HR 042813 Opt

AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.

AN EDITION OF

DESIGN TRENDS TO BRIGHTEN YOUR LIVING SPACE. See Page 12

Hawaii Central Federal Credit Union finds itself in an enviable position these dayswith the launch of its highly successful solar financing program.

See page 3

APRIL 28, 2013 | HAWAIIRENOVATION.STARADVERTISER.COM

From left to right, Hawaii CentralFederal Credit Union’s Aaron Komatsu,Char Demesillo, Matda Bautista-Cadiz,

Elly Draculan and Richard Cambe.

0% Down Finance Option Available! Hurry in Today!2933 Koapaka St. Honolulu, HI 96819 • SHOWROOM HOURS M-F 8am-4pm; SAT 9am-4pm • www.hawaiihomeexpo.com

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Since I got back from a trip in March,I’ve made a concerted effort to gethealthier. I pencil in workout time

as if it were a mandatory morning meet-ing and constantly remind myself that I’llfeel better afterward. I always do. I winddown by cooking and find it a fun chal-lenge to transform otherwise fatty, high-calorie meals into lighter, nutritious fare.

But getting and staying healthy gobeyond working out and eating right.Elements around the home can be harm-ful to even the fittest and most nourishedpeople. Think air quality and hazardous

materials. The good news isyou can get a healthier homeby incorporating some ofthese quick tips.

1. Vacuum with a HEPA filter. HEPA (high effi-ciency particulate air) filters trap teeny tiny par-ticles invisible to the naked eye. These includedust mites, allergens and even toxins such as leadand chemicals. Traditional vacuums re-circulatethe small particles into your home’s air, but aHEPA filter traps the majority (more than 99percent) of the particles. Look for filters labeledtrue or absolute for the best results.

2. Open up and turn on the fans. The EPArecommends reducing indoor humidity to helpsafeguard against microbial growth. Open yourwindows and increase air circulation when pos-sible. A/C units and dehumidifiers can also help.

3. Skip the fragrances. As nice as they maysmell, synthetic fragrances can emit harmfulchemicals into the air. In fact, a study at theUniversity of Washington, Seattle, found that theaverage number of VOCs (volatile organic com-pounds) emitted by top air fresheners, deter-gents, soaps and the like was 17.1. What’s evenmore disturbing is that almost half of the 25 test-ed products generated at least one carcinogenichazardous air pollutant of 24 deemed to have nosafe exposure level, according to the EPA.

4. Add plants. Studies by NASA, theAssociated Landscape Contractors of Americaand other researchers show that houseplantscan help to filter out common VOCs by acting asair purifiers. Plants such as aloe vera, spider plantsand gerber daisies act as filters and help toremove potentially harmful air pollutants.

5. Opt for non-toxic cleaners.Take the guess-work out of which store-bought products con-tain harmful chemicals and make your owninstead. Basic ingredients include baking soda,water, salt, lemon juice, essential oils and vinegar.Websites such as mnn.com and nationalgeo-graphic.com have easy-to-follow recipes for anycleaning product you may need.

JOANNE ROMERO2 APRIL 28 • 2013

Hawaii Renovation is a weekly advertising supplement published by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

Send your comments and story ideas to [email protected]

SALES MANAGERDARWIN ROGERS

Phone: 529 - 4740 | [email protected]

Come Home to Health

2 • APRIL 28, 2013 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Credit unions originated with the con-cept of “People Helping People.”Today that “people first” philosophy is

the basis of the quality member service pro-vided by Hawaii Central Federal CreditUnion (HCFCU). HCFCU has been servingHawaii for more than 75 years and recentlyconverted to a community-based field ofmembership and is now available to all resi-dents of Oahu.

At HCFCU, the staff is continually lookingfor innovative ways to help membersachieve their financial goals and upgrade theirlifestyles. The rising cost of electricity hasmany looking to Solar Photovoltaic (PV) sys-tems for solutions.

Although it’s a money saver in the longrun, a PV installation represents a significantupfront cost. To address the need for financ-ing, HCFCU recently added a SolarPhotovoltaic Loan Special to its menu of loan

products. After reviewing the various typesof solar financing that were available, thecompany took a different approach. Here’swhat sets HCFCU’s Solar PV Loan Specialapart from the rest:

• It does not require the use of your home’sequity. HCFCU’s PV loan program is offeredas an Unsecured Personal Loan up to$50,000 rather than a Home Equity Line ofCredit, which allows you to use the equity inyour home for other improvements.

• You’ll get the best price for your PV system.Unlike the extremely low or 0 percentfinancing offered by some lenders, theHCFCU Solar PV Loan Special does notcome with hidden fees or mark-ups to theconsumer or the solar contractor, who inturn passes these costs on to the consumerby increasing the overall price of the PV sys-

tem. Be sure to ask for “cash pricing” fromyour contractor. You could easily save thou-sands of dollars right from the start.

• Work with the solar contractor of yourchoice. It is important to work with a solarcontactor you trust. HCFCU does not limityour choices and will work with your solarcontractor.

• No payments are due for the first sixmonths. (Interest will continue to accrue dur-ing that time). With no payments for sixmonths, you can enjoy the benefits of yournew PV system immediately.

• Loan officers are quick to respond. As a

credit union, HCFCU is dedicated to provid-ing the best service and the staff knows theimportance of a fast turnaround. Responsesare given in days, not weeks or months.

Owned and operated by its members,HCFCU owes its success and longevity to itsloyal members and remains dedicated toproviding quick personal service. For moreinformation about Hawaii Central FederalCredit Union and its Solar PV Loan Special,call the Consumer Loan Department at536-3677, visit 681 S. King St. or apply onlineat www.hccu.info. Hurry, as the PV LoanSpecial is only available for a limited time.

HCFCU is federally insured by NCUA.Certain restrictions apply.

HAWAII CENTRAL FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

PHOTOS BYNathalieWalker

HR COVER STORY APRIL 28• 2013 3

APRIL 28, 2013 • 3

Hawaii Central offersunique PV Loan Special

HAWAII CENTRALFEDERAL CREDIT UNION

ON THE COVER

contact // 536-3677address // 681 S. King St. web // www.hccu.info

AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.

AN EDITION OF

DESIGN TRENDS TO BRIGHTEN YOUR LIVING SPACE. See Page 12

Hawaii Central Federal Credit Union finds itself in an enviable position these dayswith the launch of its highly successful solar financing program.

See page 3

APRIL 28, 2013 | HAWAIIRENOVATION.STARADVERTISER.COM

From left to right, Hawaii CentralFederal Credit Union’s Aaron Komatsu,Char Demesillo, Matda Bautista-Cadiz,

Elly Draculan and Richard Cambe.

From left to right: Richard Cambe, EllyDraculan, Matda Bautista-Cadiz, CharDemesillo and Aaron Komatsu.

‘Enlightened’ system,in-phase with demandOne of the most frequently asked

questions by prospective solarelectric system purchasers is: How

many panels do I actually need? Many timespeople will choose the lowest number ofpanels feeling confident that will beenough. Sometimes it is and sometimes itisn’t. Results from companies can vary.Amounts can differ depending on whatarea you live in, how much electricity youactually use on a daily basis, what type ofinverters are being used and, of course, thePV panel’s production, measured by thenumber of watts that are delivered to yourelectrical system.

EnergyPro has remained consistent inthat all of our systems use Enphasemicroinverters. Enphase has establisheditself as the leader in microinverter tech-nology and it offers outstanding support inthe rare event that a problem occurs. The

company’s 25-year warranty is top in theindustry and its inverters produce powerat a very efficient rate. Enphase also offersan advanced monitoring system thatenables users to see how its systems areworking at any given moment. It producesreal-world results and even offers e-mailalerts if an issue arises. Currently Enphase’sM215 microinverter is the strongest invert-er and can be paired safely with up to a260-watt panel.

Through the Enphase monitoring systemdubbed “Enlighten,” viewers are able totrack individual panel production. This toolis invaluable in helping EnergyPro Hawaiicalculate the perfect amount of panels aprospective customer might need in a spe-cific area to completely offset their electri-cal usage. By studying previous installed sys-tems all over Oahu, EnergyPro Hawaii hasfound a very powerful combination utilizing

Enphase’s M215 microinverter andAUO/BenQ’s 260-watt, monocrystallinepanel.

In certain areas the company has seenan individual panel’s production reach 1.7kW/H in a single day. Compared to otherpanel manufacturers that are installed(Samsung, Sanyo/Panasonic, SolarWorld,Solar Technologies, Trina, etc), AUO/BenQhas proven to be one of the highest pro-ducing panels sold by the company.EnergyPro Hawaii can install almost any

brand of panel, but highly recommendsAUO/BenQ.

AUO/BenQ may be an unfamiliar nameto some, but they are the one of thelargest TFT-LCD manufacturers in theworld, producing TFT panels for companiessuch as Samsung, NEC, LG, Dell, Apple,Viewsonic and Acer. The plant is located inTaichung’s Central Taiwan Science Park andhas been named the largest green plant inthe world according to the United StatesGreen Building Council.

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ENERGYPRO HAWAIIcontact // 596-2890web // www.energyprohawaii.com

302 Sand Island Access Road • 447-2755 • Monday-Friday: 9am.- 5pm. • Saturday: 9am.- 4pm. (5/4 only) • Sunday: Closed

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*Ends 5/4/13. Carpet Only. Cannot be combined with any other offer or previous sale. See Store for details. **On approved credit. Minimum 25% down payment and minimum monthly payments of 3.75% of the amount financed, but not less than $25 is required. No finance charges will be assessed as long as the minimum monthly

payments are made and the amount financed is paid in full by the end of the promotion period. See store for details. u ] q Welcome. Photo shown are for illustration only and does not necessarily represent actual product. See store for details.

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New carpeting is a beautiful & comforting addition to your home. But to ensure that your investment offers a healthier environment for your family, you’ll want the Healthier Living™ Carpet Installation System. It minimizes allergens, dust, mold, mildew & more! Come in today or call 447-2752 for a FREE measure.

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APRIL 28, 2013 • 5

Bathtub conversionsmake room for safety

BY MICHELLE LEE

Each year in Hawaii, countless mem-bers of the elderly community suf-fer serious injuries after experienc-

ing mobility-related accidents within thehome. One of the leading causes of suchaccidents is a bathtub with walls built toohigh for the resident to safely step over. Toalleviative the risk and emotional tollinvolved, Island Bath Works invites resi-dents to invest in bathtub conversionsallowing for safer movement at home.

Bathtub conversion, a process thatremoves a portion of one’s existing bathtubto create a seamless opening, has greatlyimproved the quality of independent living forthe elderly. As the only company in Hawaiidedicated to bathtub conversions, Island BathWorks ensures every customer a custom-made, non-invasive process from beginningto end. The company services all islands.

Preparing for a safer senior lifestylewith a bathtub conversion

Since the company’s launch, Island BathWorks has garnered much support from

satisfied customers within the local commu-nity. After experiencing a series of accidents,Elizabeth Wong and her husband Jamesimmediately called Island Bath Works ownerEric Thompson for assistance.

“Our bathtub was too high and not havinghandlebars made it easy to slip,” said ElizabethWong. “After receiving a quote from severalplaces, it was clear that Island Bath Workswould provide the highest quality work with-in a reasonable budget and time frame.”

Instead of reconstructing the entire bath-tub from the ground up, bathtub conversionrequires little to no demolition and there isminimal interference to the resident’s normalroutine. Most jobs take one day to complete.“The whole process was so easy becausethe workmanship was extremely thoroughand neat,” said Wong. “My husband and Ienjoyed working with Eric very much.”

The better choice financiallyOftentimes, cost is the determining fac-

tor when deciding whether or not toremodel any part of the home. Because abathtub conversion simply modifies theexisting tub, Island Bath Works is able to

charge considerably less than most compa-nies on the market.

“Through our personal research, it wasmuch easier financially to do bathtub con-version with Island Bath Works,” saidWong. “Other companies wanted to takeapart the entire bathtub and pipes, whichwould have cost more than double andtaken much longer.”

In addition to bathtub conversions, IslandBath Works also provides bathroom refin-ishing. Customers may choose from a vari-ety of different styles and materials. “Afterdoing our bathtub conversion, Eric alsorefinished our tiles, the bathroom walls aswell as the tub itself,” explained Wong. “We

were both in awe because of how new andluxurious our bathroom looked afterward.”

The bathtub conversion process can bedone on any type of bathtub material suchas fiberglass, cast iron or steel.Homeowners may choose any side to cre-ate a bathtub opening of up to 3 feet.

“Looking back, we are so glad we did thebathtub conversion,” said Wong. “Not onlywas the service reasonably priced and quick,the end result really helped me and my hus-band gain more confidence about living ourlives independently as senior citizens.”

For more information or to arrange anestimate, call Island Bath Works at 927-9228 or visit www.IslandBathWorks.com.

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ISLAND BATH WORKScontact // 927-9228web // www.islandbathworks.com

Keeping your homeclean with solar energyW ith literally hundreds of solar

companies to choose from, it’svery difficult to find a solar com-

pany that you can trust, let alone get a fairdeal from. Oftentimes when you call thesecompanies, they will try to persuade youwith slick sales tactics and negotiations.

Look no further. Akamai Energy is makingit easy and affordable to go green with PVsolar and has earned accreditation from theBetter Business Bureau of Hawaii so youknow you can trust it for all your PV solarneeds.

“We make it very easy for our cus-tomers,” said Richie Aqui, Akamai Energy’smanaging director. “Give us a call and we’llbe happy to answer your questions. There’snever an obligation to purchase. The esti-mate is free and we’ll offer you a greatprice during your first phone call or visitwith us. We have a highly experienced elec-

trical and racking team to give our cus-tomers the peace of mind that we willinstall your system as we would on ourown home.”

Along with Akamai Energy’s attractiveresidential and commercial PV solar sys-tems, the company is proud to offer anexclusive nanotol cleaning solution that willensure your panels are clean and efficientfor years to come. Many solar operatorsbelieve that naturally cleaning solar mod-ules through rain and wind is sufficient, andtherefore no additional manual cleaning isrequired. This is an outdated perspective,however. Not cleaning your solar panelswill often result in irreversible damage tothe modules, a reduction in efficiency and ashortened lifespan of the equipment.

To protect your investment and ensurepeak performance, your solar panels needto be coated with Akamai Energy’s exclu-

sive nanotol line to maximize your return.An easy-to-apply transparent coating willleave your panels efficient and clean for upto three years with no additional mainte-nance required.

New this year, Akamai Energy is proudto introduce the Kill-A-Watt box power-saving device, which allows you to save upto 25 percent or more on your electric bill

with no solar panels! It’s perfect for homeswith limited roof space, limited budgets,commercial buildings, condos, rentals andbusiness owners.

Call Akamai Energy today at 445-9119ext. 1 or email [email protected]. Lock in your 2013 PV install beforethe summer rush and receive a one-timecomplimentary nanotol treatment.

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AKAMAI ENERGY APRIL 28 • 2013 7

APRIL 28, 2013 • 7

AKAMAI ENERGYcontact // 445-9119web // www.akamaienergyhawaii.com

Prepare your roof for PV panelsIt seems like everywhere you go, people

are talking about solar energy, and forgood reason.

More and more Hawaii homes and busi-nesses are looking into solar installation tohelp fight rising energy costs. The number ofhomes and businesses installing solar panelshas been on an enormous upswing duringthe past few years for both residential andcommercial properties statewide, or mightwe say worldwide. And why not? With solarenergy, homeowners receive great dealsand tax credits and have their own minipower plant; these are definitely things tobe excited about.

Before installing a solar panel array, it isimportant to assess the condition of theexisting roof the panels are going to bemounted to. By ensuring the integrity of theexisting roofing system, you will avoid futureproblems such as leakage, repair or theneed to remove panels to re-roof. Certaintypes of roofs, such as tile and wood shingleor shake roofs can present challenges tothe solar contractor such as cracked tiles orloose shingles. By having your roof inspect-ed and getting the necessary repairs doneprior to solar installation, you can ensurethat your roof is in proper condition forsolar and less likely to cause you problems.

Your existing roof ’s warranty is anotherimportant factor to consider. Knowing thewarranty of an existing roof is vital whendeciding to go solar. If the warranty willexpire soon or a homeowner has experi-enced persistent leakage, it is a good idea toinstall a new roof before making the invest-ment in solar. Removing solar equipment tomake repairs to a damaged roof can bequite costly. Therefore, it is important toknow your warranty; what does it cover

and when does it expire? With this data,you will be able to make the right decisionconcerning your home and roof.

Here is some information regarding roof-ing options from coatings to metal thatSurface Shield Roofing Company offers.

Coating systemAn inexpensive way to enhance the

integrity of the substrate (roofing surface)on your flat or low-pitch roof is through the

installation of a coating system. This water-tight system ranges in price from roughly $3to $5 per foot and holds material war-ranties ranging from five years to the life-time of the structure. Coating your roofprior to solar installation creates a water-tight membrane that will not allow water topenetrate and cause leakage in the future.

Standing seam metal For steeper roofing surfaces, Standing

Seam Metal is the roof of choice wheninstalling Solar. The seam allows the solarinstaller to fasten the panels to your roofusing a special clip and therefore little to nopenetrations into your new roof. The pricerange is $8 to $10 per foot.

Asphalt shinglesAsphalt shingles also are a great option.

They are cost-effective and have manygreat warranty options from 20 years tothe lifetime of the structure. Pricing for thisroofing system ranges from $3.50 to $5.50per foot.

Whichever option you choose, the staffat Surface Shield will help you from start tofinish and ensure your roof is in perfectcondition for solar installation.

Provide Comfort and Watertight reliability now, with a New Roof installed by SURFACE SHIELD ROOFING CO.!Energy Efficient Roof Coatings Lower the roof temperature of your home

or Building up to 40% Lifetime Material Warranty Available

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SURFACE SHIELD8 APRIL 28 • 2013

SURFACE SHIELDcontact // 396-9599 email // [email protected] // www.surfaceshieldroofing.com

The photovoltaic industry has been booming overthe last few years. Most people now know whatsolar photovoltaics (PV) are, as they can be seen

on rooftops throughout the state. As the price of elec-tricity rises, more and more of us are considering PV sys-tems for our own homes. Because a PV system is a biginvestment, we should do our research before commit-ting to a specific solar provider, especially since PV com-panies are a dime a dozen.

So what should we be concerned about when consid-ering PV? First of all, what qualifies a company to install aPV system? The proper licensing is a necessity. To installPV, a C-13 electrical license is a must. There are a fewways to check online if a company has the proper licens-ing. Search through pvl.ehawaii.gov/pvlsearch/app orhawaii.bbb.org. A qualified electrician can tell you if yourservice needs to be upgraded, if your grounding systemis up to par or if any electrical modifications should bemade to accommodate the PV system. After all, you willbe producing your own power and there is a lot of elec-trical wiring involved.

Next, getting several estimates from different compa-

nies is always a good idea. From these estimates we cancompare pricing and materials. Are the materials beingused comparable to one another? Some companies mayuse roof flashings, while others may not. A properlyinstalled flashing will ensure a leak-free roof penetration.After all, the bigger the system, the more roof penetra-tions will be made.

Another important factor to consider is the PV panelmanufacturer. PV panel manufacturers also are a dime adozen. Manufacturers may state certain specifications fortheir panels, but how long have they been producingsolar panels? Alternative Electric proudly installs SolarWorld Sun Modules. America’s largest solar manufactur-er with more than 35 years of experience in the solar-production industry.

A PV system is a wise investment, but it’s more thanjust installing panels on a roof. Homeowners should dotheir homework before installing a system. After all, a PVsystem should last at least 25 years. Time spent research-ing will pay dividends for the lifetime of the PV system.

For a free PV estimate or consultation, give AlternativeElectric a call at 630-6741 or 285-3663.

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ALTERNATIVE ENERGY APRIL 28 • 2013 9

APRIL 28, 2013 • 9

Here’s to a bright day

ALTERNATIVE ELECTRICcontact // 630-6741 or 285-3663

Tropical tranquilityin your own gardenHave you visited the most beautiful

showroom on Oahu yet? If not,make some time to drop by. You

will be pleasantly surprised and pleased thatyou did.

Big Rock Manufacturing has been makingrock products here on Oahu for more than30 years. The owners, Bonnie Cooper andBrian Joy, first opened a small shop in March1983 where they made lightweight stoneveneer. They have since expanded the stoneline to include all manner of stone gardenand pond products.

Big Rock was the first place here to offerhomeowners a way to easily and inexpen-sively create their own ponds and waterfallsfor home gardens without digging a hole forthe pond.

The above-ground pond trend was notintentional at the time, but rather a necessi-ty, as Big Rock needed to find a way to dis-play its ideas for ponds using the concreteshowroom parking lot areas it inhabited. Theowners decided to build up (rather than digdown) using concrete blocks to make theshape of the ponds. To make waterfalls, theduo simply used some of the many light-

weight boulders they had cast, and itworked like a charm.

All customers needed to do if they want-ed to make their own pond was to gohome, lay out a shape on the ground usinga rope or hose, measure the circumference,length and width and bring that back to BigRock. Bonnie or Brian would then calculatewhat was needed, and from these simplethree dimensions, ponds started springingup in yards across the Islands.

The average pond — 5 by 8 feet —only takes a weekend to construct and isa wonderful, fun family affair. All you needis a CMU block, a heavy-duty rubber liner,some moss rock veneer to cover thecement block, a submersible pump and awaterfall boulder. Add a few affordable tikitorches and you have tropical tranquility

in the garden.Big Rock sells all the gear you need: liners,

pumps, underwater lighting, filters, foggers toadd the misty look and, of course, the caststone to make it look natural. Add a fewmoss rock stepping stones leading up to thepond and you are done.

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QUESTION OF THE WEEK: My husbandand I are having a major disagreement abouta particular piece of artwork he recentlybrought home that he loves and I hate. I readsomewhere that it is bad feng shui to haveugly things in the house — which is why I’mwriting to you. From the point of view of fengshui, is there anything I can tell him to makehim agree to get rid of it? I think that if I couldjust convince him to get the painting out of ourhouse and out of our lives, I would be happier— or at least less irritated.

A h! I understand where you arecoming from and the frustrationyou are feeling, but to give you an

informed opinion, I need more details. Forexample, certain images can be bad fengshui, depending on what they depict andwhere they are placed, but you didn’t men-tion what the image is orwhere it was placed. As foryour basic question aboutusing feng shui to persuadeyour husband to get rid ofthe painting, what one per-son likes, another personmay hate; To say the paintingis “right” or “wrong” is a judg-ment, not necessarily “good”or “bad” feng shui. Still, all isnot lost. We can look at thisin another way and hopefullyfind a balanced solution toyour dilemma.

Reassign the meaning of the artwork

Generally, when a differ-ence of opinion exists as towhether or not something ina common area is energetically supportive,consider reassigning the meaning of theitem in question to represent the love andrespect you have for each other.

For example, rate your dislike of the arton a scale of 1-10, with 10 representing the

highest level of dislike.Then, ask your husbandto rate how much helikes the same piece ofart, with 10 represent-ing the highest level oflike. If your level of dis-like is lower than yourhusband’s level of like,compromise may be alittle easier.

Next, ask yourself ifyou love your husbandenough to allow that artto represent your lovefor each other. If so, andyou agree to let it graceyour wall, you have the

opportunity to transform how you see it —no longer an eyesore, but a gift of love.

Doing this exercise gives the art a newsymbolic meaning. Each time you see it, it willremind you of the love you have for yourhusband and how important he is to you;

Every time he sees it, it will remind him ofthe love you have for him, and how lucky heis to have you. The art will have become areminder of love instead of an instigator ofdisharmony.

This process can be effective for you, butonly if you dissipate any emotional chargethe painting has for you and clear up anysymbolism the painting may have triggeredin your subconscious.

The artwork’s symbolic aspect Take this one step further, and ask your-

self what it is about the artwork you dis-like? Is it the style, the image, what itreminds you of? Or, are you simplyannoyed that your husband failed to con-sult you first? I’d like to share a story tohelp you to understand why I ask thesequestions.

I had a client whose husband purchasedan image he thought of as a “peacefulscene” — a man alone in a rowboat on alake at sunset, relaxing. My client however,

disliked the image. She told her husbandthat she did not like the photo and wantedhim to take it down, but he refused, sayingthat he liked it, and, anyway, he was puttingit up in “his area” of the house.

Soon after, she invited me to her homefor a feng shui consultation. When we gotto her husband’s area, she asked if I wouldsuggest that he remove that photo, feelingthat he would “listen” to me. (People dothis to me all the time.) I was curious as towhy the image bothered her so much. Atfirst, she gave me a lame answer; but, aftersome questioning, she shared that she feltit showed his true desire to be alone andforeshadowed his leaving her one day.When I asked her why she thought hewould leave her, she became emotionaland said that she had been nagging him alot through the years and was afraid thatshe had gone too far.

I mention this because sometimes ourreaction to certain images goes deeperthan mere dislike. Take a look at the imageyour husband purchased to see if it has anysymbolism you can relate to. It may be thatit is simply not your “style” or it could besomething deeper. By being aware, you cangain even more from this experience.

The joys and challenges of living together

It is never easy to live with someonewhose tastes or style is completely differentfrom yours, but stepping out of our owncomfort zone and letting go of your egocan be expansive and a sign of growth. Inevery situation that upsets you, ask yourselfwhat is truly important and put your focuson the bigger picture, not the minutia. Asthe stand-up comedian George Carlin oncesaid, “Don’t sweat the petty things and don’tpet the sweaty things.” Good advice.

Alice Inoue, a life guide at Alice Inoue LifeGuidance LLC, shares her wisdom as a profes-sional speaker and personal consultant, andoffers a series of instructional DVDs on feng shui.Visit www.aliceinspired.com.

APRIL 28, 2013 • 11

withAlice Inoue

All The Small ThingsLiving with someone else can be a challenge, especially when it comes to dealing with minutia — likewhose taste in artwork really matters. To improve your relationship, try focusing on the big picture

ALICE INOUE APRIL 28 • 2013 11

It’s the season of sunshine and enjoy-ing the great outdoors. Celebrate itwith a style makeover for your home

by tapping lively decorating trends andhome decor ideas that will refresh andbrighten your living space.

“Look to nature for inspiration for deco-rating ideas to refresh your home,” saidErinn Valencich, an interior designer, styleexpert and designer partner for Quick-Step, a laminate flooring leader.“Incorporate garden-fresh shades of green,warm and sunny color palettes, botanicalprints, weathered woods and whimsicalaccents that will help reinvigorate yourhome’s style and awaken your senses.”

Here are the top style trends for 2013:

GreenIt’s the eternal color of lush and abun-

dant life and the 2013 Pantone Color ofthe Year. Look for accent pieces in emeraldand other shades of green to create asense of well-being, balance and harmony.

PatternsFloral patterns are hot, especially as fab-

ric covers and wall decor. Choose bold,bright florals to make a big statement orflorals on white backgrounds for a softer,romantic touch.

StripesIn fabrics, carpets, artwork and other

design elements, stripes can create thesense of movement and energy in a room.

Wide planksUpdate the look of your room with new

wide plank flooring to show off yourunique sense of style. Wide plank laminatefloors from Quick-Step come in manyhardwood styles and colors and will helptransform the look of a room.

Reclaimed woodsFrom barn board bedroom walls to

wooden beams in kitchens, reclaimedwood adds unexpected rustic touches andweathered warmth to your home. For thelook of time-worn wood without the highcost, Quick-Step offers the ReclaimeCollection of laminate planks that look likevintage hardwood floors. There are nine

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living spaces,” Valencich said. “Whitewash opensup a space and adds rustic appeal while keepingthe look of your room fresh, soft and clean. It isalso a very versatile foundation for a room’sdesign and serves as a pleasing canvas on whichto nicely showcase just about any wall colors andmost styles of furniture.

“Work with what you have and add a fewnew-to-you items to your spring decorating proj-ects,” Valencich added. “This will help you staywithin a budget and create beautiful living spacesquickly, easily and affordably.

If you are considering purchasing a new floor,quickstepstyle.com offers the “Imagine It” roomdesigner tool that allows you to choose both wallcolor and floor styles to see how they worktogether. To make floor selection even easier,Valencich has designated her favorite Quick-Stepfloors as “Designer’s Choice” products, which canbe viewed at quickstep.com.

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APRIL 28, 2013 • 13

APRIL 28 • 2013 13

Keep these tips in mind when selecting a newfloor for your room makeover project:

• When selecting a floor color, consider the tones offurniture you have, but don’t feel that everything hasto match. Contrasting tones make for a more pleasingdesign.

• Brown, gray and white floor tones work with agreater variety of furniture colors and paints.

• Light, neutral floor colors brighten a room and makeit feel more spacious.


How to choose a new floor

Dogs are people too, of course.They’re part of our family. Nevermind that sometimes they track

dirt in, drool on the furniture and makemistakes. Why not give them the spacethey rightfully deserve?

Here are some tips on how you canmake your home beautiful and pet-friendlyat the same time. Yes, I am talking aboutdoggie décor!

FlooringIf you’re going to build or remodel, take

your four-legged friend into consideration.Carpet, especially looped carpet, is theworst for dogs. It catches their nails andretains odor and stains. If you need or wantto go with carpet, consider a low-pile onethat has a pattern to hide stains, or carpettiles that you can swap out.

Marble and travertine, no matter howwell they’re sealed, are porous and willstain. Real hardwood flooring is beautiful,but can be easily scratched by claws.

The most common-sense approach?Ceramic tile, vinyl sheet or plank flooring.They’re super-easy to clean and maintain.

FurnitureHave you considered slipcovers? There

are so many options out there. I’m not talk-ing your grandma’s slipcovers. There aremodern and sleek looks, with geometricprints. You can throw them in the wash.

If that’s not the route you want to go,then opt for stain-resistant upholstery.

Leather and faux leather can work well. Ifthe choice is yours, look for Crypton, a syn-thetic fabric used in commercial spaces. I’veused this in beach houses and doctors’offices.

There are great looks out there, andRover will be happy that you’re not yellingat him to get off the couch all the time.

PaintAlthough I am a huge fan of flat paint for

its sophisticated finish, if you have a largedog who’s always running into walls, youmay want to consider semi-gloss. Yes, it willhave a little sheen, but it will be much eas-ier to wipe down and you won’t feel aneed to repaint in a few months.

Finally, it’s important for dogs to havetheir own sanctuary. A quiet corner withtheir doggie bed and toys will let themknow they certainly are part of the family.

Recently we broke down and got mydaughter a puppy. Eight-month-old Rafflesis a poogle (poodle-beagle). And with meas his mom, you know he has his own littleassortment of furniture, including a leopardchaise lounge that he absolutely loves!

Raffles’s pal Mika, who’s always dressedup, has lots of doggie beds as well.

If you want your dog to have his ownspecial place outside, there are optionsbeyond the typical doghouse. ArchitectGeoffrey Lewis designed this masterpieceas an auction item for Hanahauoli School. Ithas metal roofing with a vent, and you canpick it up and hose it down for easy main-tenance. The frame is made of Douglas fir,the sides are reclaimed fir and the roofingis corrugated metal.

Geoff designed it with the pet in mind.He wanted to give him a different perspec-tive. So this doghouse has cool architectur-al details including a window — anotherview from which to keep an eye on thehouse.

There’s even a sign inside that reads,“Man is a dog’s best friend.” It ended upauctioning off for $1,700 — that’s no dogkibble.

So I’ve given you little ideas and big ideason how to make your best friend feel rightat home. If you’re not quite ready to gothere, don’t forget their favorite spot of all— right in your own bed with you!

Cathy Lee is president and designer ofCathy Lee Style and Cathy's Marketplace, afurniture and accessories showroom withdesign services at 1110 University Ave. Sherecently opened reStyle Hawaii, an affordable,style-conscious consignment warehouse withupholstering and repurposing services at 420Keawe St. To find out more, go towww.cathyleestyle.com.

Design for the dogsWant to protect your home and provide comfort for your pet? Try these canine-friendlydesign ideas that will have your fuzzy sidekick feeling more at home


CATHY LEE14 APRIL 28 • 2013

A clear view on home updatesNow that summer is approaching, it’s time for

home improvement projects. Call the exper tsat Tropical Wholesale. If you are thinking of

installing new windows and doors, Tropical Wholesale isthe first and oldest installer of vinyl window and doorproducts in Hawaii. Sometimes it is hard to decidewhich style or brand to choose, which products havethe best warranty, which company will be there in 10years to back up that warranty and which salespersonis telling the truth. Well, your answers are here.

• Tropical Wholesale is a local, licensed general contrac-tor and has been installing windows for more than 30years in Hawaii. The company will be here throughoutthe following 10 years. All its employees complete win-dow-design training to ensure you will get the right win-dow and door design for your home.

• Tropical Wholesale introduced the first vinyl windowin Hawaii and it’s the first exper t manufacturer of theproduct locally.

• The company has had more than 10,000 customers inHawaii (on Oahu and the neighboring islands of Maui,Kauai, the Big Island and Lanai).

• Tropical Wholesale distributes Simonton windows anddoors. Simonton is rated No. 1 by J.D. Power for cus-tomer and builder satisfaction. Simonton has the onlylifetime warranty in Hawaii that covers all materials,labor, hardware and workmanship. Read the fine print ofother factory warranties: they tend to void Hawaii forwarranties. Do not be fooled by a fast-talking salesper-son.

• The company is an authorized service provider for

Simonton windows and doors. Waiting for an exper t’sdecision from the mainland is unnecessary. TropicalWholesale can make that decision while providing thebest service to every customer in Hawaii.

Tropical Wholesale is 100 percent locally owned andoperated with three generations serving Hawaii’sfriends and neighbors. The company is a Sam’s Clubcontractor. To make an appointment or for more infor-mation, visit Sam’s Club online at www.samsclub.com.

If it’s time to change those old jalousie windows, callthe original exper ts: father and son owners Matt andMike Houar of Tropical Wholesale. They will treat youlike a friend. Call 263-1252 or 292-2942 and ask aboutthe St. Louis and University of Hawaii alumni special. Call 630-6741 or 285-3663

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For most people, remodeling akitchen includes a complete changeof cabinets and countertops, maybe

even appliances. If your cabinets are still ingood condition but you want to improveyour kitchen in some way, replacing yourold countertop with one made of graniteis a good investment and will definitelychange the atmosphere in your space.

Granite has a high threshold for hot andcold temperatures. For example, you can

safely place hot metal pans from your ovendirectly on the granite top without theneed for a hot pad, although you should bewary of placing hot glass or ceramic disheson it as they may crack if the countertop istoo cold. This is called thermal shock andhappens because of the difference in tem-perature.

As for cold items, you do not need toworry about condensation that may makeyour granite countertop have a dark spot if

it is not properly sealed. Any condensationthat may form on the stone will fade awaywithin the hour.

Granite countertops may be used as acutting board too. Because the hardness ofgranite is greater than steel, you do notneed to worry about kitchen knivesscratching your granite surface. Still, it isn’trecommended to cut on your granitecountertop as it could actually make yourknife dull over time.

Another way to add to your kitchen orother rooms is to create a stand-aloneisland with cabinets at its base. The island is

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Good day, sunshineGoing solar makes great financial sense. The math is

simple: you can save money every month with asolar system. Even if you finance your system, your

lower monthly bill will help offset the loan payment andyour total monthly expenditure for the loan and yourpower bill may be less than before. Your savings start imme-diately and your system will eventually pay for itself.

The savings on your electric usage provides a healthyreturn on the cost invested. A lower electric bill and a sys-tem that pays for itself are just two reasons why solar is asmart investment. Here are even more benefits:

Solar gives you protection against electricity rate hikes

Imagine that you had been able to lock in your automo-bile gas prices in 2004. You’d be paying less than $2 a gallonnot only today, but also for decades to come. Whenever gasprices increase, you’d be saving even more money. That isexactly what you’re doing with the cost of electricity whenyou install a solar electric system.

Because your solar installation is a fixed cost, savingsincrease as utility rates rise. Essentially, you’re building in ahedge against future rate increases. Rising utility rates aresomething you can count on, considering that they’ve goneup an average of 5 percent per year for the past 30 years.In 2006, some states saw the highest tier residential ratesjump as much as 55 percent in one year.

Solar comes with big financial incentivesFederal and state tax credits and public utility rebates can

reimburse you for a substantial portion of the cost of yoursolar system and installation. Your Hi-Power Solar consult-ant can explain what savings are available to make your sys-tem even more affordable.

Solar increases the value of your homeA solar electric system can increase your home’s value. It

can also make your home more desirable than other similarhomes without solar.

Solar can help offset climate changeAcross the country people are realizing the effects that

our actions have on the environment. Going solar can min-

imize those effects and lower your carbon footprint.Until recently, there hasn’t been much of a choice but to

use the electricity provided by conventional methods. Withadvances in technology and increased consumer aware-ness, however, solar electricity is now a very feasible option.

Coal-fired power plants are responsible for 72 per-cent of all sulfur dioxide emissions in the nation. Solarelectricity produces no pollution. One million homesusing solar electricity would reduce carbon dioxideemissions by 4.3 million tons per year, the equivalent ofremoving 850,000 cars from the road. By using moresolar electricity, fewer power plants that produce green-

house gases would need to be built.

Solar is clean energyA solar electric plant generates no harmful emissions. You

can power your home with 100 percent pure sunshine thatis both clean, renewable and abundant — so much so thatit’s been calculated that a 100-square mile array of solarmodules in the Southwestern United States could generateenough electricity to power the entire country.

Solar offers you energy independenceBy switching to solar electricity, we can help alleviate our

overdependence on foreign sources. Solar electricity isused where it is made, so there are no transportation ordelivery costs.

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Concrete with more personalitythan you ever thought possibleSummer is just around the corner, which means it’s

time to start enjoying backyard barbecues, pool par-ties and dining and lounging on the patio. It’s also

time to tackle the home improvement projects on your listand create spaces that are inviting and infused with person-ality. Start from the ground up by resurfacing your drabconcrete flooring. Say goodbye to stained, mildewed con-crete and hello to a new designer finish. Here are someideas for adding concrete appeal to your home’s exterior :

Make a grand entry Welcome guests with a beautifully resurfaced front walk-

way. Add color with a concrete stain. Want to add a newtexture and design? Concrete overlays provide a fresh can-vas to personalize your entry. Try a classic look with brickborders or create curb appeal with an eye-catching ashlarslate pattern.

Design a luxurious lanaiTransform your lanai into an inviting living space that

flows effortlessly from the indoors to the outdoors.Continue the same decor from your living room onto yourlanai with a complimentary tile or natural stone pattern.Opt for a smoother texture that feels comfortable whenyou and your guests are barefoot.

Deck out your poolA flagstone pattern lends a tropical feel. Try a tile look for

a Mediterranean style. Overlays can also be finished with-out a pattern for a clean, modern look. Choose a stone-liketexture to provide slip-resistance.

Granicrete Hawaii invites you to discover how decora-tive concrete flooring can increase the value and visualappeal of your home. To get an idea of the possibilities withoverlays and stains, take a look at the gallery of work onGranicrete Hawaii’s website. Visit the company’s showroom

to see its concrete resurfacing solutions in person andspeak with a consultant. If you don’t see exactly what youenvision for your space, you can design a one-of-a-kind lookwith the team of concrete specialists. Showroom hours areMonday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdaysfrom 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Product information and pictures arealso available at www.GranicreteHawaii.com.

You can also see the company’s products today at theSpring Home, Garden, and New Products Show at theBlaisdell Exhibition Hall from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.


GRANICRETE HAWAII18 APRIL 28 • 2013

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Don’t miss Cool Roof Store’s “BigOne Day Sale and Demo,” May4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The

public will have a chance to learn first-hand about one of the biggest revolu-tions in home improvement today. Evenbetter, the lowest prices of the year forall of the company’s major coatings —GacoRoof Silicone, Hawaiian Sunguard,Cool Roof Store Ceramic, as well asNXT Cool Zone for Monier tile andmetal roofs — are always reserved for thisone-day event.

Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer orplan to have a roofer place a protectivecoating on your roof, be sure you attendthis sale and seminar for the best deals intown. If you prefer to hire a licensed con-tractor, for example, LeakMaster Roofing isoffering $500 off any new estimates forroofs larger than 2,000 square feet. Smallerroofs will also have discounts proratedaccording to size. For example, a 1,000-square-foot roof comes with a $250 dis-count. However, customers must attendthe “Big One Day Sale and Demo” to qual-ify for these sales and discounts.

There’s plenty of free parking availableon the street for the sale and demo, butcome early to grab good seats, as thisevent is always heavily attended.

Jim Wilkinson of GacoRoof will lead ahands-on demonstration revealing some ofthe secrets of how to best roll out your sil-icone roof. He will demonstrate the differ-ent “tricks of the trade,” depending onwhether you have an asphalt, metal or shin-gle roof. If you have pictures and a meas-urement of your roof size, bring it with youto the seminar so the Cool Roof Storefolks can show you how much coating youwill need for your roof.

Homeowners with Monier tile, asphalt

shingles or metal roofs will want to learnmore about the amazing NXT Cool Zonecoating, which reflects between 30 and 91percent of the sun’s heat, depending on thecolor. Even very dark colors such as charcoalgray resist fading and cracking because oftheir cross-linking polymer chemistry andnanotechnology. These coatings have proventhemselves for more than four decades inAustralia’s extreme heat and have coveredmore than 800,000 roofs worldwide.

This is unlike any other roof paint youhave ever seen. NXT Cool Zone makesyour old Monier and shingle roofs look likenew while cooling down your home at thesame time.

Visit Cool Roof Store and LeakMasterRoofing at 575 Cooke St. in Kakaako, or goto www.leakmaster.com for online specialsand video tips. For more informationincluding how to receive a free home esti-mate, call 591-1900.

www.discountwindowshawaii.comMon-Fri: 9 0 45-564 Kamehameha Hwy. Kaneohe

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Shirley Pai HiltonPresident and CEO, KPF & PFC

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Let’s Talk FlooringPeople ask WHY WOOD? First, it’s a great investment! Wood costs a bit more than carpet but it’s a lifetime product that adds permanent value. Secondly, it is so clean. Just wipe it and you can eat off that floor! Third, imagine no more dust or allergens causing illness. Fourth, it feels great under foot. Saving the best for last, nothing compares to the beauty of wood. Oo-la-la! Aloha, Shirley.

APRIL 28 • 2013 19COOL ROOF STORE

APRIL 28, 2013 • 19

Protecting your roofis all in a day’s work

COOL ROOF STOREcontact // 591-1900address // 575 Cooke St.web // www.leakmaster.com

Cooking up gooddesign in the kitchenA s it strives to offer additional vari-

eties of cabinetry and granitecountertops, C&C Cabinets

Granite will unveil a larger showroom inearly May. Customers are encouraged tostop by see the changes for themselveswhile also selecting from new countertopstyles expected to arrive soon.

C&C Cabinets Granite is featuring aspecial offer designed to aid home ownerslooking to upgrade their kitchen or bath-room, whether by undertaking a layout anddesign overhaul or simply enhancing func-tionality. Customers will receive 10 percentoff a vast selection of 3/4-inch thick in-stock granite, a very durable natural stonethat makes for an ideal countertop. Graniteis an attractive construction stone knownfor its durability and beauty in a wide vari-ety of applications.

The family business features over 40varieties of granite, including elegant colorschemes like Madura Gold, River Whiteand Rose Pearl that provide practical,durable stone surfaces to accentuate anykitchen or bathroom. Co-owner WilliamCao encourages customers to bring in

their building dimensions and plans so thatC&C Cabinets Granite can create a designand generate an estimate.

C&C Cabinets Granite also offers anarray of cabinetry color choices — avail-able in both framed and frameless con-struction — including Burgundy Cherry,Wheat Maple, Cinnamon Maple andSunset Cherry. The solid wood face andframed cabinets feature plywood box con-struction and are “well-built, dependablecabinet arrangements,” as Cao explained.“Whether for a new home constructionproject, or kitchen cabinet remodel, wehave what you are looking for at a priceyou can afford.”

And, when readers mention this article,Cao and his team will offer a five percentdiscount with the purchase of select cabi-netry.

C&C Cabinets Granite is well equippedto aid in the design and completion of bothresidential and commercial projects. Thecompany has assisted home and businessowners with their building and remodelingneeds since 2010 while operating out of itsconvenient Iwilei location.

“We bring over 25 years of construc-tion experience to the business,” said Caoof C&C Cabinets Granite, which special-izes in providing quality cabinetry, granitecountertops and stainless steel sinks. “Wehave a lot of products in stock and areready to assist with all sorts of construc-tion and remodeling projects, includingkitchen and bathroom upgrades.”

C&C Cabinets Granite features a widevariety of undermount stainless steelsinks to further diversify home buildingand remodeling needs. The sinks, whichrange in style from traditional to modern,use the highest-grade materials that leadto a luxurious yet dependable product

suitable for a home or business owner’slifestyle. With a brushed satin finish thathides any scratches that could occur overthe sink’s lifetime, the models are con-structed with 16-gauge 304 stainlesssteel, and include sound-dampening rub-ber pads in addition to being fully coatedand insulated.

“We offer better quality, solid woodcabinets than the competitors,” Cao said.“We’re a full-service company and areready to serve our customers right away.”

For more information, and to receive afree estimate and complimentary designassistance, call C&C Cabinets Granite orvisit CCCabinetsGranite.com.

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C&C CABINETS GRANITE20 APRIL 28 • 2013

C&C CABINETS GRANITEcontact // 853-2088address // 500 Alakawa St. #106

Putting the industry’s best on displayBY KAREN NAKAMURA

The Building Industry Association ofHawaii (BIA-Hawaii) will presentthe ninth annual “Remodel It Right/

Remodel It Green Expo” Aug. 9-11 at theNeal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall, with morethan 200 exhibitor booths showcasingHawaii’s top contractors, suppliers, buildingindustry experts and associates. Interestedcompanies are welcome to contact BIA-Hawaii to participate in this convenient,central location showcase of remodelingindustry expertise. The event theme,“Remodel It Right, Remodel It Green,” willenlighten and educate homeowners on thelatest products, services and trends in ener-gy savings and sustainable living.

Unique features of this award winningexpo include a “Meet the Experts” presen-tations that provides ongoing round-tableinteractive discussions from the entirespectrum of the remodeling industry andthe “Remodel It Right” panel of experts.These in-depth round-table discussions willcover key topics that will provide a strongfoundation for your remodeling project.Architecture, General Contracting,Contractor Licensing, Permitting Guidelinesand Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling

Basics are all offered in the “Meet theExperts” area. A Free Remodeling PlanningKit will be offered to every family attendingthe sessions, while supplies last.

Companies interested in becomingexhibitors at the expo may call ClariceWatanabe at 629-7503 or [email protected] for additional infor-

mation about the three-day event.

Karen Nakamura is CEO of the BuildingIndustry Association of Hawaii.

April Shower Sale

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Let our experienced design consultants assist you.

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APRIL 28 • 2013 21BIA HAWAII

APRIL 28, 2013 • 21

Homeowners from all over flock to the BIA “Remodel It Right/ Remodel It Green Expo” each year at the Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall.

A t United Roofing & Rain Gutters, a job well done isworth doing, so we do it right the first time. Ourreputation is everything; We are known for quality,

but remembered for service.If you have a roofing project big or small, we can help

you by delivering uncompromising quality and experienceto help you select the correct roofing system to meet yourneeds and budget. We provide island-wide roofing servicesfor both residential and commercial projects.

United Roofing & Rain Gutters has a workmanship war-ranty for closely following all manufacturer’s installationprocedures to ensure the best results and reliability foryour new roof.

Fiberglass (asphalt) shingles are commonly installed onroofs in Hawaii and have prorated warranties that rangefrom 20 to 50 years, but typically will last an average of 20years in Hawaii’s climate. We can offer you different styles,price points and color choices to meet your needs.

At United Roofing & Rain Gutters, we also install seam-less gutter systems. We can either replace your existinggutters or add gutters in areas to divert water away fromthe foundation of your home. If you have excessive clog-ging because of leaves and debris, we can install gutterscreen covers to minimize down spout and gutter clogs.

United Roofing & Rain Gutters is also the leader inApollo-integrated photovoltaic panel installations on Oahu.These panels are integrated with an asphalt shingle roof.The Apollo photovoltaic roofing system consists of individ-ual modules that are 1 foot by 4 feet each and have apower rating of 52 watts per module. This roofing/PV sys-tem has a clean and seamless appearance, and it eliminatesthe need to hire two contractors. The system also qualifiesfor both state and federal tax credits.

We provide free estimates to discuss this system and the

numerous other benefits it provides to the homeowner. AtUnited Roofing & Rain Gutters, we have more than 25years of experience in the roofing industry and pride our-selves on delivering quality work at a fair price. We are fullyinsured with both liability and worker’s compensationinsurance, have no complaints with the state and have anA-plus rating with the Better Business Bureau.

We believe in providing you a no-pressure, informativeconsultation during the estimating process and strive tomake your contractor selection a stress-free and smoothprocess.

Our installation crews are experienced, hard working,dedicated, professional, friendly and look forward to theopportunity to do your upcoming project.

Call United Roofing & Rain Gutters at 428-7947 for allof your roofing needs. The company is confident that it willbe a call you will be glad you made.

Experienced roofercovers all your needs

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UNITED ROOFING & RAIN GUTTERS22 APRIL 28 • 2013

UNITED ROOFING & RAIN GUTTERS contact // 428-7947 web // www.unitedroofinghi.com

>> Before

>> Before

>> After

Add some economical livingspace with an outdoor roomAdding living space to your home

can be an expensive prospect.However, creating an outdoor

room is a budget-friendly option that givesyou more square footage, as well as addi-tional opportunities to enjoy the season. Asan extension of the home, outdoor roomswith decks or pergolas can be personalizedto truly bring indoor comforts outside forrelaxation and entertaining.

Stand up to Mother NatureIf you start with cellular PVC as a wood

replacement, you can add longevity andlow-maintenance to pergolas and otheroutdoor structures. Those that come ineasy-to-assemble kits make it even easierto have a stylish extension to your home.According to the experts at WalpoleOutdoors, which has been crafting out-door furnishings since 1933, to match yourhome’s style, look for variations in pergoladesign such as straight or arched tops, andround or square columns in many sizes.

“For a true ‘outdoor room’ feeling, aretractable, weather-resistant fabric canopycan provide shade and shelter,” said

Walpole president Lou Maglio.

Affordable, natural looks that endureDecks are another easy way to extend

living space and with new alternative mate-rials, it’s easy to save on maintenance with-out sacrificing style. One advancement in

composite decking technology features a“cap” or protective outer layer that lookslike real hardwood.

“Today’s deck trends show that home-owners are looking for deck styles and col-ors that strongly resemble the earthy tonesfound in nature,” says Carey Walley, vice

president of marketing for TimberTech, aleading composite decking manufacturer.As an example, the company’s newEarthwood Evolutions Terrain is an afford-able hardwood-look composite that isdurable, moisture-resistant and acceptsconcealed fasteners. Walley also notes thata new interactive Q&A forum calledStraight Talk is a great place to investigatecommon deck topics and to ask any deckquestion that will be answered by experts.

With these tips, it’s easy to find function-al, beautiful and affordable options for mak-ing your outdoor space your very own.


808.383.1407 [email protected]

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Bonded & Insured Lic. #BC29857

APRIL 28 • 2013 23

APRIL 28, 2013 • 23

Installing photovoltaic (PV) panels is a great invest-ment, reducing your electricity bill while adding valueto your home. However, these savings mean little if

yours is one of the nearly 45,000 homes damaged inelectrical fires every year, or your loved ones are amongthe 2,000 people who are the victims of such fires annu-ally.

PV should not be considered by itself, but should bepar t of a comprehensive look at your home’s entireelectrical system. Unless the basic wiring is safe andsound, it doesn’t make sense to add more stress to apotentially defective system. Yet, this is exactly whatmany homeowners unwittingly do every day. The wiringin many of Hawaii’s homes was not designed to accom-modate the various electrical loads that we place on ittoday. Additionally, like a car or any appliance, electricalsystems break down with age, and the only way to tellif your home is safe and working properly is to have acomprehensive inspection accomplished by a qualified,licensed electrical specialist, equipped with the right testgear.

How can you tell if your home is at risk? If you answer“yes” to any of the following questions, it could be a signof potential electric problems:

• Is your home 15 years or older? • Have there been additions, renova-tions or large appliances added to thehome?• Are extension cords and multiple power strips in per-manent use around the house? • Do lights flicker or dim momentarily?• Do circuit breakers or fuses trip frequently?• Do you hear crackling, sizzling or buzzing from outlets? • Are outlet and light switch face plates hot to the touchor discolored?

American Electric, serving kama‘aina industry and resi-dential customers, is Hawaii’s exclusive provider of anElectrical Hazard Detection program calledCurrentSAFE®. This service utilizes sophisticated ultra-sonic and infrared equipment to inspect wiring, outlets,fixtures, appliances and circuit breakers. CurrentSAFE’shighly trained technicians look behind walls to detectelectrical hazards before they become a tragedy. Oncethe dangers are identified, American Electric’s team ofprofessionals can perform the necessary repairs orupgrades to keep you and your family safe. TheCurrentSAFE inspection is included at no additional cost

when you choose American Electric as your trusted PVinstaller throughout the month of May.

For nearly 70 years, American Electric has been provid-ing kamaaina with solutions to their electrical and alter-native energy needs. This expertise has enabled AmericanElectric to become the largest locally owned electricalcontractor, and now one of the largest PV specialists, inthe state. A solar/PV system is a small power plant onyour roof, so doesn’t it makes sense to buy your systemfrom the experts that our utility companies trust to buildtheir power plants?

“American Electric offers a unique value: confirmingthe safety of your existing electrical system, providing aprofessionally installed PV system and standing behind itswarranties for decades to come,” said Christian Adams,general manager of the Alternative Energy Division atAmerican Electric.

To schedule a free consultation and find out why peo-ple are choosing American Electric, call 440-5098 or visitAmericanElectricHomes.com.

American Electric has been providing superior serviceand peace of mind for kamaaina since 1946.

AMERICAN ELECTRICBACK PAGE STORY24 APRIL 28 • 2013


Taking the ‘SAFE’ routewith trusted PV installer AMERICAN ELECTRIC

contact // 440-5098address // 315 Sand Island Access Roadweb // www.americanelectrichomes.com

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