Hawaii Renovation August 5, 2012 by Oahu Publications, Inc

AN EDITION OF

HAWAIIRENOVATION.STARADVERTISER.COM

AUGUST 5, 2012

It’s easy to see why people are turning to Hawaii Home Expo for the latest in home design trends. As the state’s exclusive dealer of Stonepeak Ceramics, the company offers new lines of products derived from nature, including its mold- and crack-resistant porcelain panels, the Plane collection, ideal for any kitchen countertop or backsplash. See page 3

see page 11 see page 14

see page 2

INSIDE: Follow our lineup of columnists, who can help you create that beautiful home.

AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.

Summer

695-EXPO

Serving Hawaii Since 1981

SHOWROOM HOURS M-F 8-4, SATURDAY 9-4 www.hawaiihomeexpo.com

SALE

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Look For Bright Orange Roof with a Butterfly

2 AUGUST 5 • 2012

JOANNE ROMERO

When is it time to replace your galvanized pipes with copper?

alvanized pipes dominated as the material of choice for plumbing in the past. If your home was built before the 1960s, as 20 percent of the homes on Oahu, according to census data, you probably have galvanized plumbing. The pipes are made of steel, and then coated in zinc to protect against corrosion. The problem is, when they are used for plumbing, the zinc has a tendency to react to the minerals in the water. This can lead to plaque forming in the pipes, which means lower water pressure and possibly even burst pipes. The coating also tends to

To get started, first take a good look at what you have. Do all the pipes need to be replaced? Copper is a pricey material, and replacing all the pipes at once can be a costly venture. Copper may also not be the best choice for all of your pipes. PVC pipes may work better for drain and waste, while copper might fair better for water-supply lines. To help curb costs, consider using copper only where necessary. Just remember: If you are connecting

Hawaii Renovation is a weekly advertising supplement published by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. SALES MANAGER DARWIN ROGERS

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copper pipes to galvanized pipes, you must use a dielectric union, which is a type of fitting that isolates two different metals to prevent corrosion. Without it, the copper and steel connection will produce a rapid corrosion, just the thing you want to avoid. You’ll need to solder the brass end of the dielectric union to the copper pipe and the steel end to the galvanized pipe in order to avoid this. While handy homeowners may be able to tackle this on their own, consulting a licensed and bonded plumber is always the pre-

MURAKAMI’S ROOFING Full Service Residential Roofing Contractor flake, which may lead to lead in your tap water. Today, homeowners are getting wise to the problems associated with galvanized piping, and they are opting for copper pipes instead. How do you know when it’s time to make the switch? The experts at D’s Plumbing suggest homeowners keep an eye out for these three signs: 1. Rust around your pipe joints and pitted rust spots on your pipes 2. Brownish water coming out of your faucets 3. Lower-than-usual water pressure

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HR COVER STORY

AUGUST 05 • 2012

Creating the finest in home design with porcelain tiles

ince 1986, Marblehaus Hawaii has established a reputation for having the best selection and variety of natural stones for interior or exterior use. However, after merging with parent company T. Oki Trading to form Hawaii Home Expo, it became apparent that carrying only natural stone would not satisfy the needs of a diverse and knowledgeable clientele. While still a leader in the market for natural stone, Hawaii Home Expo has also gained a strong interest in distributing porcelain tiles. To that end, the company is constantly on the lookout for suppliers that care about quality as much as aesthetics. The latest triumph in that arena is that Hawaii Home Expo is now Hawaii’s exclusive distributor of Stonepeak Ceramics. Here is some helpful consumer information to understand before delving into the beauty and quality of Stonepeak material. Many people ask what the difference is between porcelain and ceramic. There is not much of a difference, except that the clays used to create porcelain tiles are more refined and purified than the materials used to produce ceramic. The end result is harder, denser and less porous. Since there are many similarities, people will often use the terms interchangeably. Don’t be confused, however, because the products at Stonepeak exceed the standard tests for any porcelain tiles on the market. Speaking of tests, the quality can be determined by the test results. A typical tile is tested for things such as water absorption, resistance to chemicals, hardness, abrasion resistance and breaking strength. A typical porcelain tile must absorb less than 0.5 percent of its volume of water. The Stonepeak material is tested to absorb less than 0.1 percent. Porcelains must be rated at least five on the Mohs scale of hardness. All of the Stonepeak material is a seven or higher. The breaking strength is listed at more than 400

AN EDITION OF

HAWAIIRENOVATION.STARADVERTISER.COM

AUGUST 5, 2012

see page 11 see page 2

see page 14

INSIDE: Follow our lineup of columnists, who can help you create that beautiful home.

AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.

ON THE COVER

HAWAII HOME EXPO contact // 834-2722 address // 2933 Koapaka St. web // Hawaiihomeexpo.com

pounds, whereas the standard is 250. The list could easily go on, but the main point is that this product is manufactured with quality beyond the “standard.” Another highlight of the products is that they are color body tiles. This means that the body of the tile is made to be a similar color to the surface. In the unlikely event that the tile were to be scratched, the abrasion would be much less noticeable because of the similar color of the tile’s body. In addition to this level of quality, it’s a green product with much of the tile produced from recycled content, and it’s made in the US. If all of that wasn’t enough to convince

Hawaii Home Expo to bring Stonepeak products to the local market, the innovative culture of the Stonepeak family certainly sealed the deal. Not only are the designs Italian-inspired, but the newest product coming out this year is incredibly inventive. The Plane series introduces tiles that are as large as 60 inches by 120 inch-

es (that’s five feet by 10 feet) in only a 1/4-inch thickness. They are perfect for shower surrounds or large areas where clients want to minimize grout lines. It’s sure to be as extraordinary as the rest of the Stonepeak Ceramics line. To learn more, please visit Hawaii Home Expo at 2933 Koapaka St. AUGUST 5, 2012 • 3

4 AUGUST 5 • 2012

ALTERNATE ENERGY

A PV company with local roots, long-term vision A lternate Energy has been Hawaii’s locally owned, family-operated solar energy provider since 1993. It is a fullservice, fully licensed company with an eye toward slow, sustainable growth. Today, the company is honored to be among the topthree residential PV providers in the state.

4 • AUGUST 5, 2012

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Surf’s up! Craig Kawamura is an Aiea High graduate who knows his way around a surfboard! Craig studied under master shaper Ben Aipa, and still has his own shaping company, CK Surfboards (which is more of a hobby now that he’s directing the sales team at AEI). He said his UH Manoa degree in Zoology comes in handy, as he’s “working with a bunch of monkeys.” Craig Kawamura

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ALTERNATE ENERGY INC. One busy guy Born and raised on Oahu, Jeff Lum attended St. Louis High, Kaiser High, KCC and UH Manoa — that’s a whole lot of teams to root for. Plus he has six great kids (just one beautiful wife, though). His other love is tennis. “Love is nothing in tennis, but in life, it’s everything.”

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What else sets Alternate Energy apart? “We care about Hawaii,” said company owner and founder Bruce Ekimura. “We’ve been around a long time, and we’ll be here for many decades to come. We don’t need to be the biggest, but we do aim to be the best at what we do, one great job at a time.” Bruce said his customers know they can count on the highest-quality product, solid warranties, expert installation and exceptional service from the entire AEI team.

Meet a few of the pros from the AEI ohana:

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Chad Ihara with his two daughters

A goal-oriented father Chad Ihara is another Aiea High graduate. He’s the father of two girls and loves to spend time with them coaching their HYSA soccer team, Hawaii Rush. He’s also an avid fisherman, always in search of a big catch on his boat, Watabozu (a local twist on the Japanese word for rascal). His motto: The worst day fishing is better than the best day working ... unless you sell solar for AEI — then it’s a tough call. Alternate Energy Inc. is one of Hawaii’s oldest solar energy companies specializing in the design and installation of photovoltaic systems and solar water heating. It has been a HECO Approved Contractor (Hawaii Energy Efficiency Program) since 1996 and is Hawaii’s only Mitsubishi Elite Dealer.

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Alternate Energy Inc., 96-1276 Waihona St. #124 Pearl City, HI 96782, Sales@AlternateEnergyHawaii.com

ATLAS CONSTRUCTION INC.

AUGUST 5 • 2012 5

A company built on high standards

hen it comes to construction, standard materials can differ from one contractor to another. The selection of materials can make the difference not only in the cost of construction when it comes time to build, but also in the cost of maintenance and the lifespan of the products in your new home improvement project. Atlas Construction Inc. believes that building designs should be low-maintenance and have a long lifespan. The variation in building materials not only lies in the material itself, but also in the different levels of quality within each item. One example is granite countertops. You have probably seen them offered at a low price in the classified ads, but did you know that there are different levels of granite and that the grade of the material highly influences the cost? Atlas Construction uses grade-A granite as its standard material for all of its projects. The company also maintains a high-level grade

ATLAS CONSTRUCTION INC. contact // 951-9500 address // 1513 Young St. #202 web // Atlasconstruction808.com

of materials as its standard for all of its building items. When you use an inferior grade of a building material for your standard com-

over time, however, and maintenance costs will increase as the lifespan of your project decreases. This means that each component made with a sub-standard grade of material needs to be either repaired or replaced. The overall cost becomes higher for your construction project. Atlas Construction uses a high to medium-high grade of components throughout its building designs. This gives homeowners the added value of knowing that their construction project is built to last, low- maintenance and made with building materials that will have a long lifespan.

ponents, the initial construction cost is lowered. When you do this throughout the whole project, the overall contract price becomes lower as well. Problems arise

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6 AUGUST 5 • 2012

BIA HAWAII REMODELERS

Showcasing the building industry’s best BY KAREN NAKAMURA

he Building Industry Association of Hawaii (BIAHawaii) will present the eighth annual Remodel It Right/Remodel It Green Expo this Friday, Aug. 10 through Sunday, Aug. 12 at a new location, Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. More than 200 exhibitor booths will showcase Hawaii’s top contractors, suppliers, building industry experts and associates. Interested companies are welcome to contact BIA-Hawaii to participate in this convenient central location showcase of remodeling industry expertise.

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The event theme, Remodel It Right, Remodel It Green, will enlighten and educate homeowners on the latest products, services and trends in energy savings and sustainable living. Unique features of this award winning expo include the “Meet the Experts” presentations that provide ongoing roundtable interactive discussions from the entire spectrum of the remodeling industry and the “Remodel It Right” panel of experts. These in-depth round-table discussions will cover key topics that will provide a strong foundation for your remodeling project. Architecture, General Contracting, Contractor Licensing, Permitting Basics, Prioritizing Your 2011 BIA Remodel It Right/Remodel It Green Expo Remodel and Energy Savings and Credits FILE PHOTO are all topics offered in 10-minute rotating sessions. A free Remodeling Planning Kit need to make your remodeling dreams come true. For will be offered to every family attending the three-panel more information, visit www.biahawaii.org. sessions, while supplies last. Come and discover the latest products and services as Karen Nakamura is executive vice president/CEO of the you gather all the resources, ideas and contacts you will Building Industry Association of Hawaii.

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A solar professional you can trust S ure, you know you can lower or virtually eliminate your monthly electricity bill with a solar electric system. What is involved with the design, build out and hooking it up to the electric grid, though? And how will you ever pay for this? With so many questions, Hawaii homeowners truly rely on their solar professional to lead them through the process. Beware of the solar company representative that hand scribbles notes and requires multiple visits to develop an initial cost quote. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At our first meeting with RevoluSun, they answered all my questions and even ones I hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t thought of. My wife and I immediately trusted our project developer, thanks to his expansive knowledge and professionalism,â&#x20AC;? said customer Andrew Gorman of Kaneohe. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He even generated us a custom quote while at our home. He was always available throughout the process, and we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be happier with the quality and service we received from RevoluSun.â&#x20AC;? RevoluSunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proprietary software system developed here in Hawaii, RiSEâ&#x201E;˘, allows project developers to generate a price quote

Come on down to the show RevoluSun will have a booth at the BIA Remodel it Right Show Aug. 10, 11 and 12 at the Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. Attendees can work one-on-one with a trained solar project developer to zoom in on their home with satellite imagery and determine the optimal solar system for their specific home, location and energy needs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Stop by the RevoluSun booth and quickly understand your homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s potential for solar savings,â&#x20AC;? said Eric Carlson, RevoluSun principal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bring your electric bill, and in just a few seconds, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll use our interactive software to design a customized solar system right at the show. This provides a homeowner immediate feedback on the solar power potential of their home.â&#x20AC;? With todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s solar products, systems are guaranteed for 25 years, but expected to last 40 years or longer. At current electricity prices, a solar system pays for itself within four to five years, depending on market conditions. For a typical Hawaii homeowner, every week without a solar system can be worth $50 or more in electricity costs that would otherwise be provided by the sun.

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right on the spot at the clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home. RiSEâ&#x201E;˘ saves the customer time and gathers all the important information quickly. There is no back-and-forth with phone calls and multiple visits. Where homeowners may have once struggled with uncomfortable and sometimes intimidating sales techniques, RevoluSun puts its process on the table â&#x20AC;&#x201D; literally. Using a laptop, RevoluSunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s project developer collaborates with a homeowner to create a custom solar electric system.Â Through the RiSEâ&#x201E;˘ software, homeowners can compare and contrast various solar technology, side by side, to determine what products are best for their roof and their energy needs. RiSEâ&#x201E;˘ also acts as the source to manage the project, collecting and storing all of the clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s project information in one portal. This allows for the entire RevoluSun team to easily access project data and keep tabs from the initial quote through design and permitting. Combined with the project developerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expertise, this technology offers clarity and efficiency so homeowners truly understand the timeline, cost and products. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We developed RiSEâ&#x201E;˘ to empower our professional developers to provide a clear, consistent quoting mechanism,â&#x20AC;? said company principal Eric Carlson. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We perfected it by ensuring it is the single source for project management from start to finish, allowing for a smoother and quicker design and installation process.â&#x20AC;?

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8 AUGUST 5 • 2012

Upgrade your outdoor space, increase your home’s value Whether you are looking for a way to increase the marketability of your home, or simply looking for a way to make your outdoor space more enjoyable, a deck remodel adds living space to your home and value to your house. ome remodeling is projected to pick up steam by the year’s end, according to a recent report by the Remodeling Futures Program at Harvard University. If you’re one of the many considering a home remodeling project, a deck remodel is a simple project that offers more than a 60 percent payback according to Hanley-Wood’s Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report for 2011-12. You can either go all out with a complete redesign, or pick and choose a few small projects that can have big effects in upgrading your outdoor living space. Whichever way you slice it, a deck remodel usually ends up being a lot less expensive than remodeling your kitchen, living room or basement.

Where to start When you decide to remodel your deck, one of the first decisions you’ll make is what type of material to use for the job.

Composite decking offers a great way to add beauty, while reducing time you’ll spend on maintenance. While composite has always been a low-maintenance option, composite decking providers have come a long way since the last time you may have purchased decking materials. For example, Fiberon composite decking offers capped composite options that closely mimic traditional grains and exotic hardwoods, a far cry from the plain and plasticlooking composite of years ago. With options like these, you’ll get the gorgeous appearance of wood without splinters, twisted boards and rot. And you won’t be staining or painting it every two years. Plus you’ll have warranties against fading and staining. Whether you’re redesigning a grand deck that dramatically increases the footprint of your living space or simply resurfacing a small deck, composite is a great option. Once you’ve chosen your material, it’s

time to decide the layout. Do you like the existing design of your deck, or are you looking to add a level for a little more dimension? Meet with a deck builder who specializes in outdoor spaces to go over your plans and get a cost estimate, or visit the Design & Build section at www.fiberondecking.com to use its free tool that facilitates designing your own deck. Other updates to consider Updating the rails on your deck is another great option to add fresh life to your outdoor oasis. New railings offer a way to add color, dimension and character to your deck. Plus, quality railings are needed for safety around higher-level deck elevations. This can either be done in concert with a complete remodel, or as a smaller side project if your current surface is still in good shape.

Since your deck connects you to the outdoors and allows you to comfortably enjoy your backyard, consider bringing nature a little closer by adding plants. Deck builders are craftsmen who can easily add built-in planters, bench seating and lighting as part of your remodel. Then hit the garden store to browse their selection of potted plants, weather-resistant seating and umbrellas. If you already have furniture, adding colorful new pillows or painting wrought-iron furniture is often all you need to add new life to your space. Lighting makes evenings more enjoyable and promotes a festive atmosphere, or can set the mood just right for a peaceful, relaxing night on your deck.

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8 • AUGUST 5, 2012

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AUGUST 5 • 2012 9

Need a style lift? Begin with neutral flooring for ultimate design versatility o you pin your favorite bathroom makeover ideas on Pinterest, look for inspirational kitchen designs or dream about new decorating styles for your home? If so, you’re not alone. Many homeowners are opting to makeover their homes this year instead of upgrading to a new one. According to a recent survey by Better Homes & Gardens magazine, consumers rank “style upgrades” as the most important component of their upcoming home improvement plans, followed by storage. For future projects, consumers said their top style upgrades include flooring, countertops, faucets and fixtures. Laminate flooring experts from QuickStep suggest beginning a style upgrade project by installing neutral-colored flooring. Neutral floors create the perfect canvas to help tie all of a room’s design elements together. What is a fresh, new and widely-popular neutral color within interior design circles? That would be gray. Some of the hottest hardwood flooring designs for 2012 offer traditionally American brown tones that are delicately infused with a gray influence. Quick-Step offers a variety of styles and options with gray under tones — from rustic oak plank designs and floors with wire-brushed detailing to the same visuals and charm of a hardwood floor constructed from reclaimed, vintage wood. QuickStep’s Reclaime Heathered Oak flooring complements a wide range of decorating styles. Gray-toned floors provide the ideal backdrop to let your style and favorite colors shine through, and they also transition well as interior design styles and trends change.

Gray is the new brown Gray is no longer viewed as a trend color in design circles, but is now viewed by professional designers as the new neutral. “Gray is the new brown,” said Erinn Valencich, interior designer and blogger for HGTV’s Design Happens. “I used a graybased floor in my new design studio because it goes well under a myriad of other wood tones. You don’t have to use gray-based furniture on top of it — gray looks great with all wood tones.” Another benefit to gray-based flooring, Valencich

added, is that it’s very forgiving. Just look to large furniture retailers to see how their offerings now highlight graybased tones. The bleached-out, weathered Scandinavian look is very popular right now, Valencich said. It’s perfect to pair with a new gray floor. Colors that complement Don’t be afraid of color when designing a room with a gray-based floor, Valencich said. She suggests one of these color palettes to make a room shine: • 50 shades of blue. Gray looks beautiful with any shade of blue, from soft-powder blue to vibrant turquoise to charming daisy blue. • Bananas Foster. A favorite color trio of Valencich’s is yellow, chocolate and cream on top of a gray-based floor. The subtle flooring highlights the rich colors for a bold, decadent look. • Lovely with lavender. Lavender is one of this year’s hottest colors and a long-time partner for gray. Valencich suggested adding any color of purple to a gray floor for standout results. “Consider creating a focal point around a muted lavender wall and add some deep, rich, regal purple accents to bring it all together.” Need help choosing your colors? Try out Quick-Step’s “Design A Room” online tool that allows you to select different flooring options and see how they look with hundreds of different Valspar paint colors. Or search “The Idea Galler y” on Valspar.com for ideas to spark your room makeover, like Valspar’s “organic elements” color trend. Inspired by the calming energy of nature, this palette of chalky hues, earthy browns and mineral grays creates balance and stability. Then add a bright honeysuckle beige for an unexpected pop. Getting started When beginning a room makeover project, the first step is choosing a clear color palette. Wall color is a great place to begin, Valencich said, but any object — a rug, chair or artwork — can serve as your inspiration.

Next, think of the design process in layers — the trick is to coordinate and contrast. “If your paint, accessories, furniture and flooring are all the same color, the room will feel flat,” Valencich advised. “So create drama by using a pop of color or by layering varying

shades of the same color for a refined, tone-on-tone look.”

A well-executed color palette can transform any space with great results. For more tips, visit quickstepstyle.com. AUGUST 5, 2012 • 9

10 AUGUST 5 • 2012

HOMEWORKS CONSTRUCTION

Hoping for a new kitchen for the holidays? It’s not too late A

new kitchen in time for the holidays may seem like an impossible dream with the year more than half gone. However, it could be an achievable goal. “Even with an August start, our design/build team could have a kitchen, and a bath as well, remodeled and ready for Thanksgiving,” said Tim Foxen, Homeworks Construction project coordinator. Foxen advised that homeowners hoping to do their holiday entertaining with a new kitchen should start the planning process now by contacting him or any of the Homeworks project coordinators to assess the condition of the current kitchen and work out a remodeling budget. “A basic remodel usually involves replacing cabinets, countertops and appliances. What’s important here is to make selections as soon as possible to be sure everything is available when we actually start removal and replacement. “We can meet in our showroom and

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show clients quality cabinet lines in a variety of styles and finishes with top-grade

hardware. Prices vary, but we always try to fulfill the client’s wishes at the best possible price. There are numerous styles of countertops ranging from quartz to laminates, which are attractive and durable and require less maintenance than granite. For appliances, we can make recommendations or accompany the client to our suppliers’ showrooms.”

Aug. 10-12. And plan to attend the next Build New Or ReDo seminar at the Homeworks showroom from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 21; for reservations, call 955-2777. Remodeling questions can also be called in to the Homeworks Build New Or ReDo radio show Saturdays at 9 a.m. on KHVH AM830 (521-8383).

Foxen noted that structural work such as moving walls to open up a closed-up kitchen or constructing an island can increase the time needed to complete the project. You can meet with the Homeworks design/build team at its booth at the Remodel It Right Expo at Blaisdell Center

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AUGUST 5 • 2012 11

A Picture-Perfect Home The type of artwork you decide to hang on your walls can go a long way toward supporting a positive, harmonious lifestyle. left This landscape image symbolically “breaks down” blocked walls. CREDIT: ©Depositphotos/tobkatrina

s a client walked me through her home, she felt comfortable enough to discuss a topic that had been troubling her. “I feel as if I can’t get away from my inlaws,” she told me. “They drive me crazy and constantly meddle in our marriage!” Entering the master bedroom, I immediately saw why. On the walls, a series of photos of her husband’s family hung haphazardly — most noticeably, a large picture of his parents facing her side of the bed. The problem may seem obvious to you, but she did not see the correlation between the placement of the photos and her feelings. Family photos are fine, but the bedroom is your sanctuary, and in feng shui, the relationship area of your home is probably not the best place for pictures of your in-laws.

below This eye-catching picture of a water lily is perfect for a wall at the top of the stairs.

The chicken or the egg In instances like the one above, the question that always comes up for me is, “Which came first, the chicken or the egg?” Did my client always feel her in-laws were intrusive or did she hang the photos and consequently “invite” the in-law-meddling into her marriage? The photos were a visible clue to what was going on beneath the surface.

bottom left This image of “pairs” supports relationships and works well in a couple’s bedroom. CREDIT: ©Depositphotos/olga-ruza

the water element with mirrors, images of flowing water or abstract art in an undulating shape, making certain that the images appear to be flowing into the home.

we consciously and subconsciously take everything in. In our home, the artwork on the walls “speaks” to us, constantly pouring the energy of what is depicted into the environment. When you want to improve the energy of your environment, make sure the pictures on your wall support, not work against you. Do the images in your home depict what you want in your life? If not, consider replacing them with images that make a positive, uplifting statement in line with your visions and goals. Where images are concerned, here are some general guidelines to follow: • Let go of old times. If the images on your walls remind you of a time you would rather forget or from which you would like to move forward, take them down.

Your pictures are “speaking” to you When we are out in the world, the sights and sounds around us “speak” to us, and

• Avoid violence and turbulence. Scenes of battles, storms and raging waters are unsupportive, unless you enjoy never-ending conflicts and chaos at home.

• Let go of fine art that is “negative.” If you have expensive art that has unsupportive connotations or an unpleasant past linked to it, ask yourself if sacrificing the energy of your home for this “investment in negativity” is worth it. • Use images that are positive. When in doubt, hang inspiring and uplifting artwork that has personal meaning — images that depict life force, abundance, vitality, peace, happiness and harmony. • Balance the size of the wall with the size of the image. The size of the image should be proportional to the area where it is placed, so place large paintings in areas with a lot of space or group small paintings to fill a larger wall, balancing the yin and yang, or the passive and dynamic energy in a room.

• Blocked walls. If a wall is within six feet of the entry to your home, open up the space with an image that has depth perspective. For example, landscape paintings draw the eye past the wall by symbolically “breaking it down.”

• Top of stairs. Use bright artwork depicting fire colors (red, bright pink, orange), on the wall at the top of the stairs, to help the energy “climb” the stairs easier. Frame your children’s artwork using bright colors and let the image “call you” up.

• Behind the bed. Mountain and nature scenes and stationary images depict stability and are supportive. Avoid too much moving water (represents emotions) in the bedroom and incorporate harmonious pairs for peaceful relationship energy.

Here are some location-specific guidelines:

Our homes are a reflection of our inner selves. So bring your dreams and wishes from inside your heart and display them on the walls of your home to better support your life.

• Entrance. Water is associated with the entry because it enhances the flow of energy through the front door. Represent

For more information about life guide and feng shui expert Alice Inoue, visit the website www.aliceinspired.com. AUGUST 5, 2012 • 11

12 AUGUST 5 • 2012

Cook up a whole new look for your kitchen W

e spend hours in the kitchen socializing, keeping the family organized and, of course, cooking and eating. As the center of the home’s activities, the kitchen should be as fun as it is functional. With just a few supplies and a free weekend, you can cook up a whole new look for your kitchen.

Warm up the walls Changing the color and texture of walls is an easy way to add some spice to any kitchen. Paint the walls a deep red or blue for a dramatic look, or make your space feel light and airy with a coat of sunny yellow or subtle taupe. Feel free to experiment with decorative painting techniques such as stripes, geometric patterns or textured finishes. After you’ve freshened up the color and texture of your walls, express your personal style through a few new accessories. An antique clock, picture collage or shelves with colorful canisters can be a decorative as well as functional addition to the space.

Transform your table Create a delightful dining space with a few changes to your kitchen table. Use a staple gun and a bright fabric to recover your chairs, making items you already own look like new additions to your home. You can even

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for a vintage touch or add stainless-steel handles for an ultra-modern, sleek appearance. And don’t forget about the functional aspect of your cupboards — install shelf liner to ensure cabinets stay clean and well-maintained. Shelf liner protects cabinet shelves and drawers from wear and tear, prevents scratches and keeps spills or drips from damp dishes from causing damage to surfaces. “I recommend using shelf liner in any kitchen renovation project,” said Danny Lipford, home improvement expert and host of the Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford TV series. “It’s simple for any homeowner to install and can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth or thrown in the washing machine. My favorite is Easy Liner from Duck brand — it offers an array of non-adhesive and adhesive shelf liners that are stylish and practical for use in any kitchen.” The most popular variety, Smooth Top Easy Liner has a smooth surface that catches messes and spills as they happen, making clean-up a breeze, while the non-slip, gripped underside keeps the liner firmly in place.

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wipe clean as well as replace. Make sure to add a chic centerpiece — a vase of fresh flowers, a glass bowl filled with fruit or a collection of candlesticks — to transform your existing tabletop and create a focal point for guests as they enter the room. Brighten the basics Adding color from floor to ceiling is a great way to improve the overall feel of your kitchen. To start, try adding accessories to areas of your kitchen that feel blase. Bring in color at the highest points of the kitchen by adding faux plants or interesting knickknacks to the space above cabinets. Then, look low

and consider the floor. Placing a colorful area rug beneath the table can bring additional interest and color to the kitchen, while also protecting the floor against scratches. Window treatments are another effective, eyecatching way to make any kitchen pop, whether you’re adding new valances, cornices or even long panels. When choosing fabrics, make a statement with bright colors or choose an unexpected, bold pattern for a contemporary approach. Sophisticated stripes, pretty plaids or fun florals are also a nice choice for kitchens. Follow these tips to make your kitchen as chic as your dinner is delicious — you’ll create a flavorful design that will look good enough to eat.

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14 AUGUST 5 • 2012

CATHY LEE

Go Ahead, Color Your World! By adding splash accents to any neutral room, you bring energy and depth to your home, and turn it into a place worth celebrating.

’ve always been the type to look for any occasion to celebrate. So when the Honolulu Star-Advertiser asked me to write this column for its publication Hawaii Renovation and I started thinking about a name for it, the answer wasn’t at all difficult. To me, celebrating style means celebrating your home, your office, your space — and doing it with your style. I want this column to be all about fun, approachable ways to design and decorate those spaces so that they reflect your style in ways that will make you want to, well, celebrate! In this first column, I’ll talk about some tips to liven up your space and bring a smile to your face with quick, simple touches. Probably the No. 1 issue I run into when giving workshops or designing for clients is color phobia. You know the scenario: rooms that are beige, boring and blah simply because neutrals are safe and easy to match. So how do you liven up a neutral room? Two words: splash accents. Splash accents are the pops and sprinkles of color that contrast with your dominant colors to add depth, drama and interest. They’re also one of the most effective ways to make a room look put-together and give it a designer touch. What goes great with taupes, browns and creams? Vibrant colors that stand out from those neutrals. To really give a neutral room impact and style, try adding some chocolates to those taupes and creams, and fill in with bold, vibrant accents. Accents don’t always have to be bold, however. You can create interesting, relaxing spaces by adding lavender, powder blue or apricot to neutral rooms. We’ll talk more about calming spaces later. It’s also important to remember that if you add that splash in a painting or new rug, don’t just leave it there by itself! Repeat it in a few other elements by adding cushions, vases or drapes in the same shade as your accent color. This will carry the color throughout the space and create a more cohesive look. In rooms that already have a lot of color, splash accents can introduce energy. For maximum impact, determine the dominant color in your space, then find a color wheel, either online or in a decorating book, and go to that color’s

14 • AUGUST 5, 2012

direct opposite. This will be your complementary, or contrasting, color. For example, if your main color is blue, you’ll get a dramatic pairing by choosing oranges like persimmon or tangerine. If you want just a little more energy without the drama, go to the color wheel and find the colors on either side of your dominant color. Harmonious color schemes look good because all the colors are close to each other. So for your blue room, you could add a little green or yellow to get some subtle ripples of energy going — or try adding both. And a final easy tip: Let’s say you already have a focal piece like a sofa or rug with a color that you want to repeat as your splash accent. Take a cushion from that sofa, or get paint swatches or a fan deck and try to match that color. Reds and oranges, for example, are great to work into an island-style home, but there are hundreds of shades of red, from cherry to brick to rose. If you only guess at the right

shade, you might go shopping for new accents, only to find when you come home that they’re not cohesive with your space. To save yourself some time and headaches, it’s great to have your color samples with you while you’re shopping. Have fun adding color! You’ll be amazed how splash accents can add the look and energy that will give you a space worth celebrating.

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. in Moiliili. 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.

AUGUST 5 • 2012 15

Update your bathroom from boring to beautiful T he real estate market is still in a state of limbo, which has many homeowners staying in place and looking for ways to make their current abode the most comfortable it can be. Upgrading a bathroom is a great place to start because it’s a smaller room and is used by both occupants and guests. A remodel can also help you save money on your utility bills. Here’s how to change the bathroom of your home into a beautiful and comfortable space:

• Vanity. Used for hand washing, preening in the mirror and brushing teeth, the vanity is one item in the bathroom that is the center of activity. Add an artistic — and economical — touch to your vanity with TOTO’s Wyeth Faucet, characterized by its refined good looks. When on, this budget-friendly, universal design faucet runs a mere 1.5 gallons of water per minute, earning it the green WaterSense label. In addition to the faucet, consider upgrading your mirror with a model that combines beauty and elegance in the room.

• Walls. A fresh coat of paint can go a long way in changing the look and feel of a room. Don’t forget about the ceiling. Even if you only give it a new white coat, the fresh look can make all the difference. Choose a paint that handles high humidity well to give your upgrade a longer lifespan. • Toilet. The toilet tends to be the largest water consumption appliance in homes. But replacing your older toilet with TOTO’s 1G, a one-gallon per flush ultra high-efficiency toilet, can really affect your utility bills. This gravity-fed toilet uses Double Cyclone Flushing technology to provide excellent performance and exceptional bowl-cleansing action to create a green, clean-flushing system that saves you money, water and time cleaning the toilet, always a thankless task. • Flooring. High humidity often found in bathrooms can quickly age the flooring, causing dated linoleum to peel and

even crack. Plus, modern flooring products are much higher-quality and are built to withstand more traffic and highhumidity environments. Consider using ceramic, clay or stone tiles, or laminate in stone or wood styles to modernize the look of your bathroom.

Upgrading a bathroom will transform your entire house with a new look and feel. And if you love the change enough, you might decide to continue the upgrade to another room, like the kitchen or master bedroom, turning your home into the beautiful house of your dreams.

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16 AUGUST 5 • 2012

DH SQUARED CONSTRUCTION

Building a stairway to heaven DH SQUARED CONSTRUCTION

BY KYLE GALDEIRA

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hile winning awards in any field of work provides proof of exceptional talent and hard work, doing so among such a strong contingent of builders, architects and designers that exists in Hawaii is a monumental accomplishment. With more than 50 years of combined experience to their credit, Don Holcomb and Dan Holt merged their talents by forming DH Squared Construction in 2007. With such an impressive resume between the pair, few were surprised when one of the industry’s most prestigious honors was bestowed upon the local company for one of its signature projects. DH Squared Construction and Hawaii Architecture LLP were honored in May as the Overall Grand Award winner in the Residential Renovations category and Grand Award winner for projects of more than $500,000 as part of the Building Industry Association (BIA) of Hawaii’s Renaissance Awards for Building and Remodeling. Thirty eight entrants from Oahu, Maui and the Big Island showcased their work that was judged on creativity, principles of design, materials

used, value, visual appeal, workmanship, functionality and overall quality. The winning project, dubbed “La Pietra Circle,” a condominium unit at 3082 La Pietra Circle in Honolulu, was designed by architect Phillip Camp and features the development of integrated spaces that make it easier to entertain large groups as well as the addition of a loft area and a renovated structural glass staircase — the focal point of the project. “With so many great contractors in Hawaii, it’s nice to win awards, but having it come from your peers validates the hard work,” Holcomb said. “The BIA also has several other categories and we also won a specialty award for an architectural detail, which was a stairway that we designed with glass rails.” The awe-inspiring staircase links the natural stone on the condo’s ground level with the walnut wood flooring on the upper level. Cast-in-place concrete stair treads were painstakingly colored to match the brown

walnut flooring, and the structural glass railings were used to allow an unobstructed view of the spacious home as well as the picturesque outdoor patio areas. In addition to specializing in custom home building and remodeling, DH Squared also produces unique and exquisite custom, made-to-order cabinets. “We started the cabinet business in 2008 to provide our clients with a custom quality cabinet made in Hawaii with a fast turnaround time. We wanted them to have the best product available with all the desired features,” Holcomb said. “We’re one of 200 manufacturers in the U.S. and Canada that uses this particular (cabinet design and fabrication) system called TenonCam.” Holcomb explains that through the computer system, a client’s plans and design specifications are taken from the schematic stage and transferred to a CNC machine that cuts

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and drills each piece of cabinetry. The pieces are then transferred to another machine that “edge bands” the various parts before heading to the assembly stations. “It’s part of a lean manufacturing process that allows us to work more efficiently,” Holcomb said. “It saves on time and material costs as well. In the old days, when we did all this by hand, what took us a week now takes us a day. We’re more efficient and produce more, so we are able to pass this cost savings on to our clients. One of the good things is that our cabinets are made in Hawaii, so if anything changes or any pieces need to be replicated, we’re able to react right then, quickly.That’s another advantage for our customers.” For more information or to arrange an estimate, call DH Squared Construction at 383-2218 or visit the company’s website at www.DHSquaredConstruction.com.

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AUGUST 5 • 2012 17

All you need to know about tile

earn all about tile tips, trends and techniques at a free seminar this Saturday at Bella Pietra on Nimitz Highway. Micah Watts of Stonemasters Inc. (SMi) and Bella Pietra CEO Layla Dedrick present an informative workshop aimed at helping homeowners learn all about the versatility of tile. “When it comes to selecting flooring or other finishes for your home project, the options may be overwhelming. During this free seminar, we will educate you about the various tile options and many benefits, while also sparking a little creativity in your home project,” said Watts.“Hawaii homeowners will leave the seminar inspired and ready to choose finishes for their home project, large or small.” Here are some tips that attendees will learn:

• How to choose the best tile to suit your lifestyle and space

Saturday,

Aug.

18 at 9 a.m.

Free Seminar Tile Tips from the Pros at Bella Pietra Reserve your spot at www.bellapietra.com

• Differentiating between natural stone and ceramic tile

BELLA PIETRA contact // 587-7779 address // 701 N. Nimitz Hwy. web // bellapietra.com

• Choosing the right tile for outdoor and indoor spaces, kitchens, bathrooms and pathways • The benefits of tile over carpet, concrete, laminate or wood flooring • How to set tile “Tile is perfect for high-traffic areas and people with children, pets or those who often host social gatherings,” said Dedrick. “In

addition to being durable, tile also brings a beautiful natural aesthetic to any home ... most Hawaii homes embrace indoor and outdoor living, and tile smoothly transitions between these spaces.” Natural tile is hypoallergenic and can last a

lifetime if cared for properly. It is easy to clean and a lower-maintenance product than other flooring options. Bella Pietra is Hawaii’s premier natural stone company offering the state’s best selection and quality of natural stone materials.

• choosing the best tile for your lifestyle & outdoor or indoor space • differentiating between natural stone & ceramic tile • using tile in place of carpet, concrete, or wood flooring

Saturday, Aug. 18, 9 a.m. • 701 North Nimitz Hwy. Register at bellapietra.com 587-7779

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18 AUGUST 5 • 2012

RS TOYAMA ROOFING

A roof to last a lifetime

ince incorporating more than three decades ago, R.S. Toyama Roofing Service Inc. has been the go-to expert in the Islands when it comes to quality craftsmanship and competitive pricing. Well-versed in working with shingles, slate, tile and tear offs, the company generally works on private residences, although it has been contracted to complete jobs as large as a Windward Mall in Kaneohe. Currently, R.S. Toyama Roofing Service Inc. employs six skilled workers, who range from apprentices to seasoned roofers. Business has been stable, according to long-time owner Raymond Toyama, and the company receives most of its business prospects through word of mouth and referrals. Humbled by the company’s success, Toyama is no less fierce about his employees and the service he supplies to customers. He worked for his father-inlaw for 10 years, finished college and

should be done to work on your roof, so that your roof will last its expected life,” Toyama said. The roofing company is dedicated to bringing customers quality product and superior craftsmanship with its manufacturer material warranty. The warranty

comes standard with many qualified jobs, but R.S. Toyama Roofing Service also guarantees its work with a workmanship warranty. The contractor’s workmanship warranty usually will get you seven years of durable roof

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18 • AUGUST 5, 2012

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started the business with a steely determination to provide top-quality roof installation to clients. “It is important to have people with a deep understanding of how roofing

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life from licensed roofers. So, of course, the longer the warranty, the better the investment is for homeowners. R.S. Toyama Roofing Service Inc. is located at 1321 Hart St. in Honolulu. For more information, call 847-6265.

GEOBUNGA

AUGUST 5 • 2012 19

Instantly create pathways, patios with lava pavers D

o you need a new space to gather in your home? Are you scared off by the hefty price tag that comes with a professional landscaping look? Learn how to do it yourself for a fraction of the cost of hiring a contractor. Don’t

miss Geobunga’s free seminar that will teach homeowners how to use beautiful lava pavers to create designer outdoorgathering spaces, footpaths, walkways and driveways. “Lava pavers are not only beautiful, but

they can instantly refresh or redefine any outdoor area,” said Andrew Dedrick, Geobunga executive director. “With just a little education, practically any Hawaii homeowner can make over their space on their own in a few hours or a weekend, depending on the size of the project.” Lava pavers provide better drainage than traditional concrete, which is important with Hawaii’s tropical weather. In addition, pavers have a much smaller carbon footprint than concrete, while adding to the natural aesthetic of lava that blends seamlessly into Hawaii’s volcanic landscape. “The goal of the seminar is to inspire homeowners and also educate them so they are confident in undertaking this kind of project,” Dedrick said. Dedrick and the Geobunga staff will demonstrate how to install lava pavers as well as tackle common challenges and solutions. Dedrick also will explain the environmental benefits and present design ideas using the natural stone. After the

GEOBUNGA contact // 422-4567 address // 4299 Lawehana St. web // www.geobunga.com

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Saturday,

Aug.

at 9 a.m.

Free Seminar Do-It-Yourself Lava Pavers at Geobunga Reserve your spot at www.geobunga.com

seminar, homeowners are encouraged to meet one-on-one with Geobunga’s staff to learn more about their specific yard. Also after the seminar, attendees can get everything they need to start their lava paver project. Geobunga is Hawaii’s best resource for anyone looking to enhance their outdoor experience. Providing unique garden elements from all over the world as well as the best prices, selection and service in the state, each visit to Geobunga brings something new to discover.

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422.4567

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*Certain restrictions apply. Not combinable with any other offers or promotions.

AUGUST 5, 2012 • 19

20 AUGUST 5 • 2012

ELITE DESIGN GROUP LLC

Keeping homeowners in the design loop Design Group’s project managers will give a free estimate on the project based on each client’s personal budget. “Some people have $50,000 to work with, while others may have $150,000 to work with. So instead of coming to the client with a proposal right off, this introduction phase lets us know their budget so we can put together something that is affordable to them and that they’ll be happy with,” said owner Ray Adams. From there, Elite Design Group and the client work together over the course of several meetings to put ideas to paper and piece together what the final outcome of the project will be. “We walk the customer through everything step-by-step,” Adams said. “We come out and do measurements, we go

BY SARAH PACHECO

lite Design Group LLC strives to turn dream kitchens into reality by working hand-in-hand with its customers from day one. The Honolulu-based design and construction firm walks clients through the entire design process step-by-step, starting with an initial meeting in which Elite

ELITE DESIGN GROUP LLC contact // 847-3888 address // 570 A Dillingham Blvd.

shopping with them for materials ... there’s a whole process.” Clients remain closely involved even after the actual physical labor begins, as Elite Design Group stays in daily contact to keep customers updated with their project’s progress. And should any unforeseen problems or setbacks occur, Elite Design Group’s team of competent, experienced workers inform homeowners immediately of the situation and their proposed solutions.

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20 • AUGUST 5, 2012

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“A big part of the project is to make the client feel like they’ve actually done part of the work,” Adams said. “Overall, we make the customer feel like they’ve been part of the project.” Call Elite Design Group at 847-3888 to set up an appointment, or visit its showroom located at 570 A Dillingham Blvd. during normal business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

BIG ROCK

AUGUST 5 • 2012 21

Transform your home, business property with stone veneer BY CAROL JOHNSON

any years ago, as I wandered through a home improvement trade show at the Blaisdell, I saw a large group gathered at a drawing to win a Japanese garden. All someone had to do to win was guess whether the stones on display were real or artificial Big Rock. There were three sets of two identical stones; one of each pair would be natural stone. This will be easy, I thought, so I pushed through the throngs of people to take a look and submit my entry. It all looks like natural rock, I thought. The surfaces of the stones felt exactly like rock. All the little holes and imperfections that give a stone its character were there too. What a challenge — there was no way to tell which were real and which were Big Rock. I did not win the prize, but I was certainly impressed by Big Rock. This was in the late ’80s. I had never thought of man-made stone, and it sparked my curiosity as to why one would want it, until I saw the Big Rock display. There were water gardens, pavers, boulders and big stone

walls of coral, lava and moss rock with several sample pieces to pick up and examine. Big Rock veneer is like an “anti-gravity” rock — it weighs so little compared to real stone. This is amazing stuff. Without lifting it, there was no way I could have known it was manmade stone. I could suddenly see the potential to make radical improvements to my own dreary property walls. I decided to learn more about Big Rock. Big Rock is Hawaii’s leading manufacturer and supplier of the world’s finest Hawaiian cast-stone products. Since its inception in 1983, the company has focused on and specialized in replicating stones indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands. These include Volcanic Lava, Moss Rock, Ocean Reef Coral, Blue Rock, Cut Basalt stone and Ulupalakua stone veneer. Each type of stone veneer has been cast from pieces of natural Island stone. It is manufactured daily on Oahu at Big Rock's factory under the watchful eyes of foremen Kalani and Ross, who have been with the company for many years. Big Rock sells everything you need to install its rock, eliminating running around to pick up additional supplies. If your project is

BIG ROCK contact // 834-7625 (ROCK) • Toll free (866) 344-7625 address // 1050 Kikowaena Place web // www.bigrockhawaii.com

something manageable like covering columns or facing a wall, just call Big Rock and the staff will calculate your needs. I wanted to see some commercial projects that Big Rock has done over the years. I visited Ala Moana Center, where the whole mall level and front entry is Big Rock, the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center in Waikiki, which features Moss Rock, and Disney Aulani Resort, where all the stone on the walls was manufactured by Big Rock. I was very impressed. Just think of the walls, columns or planters you could cover with a rich and warm rockwall look. Whether you are a novice or an experienced mason, the installation procedure is easy and you can use veneer anywhere. I started by covering my concrete masonry unit (CMU) property walls, and

after watching my transformation, the neighbors started their own Big Rock projects. All Big Rock cast stone is manufactured at the Mapunapuna plant. Big Rock has set the standard for the cast-stone industry, not only in Hawaii but throughout the world. Big Rock is the only leading manufacturer of Hawaiian stone veneer that is truly made in the US.

AND

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AUGUST 5, 2012 • 21

22 AUGUST 5 • 2012

DISCOUNT WINDOWS & DOORS

‘Neat’ glass means never having to clean your windows again W hen it comes to the best in window care, Discount Windows & DISCOUNT WINDOWS Doors has always been at the & DOORS forefront of new technological contact // 673-6656 developments within the fenestraaddress // 45-564 Kamehameha Hwy. tion industry. In 2009, owner Jerry web // www.discountwindowshawaii.com Griffin, who has more than 20 years of experience in the window and door industry, identified Cardinal Low-E 366 Neat®: Insulated a need for a window system specifically self-cleaning, double-strength glass with engineered for Hawaii. Virtually every wina Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) dow being sold in Hawaii was designed on of 0.27 that reflects more than 90 perthe Mainland, for the Mainland. The Makai cent of radiant heat, leaving your home sigRange of windows and doors was specifinificantly cooler. cally developed for Hawaii using state-ofThese windows can almost clean themthe-art technology to develop a window selves, which is pretty darn “neat.” And system ideal for this environment. you get all of the performance benefits of The first consideration for the Makai Cardinal’s Low-E glass. Neat®’s naturally Range was a glass suitable for Hawaii — clean glass harnesses the sun’s UV rays to something stronger and more thermally loosen dirt so water can rinse it away, efficient than what is currently available, leaving windows virtually spotless. Your and something with the ability to repel salt, windows will stay cleaner longer and be minerals and organic dirt common in easier to clean. Homeowners and builders Hawaii. The solution was Neat® glass from will enjoy the effects that a little sun, rain Cardinal Glass Industries. The standard and Neat® glass bring to windows. glass in all of the Makai windows is

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smoother than ordinary hydrophobic glass. This allows water to disperse evenly, or “sheet off,” and evaporate quickly, greatly reducing water spotting. Easierto-clean window glass just got better with Cardinal’s Neat® naturally clean glass. No manual activation is required, just a little help from the sun. The results are almost spotless windows, and you’ll spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying the view.

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AUGUST 5 • 2012 23

The way to green up your home for health, savings D id you know that indoor pollutant levels are often two to five times higher than outdoors? Using the principles of green design will significantly improve your home’s indoor environment, leading to better health and well-being for your family. Simple home improvements can make a big difference, and they can save you money. Here’s how:

Water conservation “Efficient use of water has become a national as well as a regional concern,” said Robert Brown, interior design faculty at The Art Institute of Tennessee Nashville. When replacing appliances or fixtures, look for those that use less water, such as low-flow faucets and shower heads, dual-flush toilets, front-loading washing machines and newer models of dishwashers with two drawers so you can run small loads. Using less water can add up to big savings on your water bills. Air quality With many Americans suffering from asthma and allergies, indoor air quality is more important than ever. Household pollutants like mold, radon, carbon monoxide and toxic chemicals from building materials, household cleaners and pesticides can be health risks. Start by reducing dust and improving ventilation. Clean furniture, floors and carpet regularly. Consider cleaning and sealing ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Ensure that range hoods and bathroom fans vent to the outdoors. Eliminate

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sources of asbestos and lead, and eliminate or properly store air fresheners, pesticides, certain cleaning products and paint, which can emit pollutants. When you redecorate or renovate, look for low- or no-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints, stains, adhesives, carpets and hard-surface flooring, as well as wood and bamboo products manufactured without formaldehyde.

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Help in making green choices A Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)accredited interior designer can help you make sound environmental choices for your home. An interior designer who has achieved this accreditation knows effective green design solutions and keeps up with the newest information about sustainable products. Renewable resources When remodeling or redecorating your home, reuse existing furniture and building materials where possible. Used furniture — either your own or items purchased at a garage sale or second-hand store — can often be reupholstered and refinished to look new. Purchasing materials with recycled-content is also an environmentally sound choice, helping ensure that recycled materials will be used again to manufacture new products. You can easily find construction materials with recycled content, including drywall, insulation, plastic lumber, kitchen countertops, glass tiles, carpet and padding — even steel.

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AUGUST 5, 2012 • 23

AUGUST 5 • 2012

BACK PAGE STORY

WALKER-MOODY CONSTRUCTION

WALKER-MOODY CONSTRUCTION contact // 839-2781 web //construction@walker-moody.com • www.walker-moody.com • www.sealmasterhawaii.com

How to seal the deal

ayor Peter Carlisle joined the Department of Facility Maintenance and the Hawaii Asphalt Pavement Industry (HAPI) June 27 to demonstrate several pavement preservation methods the city will evaluate as part of its effort to improve road conditions.

More than 120 guests from city, state and federal government agencies, as well as contractors and consulting firms, attended the demonstration to observe the application of each of the four treatments. The goal of pavement preservation is to treat a road that is in good condition to extend the life of the asphalt pavement. Mayor Carlisle would like to “protect our roadways to help stop potholes and other problems before they even start.” The four methods demonstrated are as follows: 24 • AUGUST 5, 2012

Crack fill Crack filling is the most basic of the four treatments that were demonstrated. The mayor himself demonstrated the filling of a crack with CrackMaster PL hot-applied crack sealant. Once moisture penetrates the asphalt, it will deteriorate the underlying layers, eventually causing failure. SealMaster Hawaii provides cold- and hot-pour materials that can be used as a first defense against pavement deterioration and moisture seeping in. Fog seal A fog seal is a light application of emulsion sprayed onto an existing asphalt surface. Plasti-Pave Rejuvenator is an acrylic reinforced asphalt emulsion. It is used to penetrate old asphalt surfaces that have become dry and to seal very small cracks and surface voids. It also coats aggregate particles at the surface. This product was applied by the City and County.

Four solid methods to preserve our roadways

Seal coat A seal coat is an application of asphalt emulsion that is usually mixed with coarse angular sand and applied to an existing asphalt surface. In addition to providing a protective barrier to stop water penetration, MasterSeal Ready-To-Use or OptiPave Plus sealers will also protect against oxidation, oils and gases, and will beautify your asphalt by providing a uniform black color on the surface. This product was applied by Walker-Moody Construction. Slurry seal A slurry seal is a mixture of aggregate, emulsified asphalt (cationic quick-set emulsion, CQS-1h), fillers, additives and water. Like a fog seal and seal coat, it is a surface treatment for older pavements. It will fill the surface cracks, stop raveling and improve skid resistance. Additionally, it will waterproof the surface and reduce oxidation deterioration. This product was pro-

vided and applied by Alakona Corp., which is currently using the slurry method in Mililani Mauka.

All products used in the demonstration are available at SealMaster Hawaii. These pavement-maintenance techniques have been used in the private sector for a number of years and SealMaster is happy to provide its products to the city, county and state. For more than 40 years, quality-driven contractors have relied on SealMaster, the most recognizable name in pavement maintenance in the world. With everything under one roof, contractors save valuable time and money on products, tools and equipment needed to do the job right. Pavement maintenance is simple with the help of SealMaster Hawaii. Call 8392781 to talk with one of the company’s trained professionals or visit the showroom at 2927 Mokumoa St. in Honolulu.