Hawaii Renovation Apr 8 2012 by Oahu Publications, Inc

HAWAII

APRIL 8, 2012

NATHALIE WALKER PHOTO

In addition to outfitting gardens of all sizes with every essential, Geobunga and its executive director Andrew Dedrick take homeowners on a journey to better home gardening through free public seminars. | See page 3

AN EDITION OF

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n feng shui, the kitchen, considered the most vital and important part of the house, nourishes us and sustains life. We embrace the energy that feeds us physically through food, financially through money and emotionally through our connection to our family. What does your kitchen say about you?

The stove The stove, considered “male energy” and the “wealth generator,” is the single most important symbolic factor when using feng shui to analyze the ease with which you prosper financially. The stove represents fueling the engine of abundant manifestation and the physical energy needed to be productive. Pay attention to the stove if you have been feeling unproductive lately.

Stove symbolism • Burnt out burner. An inoperable

burner means your ability to manifest new avenues of abundance and opportunities is limited. To regain your energy, replace any burnt out burners. • Unused burner(s). Not using all your burners is symbolic of being in a rut, lacking vitality and limiting your ability to benefit from financial resources. Consciously using burners that you haven’t used for a while will energize you and help you break free of old patterns. • Grimy burners. Dirty burners suggest a lot of wasteful and unnecessary expenses and a lack of clarity about where your money is going. Cleaning off the dirt and grime energetically opens your eyes to new strategies to manage your finances and optimize your personal energy. • Blocked burners. Blocked burners represent blocked opportunities. Use the top of the stove to cook, not to

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The Refrigerator In feng shui, the stove receives so much attention that the refrigerator, a necessary part of our food storage and an appliance we cannot live without, is often overlooked, yet is equally important. The refrigerator, considered “female energy,” represents our feminine side and has a nurturing quality, “hugging and holding” our food. We take from the refrigerator and she never complains. Maintain the health SEE PAGE 16

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earn how to capture the living beauty of water lilies in a water garden through free public seminars at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. this Saturday at Geobunga. During the interactive workshop, participants will learn about the care and varieties of water plants, and then learn to plant a keiki water lily themselves. Those interested in taking home a planted lily can do so for $10 per lily. “Why give your loved one cut

flowers, when you can give them a water lily that blooms anew each day?” asked Andrew Dedrick, Geobunga executive director. “Lilies and other water plants provide a calming beauty that immediately turns any space into a tranquil oasis.”

Water garden basics Whether you have a backyard pond or live in an apartment with a sunny lanai, you can Nathalie Walker photos enjoy the beauty of a water lily garden. Water plants thrive in Hawaii, with the islands’ year- flowers and fertilize monthly. round sunlight and mild climate. Anyone can enjoy the beauty of these plants, anywhere they a year, the lily will generate have access to sunlight.” Workshop topics include: another lily or two that they can then replant themselves. • Different kinds of water plants Free seminar to the public Geobunga also has a wide Don’t miss your chance to • Basic care, including proper learn the basics at Saturday’s range of decorative pots availgrowing conditions, pruning, free seminar, Water Lilies and able for purchase. For every Water Gardens, at Geobunga, $100 spent on pottery, Geofertilizer requirements located at 4299 Lawehana St., bunga will provide a free keiki • Hands-on planting experience across from Target in Salt Lake. lily. Space for the free seminar is Each participant will learn how “I have a water lily on my to properly pot and fertilize a limited, and reservations are front step that has bloomed lily, and can purchase that lily recommended. Visit geobunga every day for over a year,” said for only $10 if they so choose. .com to register. Dedrick. “It’s so simple to care Within four to eight weeks, Geobunga turns the ordinary for. I periodically snip off old their lily will bloom, and within

into extraordinary as Hawaii’s best resource for anyone looking to enhance their outdoor experience. Providing unique garden elements from around the world, Geobunga specializes in stone pavers and benches, decorative rocks, ceramic pots, fountains and bamboo accents, including a variety of plants. With the best prices, selection and service in the state, each visit to Geobunga brings something new to discover. APRIL 8, 2012 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 3

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etroflor’s new interlocking floor product, Engage, is the perfect floor if you are looking for durability in either your home or business. Engage is backed by a 25year residential and a five-year commercial warranty. This Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) product is installed free floating and clicks together with the industry’s best locking system, Uniclic. Because Engage does not require adhesives, the floor is ready to be used as soon as it is installed. It also eliminates any potential VOCs or off gassing, making it a sound recommendation for spaces with indoor air-quality issues. Because Engage is a vinyl product, it is moisture resistant from the top down, making it a suitable option for the kitchen or bathrooms. Here are some reasons to go with Engage:

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

FOR YOUR ROOF L

ook around any neighborhood in Hawaii and you will see a real revolution taking place — the “Cool Roof” revolution. Homeowners are choosing to leave their roofs in place and protect them with a waterproof coating instead of replacing them every 10 to 20 years. This is very cost-effective. Until recently, most of these coatings were water-based acrylic coatings — which have performed very well in Hawaii’s climate, but not perfectly. On flat roofs with heavy ponding water, there are cases where the coating will eventually wrinkle up. It is easy enough to fix these areas every few years with more roof fabric and coating, but now you don’t need to. The silicone-based coatings, which have grabbed a large share of the local market over the last four years, have proven themselves. They have proven themselves in even the heaviest ponding water conditions — even those roofs that never dry at all. This is because silicone is not water-based, so it does not absorb moisture at all. Protection against ponding water is only one of the many benefits of silicone coatings. Here are some others: • Silicone won’t chalk off over time. Silicone is what is called a “non-sacrificial” coating — meaning that it won’t slowly shed as the years go by. How long? GacoRoof, one of the leading brands, offers a 50-year material warranty against defects

LEAKMASTER FLOORING ADDRESS: 575-G COOKE ST. CONTACT: 591-1900 • www.leakmaster.com in the coating. How long will it really stand up under Hawaii’s tough conditions? So far most of the roofs that have been done here locally are only about four to five years old, but they look new. It will be worth it to see if Gaco Silicone and Tropical Silicone really can stand the test of time — stay tuned. • It’s easy to apply because it doesn’t need to be reinforced with a roof fabric. This saves a lot of time and money. In some cases homeowners may want to reinforce a few “weak-knee” areas like the perimeter drip edge, or a skylight curb with the roof fabric. However, in many cases it’s not needed. • It dries quickly and won’t wash off if a sudden rain squall comes in while you are applying it. It also bonds tightly to most surfaces.

No coating is perfect. Here are the things to watch out for: • It’s slippery when wet. Be careful if you go on your roof to pick mangoes.

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new materials will come out, but right now most other coatings don’t stick to silicones.

Better yet, don’t even try. • It’s more expensive per gallon than acrylics. However you don’t need to buy roof fabric — or put down a coating as thick — so the cost per square foot is roughly the same as the acrylics. • Once you go silicone you can’t go back. In the future if you do need to recoat it, you will most likely have to stick with silicone again. No one knows for sure what

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Whether you are thinking of doing it yourself or having a licensed contractor install a cool roof for you, visit The Cool Roof Store at GEO at 575 Cooke St. in Kakaako. There you can compare all the major roof coating brands: GACO, Tropical Silicone, Hawaiian SunGuard, Apoc Sta-Kool, White Lava and others. Talk to the real experts there, who oftentimes have just come off a roof and may still have fresh coating on their hands. They have installed them all and know them well. You can go to www.leakmaster.com — the website of its sister company, LeakMaster Roofing, for some web-only specials. You also can call the company at 591-1900.

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COMPARING NEW HOMES TO FORECLOSURES

BIA-HAWAII REMODELERS By Karen Nakamura

he economic downturn has hurt many American families over the past few years, and sadly that means there is a larger number of foreclosed homes on the market than when

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the economy is healthy. The lower price of these homes can make them look like a bargain, but home buyers need to carefully compare the actual cost — and advantages — of a newly constructed home versus a foreclosed one before you buy. Many foreclosures are sold “as is” with no disclosure requirements. You could be surprised with major repair bills for issues such as foundation faults or other structural defects, mold, hidden water damage, unsafe wiring, rodent infestations and more. A foreclosed home that appears to have been renovated may not have been done so with the proper permits and inspections. A brand new home provides peace of mind for your family’s safety because it has passed inspections and conforms to current building codes. A new home also is under warranty, and any issues that arise during the warranty term will be fixed at no cost to the homeowner. New homes can be personalized with appliances, cabinets, countertops, carpets,

floor coverings, paint color and other design elements to meet your family’s needs and tastes. They also come designed for modern lifestyles, with openspace floor plans, walk-in closets, creative storage solutions and conveniently located laundry facilities. Newly built homes are highly energyefficient, saving the buyer money and helping the environment. New windows, doors and insulation better control the home’s interior climate, and Energy Starrated appliances and other modern components will help save costs on utility bills. New homes come outfitted with the latest automation and wiring components that provide state-of-the-art technology capabilities to accommodate modern appliances and entertainment resources, such as high-definition televisions, fullhouse sound systems, hard-wired fire and security alarms and more. Financing a new home is easier than financing a foreclosed home. Many

builders offer incentives to reduce closing costs and can complete the closing quickly. It is important to note that some home builders have expanded their businesses to include buying foreclosures, then renovating and reselling them. In these cases, the builder normally has inspected the home for hidden damage or dangerous conditions, gotten the required permits and completed the necessary repairs. They also often renovate, replace appliances and components and perform many cosmetic upgrades to make the home an attractive and safe place for the buyer. For more information on what to consider when buying a new home, contact Building Industry Association of Hawaii at biahawaii.org.

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

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SHOWING OFF A STYLISH, FUNCTIONAL GARAGE

ur garages can be an asset to our daily lives and a component of increased valuation of our property. However, more often than not, our garages have turned into a mismanaged and disorganized storage unit that is conveniently located close to home. That fact is, most of us do not want to open the garage door because we do not want our neighbors to see how unsightly and disorganized we have allowed our garages to get. Moreover, when we need something out of the garage, we are sometimes afraid to find it for fear of upsetting the delicate balance of boxes, tools, bikes and other items. If upset, these things will take time to reorganize, or may fall onto our cars precariously wedged between our stuff (that is, if we can still fit the car in the garage). Do you need a garage remodel? Is your concrete riddled with oil stains, paint or cracking? Are your storage options mismatched boxes stacked directly on the floor, homemade shelving or found/borrowed cabinets that do not look good or function properly? You are not alone. Millions of homeowners have struggled with a problem that they thought was unfixable, but actually is. Lokahi Concrete Remodelers installs industrial-grade flooring solutions and cabinets to provide homeowners a sigh of relief. With a beau-

tiful, durable garage floor and functional cabinet and workbench system, you can have a garage that is ergonomically functional and aesthetically pleasing.

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ranty. Your floor will become resistant to oils, gasoline, paints and other items that are so often the demise of a clean garage. Maintenance is simple because items won’t stick to the chemically resistant garage floor coating. Don’t be fooled by inferior look-alikes that are really just paint. There’s a big difference! Here are the features and benefits of

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ver the last two decades, Alternate Energy Inc. has steadily become one of Hawaiiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top choices for photovoltaic systems. To accommodate demand, the locally owned and operated solar energy company recently purchased a brand new headquarters in Pearl City Industrial Park, built a state-of-the-art training facility and beefed up its team of employee installers, more than tripling the size of its operation. The new space features a loading bay and business offices, and a large storage area that can accommodate more photovoltaic product inventory, substantially reducing customer waiting time. To address the need for highly qualified installers in this fast-growing industry, Alternate Energy added a designated training facility with a classroom and hands-on instruction area outfitted with the most popular roof types used in Hawaii. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We train all new hires here in the warehouse before they put the first bolt into a customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rooftop,â&#x20AC;? said owner Bruce Ekimura. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Even if installers come to us with some experience, we find that they

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ALTERNATEENERGY ADDRESS: 96-1276 Waihona St., #C124 CONTACT: 842-5853 â&#x20AC;˘ www.AlternateEnergyHawaii.com often benefit from retraining to ensure they are delivering the impeccable service we are known for. We are continually educating our technicians to maintain Alternate Energyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high standards for quality installation.â&#x20AC;? Alternate Energy Inc. was founded in 1993 and is one of Hawaiiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest solar energy companies, specializing in the design and installation of photovoltaic sys-

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tems, solar water heating systems and solar attic fans. It is locally owned and operated, with offices on Oahu and Maui. The company has been a HECO Approved Contractor (Hawaii Energy Efficiency Program) since 1996. In 2011 Alternate Energy became an official Certified Mitsubishi Installer and Premier Dealer; it is the only authorized dealer based in Hawaii to provide Mitsubishiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s photovoltaic modules, including the new MLU Series. Alternate Energy Inc. is located at 96-1276 Waihona St., #C124 in Pearl City. Call the company at 842-5853 (Oahu) and 872-9592 (Maui) or go online at www.alternateen ergyhawaii.com.

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meet American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards can be very effective if closed whenever the pool is not in use. Manually operated covers tend to be left open; closing them frequently requires two adults.

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s the weather gets even warmer, you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help but stare at your backyard pool, anxious to begin a new season of memories with friends and family. No matter the time of the year, pool safety should always be top of mind where children are concerned. With safety barriers â&#x20AC;&#x201D; or layers of protection â&#x20AC;&#x201D; in place between the home and the pool, you can experience the pleasures of backyard swimming pools and feel confident that children, grandchildren and visitors will be safeguarded from pool accidents. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impossible to watch your children every second of every day. Unfortunately, accidents tend to happen very quickly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death in children ages 1

to 14. The CDC reports that in most cases, the children involved were out of their parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sight for less than five minutes. The good news: Drowning can be prevented. Barriers help buy those few minutes needed to see where children are after youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve momentarily lost sight of them. Numerous studies have shown that an isolation fence separating the home from the pool can prevent 50 to 90 percent of all toddler drownings. Only an isolation fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate in proper working order will prevent children from getting into the water without your knowledge. Liability can become an issue if a visitor is injured. Homeowners can improve the safety and security of their pools or spas with isolation

fencing with self-closing, selflatching gate hardware by D&D Technologies (www. ddtechglobal.com). Magnetically triggered latches like D&Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s self-latching MagnaLatch have been shown to offer safe, reliable operation, latching even when locked in the open position. Pool gates must also be self-closing, and D&Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s TruClose hinges feature a tension-adjustable enclosed spring so gates need no hazardous external spring. If you have a pool, you have a responsibility to safeguard it. There is no substitute for vigilant supervision. But there are additional steps you can and should take to keep everyone safe â&#x20AC;&#x201D; including these:

â&#x20AC;˘ Never prop a gate open for convenience or during pool parties. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s simply not worth the risk. â&#x20AC;˘ Always ensure that doors from the home are locked, alarmed, or fitted with childsafety latching devices. â&#x20AC;˘ Ensure that pet doors are secured or open into an area that is isolated from the pool. â&#x20AC;˘ If the house forms one side of the barrier, doors leading into the pool area should be protected with alarms that produce a loud sound when the door is unexpectedly opened. â&#x20AC;˘ Power safety covers that

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â&#x20AC;˘ Ensure children in the home learn how to swim, and that adults know CPR. CPR can make the difference between full recovery and brain damage or death. If anyone else will be supervising kids in the pool, make sure they learn it, too. Impress upon babysitters that they must follow your safety rules.

â&#x20AC;˘ When children are in the pool, designate a â&#x20AC;&#x153;water watcherâ&#x20AC;? to maintain uninterrupted supervision of children in the pool at all times.

â&#x20AC;˘ When not in use, keep toys and other objects out of the pool area, and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t use chlorine dispensers that look like animals or toys that will attract children.

With layers of protection between your home and your pool, you can give your family years of safer relaxation and enjoyment.

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own & Country Builders LLC is a licensed general contracting design build firm that has been serving Oahu residents for the past 32 years. The company specializes in new and custom homes, remodels, second story additions, designer kitchens, bathrooms, Americans with Disability Act (ADA) modifications/improvements as well as multi-generational homes, and offers full construction services including planning and permitting.

Relationships built on trust This building contractor has a reputation for delivering quality home improvement projects and is noted for its building excellence as well as punctuality. The company says “a good relationship is formed during the initial on-site consultation period and continues throughout the construction process and is built on trust between the parties.” Knowing that you will receive good value for the money you invest in your

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Service area Town & Country Builders LLC will travel throughout the Island of Oahu to visit with you and offer helpful suggestions to assist in the design process. The company does not charge for the consultation and prepares a three-dimensional design and written proposal. Refer to the website for coupon savings. Spring and summer are the best seasons of the year for building because the Island weather conditions are very favorable and downtime remains at a minimum. Tax season is over and Interest rates remain at all-time lows, so act today. Now is the time to consider adding some style to the front of

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Bargain offer If you are a moderate- to lowincome family and would like to repair or fix up your home, then ask about a City and County loan source with interest rates from 0 to 2 percent with a fixed term of 20 years and monthly payments as low as $50 per month. Repairs include new roof covering, painting, cracked driveways, kitchen and bathroom replacement, solar and photovoltaic systems, floor covering, electric re-wire and plumbing pipe replacement, just to name a few. You can reach Town & Country Builders at 737-7766 for a free inhome consultation or visit the websites www.townandcountrybuilders .com and www.townandcountry buildersllc.com. The company is a member of the Better Business Bureau with an A-Plus rating and is a certified remodeler.

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f your home will be on the market this spring, you’re probably looking for every possible edge that will make it stand out to potential buyers. But even if you’re staying put, you still want to make your home as attractive and valuable as your budget will allow. “Daylighting” improvements that boost your home’s brightness and energy efficiency offer substantial return on investment for both home sellers and those who will be staying in their homes for the foreseeable future.

Bringing the daylighting concept home Industrial and office designers have long used daylighting — the concept of illuminating interior spaces with natural light from above — to improve energy efficiency, healthfulness and functionality of rooms. The slower housing market and sluggish economy have raised homeowner interest in the concept. “Daylighting improvements not only elevate a home’s visual appeal for potential buyers, they can enhance homeowners’ enjoyment of their living space and reduce energy costs,” says Ross Vandermark, national product manager with skylight

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Buy more, save more with these elegant light-diffusing window fashions, now through June 17. Plus, get a free LiteRise® cordless lifting system upgrade with your purchase of Silhouette® Window Shadings. *Manufacturer’s rebate and upgrade offers valid for qualifying purchases made 4/3/2012 – 6/17/2012. A qualifying purchase is defined as a purchase of any of the product models set forth above in the quantities set forth above. If you purchase less than the specified quantity, you will not be entitled to a rebate. Rebate offers may not be combined. All rebates will be issued in U.S. dollars, in the form of an American Express® Prepaid Reward Card. © 2012 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners.

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manufacturer VELUX America. Homeowners who want to apply the principles of daylighting to their home have many options: They can add windows or roof windows or install any number of types of traditional skylights or Sun Tunnel tubular skylights.

The easiest daylighting upgrade While adding a window in the wall of your home may raise practical and design issues, adding a roof window or skylight can be much easier. Roofs are, for the most part, a blank slate, allowing you to install skylights wherever they are needed most. And daylighting from above doesn’t just add functionality; it offers room-changing drama and decorating flair. Roof windows are hinged, venting units designed to be installed in easily accessible areas, such as the angled walls in attic bonus rooms, and are operated by hand. A double-sash roof window is available that opens from both the bottom and top to form a balcony on your roof. These units often are used in place of, or to replace, dormers. Skylights usually are positioned higher on the ceiling, out of reach. Venting models can be opened or closed manually with a control rod or by remote control. Skylights are popular with day-

on marble products such as address signs, backsplashes, gifts and cremation urns.

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lighting designers for several reasons. First, they easily fulfill the primary goal of daylighting by admitting more natural light into a room than similar-sized vertical windows — thereby reducing the need for energy to power artificial lights. But they also work to enhance the healthfulness of a home. If you opt to install a manual or electric venting skylight, it can be a natural, low-energy way to vent humidity, fumes and stale air from your home. Electric venting models open and close by remote control and have rain sensors to close them automatically.

Energy efficiency, high-tech and decorating in one package Another important similarity among windows, roof windows and skylights is in the glazing, or how the glass is manufactured. Since the units are mounted facing the sun, skylight glazing technology has to be among the best in the industry. Quality Energy Star-qualified units feature double-pane, gas-filled construction to control heat gain or loss, and filter the sun’s fade-causing rays. Independent research done in Denmark shows that skylights admit 30 percent more light than vertical windows in dormers. They also provide the drama of a sky view that can’t be achieved

with vertical windows. In addition to high-tech features such as remote control and automatic rain sensors, skylight blinds are available in a varied palette of colors and patterns. Homeowners can utilize blinds as another decorating option while achieving as much as a 37 percent increase in energy efficiency, according to VELUX America. They recommend closing the blinds on high heat and sunny days in the summer to reduce potential solar heat gain. Modern, low-profile skylights are unobtrusive and as dependable as vertical windows. Information about units with a 10year, no-leak installation warranty, plus an installer locator, is available at veluxusa.com. There also is a free mobile phone app available to help homeowners see how skylights and blinds would look in rooms in their own homes. The Velux Skylight Planner App is available for iPhones, iPods, iPads and Android phones. For government information on window and skylight energy efficiency, visit energystar.gov, and for independent agency information, visit nfrc.org or efficientwin dows.org. For remodeling information, visit nahb.org/remodel or greenhomeguide.org.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

MAINTAINING P

acific Islands Construction has a goal to help photovoltaic (PV) owners and those considering solar energy for their home become more knowledgeable about their purchase. As a general rule, most systems are sold without any maintenance plans, and owners believe that the warranties will protect them from any future problems. Pacific Islands Construction provides free maintenance with every system purchase because we know that this is not in the best interest of the equipment and installation. To protect the long-term investment, it is critical that these systems are serviced and protected, otherwise repairs not covered by the warranties will be quite expensive. What is not covered in the warranties? Most warranties cover the module construction for only five to 10 years. Energy performance warranties are usually for 25 years. Inverters have warranties for anywhere from 10 to 25 years. In the fine print are many exclusions, and this is where the term “limited” comes into play. Consumers become far too comfortable thinking the warranties will cover everything, and this is where future costly repairs can eliminate all of the savings one is expecting from owning a system. The following system maintenance should be performed yearly:

• Modules should be cleaned periodically. Cleaning them will increase energy production. It also will remove contaminants that may cor-

SYSTEMS to bigger problems.

• Inverters need to be cleaned and inspected. Inverters become hotter when they have dust or dirt on or in them. Cleaning will keep them operating at cooler temperatures, making them more efficient.

• Modules need to be inspected to make sure they are securely attached to the racking system and there are no loose connections from any hardware to the roof. Modules that blow off roofs are costly in many ways other than just the module replacement.

PACIFICISLANDS CONSTRUCTION CONTACT: 841-7756 • pacificislandsconstruction.net rode the metal components. • Roof penetrations need to be inspected to insure they are watertight. If the roof penetration’s waterproofing is failing, allowing water to enter the building, it causes damage to interior items that come into contact with it. Inspections

helps to prevent this from happening. • All cables and wires on the roof need to be inspected to insure that they are not setting on the roof and show no signs of deterioration. Electric cable attached to modules can get loose from securement and will blow back and forth on the roof as a result of the wind. This damages the cable and leads to a costly repair. • Electrical connections need to be inspected to insure no arcing occurs between connections, which can lead

The long-term system performance is dependent on the quality of the product and the periodic servicing of the equipment. Pacific Islands Construction will service most manufactured equipment, and this will help protect your investment. Pacific Islands Construction provides a comprehensive education on solar energy with every presentation we give. The more you know, the better your decision will be. Contact Pacific Islands Construction by calling 841-7756 for a consultation or emailing pic05@ hawaii.rr.com. The company’s goal is complete satisfaction, now and into the future, by providing the best constructed/installed solar energy system. Find out what we believe are the finest-made systems that will last and produce over the expected lifetime.

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reen consumers are no longer a niche group; today, they’re everyday individuals who are willing to go the extra mile to save the planet — provided they receive a bit of return on their investment.

to make it. By choosing second-hand items — from that vintage designer dress to the charming antique armoire — you are keeping existing natural resources safely in the ground and products that still may have a long life ahead out of landfills.

Reduce, reuse, freecycle How can we put less strain on our natural resources? When you purchase a new item, from furniture to clothing, some types of resources are used

Resource reduction When modern convenience is a must-have, it’s OK to buy new — especially if it helps to conserve resources.

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One inexpensive way to promote conservation is by upgrading bath products to water-saving models. Many water-conserving bath products are available for the same price — and with the same functionality — as full-flow

models. Moen offers water-saving showerheads in standard and handheld options, including its new single-function, EcoPerformance hand shower, which provides a clean, transitional design and choice of an adjustable

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APRIL 8, 2012 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 15

HAWAIIRENOVATION FINDING GOOD ENERGY

COMPANY GOES THE

IN THE KITCHEN FROM PAGE 2

of the refrigerator, by keeping it clean and well-stocked, especially if you are feeling drained by others’ needs and wants.

Refrigerator symbolism • Cluttered face. Many refrigerators resemble billboards or photo albums with magnets, which have “sucking” energy, and other paraphernalia on the door. In feng shui this shows who or what is draining your energy. Removing all paraphernalia from the refrigerator door will help restore your energy. If you feel compelled to place something on the refrigerator door, make certain it is energetically supportive. • Clutter on top. The top of your refrigerator should not be used for open storage. Anything placed in that area

that is not decorative or beautifying represents burdens you may be carrying and cannot let go of. Clear the top of the refrigerator and energetically remove heaviness in your life.

FROM PAGE 5

ate, respectful, neat, really friendly and very talented carpenters. I could see the pride they took in their work. I was continuously impressed and delighted with what I was seeing every day. The windows themselves are functional, beautiful and secure. I am a 100-percent satisfied customer. I hope to call upon you again later this year to install the windows in our upcoming renovation.

• Expired food. Storing expired food energetically holds you in the past and drains you of the energy needed to live an inspired life. Keep the contents of your refrigerator current and create the energy to nurture the right opportunities.

Aloha, G. Y.

Honor the Yin and the Yang Take some time to “honor” both the male and female elements in your kitchen to create a greater sense of balance in your life.

I have replaced windows in three homes (Wisconsin, California and now Hawaii). I am very happy with the service, professionalism and craftsmanship of the employees of Windows Hawaii, as well as the final result. The products are as advertised and of high quality; the timeliness was as agreed upon and the workmanship was professional, courteous and considerate of my needs. Extensive efforts were taken to minimize the disruption of dayto-day life, and follow-up on minor issues was prompt, efficient and satisfactory. I highly recommend Windows Hawaii should (someone) be considering window replacement. W.H.

Another letter reads: Good Job! Especially impressed with this group of young men and their supervisor — friendly, polite, with good work habits and taking pride in their workmanship. Will highly recommend your services to any-

For more information on feng shui expert and life guide Alice Inoue, visit www.alice inspired.com.

Here’s one last letter:

one showing interest in improving their homes. Thank you, J.H.

If you are considering replacing windows, doors or siding, give Windows Hawaii a call. We will schedule a free consultation and estimate. Find out what sets us apart by visiting WindowsHawaii.com and calling 6710808 or 383-7233.

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TIPS FOR HELPING YOUR HOME

STAND OUT IN A BUYER’S MARKET I

f you have decided to sell your home, the last thing you want is for it to sit on the market for a long time. Taking some home improvement steps before listing can make your house more attractive to potential buyers and put you in a better position to sell quickly. So what do you need to do to ensure that listing your house floods your real estate agent’s office with showing requests?

1. Spiff up the entranceway | Every interested buyer will enter through your front door. Have you looked at your entranceway with a critical eye lately?

Consider replacing old or sagging screens. If your front door is dirty or scratched, clean it up or add a fresh coat of paint. Sweep away dirt and grime and set out a new entrance mat. Oil any squeaky hinges. If you have plants or shrubbery leading up to your home, make sure that they are trimmed appropriately. A manicured landscape leading up to a welcoming front door will portray the positive experience of living there. An ugly or dirty entranceway can turn away buyers before they enter your house, meaning that even if your home has the most amazing interiors, their minds may have already been made up.

Today’s buyer isn’t just interested in the inside of a home, but the outdoor space as well. Taking your deck or patio from drab to fab may only require adding a couple of stylistic extras. Start by adding beautiful deck and fence post caps like Deckorators VersaCaps to create a polished, upscale look for your outdoor space. These onesize-fits-all caps have nested inserts that are compatible with wood, composite and vinyl posts, and come in a variety of colors. Next, add unique, decorative fascia corners that stylishly adorn deck skirting and cover unsightly corner joints. These new decorative fascia corners come in two designs and install quickly with screws.

3. Add outdoor extras for safety and style | Additions that are both beautiful and useful get noticed by potential buyers. Railings can add style to your deck, porch, patio or stairs, plus they add a safety element to your home. Deckorators CXT Railing is the perfect choice because you get to choose from a variety of rail and baluster combos that emulate the look of real painted wood and are ultra low-maintenance for long-term durability and strength. Another addition to consider is

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LED lighting that makes a home stand out at dusk and provides just the right amount of light, so outdoor space can be safely enjoyed any time of day.

4. Add modern colors to interior walls | Cracked paint or dated wall colors

are sure to turn off buyers. For a small price, you can purchase plaster and several cans of paint to refresh dated-looking rooms for a clean, modern feel. Not sure what paint colors are on-trend? Visit your local paint or hardware store for insight. Remember, it’s best to avoid anything too bold, so even if you love fire truck red, pick a shade a little more demure so you attract the most potential buyers.

5. Reduce clutter for a clean, minimalist room | If you’ve ever visited

a house that’s been staged, you know that it helps buyers envision what they might do with the room. To follow this example, you’ll want to make sure that you eliminate all clutter, clean up drawers and closets, stow away extra items like pillows and blankets, and reduce the amount of personal photography you display. Remember, you want buyers to visualize themselves in your home, not see your last family portrait and feel out of place. Always keep in mind that you want to paint a picture for buyers of the wonderful life they can have if they purchase your home. If they have a good first impression, they are going to want to submit a bid fast.

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APRIL 8, 2012 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 17

HAWAIIRENOVATION

INTO AN OASIS O

ne way to transform a house into a dream home is by utilizing the outdoor space with the addition of a new deck/lanai or improvements to an existing one. There are many choices for deck designs, materials and colors that can make choosing a dream deck a little overwhelming. But deck design tools like those found at TimberTech can help ease the deck design process. For example, TimberTech’s product selector can help homeowners determine which alterna-

tive decking material works best for their lifestyle. Families with children, pets or even special-needs equipment like wheelchairs will be interested in the products offered by TimberTech. They can easily withstand high traffic volumes without showing scratches or wear. These products will maintain their good looks and durability in the years to come with minimum cleaning and maintenance. Online design tools help homeowners envision the perfect colors that match the house and find envi-

ronmentally friendly decking and railing products. Some homeowners are interested in a clean appearance by using hidden fasteners or railing systems with no exposed hardware, while others pursue a more economical approach to picking the perfect decking. The beauty of composite decking — in addition to the multitude of color and material options — is that it’s fully customizable to whatever style or look is wanted for the deck. Homeowners can opt for a deck and railing design all

in one color to perfectly blend in with the house, or can go the contrasting route to make the deck a unique design feature. Decks can be both practical and stylish. Consider replanking an existing wooden deck or adding a new deck. To get started on your deck, visit www.timber tech.com.

Best Prices Guaranteed With Installation of the Same Equipment Over 30 Years Track Record • Free Estimates on Split Systems • We Sell, Service, Install & Repair A+ Rating We also sell Portable A/C’s, Split Systems, Window & Thru the Wall A/C’s, Flush Mount A/C’s

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Let’s be honest. Not only does changing your floor covering cost money, it’s a humbug. So why are you going to put down carpet again, rub toe jams into it again and then repeat the process all over again? Get educated, get smart and then GET WOOD! It’s a lifetime product, it’s so cleanable and it’s beautiful too! ALOHA

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18 | HAWAII RENOVATION | APRIL 8, 2012

Please join us for our FREE seminar

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

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Over 30 Years of Roofing Experience!

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500 Alakawa St. #116C M-F 9am-4pm Weekend and after hours, call for appointment

FROM PAGE 4

site, www.metroflorlvt.com. Find the answer to your needs with Metroflor’s Engage at all Wayne’s locations: Kaimuki, Kaneohe and Sand Island. You also can visit The Carpet Outlet in Salt Lake or other flooring outlets throughout Hawaii.

1321 Hart St. #7

Reasons to choose LVT Flooring: Homeowners interested in renovating their flooring may be wondering what the big deal is with LVT. Here are a few benefits you get with LVT flooring:

• Durability. Vinyl Floors are easy to maintain and care for, especially for people with kids or pets. • Moisture resistance. LVT is more resistant to water than hardwoodand laminate-type products. • Softer underfoot. LVT is softer on your feet and body.

Contractor Lic. #BC-30395

Custom Kitchen & Bath • 808.383.2218 “Serving Hawaii Since 1981”

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We install handicap showers

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www.AffordablePlumbingHawaii.com • Repair & New Installation • Change Galvanize to Copper

• Paving • Asphalt Repair

• Seal Coating • Striping

Commercial & Residential Experts

CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATES!

sealproshawaii.com Before

591-6086 After

734-2032 or 230-8308

Lic# BC-29228

S. TANAKA CONSTRUCTION Home Design • Free Consultations 1349 Mookaula St. • 848-5010 • Bonded & Insured Lic. #BC29857

Pacific Isle Contractors Ltd. “We are so pleased with the results of the renovations we had done on our home in Manoa.” – Doctor Jill

FREE ESTIMATES! CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE!

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Residential Apartment New Construction Interior/Exterior State Contractor’s License # C-30546

Call for a free in home consultation

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E. huaxia.hawaii@gmail.com W. www.huaxiaconstructor.com

CALL: 808-636-1888

APRIL 8, 2012 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 19

BACKPAGECOVERSTORY

TAKING THE

ROUTE BY BRANDON BOSWORTH

ou have just purchased a new home. Or maybe you’ve opened a business. You’ve given thought about how to decorate, buying furniture and overall sprucing up your new space. But have you thought about how to go about protecting your property? While Honolulu remains one of the safest of major U.S. cities, rates of property crime remain high. Depending on the source cited, property crime in Honolulu is between 15 and 20 percent higher than the national average in any given year. Anyone with a new home or business needs to seriously consider safeguarding what is theirs. This is where APN Alarm Co. of Hawaii steps in. A local company based in Halawa Valley, APN (Advanced Protection Network) offers a variety of high-tech residential and business security solutions to clients. According to company president Steve Van Ness, quite a few savvy Islanders realize the importance of installing security as a preemptive measure. “Many of our clients are new homeowners or someone opening a new business, and these people consider installing security as something

20 | HAWAII RENOVATION | APRIL 8, 2012

APNALARMCO. CONTACT: 484-9411 • www.apnalarm.com that needs to be done,” says Van Ness. APN Alarm Systems has been providing security solutions for Hawaii residents since 1996, but Steve Van Ness has been in the business far longer. “I’ve been in the security industry since 1986,” he says.”I started as a sales consultant with Emergency Network in Texas. I worked my way up, but I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and decided to start my own company.” In 1990, he started Affordable Security. In the matter of a few years, Affordable Security was nationally recognized as one of the most successful alarm companies in America. Yet Van Ness wanted new challenges, as well as a different lifestyle, and that meant relocating to Hawaii. “I’m a former U.S. Marine and was stationed at Kaneohe Marine Corp Base Hawaii as a helicopter pilot,” says Van Ness. “And my wife is from Hawaii.” In 1996, he and his family relocated back to the Islands.

Installing and running a security system can be a daunting task to many individuals, especially those who have recently been traumatized by a burglary. APN seeks to make the process less stressful by offering top-notch customer service. “Our salespeople are required to go through the entire process with a client,” says Van Ness. “They are there at the installation and they are there when it’s done to help show how the system works.” In addition, there always is a live person available 24 hours a day to answer client questions. As Van Ness observes, “When your alarm is going off, you want to talk to someone now.” The company hotline is manned

by technicians and supervisors. Like everything else, home and business security has embraced the hightech era. “The tech boom has really hit the security industry,” says Van Ness. “Clients are amazingly connected now.” APN Alarm Company offers plans that allow clients to monitor their property from afar. “Our camera systems allow people to view their homes or businesses via devices such as smart phones or iPads. You can access and control your security system from anywhere in the world.” If there is a break-in or other breach of security, the alarm system can send an instant message or a text to your cell phone. Should your security system malfunction or get damaged, APN has taken steps to insure you won’t be without security for long. “We stock back-ups of everything we sell,” says Van Ness. “There is no waiting around for spare parts to be shipped in. We are always prepared to remove and replace whatever isn’t working.” Repairs are very fast, and generally the work is done within 24 hours of the customer contacting APN. Those looking to install a new security system can contact APN Alarm Company for a free estimate. APN offers a variety of plans to suit individual needs, and has both financing and leasing plans. Call 484-9411 for free consultations or visit the company’s website at apnalarm.com.