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• Locally Owned & Operated since 1981

AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.

AN EDITION OF

EASY WAYS TO REFRESH YOUR CABINETS. See Page 23

MARCH 24, 2013 | HAWAIIRENOVATION.STARADVERTISER.COM

With years of experience at the top of Hawaii’s solarindustry, Hi-Power Solar principals Ron Romero(above left) and Matt Adams continue to showhomeowners the benefits of going green. See page 3

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When I was growing up, one of my favorite thingsto do on a Friday night was to turn on ABC andsettle in for a couple of hours of TGIF program-

ming. The Tanner family from Full House seemed to settle inright along with me.

It’s no wonder, then, that when spring rolls around, I can’thelp but think of Danny Tanner and his insatiable appetitefor cleaning. While he may be overzealous with his obses-sive behavior, he’s not alone when it comes to the annualspring-cleaning tradition. It’s actually a global practice spreadacross cultures that even has deep spiritual and religiousroots for some. For me, it includescovering some basic must-dos:

Ditch the disorder. Desktops,vanity drawers and bathroom coun-ters become home to unnecessaryreceipts, old makeup and unused toi-letries throughout the year, so beforeI get my hands dirty cleaning themup, I always purge first. This goes forelectronic files and emails, too.

Wash window screens. Takethem off and hose them down out-side. Brush with a mild dishwashingliquid and remember to rinse thor-oughly.

Clean the fans. Vacuum first toremove the dust and wipe downwhere necessary. For standing fans,take them apart before cleaning, andremember to save the whole-housevacuum until after this is done.

Wipe down the walls and vacuum the ceilings. Mycollege roommate used to make fun of me for cleaning thewalls — until she saw how dirty they were! My apartmenthas popcorn ceilings, so I can’t wipe them down. Vacuumingalone will have to do until I can smooth them out.

Deep-clean the carpet. Rent a carpet steam cleaner fora day to get the job done. This also helps solve another prob-lem: Because you must remove the furniture in the room,

you’ll get easy access to clean other-wise hard-to-reach spots. Rememberto vacuum before steaming and followthe manufacturer instructions for thecleaning solution. In this case, toomuch solution can actually attractmore dirt later. If you feel uncomfort-able steam-cleaning on your own, con-sider hiring a professional.

Keep in mind that thorough spring-cleaning can often take more than aday. Dedicate at least two to threedays for a good cleaning session, andinvolve your family members. Make itfun by pumping up the music andordering pizza. And if you want to fol-low in the footsteps of Danny Tanner,clean your cleaning supplies whenyou’re done.

JOANNE ROMERO2 MARCH 24 • 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]

Spring Into aCleaner Home

2 • MARCH 24, 2013 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Hawaii is perfectly situated for bothsolar water heating and photo-voltaic (PV) energy production.

With 2013 rapidly approaching, now is thetime to prepare for solar savings.

Let’s consider the latest news in the solarindustry. The state Department of Taxationhas released temporary administrativerules that became effective Jan. 1, 2013.These rules change the way tax credits arecalculated. Depending on the size of thesystem, the new rules may or may notaffect the amount of state tax credit ahomeowner may take in a given year. Thefederal tax credit remains unchanged.

Regardless of any changes to state taxincentives, photovoltaic electrical systemscontinue to be attractive from a financialperspective. With interest rates on savingsaccounts at historic lows, installing solarenergy may be one of the best investments.

For example, a $25,000 system yieldingsavings of approximately $200 per monthon your electric bill equals a 9.6 percentannual rate of return. Have you checkedthe rates on money-market funds lately?Take a look and you will see what a greatinvestment solar energy is. When federaland state tax incentives are factored in, thereturns are even greater. What other homeimprovement provides such a great return?

If a solar water heating system is part ofyour improvement project, you will notonly have a lower electricity bill and tax

credits, you will also benefit from theHawaii Energy utility rebate of $750. Hi-Power Solar has the expertise to help youwith both solar water heating and photo-voltaic solutions.

The savings start as soon as your systemis operational. Therefore, you maximizeyour benefits by taking action now. After all,

every dollar paid to the power company ismoney that will never be recovered.

Is it time for consumers to “pull the trig-ger” and “go green?” Emphatically, yes!

When speaking with potential solar con-tractors, always ask if they assign the work tosubcontractors or employ their owninstallers. Hi-Power Solar is a “full-service”

contractor with in-house installers. PrincipalsRon Romero, who has more than 20 years ofexperience, and Matt Adams, who has morethan 17 years of experience, are familiar withCity and County building codes and specialhomeowner association rules. Hi-Power Solaroffers top-notch components, expert installa-tion and competitive pricing. The company’sgoal is to provide quality systems at fair prices.Before you decide on pre-paying for a lease,,consider the company’s $777 per PV panelspecial. Some restrictions apply. Call for details.

Hi-Power Solar welcomes your inquiries.Visit the company’s website at www.Hi-PowerSolar.com, or call 342-0802.

HI-POWER SOLAR

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HR COVER STORY MARCH 24 • 2013 3

HI-POWER SOLARON THE COVER

contact // 342-0802web // www.Hi-PowerSolar.com

AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.

AN EDITION OF

EASY WAYS TO REFRESH YOUR CABINETS. See Page 23

MARCH 24, 2013 | HAWAIIRENOVATION.STARADVERTISER.COM

With years of experience at the top of Hawaii’s solarindustry, Hi-Power Solar principals Ron Romero(above left) and Matt Adams continue to showhomeowners the benefits of going green. See page 3

MARCH 24, 2013 • 3

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Mix and match trendy,revolutionary deck designsWhen it comes to fashion faux pas, the only thing

worse than clashing patterns is overly matchingevery item. Mixing and matching creates exciting

contrast — and not just when you dress yourself, but alsowhen you “dress up” your home. The trend toward mixingcolors and materials has made its way outdoors, with enter-prising homeowners getting creative with their decks.

When it comes to building a deck, or refurbishing anexisting one, options abound. Design choices beyond sim-ple considerations such as wood or composite, square orrectangular, open the door to creative outdoor environ-ments that are truly unique and reflect your personal style.

The deck design experts at Deckorators point toseveral popular looks emerging in the mix-and-matchtrend:

Mixed materialsRetire that old rule that says all the materials you use

for your deck must match. Your railing no longer needsto be made from the same material as your decking.Pairing wooden deck planks stained in a natural huewith a metallic railing and decorative balusters createsa fresh, exciting look. Dress up basic wood and vinyldeck posts with fiber-reinforced concrete postcoversthat provide the look and feel of real stacked stone.

Playing with colorMetal balusters allow you to experiment with color.

Available in finishes that mimic popular metals such asbronze, copper and stainless steel, as well as basic black orwhite, metal balusters also resist insect damage and rot —making them practical as well as pretty.

There’s also no rule that says all your balusters have tomatch. For even more personality, try mixing balusters: alter-nate different styles of glass or metal, or mix regular metal orglass balusters with lighted balusters. Using energy-efficientLED technology, lighted balusters connect to a standard 12-volt power source to create a soft glow.

Exploring accessoriesAccessories like post caps and planters are great ways to

enhance a deck’s visual appeal and usability. While metal andglass post caps are traditionally thought of as great comple-ments for metal and glass balusters, they can also add pops ofcolor to a monochrome deck. Metal post caps also coordi-nate well with wood and composite deck materials.

Log on to www.deckorators.com to see the Deck Visualizertool, which allows you to mix different decking products to seehow your personalized outdoor space might look.

This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.


4 MARCH 24 • 2013

Get Special 39thAnniversary Savings!Tomorrow thru Saturday & get special 39th anniversary savings on carpet, ceramic tile, laminate flooring, vinyl flooring, hardwood flooring, window coverings & more! Huge selection from Hawaii’s largest inventory of carpet & flooring. You can Buy TODAY & install

TOMORROW on any carpet in stock!

Take a spin on our prizewheel for gas gift cards, special store discounts, doormats, cleaners & more.Plus you could win an entryinto a drawing for a tripfor 2 to Las Vegas viaVacations Hawaii. While

prizes last. See store for details.

It’s just our way of saying Mahalo Hawaii for the past 39 years! Visit our showroom or call 447-2755 for a FREE Home Measure

302 Sand Island Access Road • 447-2755 • Monday-Saturday: 9am.- 5pm. • Sunday: ClosedContractor License #C-7137 Visit americancarpetone.com/midweek

*Materials only. Sale ends 3/30/13. See store for details. +Ends 3/30/13. One spin per day, per household. Must be 21 years or older. See store for details. No purchase necessary. Las Vegasdrawing held on 4/2/13. While prizes last. See store for details. **On approved credit. Minimum 25% down payment and minimum monthly payments of 3.75% of the amount financed, but not less than

$25 is required. No finance charges will be assessed as long as the minimum monthly payments are made and the amount financed is paid in full by the end of the promotion period. See store for details.u ] q Welcome. Photos shown are for illustration only and does not necessarily represent actual product. See store for details.

Beautiful Flooring. Made Affordable.

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• Remodeling & New Construction• How & Where to Start• Selecting Your Builder• Designing for Comfort• How to Save Money• Bonding & Much More! The Only Builder

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C&C Cabinets Granite is featuring aspecial offer designed to aid homeowners looking to upgrade their

kitchen or bathroom, whether by undertak-ing a layout and design overhaul or simplyenhancing functionality.

Customers will receive 10 percent off avast selection of 3/4-inch thick in-stock gran-ite, which serves as a very durable naturalstone that makes for an ideal countertop.Granite is an attractive construction stoneknown for its durability and beauty in a widevariety of applications.

The family business features more than 40varieties of granite, including elegant colorschemes like Madura Gold, River White andRose Pearl that provide practical, durablestone surfaces to accentuate any kitchen orbathroom. Co-owner William Cao encour-ages customers to bring in their buildingdimensions and plans so that C&C CabinetsGranite can create a design and generate anestimate.

“The granite sale we have going on offersreally good deals to those looking toimprove their home,” said Cao. “Customershave an opportunity to start fresh with anew kitchen design.”

C&C Cabinets Granite also offers an arrayof cabinetry color choices — available inboth framed and frameless construction —including Burgundy Cherry, Wheat Maple,Cinnamon Maple and Sunset Cherry. Thesolid wood face and framed cabinets featureplywood box construction, and are “well-built, dependable cabinet arrangements,” asCao explained. “Whether for a new homeconstruction project, or kitchen cabinet

remodel, we have what you are looking forat a price you can afford.”

And, when readers mention this article,Cao and his team will offer a five percent dis-count with the purchase of select cabinetry.

C&C Cabinets Granite is well equipped toaid in the design and completion of both res-idential and commercial projects. The com-pany has assisted home and business ownerswith their building and remodeling needs

since 2010 while operating out of its conven-ient Iwilei location situated behind theCostco gas station.

“We bring over 25 years of constructionexperience to the business,” said Cao ofC&C Cabinets Granite, which specializes inproviding quality cabinetry, granite counter-tops and stainless steel sinks. “We have a lotof products in stock and are ready to assistwith all sorts of construction and remodelingprojects, including kitchen and bathroomupgrades.”

C&C Cabinets Granite features a widevariety of undermount stainless steel sinks tofurther diversify home building and remod-eling needs. The sinks, which range in stylefrom traditional to modern, use the highestgrade materials that lead to a luxurious yetdependable product suitable for a home ofbusiness owner’s lifestyle. With a brushedsatin finish that hides any scratches that couldoccur over the sinks’ lifetime, the models areconstructed with 16 gauge 304 stainlesssteel, and include sound-dampening rubberpads in addition to being fully coated andinsulated.

“We offer better quality, solid wood cabi-nets than the competitors,” Cao said. “We’rea full-service company and are ready toserve our customers right away.”


C&C CABINETS GRANITE6 MARCH 24 • 2013

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

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MARCH 24, 2013 • 7

A Division of Pacific Island Construction

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BRAND NEW CONSTRUCTION$110 per sq ft. + tax

It’s time to think spring which meansfresh home updates. Spring homeimprovement projects will help you

update your home, add comfort and savemore of your hard-earned paycheck.

“You can save time, money and stress byplanning ahead,” said Kathy KrafkaHarkema, Pella Windows and Doorsexpert. “Seek out expert advice, researchproduct options and schedule homeremodeling projects now, while you havethe time to plan it and get on the scheduleof contractors.”

A well-planned remodeling project can:

1. Add curb appeal to your home2. Increase your home’s energy efficiencyand help reduce energy costs3. Improve your home’s comfort and style4. Reduce annual maintenance time andexpenses

Jumpstart your spring projects withinspiration from these 2013 remodelingtrends:

Energy-saving updatesFrom low-volatile organic compound

(VOC) paints and adhesives to moreenergy-efficient windows, spring proj-ects can help improve air quality andincrease your comfor t. Look for ENER-GY STAR-qualified products that helplower your home’s energy consumption,

and in turn, your utility bills.

Better bathroomsFor many homeowners, sought-after

remodeling projects for 2013 will includekitchen upgrades, bathroom remodels andmaster bedroom suite renovations.

Bathroom remodeling options caninclude heated bathroom flooring, customtile and stonework, custom vanity and cab-inetry, beautiful bathtubs, showers and fix-tures, low-profile linear shower drains andbig windows to let in more natural sunlight.

“Today’s bathroom and bedroomremodeling projects often incorporaterelaxing technology and products,” KrafkaHarkema said. “With energy-efficientreplacement windows from Pella, you cancreate natural light-filled spaces whilealso maintaining your privacy and com-fort.”

Energy-efficient Pella Designer Serieswood windows and patio doors bring inthe sunshine, and provide privacy withoptional between-the-glass window fash-ions. Between-the-glass blinds and shades

also help reduce certain indoor airborneallergens from accumulating, improvingindoor air quality. Cordless window fash-ions also are safer for homes with childrenand pets.

Hot kitchensYahoo! Homes says 2013 kitchen

remodeling trends focus on practical,durable and do-it-yourself (DIY) projectslike refacing kitchen cabinets, adding quartzcomposite countertops, hardwood-lookingengineered floors, deep bowl kitchen sinks,commercial-style or built-in appliances andmixing colors and tones on cabinets.

Whether you do the work yourself orhire someone to get it done, Pella can helpyou complete your spring home improve-ment projects. Schedule a free, in-homeconsultation to choose the right productto fit your home’s design, your climate andyour budget.



8 MARCH 24 • 2013

Popular renovation trends to look forward to this season

Hawaii’s #1 Building Seminar

www.atlasconstruction808.com

Bonded & Insured - LIC# BC 27277

951-9500Become a fan on facebook:www.facebook.com/AtlasConstruction

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When it comes to construction,standard materials can differfrom one contractor to anoth-

er. The selection of materials can make thedifference not only in the cost of con-struction when it comes time to build, butalso in the cost of maintenance and thelifespan of the products in your new homeimprovement project. Atlas ConstructionInc. believes that building designs should below-maintenance and have a long lifespan.

The variation in building materials notonly lies in the material itself, but also in thedifferent levels of quality within each item.One example is granite countertops. Youhave probably seen them offered at a lowprice in the classified ads, but did you knowthat there are different levels of granite andthat the grade of the material highly influ-ences the cost? Atlas Construction usesgrade-A granite as its standard material for

all of its projects.The company also main-tains a high-level grade of materials as itsstandard for all of its building items.

When you use an inferior grade of abuilding material for your standard com-ponents, the initial construction cost is low-ered. When you do this throughout the

whole project, the overall contractprice becomes lower as well. Problems ariseover time, however, and maintenance costswill increase as the lifespan of your projectdecreases. This means that each compo-nent made with a sub-standard grade ofmaterial needs to be either repaired orreplaced. The overall cost becomes higher

for your construction project.Atlas Construction uses a high to medi-

um-high grade of components throughoutits building designs. This gives homeownersthe added value of knowing that their con-struction project is built to last, low-main-tenance and made with building materialsthat will have a long lifespan.

MARCH 24, 2013 • 9

ATLAS CONSTRUCTION INC. MARCH 24 • 2013 9

Scoring a top grade inlong-lasting products

ATLAS CONSTRUCTION INC.contact // 951-9500address // 1302 N. School St. web // Atlasconstruction808.com

Tenibac Kitchen Cabinets & Casework was conceivedwith the idea that custom cabinets can be affordableand at the same time offer “door styles unlike any

other.” The company has door styles that best reflectHawaii’s lifestyle. It offers door styles in Koa, Teak, Bamboo,Anigre, White Paint or custom colors. It can even combinea Koa inlay into a Maple Shaker door. The kitchen designprofessionals at Tenibac have the design expertise necessaryto help you create what will turn an empty kitchen or exist-ing space into a dream kitchen that is both beautiful andfunctional.

Outstanding kitchens begin with creativity and a practicaldesign that fits your needs; it takes careful planning andattention to detail. Each customer and project is unique andpresents its own set of challenges. Listening carefully to cus-

tomers allows the company to workthrough those challenges, and onlythen will the design truly reflect yourpersonality and lifestyle.

Tenibac offers AristocraticCabinets for a truly custom-builtkitchen. That is why it is “Architectsand Designers Choice” cabinet com-pany — it does what other compa-nies won’t. There is also an affordableTradewind cabinet line. TradewindCabinets are locally built with customsizes to fit your needs, without the bigupcharge. They are built with 3/4-inchmaple veneer plywood and fullextension soft-close drawer guides (which come standard).

And Tenibac offers the latest options to make yourkitchen efficient, thus “Fusing Custom Cabinets withAffordability.” All of its cabinets are American-made with alimited lifetime warranty.

The company offers a variety of additional services whileguaranteeing you professionalism at all times. With its show-room in Kakaako, the staff will show you more than 200cabinet door styles on display (not just four or five) — it isthe “biggest little showroom in town.” Tenibac will eveninstall the cabinets for you, so that they meet your expecta-tions. The company is able to manage the whole job fromstart to finish.

By choosing to remodel your kitchen or bathroom,Tenibac Kitchen Cabinets & Casework will work with youto increase the value of your home. Stop by the showroomand talk to one of the experienced design consultants toget your custom kitchen started today, or visit the websitewww.tenibacdist.com.

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H A W A I I ’ S T R U S T E D S O L A R I N S T A L L E RYou’re looking for a solar company you can trust. A company with unparalleled customer service and competitive pricing. A company that doesn’t compromise on quality and has the best technology and warranties in the business.

It’s time to get startedon your custom kitchen


TENIBAC KITCHEN CABINETS & CASEWORK10 MARCH 24 • 2013

TENIBAC KITCHENCABINETS & CASEWORKcontact // 593-7870address // 746 Ilaniwai St.web // www.tenibacdist.com

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MARCH 24, 2013 • 11

SERVCO HOME & APPLIANCE DISTRIBUTION MARCH 24 • 2013 11

In addition to the premium appliance lines distributed byServco Home & Appliance Distribution, the companyalso provides some of the top plumbing brands to the

Islands. It distributes sinks and faucets from Franke, KWC,Hansa and Rohl. Here’s more information about each ofthose brands and some of the best selling items in Hawaii.

Franke of Switzerland is the world’s foremost kitchensink manufacturer and renowned for its commitment toquality and an unmistakable flair for design, using the finestmaterials and state-of-the-art production technology. Byadopting a policy of investment in innovation and technol-ogy, Franke has established its position as the largest stain-less steel kitchen sink manufacturer in the world and a lead-ing name in kitchen faucets, hot and cold water filtration,undermount sinks and waste disposers.

Key models include the Orca, Servco’s best selling singlebowl sink. At nearly 31 inches wide, this sink has room foranything that won’t fit in a dishwasher. New from Franke isthe Grande line, a high quality but still quite affordable arrayof single bowl stainless steel sinks. Franke has also recentlyintroduced a completely redesigned garbage disposer lineas well as a faucet line.

KWC, founded in Switzerland in 1874, has been supply-ing premium faucets throughout the world since 1911.

KWC is responsible for the development of the single-leverpull-out kitchen faucet, today’s most popular design. Knownfor exceptional craftsmanship and a contemporary appear-ance, KWC is among the world’s leaders in designing forsafety and water conservation. The KWC ONO is a mas-

terpiece of contemporary design, featuring aunique mix of materials to provide an unparalleledcombination of appearance and ease of use.

Hansa is a sister company to KWC that offers awide selection of bath products. From lav sets andshower packages to tub sets and accessories,Hansa products from Germany all have theirEuropean heritage on display.Finally, Servco is proud to represent the Rohl fam-

ily of plumbing lines in Hawaii. Its products includefireclay sinks from England, exquisitely designed faucetsfrom Italy, traditional designs from Perrin & Rowe, transi-tional Berman collection and some of the most contempo-rary designs, including some of the most effective water fil-tration products. Rohl has a faucet or sink just for you.

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Risource Energy is “excited to head Hawaii’s CIS market and to link ourcustomers to a viable financial option,” said president Darren Furumoto.

Customer Mike Chibana installed a PV system throughRisource Energy “for his daughter’s future” and as a long-term solution for energy. “When you get a $16 electricbill, it makes you very happy!” Risource Energy is “a goodcompany — good workers, fair pricing and quality work-manship.”

If Chibana had signed with a solar leasing company,2013 and his future may have been radically different(see comparison chart).

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QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Help! Myhusband just doesn’t “get” feng shui, and I’mfrustrated because he won’t do the things Iwant him to do for us to have good energy inour home. How can I get him to do thingsinstead of sitting around watching TV? I guessI have become somewhat of a nag, and henow tunes me out. Also, last week you talkedabout astrological signs. Could that be ourproblem — that we are incompatible bynature? Can you elaborate more on that? And,not to offend you, but he says feng shui isridiculous and unimportant. What do you sayto that?

Whenever two people share ahome, points of contention caninvolve differences in lifestyles

and how to decorate and maintain thehome. I often hear from couples that oneperson is “into” feng shui and the other isnot, or that one is neat and the other isnot, or that one has a vision of a certaintype of home environment and the otherdoes not.

My thoughts on naggingNagging always puts the other person

on the defensive, which can include tuningyou out. What is important to you aboutyour environment is obviously not impor-tant to your husband, and when you nag,you are not only asking him to do some-thing he does not want to, but you are ask-ing him to be someone he is not or doesnot want to be.

Obviously, I do not have all the detailsabout your relationship, but when did youlast show your appreciation for what yourhusband does do? When is the last timeyou talked to him about what is meaningfulto him? Asking him to do what you wanthim to do when it holds no value for himgives him no reason to listen, let alone takeaction, regardless of what he believes aboutfeng shui.

Communicate with theother person in mind

Put feng shui aside. If youwant your husband to open upand listen to you, talk to him interms of what he values in hislife. Nagging has the same effectas a vacuum cleaner salespersontrying to sell you a vacuumcleaner by telling you that he will make abig commission. You would likely tune himout because you do not care about hiscommission. But, if you have a severe pollenallergy and he tells you that the vacuum willremove 99 percent of the pollen in theroom, you might be more open to listeningbecause he is talking about something thatyou care about.

Your ego speaks upYou may be thinking, “Forget that! That’s

ridiculous and way too much effort. Heshould just do what is right, darn it!” Forgetabout right or wrong. What you want maynot necessarily be right for him. Focus onthe final result and what you want toachieve in your home. How can you effectthe most change? Do you make a con-scious effort and take responsibility byimplementing a new approach (and getwhat you want)? Or, do you keep nagging,getting nowhere, and remain frustrated?

As for astrology …My experience as an astrologer (using

the time, date and location of birth to getinsight into a person) helps me to see peo-ple’s differences in detail, which is mosthelpful, as we all naturally embody certaintendencies that may or may not be com-patible, but astrological incompatibility is noexcuse for not getting along. The key is tounderstand that sometimes you have tosee things from a different perspective andthen change your approach. It is possible toget what is important to you while takinginto consideration what is important toyour mate, as I mentioned above.

Exploring sign tendencies for funFor simplicity’s sake, let’s explore “sun

signs” to understand what I mean. Forexample, Virgos like order and prefer thingsto be specific or a certain way; Scorpiostend to like to be in control; Geminis scat-ter things everywhere, and nostalgicCancers keep a lot of things for old times’

sake. Fire signs, like Aries, Leo,and Sagittarius, can be messy attimes, tending to direct theirenergy toward the outdoors.

Libras enjoy entertaining andlike nicer things in the home.Interestingly, Sagittarians willsplurge for the things they want,but Capricorns will buy themonly if they see the value.Cancers will buy most things onsale, with a coupon, or if they arefor someone they care about.Taurus can get stuck in a rut,whereas Aquarians love changeand want things to remain newand exciting. Capricorns likeorder, but Pisceans can live with-out rules and regulations, tend-ing to go with the flow.

How important is feng shui?I do not see feng shui as the

answer to everything, but justone of many ways to create flowand awareness in your life, offer-

ing support to make it easier to do whatyou want and get where you want to go. Itis as important as you want it to be.

Final adviceIn your case, just changing your approach

can break the tension between you andyour mate over your desire for more fengshui touches in the home and may createan opportunity to take a step forward in anew way.

Alice Inoue is a life guide at Alice Inoue LifeGuidance LLC, a company committed toassisting people in living empowered lives.Alice shares her wisdom as a professionalspeaker and personal consultant, and offers aseries of instructional DVDs on feng shui, aswell as her award-winning books on feng shui,happiness and spiritual life wisdom. Visitwww.aliceinspired.com to read her blog, signup for her newsletters and download usefulfeng shui tips.

MARCH 24, 2013 • 13

withAlice Inoue

What Do You Say?Changing your communication approach may go a long way toward winningover your mate and infusing your home with better energy flow

ALICE INOUE MARCH 24 • 2013 13

W ith spring’s arrival, other New Year’s resolutionsmay be a distant memory but the urge toimprove your home can find new life with this

time of year. The transition of seasons is a perfect opportu-nity to refocus on improving yourself and your space.

Repaint and refreshOne of the easiest and quickest ways to refresh the look

of your home is with paint. Repainting any room willinstantly transform it into a showpiece of your style andtaste, while giving you control over the mood of the space.

Keeping up with the latest movement in the world of inte-rior design, Pratt & Lambert Paints recently released its 2013Color Trends Forecast, which juxtaposes dark and light, boldand subdued and bright and pastel. Highlighting the distinctmoods and styles of the everyday and elevating the sensory

experience, each of the four collections showcases how con-trasting colors can form a very balanced design scheme, per-fect for a fresh, balanced start to a new season.

Whether you choose from the Phenomena, Vestiges,Dialects or Curated palette, your renewed room will seethe rich color saturation and lasting quality Pratt & Lambertis known to provide. With the help of a skilled painting con-tractor and the right color selections, in a matter of hours,you can transform any room into a reflection of your per-sonal style and panache.

A different lightYou can easily change a room’s entire aura by adjusting

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Renew yourself and yourhome in three easy steps

how it’s lit. A visit to any home store’s lightingsection will reveal seemingly endless options.

Change out a dull overhead light with anelaborate chandelier for a turn-of-the-centu-ry look. Standing floor lamps are available innearly any finish and style and are perfect fora sitting or living area, while wall sconces cancreate a soft, romantic glow while savingfloor space. If you’re not ready to purchasenew lighting elements, you can easily renewthe look of your space by updating lampshades, painting the bases or simply rear-ranging freestanding lights.

AccessorizeLittle things can make the biggest differ-

ence, and putting finishing touches on aspace will give it personality, making it yourown. Changing or adding decorative rugs,pieces of art, throw pillows and other fur-nishings can completely change the feel of aroom. Experiment with different styles andmaterials throughout the room, but avoidgoing overboard with too many knick-knacks, which can create a cluttered, crowd-ed feel. You can also give your home addi-tional sensory appeal by adding aromaticcandles or stylish oil diffusers, instantly creat-ing a more inviting space.

With a few focused efforts, you can saygoodbye to winter in style, and create a reju-venated home you’ll be proud to show offthroughout the year to come.


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That old chair you love might be com-fortable, but even one piece of furniturewith visibly worn or outdated fabric canruin the look of an entire room.Fortunately, there is an easy way to cre-ate a more on-trend space without hav-ing to say goodbye to old favorites.

• Re-upholster old chair cushions with aplush fabric in a bold new pattern orcolor.

• Re-stain weathered wooden tablesand chairs, or paint them a solid color fora modern, chic look.

• You can even purchase pre-made fullsofa or armchair covers in a wide varietyof styles and fabrics if you are looking foran instant fix.

For the finishing touch, add a few styl-

ish pillows in coordinating colors and anyroom’s furniture will become like new inno time.


Cover your bases

G litzy billboards and showgirls’ out-fits aren’t the only things lighting upLas Vegas. Last week I told you

about my trip to Las Vegas Market, thehome industry’s semiannual cornucopia offurniture, rugs, accents and everything forbeautiful homes.

This week, I want to talk about a funtrend that I adore: mixing sparkle and shine— yes, I mean bling! — with natural ele-ments. Furniture and lighting manufacturersand accessories designers are pairingreclaimed wood and metals with crystals inall shapes and sizes. The mix of the old andorganic with the shiny and new is incrediblyhot and fresh. I’m going to share with yousome of what I saw in Vegas and give youtips on how you can bring this uber-fabu-lous trend into your own home décor.

A very easy way to star t is withreclaimed-wood accent tables that you canfind almost anywhere. Simply pair thesewith crystal table lamps that are also easyto find, and voila! You have the latest look.

If you’ve been reading my column, youknow I love repeating finishes throughout aroom. So take the reclaimed wood ele-ment and repeat in a bookshelf or pictureframe. Take the crystals and repeat them ina mirror or in candlesticks on the table.

Next, furniture. I saw high-end furnituremanufacturers incorporating bling and itcertainly was beautiful. This is a trend andnot something for the faint of heart. If youwant to try your hand at it and you have anaffordable case piece that you don’t mindturning into something fun and trendy—dare I say Bedazzler?! — for a teenager’sroom or boudoir, applying some rhine-stones to the existing hardware can instant-ly update your room and make it look hot.

Another way to create the “wow” factoris to turn your natural element into yourstatement piece by making it shine!Painted or silver-leafed reclaimed pieceslook modern and fun when accented with

a bold stroke of color.Finally, pillows. This one’s easy. Go to a

fabric or craft store and get some mesh-mounted rhinestones. In the picture, thisfabulous pillow looked like it had MarilynMonroe’s bracelet on it. Why not copy thiseffect with a simple, clean-lined pillow witha lush fabric, and add your own bracelet?

Pair it with a furthrow and again, haveorganic-looking re-claimed-wood pieces for a funky, luxuriousspace.

Remember, you can have hot designertrends by looking for things that sparkle. Anddon’t forget to mix in natural elements.

Cathy Lee is president and designer ofCathy Lee Style and Cathy's Marketplace, afurniture and accessories showroom Sherecently opened reStyle Hawaii. To find outmore, go to www.cathyleestyle.com.

Keep the Sparkle AliveThe latest design trends are putting a fresh spin on natural and organic elements in a space by giving them a fresh pop of bling


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Only the strongest solarcompanies will surviveIn recent years, the Hawaii community has witnessed an

unprecedented surge in photovoltaic (PV) companies.However, as business levels off, companies with little-to-no

qualifications are disappearing from the market as quickly asthey came in.

Solar Wave remains one of the few PV companies in thecommunity whose business has continued to produce signifi-cant profits due to its secure business model and break-through technology.

“Most solar companies out there are contractor based, mean-ing they consist mainly of electricians, roofers or other specialistswho happen to do solar as well,” said Wendell Choy, presidentand chief executive offer of Solar Wave. “When sales plummet,they stop solar and go back to what they were doing before.”

Financially, Solar Wave recognizes the importance of hav-ing immediate access to capital and cultivating reserveaccounts. The company is better equipped to handle peri-ods of slow business by relying on recurring income frominvestments in power purchase agreements and commercialsales, which have much less volume fluctuations.

Dedicated to quality serviceConsumers whose chosen PV system

providers are on the verge of shuttingdown may soon be left with solar panelsthat despite still being under warranty haveno support. “At Solar Wave, our numberone priority is ensuring our clients receivethe proper care and maintenance evenlong after we have installed the panels.

“We are not interested in being knownas the company that has the most clients orbiggest accounts. What is important is thatwe do good, solid work for everyone long-term,” said Choy.

Exciting new productsIn February, Solar Wave was invited and accepted to be

an official authorized provider of Sunpower, a highly effi-cient brand of solar panels. Another new product,Exceltech, is a panel-inverter combination. This AC integrat-ed panel possesses an above industry standard watt capac-

ity and allows for significant PV savings. “Most companies have not even considered using com-

parable technology, because helping customers get themost from their panels is not their interest,” said Josh Akaka,residential sales coordinator of Solar Wave. “They are in thebusiness of selling everyone the same standard panel.”

Learn more about Solar Wave by visiting the company’snew design center at the Westridge Shopping Center in Aiea.

MARCH 24, 2013 • 17

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Whether you are looking for flooring,kitchen or bath cabinets, countertops orwindow coverings, Homeowners DesignCenter provides one-stop conveniencewith a large selection of the latest products.

Quality design proves we listenOur company has a specialist in every

department. Consultants have many yearsof experience in their fields and will worktogether to provide you with coordinatingdesigns, quality products and professionalinstallation. We also provide customers withkitchen and bath design services as well asflooring and window covering consultationswith free estimates. Homeowners DesignCenter’s staff can help develop a design thatfits your lifestyle, space and budget.

Choosing the best for our customersOur company’s access to a variety of

products and vendors means we will recom-mend what will work best for you, regardlessof the brand. Our constantly updated sampleand display materials from local and national

vendors means less time in research and lessleg work for your project.

Everything you need in one placeThe National Kitchen and Bath Association

recommends asking for a cabinet that isKCMA-certified, CARB-compliant and has along warranty. Homeowners Design Centerfeatures many cabinet lines that will meetthose guidelines, or exceed them, with life-time warranties and U.S.-made materials.

Whether you prefer the natural variationsof granite, marble or maple butcher block, orthe consistency of Corian, Staron, Silestoneor Zodiaq materials, the company can helpyou choose the perfect countertop.

For the right flooring, choose fromwood, Carpet, Vinyl, Ceramic and naturalstones and Laminates.

If you need window coverings, the compa-ny’s large showroom of displays can help youdecide what would best suit your home.

Peace of mind and highest valueHomeowners Design Center believes in

measuring the value of your investment overthe long term, which has enabled its successfor more than 40 years. High-quality productsare professionally installed and designed tolast, along with worry-free customer service.

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Here’s a great way to savemoney, enhance your homeInvesting in a photovoltaic system for your home is

about more than simply installing panels on yourroof. It’s about quality components that work togeth-

er effectively as a unit. Unlike the stock market, a photo-voltaic (PV) system is an investment that will yield con-sistent returns over the next 20-30 years.

Beyond saving money on electric bills, your decision tobuy a solar system is a smart financial move. Accordingthe National Bureau of Economic Research convertingyour house to solar energy increases the value of yourhome by roughly 3.5 percent. With bank accounts payingless than 1 percent interest, an investment in PV is oneof the best investments you can make.

As with all investments, you trust that the moneyyou’re spending will produce worry free returns far intothe future. When you choose Island Pacific Energy toinstall a photovoltaic system on your home, your savingsare guaranteed. The following is what they mean.

With every residential proposal, Island Pacific Energyanalyzes the unique aspects of your home and producesan energy generation estimate. The estimate takes intoaccount your home's location, the direction it faces, thepitch of your roof and sunlight data from the last 50years. This data is fed into their computer program tocalculate how much energy your system will produce.

Island Pacific Energy is so confident in their calculationsthat they back it with a production guarantee. If the sys-tem does not produce the level of energy promised,Island Pacific Energy will pay the difference. Island PacificEnergy is the only company in Hawaii that will providethis guarantee.

Along with the guaranteed savings, Island PacificEnergy makes it easy to purchase a PV system. The com-pany’s comprehensive proposal shows you how muchyour system will cost as well as multiple financing optionsso you can choose the best way to pay for your system.

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“Garage Organization and Enhancement”is a great way to add to your equity withoutbuying or building a new home. Interestingly,most of us don’t put much thought into ourgarages. In fact, many of us don’t think of ourgarages as an asset.

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Today’s new homesreflect changing mar-ket preferences and

integrate elaborate designsand consumer desires intothe floor plans and con-struction of the homes. Andsuccessful home buildershave the knowledge, organi-zational skills and drive tobuild them.

But what does it reallytake to build a house?

Like a CEO, a homebuilder relies on a numberof workers to get the jobdone right. A home builderguides dozens of skilledartisans and professionals,including carpenters, archi-tects, engineers, plumbers,electricians, painters andlandscapers. The buildermust understand all of thehome’s complex systemsand know enough abouteach contractor’s trade inorder to coordinate thisskilled team to build and sella quality product.

Some home buildersdevelop the land on whichthe homes are built. Theylook at a piece of land todetermine whether it com-plies with zoning regula-tions, local planning laws andenvironmental restrictions,and whether it is suitable fordevelopment. The homebuilder studies the lot’stopography, searching forrock outcroppings, shallowdepth bedrock, shallowgroundwater, natural drain-age sources and dense veg-etation. Once a builderdetermines that a site issuitable for construction, hemust navigate the permit-ting process.

Home builders serve asliaisons with their commu-nities and local government

officials. They research andstudy local building codesto determine what can bebuilt in a given location. Inmost localities, buildingcodes govern building,plumbing, heating and airconditioning, electrical sys-tems and fire safety. Afterstudying the building codes,the builder collects all therequired permits from vari-ous authorities before pro-ceeding with construction.

Once the permits areobtained, the builder willprepare the site and selecthow the home will be situ-ated on it. The homebuilder then oversees the

entire construction process,which includes — but iscertainly not limited to —laying the foundation; erect-ing the framing, roofing andsiding; building the walls; andinstalling the plumbing,heating and electrical work.

A home builder acts asan inspector. The local build-ing department will inspectthe construction site forcode violations throughoutthe home’s construction.But a professional homebuilder will make certainthe home meets both codeand warranty guidelineslong before and after theofficials show up. Once the

house is finished, the builderinforms the appropriatemunicipal departments thatit is ready for final inspec-tion and the approval thatthe home is safe for its newowners to move in.

All in all, home buildersmust wear many hats inorder to deliver a homewhere the owners can hangtheir own hats, raise a familyand build lifelong memories.

To learn more about thehome building process, con-tact BIA-Hawaii at [email protected].

Karen Nakamura is theCEO of BIA-Hawaii.

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BY MICHELLE LEE

A s Hawaii’s middle-aged and older populationincreases, members of the community are taking amore proactive approach to ensure a longer and

safer future. Safe mobility during advanced years, particularly within

the home, is a source of great concern for many residents.The common act of getting in and out of the bathtub hasat times led to various injuries from broken bones to paral-ysis of the limbs.

In an effort to protect homeowners, Island Bath Worksoffers bathtub conversion, an innovation service, whichremoves a portion of the bathtub side creating a seamlessopening. This function allows users to enter and leave thebathtub easily and safely.

As the only business on the islands to offer bathtub con-version, Island Bath Works has become particularly well-known within the older communities as residents preparefor old age. Kenneth Kuniyoshi, who lives in Mililani with hiswife Arlene, recently took preventative measures against apotential accident and installed a walk-through bathtubwith the company.

“I am looking forward to my old age and realized thatclimbing over the bathtub would eventually become aproblem for me,” said Kuniyoshi. To remedy his concern,Kuniyoshi called Eric Thompson, owner and field operator

of Island Bath Works, to schedule a bathtub conversion.“I was surprised how seamless and beautiful the bathtub

came out,” said Kuniyoshi. “It looked like it was a custom-madejob.”

Bathtub conversions can be easy to install and inexpensive

Island Bath Works aims to complete each job as efficient-ly as possible with minimal interference to the homeown-er’s personal lives. Because the conversion consists of con-verting the existing bathtub, major reconstruction or dem-olition of the bathroom is not necessary. The entire processtypically requires only one day to install, and customers maystart using their new bathtubs the next day.

Residents have the freedom to choose where to placethe bathtub entryway for any desired size up to three feet.The conversion can be done on any type of bathtubwhether it is made from fiberglass, cast iron or steel. “Weuse an acrylic polymer material, which is stronger than mostbathtub materials,” said Thompson.

Those who may be weary of moving forward with bathtubconversion due to price concerns can take comfort in knowingthat the process is substantially more inexpensive than mostalternative options. “Before knowing about Island Bath Works, Ilooked into removing and replacing my bathtub entirely,” saidKuniyoshi. “The estimates I received were extremely expensive,significantly more than Island Bath Works.”

“While most other companies will quote you anywherebetween $12,000 to $15,000 to install a walk-in shower orsit-in bathtub, our services achieve the same result with ahigh-quality finish for approximately 80 percent less,” saidThompson.

Furthermore, Island Bath Works ensures the durability ofall its products with a lifetime warranty on all labor andmaterials as well as a five-year warranty on any refinishing.


ISLAND BATH WORKS22 MARCH 24 • 2013

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

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BY DEBBIE ZIMMER

Sooner or later, we all tire of the cabinets in ourkitchens and baths. Maybe styles have changed, orpossibly, our own taste. Or, maybe, our cabinets just

look worn from the strenuous demands of everyday use.Replacing the cabinets is always an option. But, with

money so tight, that’s not in the cards for everyone. Anddoes it really make sense to replace the cabinets withoutreplacing the countertops, upgrading the appliances, orinstalling a new floor?

Rather than wrestle with this remodeling “domino effect,”you can change the appearance of your cabinets by simplypainting them. It’s a lot faster than remodeling, it’s easy andsince it involves little cost, it’s the right move in the currenteconomy.

Like so many painting projects, surface preparation isimportant when painting cabinetry. Start by removing thecabinet doors — this will spare you a lot of stretching,stooping and bending during the course of the project.

Regardless of whether your cabinets are made of woodor metal, sand them carefully to remove any loose stain orpaint. If the cabinets have a glossy finish, sand all the sur-faces you’ll be painting so that your new paint will adherewell. Then dust off the surfaces or wipe them with a dampcloth.

If any bare wood or metal is exposed — either due tothe sanding or from ordinary wear and tear — apply a qual-ity latex primer to the entire cabinet. Be sure to use a cor-rosion-resistant primer if your cabinets are metal.

When the primer dries, paint the cabinets with a durable,top-quality 100 percent acrylic latex paint, preferably in agloss or semi-gloss finish. Paints with higher gloss are morestain-resistant and are easier to clean, which are importantconsiderations in kitchens and bathrooms.

If your cabinets are subject to excessive wear and tear,consider using a high quality latex gloss enamel rather thanpaint. It produces an even harder, tougher, more stain-resis-tant finish.

No matter which top quality coating you use, you’ll be

pleased with the results of your painting project. And, if you everwant to change the color again, you’ll know just what to do!

Debbie Zimmer is Paint Quality Institute’s paint and colortrends expert. This article is courtesy of Home ImprovementNews and Information Center.

MARCH 24, 2013 • 23

MARCH 24 • 2013 23

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‘Doing it right’ when it comesto replacing windows, sidingTropical Wholesale (Tropical), a locally owned family

business, has been replacing siding and windows inHawaii for 30-plus years. Tropical is the expert at

“doing it right.” Owner Matthew Houar realized many years ago that the

most important thing local customers want is an honest jobdone right and a fair price with a company that will be herein 10 years to back up the warranty. This is why Costco andSam’s Club both have Tropical as their Hawaii siding, win-dow and door contractor.

Finding an honest contractor who does the job well isnot easy when you don’t know who to ask. Recently, therehave been more break-ins than ever, and our our homesare getting older and parts are harder to find to repair jeal-ousies. Homeowners are repairing their windows, doorsand homes more than ever before.

So who should homeowners call? This has been a difficultquestion to answer, since Oahu has seen a number ofMainland companies relocate to Hawaii to start window,door and siding businesses because of the bad economy onthe Mainland. How do homeowners know what’s good,what’s bad and who will be here in 10 years? What’s moreconfusing is the new Mainland companies that have intro-duced a lot of clever advertising tricks and sales techniques.

Luckily, most akamai Hawaii consumers realize if the dealis too good to be true ... but some actually don’t.

Here are some tips on how to avoid the gimmicks ofpurchasing siding, windows and doors:

• Nothing is for free! The reason for this is that every com-pany needs to make a profit. If it does not, the company willnot be in business for a long time.

• If a salesperson tells you he or she is not making a com-mission, or that the company is not making money on yourjob, it simply is not true. They are salespeople because theymake a commission. No one works for free. A commonphrase is, “I have 24 years of experience.” Is that experiencein sales or construction? And is it in Hawaii or the Mainland?They are all completely different.

• Not all products are the same: this includes warranties,quality of manufacturing, materials used and, of course,installation techniques. Make sure to call manufacturers andconfirm stated warranties. Almost every manufacturervoids Hawaii, Guam, Alaska, five miles from the ocean andhardware due to salt air conditions. If the factory won’t

warrant the product in Hawaii, the only warranty you’ll getis the installing company’s warranty. In 38 years in Hawaii,Tropical has found that the average company lasts five yearsor less in the industry.

• Beware of the validity of claims such as “self-cleaningglass,” rebates for your old windows and windows beingmanufactured especially for Hawaii. These could be gim-micks to get people who are interested in a product torespond and call the company. Remember, just like mostpeople will tell you, there is “no free lunch.”

So if you want the job done right at a fair price, go localand trust Tropical, a company with 38 years of experiencein installing windows and doors in Hawaii with thousands oflocal customers. Also, if you are a Costco or Sam’s Clubmember, call the company for club member prices.


TROPICAL WHOLESALE24 MARCH 24 • 2013

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able impression on visitors.This is exactly what homesellers want when they puttheir house on the market.

The concept of ambientfragrancing started to trick-le into the real estate mar-ket years ago. Savvy realestate agents advised sell-ers to bake cookies or cin-namon rolls in the homesthey were showing to cre-ate a comforting, deliciouslyscented atmosphere meantto entice buyers.

The essential oils used in

the practice of aromathera-py offer a more practicaland potent way to usescent marketing to movebuyers to feel good about aproperty. Tiny amounts offamiliar, tempting aromaslike cinnamon, clove, vanillaand orange, can fill a wholehouse with pleasant ambi-ent fragrance. An addedbonus is that essential oilsare all-natural and distilledfrom plants. They are lesslikely to elicit the kind ofadverse reactions that harshsynthetic fragrances do.

Aromatherapy expertTom Havran has several

ideas to help you sell yourhome. He crafts blends forAura Cacia, purveyor of100 percent pure and nat-ural essential oils and aro-matherapy products. Apassionate expert on theproperties of essential oils,he has been crafting essen-tial oil blends for 15 years.

His suggestion is an easyand sleek way to create awarm, comforting atmos-phere that can help putpotential property buyersat ease. Havran recom-mends using vanilla essen-tial oil blended with jojoba.Here are the ingredients

for Vanilla amber aromacrystals:

• 1 cup coarse-grained,chunky sea salt• 1 teaspoon jojoba orgrapeseed oil (just enoughto make the salts glistenand gleam)• 25 drops vanilla preciousessential oil• 10 drops lavender essen-tial oil• 10 drops sweet orangeessential oil

Directions: Mix salt andoils, pour into a decorativedish or bowl and set outon a table. Placing the crys-tals in a warm sunny win-dow or near a heat registerwill help diffuse the deli-cious aroma throughoutthe room. Stir in additionalessential oils to boost thescent as needed.

Essential oils are con-centrated, so a little goes along way. An initial invest-ment in a small 1/2-ouncebottle of oil will provideyou with enough applica-tions to conduct dozens ofopen houses. Learn moreat www.auracacia.com.

This article is courtesy ofBrandpoint.

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Bathroom upgradesthat boost livability Staying safely in their own home as

they grow older is a major concernfor many Americans. In a 2012 sur-

vey by AARP, 70 percent of surveyedmembers said they were “extremely orvery concerned about aging in place.” Evenif you maintain an active lifestyle and goodhealth, growing older often requires you tomanage changes in mobility, vision andaccessibility.

The bathroom is both one of the mostimportant and riskiest rooms in thehouse for people aging in place. TheCenters for Disease Control andPrevention says falling in the bathroomcan be particularly harmful for older peo-ple, and encourages homeowners to takesteps to reduce the risk of falling in thebathroom. If you plan to live independ-ently at home for as long as possible,making a few simple changes in the bath-room can help you do so more comfort-ably and safely.

Here are a handful of cost-effectivechanges that can help facilitate aging inplace.

Raise fixturesIncreasing the height of key fixtures such

as the toilet and sink can provide greatercomfort and ease of use for people withmobility challenges. Replacing a standard-height toilet with one 16 to 17 inches highis an easy, affordable task. While most stan-dard toilets are 14 or 15 inches tall, theextra two to three inches of height canmake a big difference for anyone withmobility issues. The Champion 4 RightHeight toilet from American Standard pro-vides a comfortable 16 1/2-inch ADA-compliant height, plus powerful, clog-freeflushing performance.

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difficult to manage for people with arthritisor decreased flexibility of the hands. Lever-style faucets are a good option for con-venient ease of use. Single-handle stylesare another easy to operate alternative.For single handle sink and shower faucets,be sure to ask for styles that have a hotlimit safety stop to restrict how far thehandle can be pushed toward the hot side.

For the shower, a thermostatic mixingvalve that allows the temperature to bepreselected to avoid scalding is anothercritical feature.

Secure your bathing environment To minimize the risk of falls, install grab

bars in showers, above tubs and aroundthe toilet to help provide stability. Consider


26 MARCH 24 • 2013

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a walk-in tub or shower to enhance safety, oradd a seat to shower enclosures. TheAmerican Standard Walk-in Bathtub offersaccessible, and enjoyable, bathing with abuilt-in comfort seat and deep soakingdimensions. In the main part of the bath-room, remove area rugs that may pose atripping hazard. Consider replacing slick sur-faces like smooth ceramic tile with slip-resis-tant flooring that provides a gripping texture,such as textured vinyl or tile.

Look at lightingVision changes are a reality of aging for

most people. Bathroom lighting should pro-vide ample illumination while minimizingglare and shadows that can hinder depthperception. Invest in both overhead lightingand task lighting in areas where you groom.Waterproof lighting over showers and bathtubs can enhance visibility and safety whenclimbing in or out of bathing areas. Naturallight can also boost safety and mood.Consider installing a skylight (tubular sky-lights can bring natural light to lower levelbathrooms) or replacing traditional windowpanes with options that provide privacywithout blocking light, such as glass blocks orfrosted glass.

Transforming your bathroom into a safehaven with stylish, accessible design solutionscan help support changing needs as you age.


BY JACKIE M. YOUNG

If you want a reputable company that’scommitted to doing all its own work— not outsourcing work to others —

and is locally owned and operated, go toRon D Electrical Service LLC in Waipahu.

“I remember our humble beginnings,”recalled owner Ron D., “when it was justmyself and two other electricians workingout of my house in 2006, then growing to25 workers in 2010 but then needing tocutback to 15 during this recession.

“I understand growing pains and havingto budget, and I just want to treat cus-tomers fairly and honestly. That’s mypledge. And I want to be responsive totheir needs.”

Ron’s company is well-known for suchlarge, commercial projects as new lighting,wiring, underground service and fire alarmsfor the Hard Rock Cafe at Waikiki BeachWalk, Diagnostic Labs in Halawa, the Boys

and Girls Club in Nanakuli, the new St.Francis Intergenerational Center in Ewa,the new Foodland in Kapolei and LongsDrugs in Mililani Mauka, as well as on Maui.

But Ron also enjoys helping residentialcustomers with their house re-wiring andupgrades, meters, underground serviceand, of course, solar. “People have to think

whether it’s better to invest in re-wiringtheir house, or to risk a possible fire due tooverloads.

“In the old days, a house’s load wasdesigned for 70 to 100 amps; now, espe-cially if you have solar, it should be wired for100 to 200 amps. If you keep adding loadsto your home (such as solar), the wiring

might burn before your circuit breaker willtrip, possibly causing a fire. Your breaker isoutdated if it’s being tripped constantly.”

Also, many residents don’t realize that aqualified electrician has to be contracted todo the wiring for all solar installations; itcan’t be left to just anyone. And, with therecently increased tax incentives and all theconcurrent benefits (excellent return oninvestment, immediate electricity savings,protection against future electricity costs,being energy-independent, reducing yourcarbon footprint and conserving naturalresources, and increasing your home’svalue), there’s no longer any good reasonnot to install a solar system.

As 1st Class Solar, Ron D. and his expertelectricians will help you through your solarproject from start to finish, including all thenecessary applications and permitting. Andthrough the month of April, the price could-n’t be sweeter — at only $950 a panel!

So for all of your electrical contracting orsolar needs, call Ron D Electrical ServiceLLC at 744-9255 Monday through Friday, 7a.m.-3:30 p.m. Or you can email [email protected] or [email protected].

RON D ELECTRICAL SERVICE LLCBACK PAGE STORY28 MARCH 24 • 2013

RON D ELECTRICALSERVICE LLC

contact // 744-9255 email // [email protected]• [email protected]


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