hot air, which naturally rises, escape. Use open windows to channel a breeze into your home. Cross ventilation is one of the most effective ventilation techniques and depends on the placement of windows. Windows oriented on opposite or adjacent walls allow more wind to pass through the room than windows placed on the same wall. With all openings, make sure they are secure from entry or weather so they can remain open at night or when no one is home. 2. Shade Avoid letting direct sunlight into your house. Consider the movement of the sun across the sky: awnings or trellises

will block rays from the midday sun; windows on the north or south side prevent against direct sunlight; and west- and east-facing windows should be minimized since the early morning and afternoon sun will penetrate them. 3. Cool Roofs Roofs play two important roles for homes in Hawaii: one, they keep weather out; and two, they shield your home from the sun. Blocking the sun’s heat cools your home and brings comfort, so it’s important to take a top-down approach to cooling. Insulation keeps the heat out and the cool in and can reduce inside temperatures. Fiberglass, foam board and ra-

diant barriers are some insulation options to consider. Another way to keep cool is to deflect the heat from the sun by reflecting sunlight with pigments. While dark colors absorb light and therefore heat, light colors reflect it. Coating your roof with a light color will help keep you cool and also protect your roof from the damage of the sun. Green roofs, or living roofs, host a growing medium and vegetation planted over a waterproof membrane. The plants provide a cooling effect through evapotranspiration, while also absorbing rainwater, providing insulation and creating habitats for wildlife. 4. Landscaping Trees and shrubs add shade SEE PAGE 07

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Smart products for a greener home By Michelle Lee

eing environmentally friendly used to mean having an excessive love for the earth. The term “tree hugger” rings a bell. However, as more data becomes available regarding the dangerous and expensive-tofix damage caused by various chemical compounds found in many home products today, many consumers, in the interest of saving money, are choosing alternative greener options. In recent years, there have been more and more governmental policies and mandates placed to encourage the use of environmentally sound products. Not only are such efforts better for the community on a holistic and ethical level, but financially they are saving residents thousands of dollars per year in reno-

PHOTO BY RACHEL BREIT

vation and maintenance costs. Companies that used to be the frontrunners in chemically based

products are now coming out with subsidiary brands whose primary focus is using less harmful and chemical-free solutions. Whereas before many residents would turn to bleach or ammonia to clean their homes, now with the advent of more readily accessible information, consumers are seeking out alternative options to take care of their home needs. One such example is cleaning powerhouse Clorox, whose subsidiary line Green Works promotes green products to degrease and disinfect the home in a safe manner. More so than saving the environment, which is surely an added benefit, consumers are turning to environmentally friendly home products due to their cost-effectiveness. For example, harsh chemicals can oftentimes cause significant damage to

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alternative options to protect their families and homes. “By using most traditional cleaning products, you are ultimately exposing your family to chemicals whose side effects we really do not know,” said Kim Billion, owner of Pacific Environmental Solutions. “We have no idea what kinds of ailments such chemicals can lead to down the road.” To combat clogged drains and pipes, Pacific Environmental Solu-

tions offers the GES Plus™ product, specifically designed to fight against slow flowing kitchen drains by utilizing a bacteriabased product that naturally and safely eats away at grease buildup. “The byproduct of the solution is water and carbon dioxide,” explained Billon. “Instead of having to use harsh chemicals or call a plumber, this is an ongoing, proactive way to treat clogged drains.”

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Pet lovers can also rest easy with the UrineFree™ product, engineered to remove urine odors and stains by treating the residue left behind on the surface area. “If you look at urine acid under a microscope, the compound is actually a crystal, which is very difficult to remove,” said Billon. “Whereas most chemicals simply dehydrate the crystal, our product breaks it down and eats it, so that the animal is unable to find

the spot again.” The future looks bright with Bonterra Solar In addition to home products with respect to chemicals, the photovoltaic (PV) industry is making impressive segue in helping protect the environment as well as consumers’ financial interests. “Solar power is not just good for the environment,” said Andrew Yani, a partner of Bon-

terra Solar. “It is also good for your wallet.” As big proponents of solar power, Bonterra is proud to announce that the company only uses the highest quality American-made panels currently available on the market. The panels, which are made by SolarWorld, utilize PV cells that convert light into electricity. Such energy is then transferred into an inverter that converts solar electricity into

energy a homeowner can use in his or her home. Additionally, Bonterra Solar employs the use of solar hot water heaters to help homeowners save thousands a year off their electrical bill. “First and

foremost, we are committed to educating our customer on how to save money with regards to energy consumption,” said Yani. With more consumers now aware of how harsh chemicals affect one’s health and finances,

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COMBATING THE ZOM-BEE APOCALYPSE

By James Nakamura

ast month, riding high on the up-current of National Pollinator Week, 50,000 such pollinators met their untimely ends, dropping from a linden tree onto the asphalt of a discount store parking lot in what was reported as one of the largest mass bumble bee deaths on record. This was overseas. Back home, you may see a worker bee blissfully hovering over the stamen of a hibiscus, and it may be easy to miss the darker environmental forces

stacked against it worldwide. Natural predators, climate change and pesticides over the last decade have not been kind. There is a chance that its colony will not survive the year. There is some hope. Just last month, Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed a bill aimed at bolstering Hawaii’s beekeeping industry. This includes funding for an apiary program tasked with managing resources and education on maintaining healthy hives. And de-

Avoid using neonicotinoid pesticides in your garden. Neonicotinoids will turn bees into zombies — the flying dead. This nicotine-based insecticide causes brain damage among bees either through direct contact or residual hive contamination. Colonies that seem healthy eventually become disoriented — abandoning their hives and dying off in large numbers. Three offending pesticides have already been banned in Europe. And after aforementioned massive bumble bee death in Oregon due to treated linden trees in bloom, the Oregon Department of Agriculture has enacted a statewide ban on Safari, a neonicotinoid. Beware any of these ingredients in any gardening product — Acetamiprid, Clothianidin, Dinotefuran, Imidacloprid, Nitenpyram, Thiacloprid and Thiamethoxam. These neonicotinoid pesticides are currently being investigated in the United States, so they will continue to be available. In the meantime, be diligent about which products you use in your garden, from pre-treated seeds to potting soils. Instead, go for safer, natural and organic pesticides.

spite reporting a high rate of colony deaths, many beekeepers have persevered and brought their hive numbers back up. This doesn’t mean that our bees are in the clear. Legislation and professional hive management aside, there are things that can be done even on our own homefronts to help our friendly neighborhood bees along. After all, in this ongoing crusade, the scales could be tipped right in our own back yards.

1. PREPARE A WATERING HOLE Ensure that there is a constant clean supply of water in your yard by creating a bee bath. Most bees can’t land in deeper pools of water and will drown when making an attempt. Use a shallow bowl or saucer and line it with rocks. Add water but take care not to submerge the rocks completely, as they will act as little islands for the bees to land on. As bees catch on to this oasis, you’ll soon reap the benefits of having a well-pollinated garden.

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Not all bees belong to a hive, although they are most likely the ones that come to mind. Of the wide variety of bee species in Hawaii, 90 percent of them are solitary bees, with approximately 60 different types in Hawaii. Most of them nest in the soil, under dried leaves, or in pieces of dry wood. You can encourage these solitary drifters to hole up in your backyard by creating your own bee motel. Cut a long hollow bamboo branch into shorter pieces and tie them together in a bundle. Make sure to place them in a safe and sheltered area with their open ends facing south east. This ensures that the bees will get the early sunrise wake up call they need. You can also used untreated blocks of wood, old logs or stumps. Drill holes into one side that are 3/8-inches wide in diameter, and 3/4-inches wide on the inside. Also be sure to secure them firmly so that they aren’t rocked or blown in the wind. Unhappy customers won’t return.

Plant flowers in numbers and arrange them in patches. Bees see a wider range of colors than we can so they’ll certainly appreciate any floral artistry. Native plants will work better at attracting bees that are adapted to each region, so opt for native Hawaiian plants such as Yellow Ilima or the Pink Lokelani. You can provide a steady food supply for bees by planting a variety of plants with staggered blooming times that will keep your color-by-numbers garden buzzing year-round. The more colorful your garden, the wider variety of bees you’ll attract.

DID YOU KNOW: One third of the world’s crops are dependent on honey bees. Without honey bees, we would have to say goodbye to apples, almonds, cherries, blueberries, avocado, broccoli, most leafy greens, cucumbers, pumpkins, grapefruits, onions, oranges and much more.

5. DIG TRENCHES Most of all bee species, around 70 percent, are ground-nesting bees. They dig their tunnels in the soil, and their queens stock them with their brood and food stores. For sandpits, choose a well-drained area with a lot of sunlight. Dig a hole about 2 feet deep and fill it with sand and loam. For bare ground nests, find a patch of soil and clear it of all vegetation. Make sure that it is on a slope in a sunny, open space. Compact the soil lightly. You can also do the same with planter boxes and soil or sand as long as they are untreated.

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Green ways to make summer sun work for you D

oes the summer sun have you slathering on sunscreen and retreating indoors to cooler conditions? If you find yourself craving a respite from too much heat, know that summer sun can actually work in your favor. From powering your hot water heater or fresh air skylight to saving money by running your clothes dryer less, here are a few ways you can put the sun to work for you this summer. Solar water heating Replacing an old water heater proactively is a good idea for a number of reasons. First, if it’s older, it’s probably not as energy efficient as newer models. And, when hot water heaters die, they can do so spectacularly, flooding the room where they’re housed and leaving your family without the water they need to shower off summer sweat and keep clothes and dishes clean. Consider replacing your current water heater with a solar

water heating system. While such systems may cost more to purchase and install than a conventional one, various federal and state tax credits and other green product incentives mitigate those costs. Plus, solar hot water systems reduce energy costs in the long run. Solar-powered fresh air skylight You can also save money and improve your indoor air quality by opting for a solar-powered fresh-air skylight. Energy-efficient solar-powered skylights and accessories like solar-powered skylight blinds, which can increase energy efficiency by another 45 percent, are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit, as is the installation cost. Energy Star-qualified, no leak solar-powered fresh-air skylights, improve indoor air quality by allowing excess moisture and unhealthy air to escape your home. They also passively vent hot air that rises to your ceiling in sum-

mer, reducing the load on your mechanical cooling systems while reducing your power bill. In rooms where a fresh air skylight isn't an option, tubular skylights like Sun Tunnel products allow light inside, reducing the need for artificial light and brightening areas like hallways, closets, and other interior spaces both large and small. Clothes drying Humans have been using solar power to dry clothes for about as long as we’ve been wearing fabric. Hanging clothes to dry in the sun allows you to trim your electric or gas use (depending on how you power your clothes dryer) as much as $85 a year, plus it reduces the wear clothes experience tumbling in a dryer. On average, it costs 30 to 40 cents per load to dry clothes in an electric machine, and 15 to 20 cents if your dryer runs on gas. By comparison, line drying requires an initial outlay to cover

the cost of the line device, and then the sunshine and fresh air are free. Cooking Sure you love cooking outdoors, but when summer really heats up no one wants to slave over a hot grill. Why not use the sun's power to cook food without the need to hover over and watch it? Solar cookers are the answer.

One popular type, box cookers, can accommodate multiple dishes at once and are used in countries around the world where the sun is the most reliable source of energy. They cook at moderate to high temperatures and require less supervision than your gas grill. You can buy one online or build your own — a great family project that can help teach kids about solar power and greener living.

Nathalie Walker photos

HOW TO BEAT THE HEAT FROM PAGE 03 and block out the sun’s rays. Maximize plants and try to avoid landscaping with unshaded rocks, cement, asphalt or anything that can store heat and radiate it back to the house after the sun sets. For instance, pavement with gaps can handle auto and foot traffic, but also allow grass to grow between. Adding a fountain or water feature can refresh you with the sounds of sight of splashing water. Climbing plants on exterior walls can also help cool, much in the way a green roof does. 5. Ceiling fans Ceiling fans help cool you down by creating a breeze, which speeds up the evaporation of perspiration, a process that allows heat to leave your body. While ceiling fans do not actu-

ally lower the temperature of the room, the wind speed has a cooling effect and, if used with an air conditioner, can lower energy costs since you’ll be able to set the thermostat at a higher temperature and still feel comfortable. Make sure your fan is rotating counter-clockwise in the summer, so that air is being pushed down toward the floor. Stand beneath your fan to make sure you feel the breeze being directed down on you. Also, don’t leave fans running when no one is in the room — fans only cool people, not chairs or beds, and actually generate heat when they run. 6. Whole-house fans Cycle and refresh air in your abode with a whole-house fan. Whole-house fans are mounted

Finally, if you're not ready to learn a whole new way of cooking, why not simply borrow a page from great-grandma's recipe book and use sunlight to brew tea? Just place a few bags of your favorite tea in a glass jar with water (make sure to keep the tags and strings hanging over the rim of the jar), cap the jar and place it in the sun until the tea steeps to your desire flavor level.

between your living space and the attic and operate in the cooler hours of the early morning or after sundown. They circulate air through your entire house by pushing warm air out through your roof vents while drawing fresh, cooler air in through your open windows. Unlike attic fans, which only ventilate the attic space, wholehouse fans move air throughout your entire house. Think of it like trade winds on demand. 7. Energy-efficient ACs If you live in a dusty or noisy area, and have already explored all other types of cooling options, you may want to invest in AC as a last resort. But not all units are created equally. Look for energy-efficient AC units. The higher the Energy-Effi-

ciency Ratio (EER), the more energy efficient it is. Ratings of 10 or more mean units are especially efficient. Consider replacing an old unit with a newer, more efficient one. For instance, replacing a unit with an EER of 5 with one of 10 would result in a 50 percent savings in energy costs.

Be sure to choose the unit that is the right size for your home. Since they do not have to cycle on and off, properly sized units are more efficient, provide better air quality and comfort, and control humidity, which prevents mold and mildew growth. Place units on a shady side

of your house, like on the north side where they will perform better. Before installing, seal leaks in your home and ducts, such as joints in the walls, flooring and ceilings. Weather-stripping and high quality, low-air leak windows and doors will also help keep in the cool.

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The Way to Renewable Solar Power By Kyle Galdeira

s a locally owned and operated business invested in Hawaii’s people and communities, Sunetric plays a vital role in lessening the dependence on foreign oil and other costly imported energy sources. The one-stop solar power operation is present through a customer’s initial photovoltaic system consultation, engages clients during the sales and design phases and follows through with the installation and service processes. Sunetric has enjoyed steady growth over its nine-plus years as it continues to take responsibility for Hawaii’s renewable energy future, with average sales increases of 20 to 50 percent each year. While it takes pride in being “born and raised in Hawaii,” Sunetric has expanded to the mainland with offices in California, Washington D.C., Pennsylva-

nia and Colorado. The growth allows the company to bring more revenue back into the local economy while its customers also benefit from renewable solar power. “On average, a homeowner here in Hawaii is paying between $300 and $400 per month for their electricity right now,” said Aaron Kirk, Sunetric’s Chief Operating Officer. “If you put solar on your home, the goal is to eliminate that electric bill.” Kirk explained that homeowners typically will finance their solar systems, and that the cost per month of that financing process can be structured to mimic or improve upon regular electric bill payments. Over an average three- to five-year span, the owner will pay off the solar system, and enjoy the resulting energy without the burdensome payments.

Clean Energy Production Gets the “Green” Light Since opening for business, Sunetric has generated more than 57 megawatts of installed solar power encompassing a wide range of jobs and projects. To put that figure in perspective, the solar power generated by Sunetric’s installations save close to 90,000 pounds of carbon dioxide — the leading greenhouse gas — each year, and offsets the use of nearly 95 barrels of oil annually. The company installs hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of solar panels every week, thereby eliminating a portion of the “carbon footprint” created by fossil fuels burned in Hawaii to make electricity. The community also benefits from Sunetric’s efforts, as the business has installed PV systems in dozens of local schools and churches with zero upfront costs.

For example, Sunetric designed and installed a 160 kW PV system at Hongwanji Mission School, where it also planned and hosted an innovative Green Fair. Additionally, the company installed a 169 kW system at St. Francis School. Employees also help to educate the next generation by speaking to Castle High School student about renewable energy, entrepreneurship, community and the environment in addition to partnering with Kupu to provide training for young adults looking to join the green workforce Sunetric provides Hawaii residents and businesses with the opportunity to eliminate or reduce their electric bills while also initiating a long-term vision of sustainability for each project it installs. “We focus on ensuring the highest standards in quality of equipment and workmanship,” Kirk said. “Our goal is to provide clean energy for the long haul, so

we always make sure that the work is done the best way possible.” Sunetric Remains on Cutting Edge of Solar Industry Sunetric features an expert staff, including more than 140 local employees. The local business empowers the community by creating career opportunities and enhancing its staff’s knowledge through continual training. Sunetric’s team includes a fully licensed electrical engineer who custom designs each project, and the company utilizes special project managers who are tasked with researching and testing the best PV related equipment and materials on the market to determine which products meet its high standards. The business features certification by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, and holds a C-

SUNETRIC • Address: 905 Kalanianaole Hwy. Box 21, Kailua, HI 96734 • Telephone: 262-6600 • www.Sunetric.com

13 electrical contractor’s license. According to Kirk, Sunetric has introduced much of the innovative technology prevalent in the state today. It brought Enphase to Hawaii, becoming the first company to install micro-inverter technology in the market. He explained that Sunetric is also the first company to utilize hybrid power optimization technology from Tigo, which helps mitigate PV production loss due to shading. Additionally, Sunetric introduced technologies of top-efficiency solar panel manufacturers SunPower and Suniva, which were ranked the highest, and second-highest in efficiency according to the 2013 Photon Magazine’s Module Efficiency Awards. Sunetric is established as the first SunPower Elite dealer in Hawaii and remains the state’s exclusive authorized dealer of Suniva panels.

HAWAII HOME EXPO JULY 14 • 2013 13

Freshening up with new faucet styles R emodeling a bathroom can be a lot of work, as the completed space should be functional, but also attractive. Picking the right faucet can be a challenge, but the tips below will help narrow your choices. Faucets come in a variety of styles, from traditional to contemporary and modern to retro. Polished chrome historically has been the most available, followed by brass. However, now popular finishes include polished nickel, brushed nickel and oil rubbed bronze.You could have gold, copper, white, etc., but not all vendors offer those finishes. Do the research on your finishes and what will work for your home. Do you have kids that are messy in the bathroom? Polished chrome will show water spots, so perhaps a brushed option is a better solution. Also, if you choose a specialty finish, consider whether it is a living fin-

HAWAII HOME EXPO address // 2933 Koapaka St. web // www.hawaiihomeexpo.com

ish or not. A living finish essentially is one that changes over time with wear and exposure. For example, a true oil rubbed bronze finish will wear with exposure to the oils from your Bruce Okimoto hands, so over time it will have an aged/worn look, which can be attractive, but not desirable in all applications. Decide what kind of faucet will work for your space.There is the standard 8-inch wide-

spread, the most common faucet. There would need to be three holes in your countertop and the spacing would be an overall 8inch distance between the center of the hot/cold handles. A 4-inch mini-spread or center-set faucet is smaller and more compact,and the distance between the centers of the hot and cold knobs is only 4 inches. Of course, there are wall-mount faucets. These will be built into the wall and access to them should be considered. There are vessel faucets for use with vessel sinks, which sit on top of the countertop with a

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14 JULY 14 • 2013

CATHY LEE

y goodness, things have been warm recently! This summer weather is perfect for outdoor dinner parties, and since I love sushi as much as I love sake, it’s a no-brainer that this girl’s next party will have a sushi and sake theme. Since I know many of you are also sushi and sake fans, here are some tips for your table settings. There are lots of directions you can go with this, but I like to keep things simple, contemporary and organic. First, the dishware. Whether you’re ordering out for sushi or planning to lay out ingredients so guests can make their own hand rolls, look for white dishes, platters and soy sauce plates with clean, modern lines. The white will not only pull together your table and give it a fresh, summery feel, it will also reflect light onto your sushi for a beautiful effect (this is a great tip I learned from photographers). If you can find them, white soy sauce containers will add to the effect. You might find some at Japanese stores, but don’t overlook small white creamers that are normally used for coffee. And if you are ordering your sushi, you definitely want to arrange it on serving platters and not leave it on a plastic tray. In place of a table runner, an outdoor dinner party looks great with fresh leaves running down the center of the table. Go into your yard and look for bold, tropical shapes and colors that will stand up to the strong visual impact of your white, clean-lined dishes. Ti leaves laid under your sushi add a beautiful organic touch. If you don’t have white serving dishes, clean some large ti leaves and use them instead. I had some

Cheers to a Stylish Party Entertain in a fashionable way this season with these simple, yet useful tips on dish presentation, homegrown decor and party ideas

14 • JULY 14, 2013

JOY OF SAKE PHOTO

sushi served to me this way in New York, and I still remember how that simple touch brought a fresh summer breeze into that tiny Midtown sushi bar!

Now let’s talk about sake. There are countless different kinds, and a whole range of temperatures you can serve them at. Sake is easy to drink since it’s less acidic

than wine, which my husband Darrell and I love as well, and it can have amazing flavors and aromas ranging from peaches and bananas to green apple and pepper. Junmai sakes are excellent with sushi. They’re less expensive and have big, ricey flavors that pair well with the vinegar in sushi rice. For before- or after-dinner sipping, there’s nothing better than a light, elegant daiginjo sake. My favorite way to sip sake is chilled. I found this carafe at The Sake Shop on King Street for about $25. You put crushed ice in the cobalt well, pour in some chilled sake, pour into a glass and enjoy the delicious sips. Don’t forget a key part of sake etiquette: Never pour your own! This means everyone’s constantly pouring sake for each other, making the party even more fun and convivial. I hope I’ve inspired you to put together your own sushi and sake party. For even more ideas, you can go to the Joy of Sake on Aug. 16 at the Hawaii Convention Center (www.joy ofsake.com). I hear they’ll have nearly 400 sakes to try this year, so you’re sure to find some new favorites. That’s where you’ll find me — getting ideas for my next party!

Cathy Lee is president and designer of Cathy Lee Style and Cathy's Marketplace, a furniture and accessories showroom with design services at 1110 University Ave. She recently opened reStyle Hawaii, an affordable, style-conscious consignment warehouse with upholstering and repurposing services at 420 Keawe St. in Kakaako. Lee's interior design work has been featured in local and national publications, on HGTV and in her DIY design workshops that teach homeowners the basics of style. To find out more, go to www.cathyleestyle.com.

HK CONSTRUCTION JULY 14 • 2013 15

Going the whole nine yards when it comes to service W hy build or remodel now? Hawaii homeowners have a unique opportunity at the moment: with the lowest mortgage rates in 50 years, the state’s home values and equities are at an all-time high. With a recovering economy on the Mainland, interest rates are already climbing and the trend is that they will continue to climb in the coming years. HK Construction (HK) works with local banking institutions to help secure financing for its clients’ projects. HK guides its clients through the design process from its inception to completion. The company provides full contracting services and a complete team of experienced design build consultants who provide the comprehensive package and sourcing materials to build your dream home.The company has an extensive array of premier vendors for every aspect of your project. And if space is an issue, HK can move walls or increase space with an addition. This concept provides the homeowner with one point of contact throughout the project. The company is capable of cost-engineering your project to fulfill your

design and budget needs. During the design phase, an experienced designer will star t with a free consultation at your home for a site assessment. From there, a conceptual design is created and your personal consultant will work with the in-house architectural draftsman to develop a full set of blueprints. As a valued added service, HK assigns a material-selections officer to assist homeowners in shopping, selecting and coordinating all the detailed decisions from flooring and lighting to cabinetry and fixtures. HK is a fourth-generation design build company. Since the beginning, it was founded on the principles of quality construction, listening to the client and completing projects on time. It is a fully insured and bonded construction firm, making it capable of executing many projects such as new homes, rebuilds, remodels, additions and kitchens. HK Construction offers monthly educational seminars at locations around the island. Subjects range from Home Building and Remodeling to Kitchen & Bath Remodeling. Be sure to attend one of the informative seminars this week.

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Rock gardens easily dress up the outdoors F or those who enjoy a beautiful garden but don’t have the time or energy to spend hours maintaining it, rock gardens are ideal. They also require minimal water, which preserves our environment. Geobunga will host a free Island Style Rock Garden Workshop this

Saturday that will focus on decorative gardens. Learn about the various styles of rock gardens, design tips, and how to create a rock garden that’s big on aesthetics and functionality, but doesn’t require a lot of attention. Geobunga welcomes the public to learn

Geobunga’s free four-part gardening series is coming up: • July 20 – Island style rock garden

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Home Equity Line of Credit A Home Equity Line of Credit is the most flexible financing option and allows you to access your approved loan amount when needed through a revolving line of credit.This popular choice is ideal for long-term projects, as you only pay interest on the amount you use. The interest rate for a Home Equity Line of Credit is variable and monthly payments are based on your balance. Personal Home Improvement Loan The maximum amount is $20,000 with a fixed annual percentage rate and repayment terms up to 84 months.This is a favorable option for a single project with a shortterm unsecured repayment plan. Cash-Out Refinance With a Cash-Out Refinance, you can refinance your current mortgage and get the cash you need for your renovation project, all in one convenient loan. This is a great opportunity to take advantage of today’s

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Feeling sentimental at home

How to dress up your garden

>>FROM PAGE 2

>>FROM PAGE 16

Dedrick, owner and executive director of Geobunga. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It can fill in a bare patch while at the same time adding color, or retain moisture in a dry area while also doing double duty as an accent element.â&#x20AC;? Rock gardens are beautiful, easy to maintain and available in many styles to suit all design aesthetics. Geobunga workshop attendees will learn the following: â&#x20AC;˘ Different styles of rock gardens â&#x20AC;˘ Design and installation tips â&#x20AC;˘ Which low-maintenance plants work best in a rock garden â&#x20AC;˘ Garden accents such as pavers, pottery and water features that look great in a rock garden

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Go with experienced solar energy providers T hinking about PV for your home? If so, you should understand the changes taking place in the PV industry generally, and here in Hawaii specifically. The “gold rush” has peaked; panel manufacturers have gone bankrupt by the score and

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hen it comes to simple, low-cost home improvements that can add value and completely change the look of a room, you just canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t beat painting. Tackle the job yourself, rather than hiring a professional painter, and you can save even more money. Follow these three guidelines and you can achieve professional-looking results with your own hands:

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help DIYers achieve the same speed and good looks as the professionals do. Pay attention to the details Details such as painting baseboards, woodwork and ceilings are the crowning touch on any paint job. With the right tools and professional approach, you can enjoy the pride and satisfaction of a job well done. This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.

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KAHALA PACIFIC FLOORS JULY 14 • 2013 21

‘Wood’ you like to know more about flooring? I f you’re in the market for flooring, you’ve probably started to notice that the consumer in Hawaii has many, many choices. But there is only one company in Hawaii that is willing to give you a good, unbiased education on the topic so that you can start to think clearly about the multitude of choices and, in the end, choose what is right for you and your family. That company is Kahala Pacific Floors (KPF), formerly known as Pacific Imports International. One Saturday morning each month, Kahala Pacific Floors holds a flooring education seminar entitled Wood and Stone Flooring 101. During a fast-moving 90 minutes you will enjoy coffee and hot malasadas while company president Shirley Pai Hilton, one of Hawaii’s most knowledgeable flooring professionals, makes an easy to understand presentation on wood flooring — both solid and engineered — bamboo flooring, laminate flooring and luxury vinyl. She also dedicates a portion of the presentation to examining your stone and tile choices. Shirley has prepared an extensive

KAHALA PACIFIC FLOORS contact // 847-7711 address // 926 Kohou St.

PowerPoint presentation for you to follow along and she starts by defining each type of flooring, highlighting its features, functions and benefits and offering a matrix of the pros and cons of each. She has been described by dozens of attendees as a wonderful teacher who is able to get the information across clearly. Shirley and her team understand flooring so well because they are not just another retailer, but rather a flooring manufacturer. That is, they work directly with various factories, physically visiting the facilities to design their Kahala Floors and Bayside products. These lines are appropriate for Hawaii and the company actually has overseas employees who supervise the production process. Shirley also is a licensed wood flooring installer, so she is intimately familiar with

However, in the aftermath, attendees are pleasantly surprised by how much they learned and enjoyed the seminar. Shirley invites you to the next session, which will be held Saturday, July 20, at 10 a.m. at the showroom at 926 Kohou St. Call 847-7711 to reserve a seat.

installation and educates you on what to expect and watch for when your product is going down. Shirley said that one of the main reasons people sign up for the seminar is to take advantage of the private sale (the company’s best pricing), offered only to attendees.

New Great Name, Same Great Company

LET THE SUN WORK FOR YOU NOW! Let’s Talk Flooring What is popular in wood flooring in Hawaii? Hawaii is in love with exotics! Tigerwood, Ipe, Santos Mahogany and Cumaru are just some of the favorites. These woods offer extreme durability as they are so much harder than the woods we grew up with (like white oak or douglas fir) and the colors are just stunning. And engineered woods are definitely hotter than solids, 4 to 1. Learn more at our monthly seminar. ALOHA!

10% OFF ALL GRANITE IN STOCK CABINETS UP TO 40% OFF New customers only. Also does not apply on prior orders. Cannot be combined with any other offer/discounts.

Saturday, July 20, 2013 10AM Please call to reserve a seat

Shirley Pai Hilton

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Fax: 853-2058

926 KOHOU STREET (Between King and Dillingham) 808-847-7711 www.kahalaﬂoors.com

270

No Minimums! No Limits! Must mention Coupon. Exp 7/31/13. (May not be combined with any other discounts/specials/coupons) Residential Projects ONLY.

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JULY 14, 2013 • 21

22 JULY 14 â&#x20AC;˘ 2013 ALâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BATHTUB REFINISHING

Tub FAQs answered any consumers have questions about bathroom updates such as what is bathtub refinishing? What surfaces can be refinished? Can I change the color of my bathtub? Can my ceramic tile be refinished? What are the benefits of bathtub refinishing over replacing? Basically, Alâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bathtub Refinishing provides a durable, economical service to homeowners, hotel operators and apartment complexes, the refinishing of bathtubs, tile, countertops, sinks and vanities. All of these things can become scratched, dull or have outdated colors, yet still be structurally sound and working. Refinishing a bathtub, also known as reglazing, takes only a few hours, and imparts a brand new surface on the original bathtub â&#x20AC;&#x201D; without removal. The result is a bathtub that has a brand new, shiny, clean, durable, high-gloss surface in any color the customer chooses. Alâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bathtub Refinishing allows the customers to design any style bathroom in any color scheme, without having to choose colors based on the original bathtub, sink or tile color. Ceramic tile can be repaired and resurfaced as well, allowing for complete bathroom color change in a matter of hours, without disrupting the walls, plumbing or electrical work inside of a bathroom. Bathtub refinishing can be performed on porcelain, fiberglass, acrylic, ceramic tile and cultured marble.

product creates the sophisticated, realistic look of stone and granite on multiple surfaces. Alâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bathtub refinishing only uses the best materials available on the market and the company never skips steps in the installation of its products. Every homeowner gets a five year warranty as well.

Stone-flecks Imitation Stone finishes: These finishes duplicate the look and feel of real stone. Alâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bathtub refinishing can refinish your countertops, tile, cultured marble and fiberglass with stone-flecks, one of the latest countertop refinishing innovations. This breakthrough

Contact Alâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bathtub Refinishing for a free estimate at 679-8297, or email alsbathtubrefinishing@gmail.com. You can also visit www.alsbathtubrefinishing.net. Alâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bathtub is now pre-booking appointments for the Big Island for July 28 to August 11. The Big Island contact number is 723-4654.

ALâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BATHTUB REFINISHING contact // 679-8297 email // alsbathtubrefinishing@gmail.com web // alsbathtubrefinishing.net

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MURAKAMI’S ROOFING JULY 14 • 2013 23

It’s time to have your roof inspected t’s a rarity in Hawaii, but hurricanes and storms with strong winds occasionally do occur. Then, the next thing you know, you hear in the news that someone’s whole roof pulled off the house and landed in the neighbor’s yard. Summertime is a great time to take a good look at your roof. It’s sunny outside and the perfect opportunity to check up top. Please don’t get up on your roof — that’s a job better left to the professionals. Here’s your do-it-yourself roof inspection:

• Check the yard around your house for roof shingles or tiles. • Take a look at the top of your roof: Use binoculars or take a walk up the street to look from above your house to check for missing tiles or shingles. • Look for discoloration. You might have mold that shows up as dark areas or spots on your roof. • Look at debris around the gutters. Are there clogs? Are the gutters rusting or in good shape? • Go inside the house and check your ceilings. If you have a two-story home, check upstairs. Look for water stains, warping or other signs that water has pooled in that area. Don’t forget to check the roof in your attic for the same signs. When you need help, Murakami’s Roofing is ready.

100 REBATE

ON QUALIFYING PURCHASES OF HUNTER DOUGLAS MOTORIZED WINDOW FASHIONS.* JUNE 15 – SEPTEMBER 3, 2013

Clinton Murakami is a second generation roofer who has 25 years of experience in the roofing business. He learned the trade from his dad, Clifford Murakami. The local business is built on the Murakami Promise to: • Be fair, honest and answer the customer’s questions, because it is the only way to do business. Hidden costs and surprises are not the way to do business. • Provide the best product for your budget and an honest presentation of the risks and rewards of not repairing versus re-roofing versus patching. • Be enthusiastic. Our crew enjoys working with people.

MURAKAMI’S ROOFING contact // 348-8270 address // 46-152 Nahiku Place email // murakamiroofing@gmail.com web // www.murakamisroofing.com

There are many satisfied customers who agree. One client said, “I am very pleased with the work done by your crew on the roof of my two buildings. They did a fantastic job on the roofs and clean up of all the debris. You can be sure that I will highly recommend your company to friends and relatives.” Call Murakami’s Roofing at 348-8270 for a free roof

inspection by an experienced roofing professional who will provide a written estimate and answer all of your questions. Choose the company because it is “Murakami Strong, Building Confidence Into Every Roof.”

Pirouette® Window Shadings

Relax. Let your shades do all the moving. Hunter Douglas motorized window fashions can be controlled by remote, wireless wall switch or the Hunter Douglas Platinum™ App. With the app and your Apple® mobile device, you can easily set your window fashions to operate automatically.** Ask for details today.

1030 Kohou St Ste 201 1030 Kohou Honolulu HI St Ste 201 Mon-Fri: 8:00 - 4:30 Sat: 9:00 - 2:00 homeownersdesign.com 808-847-0216 homeownersdesign.com #C-6122

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* Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases of Hunter Douglas window fashions with the PowerRise® or PowerGlide® motorized system made 6/15/13 – 9/3/13 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. A minimum purchase of two units is required for select styles; if you purchase less than the minimum, you will not be entitled to a rebate. Rebates will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 7 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. Additional limitations apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. **Additional equipment is required for app operation; ask for details. ©2013 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners.

SERVING ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL NEEDS Call

630-6741 or 285-3663

New Construction ■ Remodels ■ Maintenance ■ Trouble Calls

for a Free Consultation JULY 14, 2013 • 23

JULY 14 • 2013

BACK PAGE STORY ALTERNATIVE ELECTRIC

Let these technicians handle home energy L

ooking for an electrician, but don’t know who to call? As you open the Yellow Pages, there are about 50 different electrical contractors to choose from, but which one do you call? Some contractors may only service certain parts of the island, while others only do industrial work. Well, look no further. Alternative Electric is an experienced residential, commercial electrical contractor that services the entire island of Oahu. With more than 20 years of combined experience, Alternative Electric offers quality work at reasonable prices. As an owner-operated company, the middle man is eliminated and savings are passed down to the customer. Communication and job coordination are the company’s top priorities. Alternative Electric prides itself on communicating directly with the customer before the job begins, while the job is worked on and even after it is completed. As a result, there are no surprises and no hidden fees when the job is done. Sometimes with larger companies, messages get lost in translation as they go from owner to foreman to worker. To satisfy its customers, Alternative Electric stands by its customers through all phases of the job. Customers always can expect a free estimate and detailed explanation of why Alternative Electric suggests something should be done. The company always takes the time to explain every situation to the customer, with no strings attached. 24 • JULY 14, 2013

Some of the services Alternative Electric offers include: solar photovoltaic installation, rewires, new construction, maintenance, trouble calls, renovations, meter/panel upgrades, code violation corrections, A/C hook up, light fixture replacement, security motion light installation or simply replacing an outlet. For your next electrical project big or small, call 285-3663 or 630-6741.

ALTERNATIVE ELECTRIC contact // 630-6741 • 285-3663