hawaii renovation mar 11 2012

AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC.

MARCH 11, 2012

HAWAIIRENOVATION.STARADVERTISER.COM

ADDING A SPARE BATH IS EASIER THAN YOU THINK. See page 17

HAW

AII

AN EDITION OF

INSIDE:

The concrete-remasteringexperts at Lokahi Concrete

are transforming garage floors with Roll on Rock®

polyurea topcoats.| See page 3

Photovoltaic

Scan Here

Is your cellphonecharging nearby whenyou sleep? Is your elec-

trical or digital clock closeto your bed? Is the locationof your bedroom near yourwireless router, or is yourcomputer in your bed-room and on 24/7?

If so, no matter howoptimally your furniture isplaced, or how elementallybalanced your feng shui is,you have not consideredan important environmen-tal factor that can adverse-ly affect you — EMFs, orelectromagnetic fields.

What are EMFs?

EMFs are physical fields

produced by moving elec-trically charged particles.EMFs are a combinationof electrical fields andmagnetic fields. You willfind these fields in yourhouse wiring, televisions,radios, cell phones, hairdryers, microwaves andeven digital and electricclocks.

Because of the prolifer-ation of electronics inrecent years, EMFs of var-ious frequencies fill ourhomes, workplaces andpublic spaces. They areconsidered by many to beharmful to our bodies, andalmost every new inven-tion adds to the electro-

magnetic pollution thatalready exists.

Why do we want to

avoid them?

For more than 40 years,electrobiologists havestudied the effects of EMFexposure on the humanbody. Although we areelectrical beings, and ourbodies are made up of var-ious electromagnetic fre-quencies, the externalEMFs are far from beingharmonious with the fre-quencies in our bodies.

Although earth’s elec-tromagnetic field is benefi-cial to our body and sup-ports optimal functioning,

most of us do not get out-doors enough to counterbalance the constant expo-sure we have to other elec-tromagnetic frequencies.

How much is too

much?

Virtually all scientistsagree that 2.5 Mg (milli-gauss) is the generallyaccepted limit of EMFexposure. To give you anidea of what that means,an electric clock gener-ates an electromagneticfield of about 5 to 10 Mg, andthe average hair dryer orvacuum cleaner generates300 Mg or more. If youhave ever experiencedfatigue after a long sessionon the computer or had asensation of heat orbuzzing in your ear afterusing your cell phone, youmay have experiencedstrong EMF exposure.

Our bodies are sensitiveto high external EMFemissions. Our skin, DNA,blood vessels, vital organsand even our cell mem-branes are affected. Plus,the effect of exposure iscumulative, so the sooneryou can reduce yourexposure the better.

Tips to reduce your

EMF exposure:

• If a television, refrigera-tor, computer or officeequipment is on the otherside of the bedroom wallbehind your head, consid-er moving your bed, asEMFs penetrate all build-

ing materials.

• Place electrical equip-ment as far away fromyour bed as possible, espe-cially cell phones andcomputers. The furtheraway you are from theitem, the less impact it hason your body.

• Switch to a wind upclock or use a batteryoperated one.

• Turn your television offmanually, instead of withthe remote.

Free Seminar• How and Where to Start • Find a Reputable Builder • Financing Options • Design for Comfort & Savings

• Accessible & Multigeneration Living

Wed. March 286– 8 pm

Honolulu Country Club

Call: 593-2808or register online at:

www.grahambuilders.com

BC-16446

808-531-2554 (ALLG) • [email protected] • www.allgelectric.com

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Beautiful and Sustainable Flooring Could be just Beneath Your Feet

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Durable

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LOKAHI C NCRETE& EPOXY SURFACES

KAKAAKO SHOWROOM518 Kamani Street Honolulu, HI 96813

License: BC-24650 www.lokahisurfaces.com

2 | HAWAII RENOVATION | MARCH 11, 2012 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

HAWAIIRENOVATION

SEE PAGE 16

STAYING CLEAR OF

ELECTROMAGNETICFIELDS

MARCH 11, 2012 | HAWAII RENOVATION | 3

If you have a dull andhard-to-clean con-crete surface in your

garage or workspace,Lokahi’s Roll On Rock®will transform your dulland dreary concretefloor into a stunning,seamless masterpiece that willoutshine other comparable sys-tems for years. When incorpo-rating the extreme glosspolyurea topcoat into your fin-ish, rest assured that you aregetting the absolute best-look-ing clear topcoat available inthe country. Our polyurea top-coat has an incredible glosswhile providing extreme chem-ical and abrasion resistance,which is why it will continue toshine when others start to fade.

In 1999, Roll On Rock® revo-lutionized the garage floor coat-ing industry by introducing atwo-step flake system when allother systems were four ormore steps. This was accom-

plished by creating a propri-etary epoxy that “wicks” deepinto the concrete, creating abond that is three timesstronger than ordinary epoxy orpoliaspartic systems over con-crete. In fact, this revolutionarysystem will withstand at least 8pounds of MVE (MoistureVapor Emission) pressure,while others fail at 3 pounds.

Additionally, all our cleartopcoats will not yellow fromsun exposure, and most areunder 10 VOC (volatile organiccompounds), making it safer forthe planet’s ozone. And whenwe say our clear topcoats are“hot tire resistant,” we mean it.They will not yellow, darken,

stain or lift from hot tires. Youcan expect to easily wipe upany tire marks for years tocome. When other products saythey are “hot tire resistant,”they mean it won’t peel. WithRoll on Rock®, it’s as if your carwas never parked in the garage!

Here are the perks of Roll OnRock®:

• Unique wicking technology

• Hot tire resistant

• Chemical resistant

• Ultra Low VOC

• Non-flammable options

• Low-odor options

• Tough and durable

• Elegant and easy to clean

• No more concrete dusting

• Use indoors or outdoors

• Solid colors available

• Compliments any decor

• High MVE resistance

• Non yellowing

New advances in our tech-nology allow Roll on Rock® tobe installed in one day. In2009, we introduced an addi-tive that reduces the long dry-ing time to only three hours.Now you can get the same one-day install results of a poluas-partic, but with three timesbetter adhesion to bare con-crete. We continue to revolu-tionize the way garage floorsare coated.

HAWAIIRENOVATIONCOVER

LOKAHICONCRETEREMODELERS

CONTACT: 596-8833

• www.lokahisurfaces.com

BEFORE AFTER

“Buildingto your

lifestyle”

FREE SEMINARS

Appointments for free estimates on projects,call our main office at 808-841-1800

THURSDAY, MARCH 15TH

AT PEARL COUNTRY CLUB FROM 6PM TO 8PM

FRIDAY, MARCH 16TH

AT WARD WAREHOUSEFROM 6PM TO 8PM

FOR SEMINAR RESERVATIONS,CONTACT US

808-753-5643

Learn the building process from start to finish.FREE consultation and onsite property evaluation.

Multi-Family, Tear Down/Rebuild, New Home, Additions, Renovations,

Kitchen & Baths.

License: #ABC25837ACCREDITED

BUSINESS

www.hkchawaii.comOver 35 Years of Experience

10 x 10 SpecialOnly $1999 +tax

Ph: 853-2088 • Fax: 853-2058500 Alakawa St.#106, Hon., HI 96817 / Mon-Sat 8am - 5:30pm • Sun. Closed

(Downtown - behind Costco Gas Station)

Website: cccabinetsgranite.com

NewFinish

Cabinets Just

Arrived!

By Sarah Pacheco

Are you planningon adding somespice to your

kitchen and aren’t surewhere to begin? No mat-ter your budget, large orsmall, you can create astylish and functionalenvironment with com-plementary combinationsof hardwood cabinets andgranite counters.

And the C&C CabinetsGranite showroom is agreat place to start.

Known for being a one-stop shop with high-qualityproducts and low prices,C&C Cabinets Graniteoffers finely crafted mapleand cherry wood cabinets,shelves and drawers in avariety of classic designs aswell as a selection of beau-tiful granite surfaces.

All cabinets are preci-sion-designed by our staffof in-house designers andcraftsmen. For customerswho wish to display theirglassware or dinnerware,you can order cabinet

doors with glass insets, orselect from our high-quali-ty handles, pulls and run-ners to add your own spinto your kitchen project.Most importantly, no parti-cle board or other synthet-ic materials are ever usedin the fabrication of ourcabinet doors, shelves anddrawers, ensuring you willget the best deal for yourdollar.

Speaking of deals, onewe currently offer is theC&C Special Sale, in whichwe will outfit any 10-by-10-foot kitchen with any styleof cabinet and selectedgranite for $1,999 (plustax). If the space you aredesigning isn’t precisely 10by 10 feet, our C&C salesassociates will quote you aspecial price, includingdesign, at no extra charge.

C&C Cabinets Granitecan handle the deliveryand installation of yourpurchased cabinets andcountertops for an addi-tional charge. The compa-ny also can give cus-tomers a quote on otherhome remodeling proj-ects, including carpentry,painting, windows anddoors, if you don’talready have a builder.Call ahead or stop by

our Honolulu showroom,where sales associates areon hand to create a prelim-inary three-dimensionaldesign of your cabinet andcounter layout on the com-puter. Once you’ve ap-proved the quoted price,the associate will meetwith you at the job site towork out a detailed plan.

The C&C Cabinets Gra-nite showroom, located at500 Alakawa St., is openfrom 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.Monday through Saturdayand closed on Sunday. Formore information, call 853-2088 or visit http://cccabinetsgranite.com.

StarAdvertiser.com


HAWAIIRENOVATION

SPICING UP

C&CCABINETSGRANITE

ADDRESS: 500 Alakawa St.

CONTACT: 853-2088

cccabinetsgranite.com

Nathalie Walker photos

BY KAREN NAKAMURA

This is the third in athree-part series.

The barriers that wecovered last weekimpact the square-

foot cost of land only. Thatplot of land upon whichyour home sits includes allthe project costs. Theseextractions are called“impact fees” and theydrive up the lot cost. Weare now paying around$65,000 to $100,000 per5,000-square-foot lot. Isthere a better way? Is therethe will to change thisprocess? We are becominga community of haves andhave nots.

Today we’ll talk aboutthe barriers that drive the

cost of building homes onprepared lots:

• Building codes. Buildingcodes are mandates thatdrive up the cost of con-struction. This is a vehiclethat can make it impossi-ble for selective sectors ofour population to be ableto afford a home.

• Cost of labor. The pre-vailing wages, plus FICA,SUTA, FUTA, TDI, med-ical and vacation benefitsdrive the average cost perman hour to between $50and $77 per hour.

• Cost of goods. Our costof materials is the highestin the nation. The RiderLevett Bucknall MaterialsPrice Index tracks the

cost of lumber, structuralblock, sand/gravel, ce-ment, concrete ready-mix, iron and steel andgypsum wall board in thenation’s 12 largest cities.Hawaii ranks at the topwith New York and SanFrancisco.

Building codes, laborand materials are the costdrivers of construction.The cost of residentialconstruction ranges from$200 to $500 per squarefoot, according to RiderLevett Bucknall’s Con-struction Cost Index.

Building codes are theminimum standards forproviding safe and afford-able shelter. In 2007, ourstate created a StateBuilding Codes Councilto develop a State

Building Code. The intentis to standardize howbuildings are constructedthroughout the state. Theone-code goal makes iteasier for architects, engi-neers and contractors tobuild on any island. Thecost impact to the owneris an unintended conse-quence and major barrierto home ownership.

Cost of labor is a majorbarrier. Why is our under-ground economy in con-struction so high if we areproviding competitivelabor costs? Why are thereso many constructionworkers not working?Have we surpassed thethreshold of what the mar-ket can afford? Do we waitfor the economy to turnaround or do we move to

where there is work? Weexperienced an exodus ofskilled labor in the 1990sand lost an entire genera-tion of contractors andentrepreneurs.

Cost of building materi-als will always be highbecause we import every-thing. This is the statusquo and how it has beensince we were shippingout pineapple and sugar.

Unless we, the silentmajority, care enough toengage in the process, wewill continue to be vic-tims of our complacencyand see housing afford-ability out of reach forour middle class.

Karen Nakamura is exec-utive vice president/CEO ofthe Building Industry Asso-ciation of Hawaii.

SECURITYDOOR SALE

94-480 Akoki Street #4 • Waipahu, HI 96797671-0808 • 383-7233 • www.windows-hawaii.com

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

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Patented Uniclic® Technology for Fast, Adhesive-Free Installation


Metroflor’s new in-terlocking floorproduct, Engage,

is the perfect floor if youare looking for durabilityin either your home orbusiness. Engage isbacked by a 25-year resi-dential and a five-yearcommercial warranty.This Luxury Vinyl Tileproduct is installed free-

floating and clicks togeth-er with the industry’s bestlocking system, Uniclic.Because Engage does notrequire adhesives, thefloor is ready to be usedas soon as it is installed. Italso eliminates any poten-tial VOCs or off-gassing,making it a sound recom-mendation for spaceswith indoor air quality

issues. Because Engage isa vinyl product, it is mois-ture-resistant from thetop down, making it asuitable option for thekitchen or bathrooms.

Here are a few reasonsto go with Engage:

• Engage Essential plankscome in a 7 1/2-inch-by-471/2-inch plank size with

various color options.

• Engage is a great optionfor homeowners lookingfor a quality DIY (do ityourself) type product.Metroflor is the world’slargest LVT manufactur-er and with Engage, ithas introduced anotherinnovative product tothe largely popular cate-gory.

Other products manu-factured by Metroflorinclude Hybrid andKonecto. For more infor-mation on Metroflor,please go to our websiteat www.metroflorlvt.com.

Find the answer to yourneeds with Metroflor’sEngage at all Wayne’slocations in Kaimuki,Kaneohe and Sand Island.You can also visit TheCarpet Outlet in Salt Lakeor other flooring outletsthroughout Hawaii.

Reasons to choose

LVT flooring

Homeowners interest-ed in renovating theirflooring may be wonder-

ing what the big deal iswith LVT (Luxury VinylTile.) Here are a few ben-efits you get with LVTflooring:

• Durability: Vinyl floorsare easy to maintain andcare for. This is especial-ly true for people who

have kids or pets.

• Moisture resistance:LVT is more resistant towater than hardwood andlaminate type products.

• Softer underfoot: LVT issofter on your feet andbody.

HAWAIIRENOVATION

Locking in the floor of your dreams

WAYNE’SFLOORINGAMERICA

ADDRESS: 3025 WAIALAE AVE.CONTACT: 735-3005

• waynesflooringhawaii.com

Ph: 356-1889 or 356-1893��www.honsador.com

Featuring our “slow close” full extension drawer hardware, standard.

Solid Walnut Hardwood Face Frames and Doors Prefinished Hardwood Plywood interiors 3/4” Plywood shelving Durable furniture finish

with “Quality Touch”

A special addition to our early King’s Collection (Oak) and Queen’s Collection (Birch) cabinet products. “Kamalani” features beautiful genuine Walnut Hardwood, Face Frames and Doors.

Simonton Windows & DoorsRated #1 by

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REFRIGERATORS • RANGES • OVENS • DISHWASHERS • LAUNDRY • OUTDOOR GRILLS • and More


HAWAIIRENOVATION

Grass is an extraor-dinary plant, theunsung hero of

backyards everywhere.With proper care and feed-ing, grass can help cleanthe air, cool the ground,

reduce erosion and pro-vide one of the softest out-door play surfaces. Withall of these amazing bene-fits, it pays to give grass aboost.

Even if your grass isn’t in

the best condition, gettingit back on the road torecovery is easy.

Increased precipitationis perfect for repairing,seeding and feeding grass.Well-nourished grass

withstands harsh condi-tions better and provides alush, durable place to play.Follow these tips to makeyour grass terrific:

Seed

Fill in bare or thin spotswith grass seed to encour-age a thick lawn, helpingto prevent weeds frominvading your lawn byblocking access to sun-light. Use a high-qualityseed, and to repair largerareas, use Scotts TurfBuilder Grass Seed withWaterSmart coating.

Feed

Grass needs nutrients togrow strong, deep rootsthat can endure harsh con-ditions and grow in thickto help block sunlight. Ifthe lawn does not needreseeding, use a high-qual-ity lawn food like ScottsTurf Builder. This lawn

food can be used in anyseason on any grass typeand delivers balancednutrients for strong, thickgrass. Use a starter fertiliz-er when planting newgrass for root growth andseedling development.

When seeding or feed-ing, use Scotts DLXEdgeGuard BroadcastSpreader for larger areas todirect lawn food onlywhere desired.

Mow

Set your mower at thehighest setting and leavegrass clippings on thelawn. Mow frequently toavoid removing morethan one third of the grassheight, and do so whengrass is dry, to avoiddamp clumps that couldsmother grass. Leavingclippings recycles nutri-ents stored in them, keep-ing the soil cooler,

encouraging deeper rootgrowth and enriching thesoil with organic material.

Water

Grass that is fed andkept at taller heightsdevelops deep rootswhich are better able toconserve water and with-stand periods of heat anddrought. Rely on rainfallas the primary source ofwater. During periods ofdrought, the lawn can gowithout water for anextended time. Eventhough the lawn may lookbrown and wilted, it willrecuperate after the rainreturns. If you choose toirrigate the lawn, waterless frequently for alonger period of timerather than short frequentwaterings.

For more information,visit www.scotts.com.

Giving grass a

fresh start

For most people, remodel-ing a kitchen includes acomplete change of cabi-

nets and countertops, maybeeven appliances. If your cabi-nets are still in good conditionbut you want to improve yourkitchen in some way, replacing

your old countertop with onemade of granite is a greatchoice. It is a good investmentand will definitely change theatmosphere.

Granite has high tolerance tocold and heat. You can safelyplace hot metal pans from your

oven directly on the gran-ite top without the needfor a hot pad. Although,you will have to be wary ofplacing hot glass or ceram-ic dishes on it as they maycrack if the countertop istoo cold. This happensbecause of the differencein temperature and it iscalled thermal shock.

As for cold items, you donot need to worry aboutcondensation that maymake your granite counter-

top have a dark spot if not prop-erly sealed. Any condensationthat may happen in the stonewill fade away in an hour.

Granite countertops may beused as a cutting board too.Because the hardness of graniteis greater than steel, you do notneed to worry about kitchenknives scratching your granitesurface. It is not recommended,however, to always cut on your

granite countertop as it willactually make your knife dullover time.

Another way to add to yourkitchen or other rooms is tocreate a standalone island withcabinets as the base. It will be agreat place to sit, eat, work,study or hang out.

Along with brand new cabi-nets and countertops, there areother ways to make your

kitchen more functional andlast longer. Pull-out drawers area great add-on for existingkitchen cabinets. With metalball-bearing tracks and solidwood dovetail drawers, you willnever again need to worry abouthard-to-reach items in the back.

Call Da Wing Trading LLCat 847-3288 or visit www.dawingtrading.com for moreinformation.

FREE GRANITEWhen you buya set of KitchenCabinets

Exp. 3/31/12

Maple Shaker Cabinets$39.99/Linear Ft.Some exclusions apply, price varieswith pantry, drawer base and cornercabinets. Promotions not valid withfree granite promo. Accessories soldseparately. All sales final no refundsor returns.

Lic# C-30215

Email: [email protected]

www.ohanabuildingsupply.com

2815 Kaihikapu StreetHonolulu, HI 96819

Ph: 808.833.8338Fax: 808.833.8339

On select colors, While supplies

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HAWAIIRENOVATION


jazz up your Little touches to

kitchenCONTACT: 847-3288

• www.dawingtrading.com

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HI-POWER SOLAR

MURAKAMI’S ROOFINGFull Service Residential Roofing Contractor

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737-7766 FREE In-Home Consultation & Estimate

Custom Homes • AdditionsRemodeling • Kitchen • Bath

Full Construction Servicestownandcountrybuildersllc.comBC-11768 • Bonded • Insured

FREE In-Home Consultation & Estimate


Town & Country BuildersLLC is a licensed generalcontracting design build

firm that has been serving Oahuresidents for the past 32 years. Thecompany specializes in new andcustom homes, remodels, secondstory additions, designer kitchens,bathrooms, Americans with Dis-abilities Act (ADA) modifications/improvements as well as multigen-erational homes, and offers fullconstruction services.

Home improvement 101

So, it’s springtime and you havebeen diagnosed with “builder’sfever” and your temperature hasrisen to 101 degrees. You have beendreaming about building a newhome, adding a much-needed addi-tion or remodeling for some time

now and are ready to move thedream from the clouds into reality.Not so fast! Where do you begin?What are the ins and outs of how toget the project rolling on a fasttrack without sputtering with startsand stops. Do you know what youreally want the finished project tolook like? How about the financing?Do you have a ballpark estimate ofwhat it will cost to build it? Priceshave changed dramatically over theyears and this has to be factoredinto the equation. Have you formeda timeline for completion? Is there acommunity association involvedand building design guidelines,which will affect your homeimprovement ideas?

Contractor confessions

It’s important to know what you

want before contacting a buildingprofessional and before designingwork begins. Too many changeswill slow down the process, andchanges after the plans have beensubmitted to the City and CountyDepartment of Planning andPermitting can become a night-mare. The company’s advice as abuilding contractor is to completesome intelligent planning beforethe process begins to have a suc-cessful project. Upon project com-pletion, your temperature recedesto normal.

Bargain offer

If you are a moderate- to low-income family and would like torepair or fix up your home, then askabout a City and County loansource with interest rates from 0 to2 percent for a fixed term of 20years. Monthly payments are as lowas $50 per month. Repairs includenew roof covering, painting,cracked driveways, kitchen andbathroom replacement, solar andphotovoltaic systems, floor cover-ing, electric re-wire and plumbingpipe replacement, just to name afew.

You can reach Town & CountryBuilders by calling 737-7766 or vis-iting www.townandcountrybuildersllc.com for a free in-home consul-tation. Town & Country Builders isa certified remodeler and recog-nized Builder for Excellence.

HAWAIIRENOVATION

TOWN&COUNTRYBUILDERS

CONTACT: 737-7766

• www.townandcountrybuildersllc.com

When you’ve got a case of “builder’s fever”

New Homes • Additions • Renovations • CommercialResidential, Kitchen, Bath & Remodeling

Cabinetry & Woodwork • General Millwork

For A Free Estimate For All ProjectsCall Victor: 428-5191 or 531-3888

Come and visit our showroom at1018 Smith St. • Hon., HI 96817www.cvconstructionhawaii.comY3 Construction, Inc./Lic#BC15731

WORK INPROGRESS

FINISHED

NEW HOUSE BUILD SPECIAL$99 per sq foot plus tax

*Minimum 2,000 square footage / Restrictions apply.

591-1900Lic.# C16434

Emergency Roof Repair & Tarping

www.leakmaster.com

50% OFF TARPING IF WE DO REPAIRS

Breathing new life into old roofs


Most people in Hawaiidon’t get the maxi-mum use out of their

roofs. If it springs a leak or two,they often rush to replace itwith a brand new one — with-out checking first to see what aguaranteed repair would cost.That can be a costly mistake.

With the recent spike in oilprices we are seeing the costof the raw materials used tomake an asphalt roof rise also.But that’s only half the prob-lem. The cost to ship the heavyroof materials from theMainland also is going up.When you add the cost of tear-ing off the old roof and hauling

it to the dump — also energyintensive — it can make manyIslanders look for a cost-effec-tive alternative.

This is where LeakMasterRoofing comes in. The compa-ny has specialized in guaran-teed roof repairs for 22 years.It’s in the name. Leakmasterwon’t try to sell you a new roof

if all you need is a qualityrepair.

Here are some tips forrepairing some of the mostcommon roofs:

Flat-roof repairs

The best way, generally, torepair flat roofs is with rein-forced roof coatings. Why?Because Leakmaster can dowhole sections of the roof at atime, starting with the mosttroublesome first. If afterdoing, say, the first 200 squarefeet of your roof — and it stillleaks — you can just do anothersection until you finally coverthe leak. The best thing aboutthis is that whichever area youcover is protected against fur-ther decay from the sun’s UVrays. You never have to tear offand replace your old roof, justre-coat it every seven to 15years with a simple topcoat.

Shingle roofs

There are two ways to repairshingle roofs. The first methodis to replace the blown-offshingles with new ones — andthat’s it! However, in the nextbig wind storm, the remainingold, brittle shingles will contin-ue to blow off and you will becalling your roofer again.

The long-term solution is tocoat your shingle roof after you

replace the missing shingles.The secret is using 5 gallons per100 square feet on most roofs.That way the shingle laps arefirmly cemented down and willresist high-wind blow off. Evenbetter is to have Leakmaster putan aluminum termination alongthe roof’s edge to protect thevulnerable first row from blow-ing off.

In terms of the roof color,pure white is becoming moreaccepted as an elegant alterna-tive in Hawaii’s neighborhoods.However, if you wish to blendin more, the coating can be tint-ed to a light to medium color.

Wood-shake shingles

Wood roofs have grown veryexpensive in recent yearsbecause of high material costs.

The good news is that evenwhen they are missing manyshingles, they can be broughtback to life with an expertrepair. You want to replacethose missing shingles becauseunderneath is a thin, blackroofing felt that will be eatenup by the sun’s UV and leak ifthey are not covered up.

If you are interested in get-ting a free estimate for yourproject, call LeakMasterRoofing at 591-1900 or visit thecompany’s website atwww.leakmaster.com. You alsocan visit the unique Cool RoofStore at Green Energy Outlet(GEO) in Kakaako. There youcan see all of the systems upclose and talk to the knowledge-able staff.

HAWAIIRENOVATION

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

Do you own a home coveredby a flat or low-slope roof?Have an old Monier tile

roof or metal roof? In this day andage, there are alternative optionsto a complete tear off and installa-tion of a new roof. But what arethey? How do you know if yourroof is a candidate?

A roof coating can be applied tojust about any substrate. We do,however, have criteria regardingan acceptable condition of theexisting substrate before a coatingsystem is recommended. The firstrequisite is that yourexisting roofing materi-al must be in decentcondition and the roofmust still be attached tothe wood or concretethat it was originallyadhered or attached to.Minor blistering or lift-ing of the material canbe repaired and crackedtiles replaced, but thereis a point of “no return”.This point comes whenthe roofing surface has

too many blisters, seams comingapart in more areas than not, amembrane worn down to a paper-thin state or brittle tile that can’tbe walked on. These would allqualify as signs to the home orbusiness owner that a completeremoval and installation of newroofing material may be necessary.

The installation of a coating sys-tem is a less expensive way toenhance the integrity of the sub-strate (roofing surface) on yourflat or low-pitch roof. This type ofroofing can range from roughly $3

to $5 per foot and hold materialwarranties ranging from five yearsto the lifetime of the structure.

If your home is not a candidatefor coating or steeper roofing sur-faces, asphalt products are a greatoption. They also are cost-effec-tive and have many great warrantyoptions, from 20 years to the life-time of the structure. Pricing forthis roofing system ranges from$3.50 to $5.50 per foot.

Surface Shield Roofing is a fullylicensed and insured roofing con-tractor. We offer a free visit to

your home along with afree roof assessmentand estimate. We willhelp you understandthe options that arenow available to you.From the newest influid-applied coatingsto the breakthroughtechnology in heat-reflective asphalt shin-gles, there is always anoption for everyone!Call Surface ShieldRoofing today.

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Spring is rightaround the corner,and warmer weath-

er is on the way. The bestway to ensure that yourhome or workplace willremain cool and comfort-able is to be ready with anew, efficient, split duct-less air conditioning sys-tem.

Systems sold andinstalled by the AireConditioner Shoppe areavailable in a variety ofstyles and price ranges.You can choose a systemthat only cools or one thatalso heats to keep yourhome or workplace atyour preferred tempera-ture level for the coolerdays.

“This is also a goodtime to schedule servic-ing for your existing duct-less split system, so it willcontinue operating withhigh efficiency when thehottest weather hits,” saidAire Conditioner Shoppeowner Neil Wiedemann.

The latest ductless splitsystems provide zonedcomfort and are engi-neered to install quickly

and easily. These revolu-tionary new systemsavailable from the AireConditioner Shoppe,which specializes inFujitsu and Mitsubishi,provide both heating andcooling with a push of abutton on the remote con-trol. They also provideindividual temperaturecontrol throughout yourhome or business so eachroom, zone or floor willbe the temperature youset.

Concerned about airquality? These systemshave the capability to fil-ter out dust, mold sporesand microorganisms. TheDry Mode helps to con-trol humidity levels, evenwhen cooling isn’t need-ed. Other standard fea-tures include Sleep TimerAuto Changeover, 24-Hour Timer Cold Pre-vention, Auto Restart/Reset Low Ambient andAuto Louver: Up/Down,Left/Right.

Concerned about ap-pearance? The cooling-only wall mounted units,designed for single

rooms, are slim and styl-ish. Indoor units have aclean, aesthetic designand are powerful, though

small and shorter inlength than competingunits. They can blend intoany room and are ideal

for areas with space limi-tations. The variablespeed compressor helpssystems adapt to shifts in

heat load caused by after-noon sun.

Concerned about noise?SEE PAGE 16

KEEPING YOUR COOL

With our state’ss k y r o c k e t i n gelectricity rates,

installing a PV (photo-voltaic) system in Hawaiimakes more sense thanever. It can cost as little as$5,000 after governmentcredits and pay for itselfin about five years.

But the red-hot solarenergy market also meansthere are dozens of newsolar companies jumpingon the bandwagon. Ourkamaaina families can befaced with a lot of choic-es. Homeowners who edu-cate themselves beforeinvesting will enjoy reli-able energy savings forgenerations to come.

The pros at AlternateEnergy, Hawaii’s locally

owned, family-operatedsolar energy providersince 1993, offer thesetips to consider beforeyou buy:

• Ask if the provideremploys its installers. Ifsomething goes wrongtwo years down the road,you don’t want yourprovider passing the buckto a sub-contractor.

• Insist on a reputablesolar panel manufacturer.There are dozens of newbrands jumping on thebandwagon. You are mak-ing an investment thatshould last decades. Willthe manufacturer bearound to honor its war-ranty? Alternate Energy isa certified MitsubishiInstaller.

• Hot-water heating canaccount for up to 40 per-cent of a family’s energybill. No one should con-sider PV without firstinvesting in a solar hot-water heater — other-wise you’ll find yourselfbuying more panels thanyou need.

• Hire a full-service,licensed solar companywith a C-60 Solar PowerSystems Contractor li-cense. This means theprovider has passed rig-orous testing and has thenecessary experiencewith solar, roof work,hook-ups and permittingto do a top-notch job.

A long local trackrecord and valid solarcontractor’s license arethe hallmarks of a rep-utable company. Alter-nate Energy’s owner andfounder, Bruce Ekimura,holds a JourneymanPlumber license and aHawaii Solar Power

Systems Contractor li-cense, which covers bothsolar water heating andphotovoltaic systems.This license is rare in thebusiness; many solarcontractors hold only asolar water heatinglicense. Bruce and histeam have been solarenergy experts in Hawaiisince the 1970s.

Look for NABCEP(North American Boardof Certified EnergyPractitioners) certifica-

tion. Darren Furumoto,operations manager andlead installer at Alter-nate Energy Inc., hasearned the industry’sleading recognition ofexpertise as a certifiedinstaller of solar electricsystems (PV systems)from the NABCEP. NAB-CEP is considered to bethe gold standard of cer-tification in the renew-able energy industry.Call 842-5853 for moreinformation.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

When it comes to homeimprovement, you can spendmoney in two basic ways: on

things that make your home look betterand things that make it function better.Under the first category, you’ll find allthe things you want to do, like replacingnarrow casement windows with a lovelybay window. Under the second fall allthe things you must do, like replacingthose drafty windows with somethingmore energy efficient.

When “want to” and “have to” meet,they create the opportunity to make asmart buying decision — so choose anupgrade that will look good and improvethe livability of your home.

Here are a few “have to” improve-ments that turn into an energy-efficient,enjoyment-enhancing “want to:”

Replacing the hot water heater

You probably don’t care what a newhot water heater looks like sitting inyour garage or basement — or whereverit resides in your home. But the rightreplacement water heater can help your

house achieve a lovely shade of green.High-energy-efficiency water heaterscan help reduce energy usage, therebytrimming your energy bills and yourhome’s environmental impact. Solar-water heating systems take the beauty astep further by using the power of thesun, collected through low-profile solarpanels on the roof, to heat water — at amonthly savings that’s about 80 percentless than the cost of traditional heaters.

Getting some light in here

Do you really need a bunch of scientif-ic studies to tell you that a home filledwith natural light just feels better?Probably not. Illuminating your homewith natural light is a smart buying deci-sion on multiple levels. First, you don’tpay to power the sun. Second, naturallight delivers a host of mood-enhancingbenefits.

But for rooms where a window isimpossible (like a powder room) orwhere you don’t want to sacrifice priva-cy (like a master bathroom) a tubularskylight is a good alternative. Some, like

Velux’s Sun Tunnel products, are easyenough to install that a seasoned do-it-yourselfer could accomplish the task.

Getting some air in here

Just as natural sun is good for yourmood, ventilation can be good for yourhealth. An Energy Star-qualified ventingskylight is a great way to passively ventstale, moist air from inside your home,especially from baths and kitchens.While some skylights are “fixed,” thosethat do open can be controlled by aremote to open when you want fresh air

and close when you want to retainwarmth. They also can close automati-cally in case of rain. In addition, theyintroduce free light into your home.Adding blinds — also remote-controlled— can help you better control theamount of sun a skylight admits intoyour home. And blinds are not just func-tional — you can get them in colors andpatterns to complement your decorwhile increasing energy efficiency.

Log on to www.veluxusa.com to learnmore about skylights.

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Learn how to growfresh herbs and veg-etables at The Cook’s

Garden, a free seminar at 9a.m. or 1 p.m. on Saturday,March 17 at Geobunga in SaltLake, across from Target.

“Growing food you use ineveryday cooking is trulyrewarding, and relatively simple to do,”said Andrew Dedrick, Geobunga’s execu-tive director. “Whether you have a yard oreven a postage-stamp-sized lanai, we canhelp even black thumbs learn the basics ofgrowing what you eat at the seminar.”

Hawaii residents can grow fresh pro-duce year-round, thanks to the Islands’mild climate and sunny weather. Herbssuch as basil, oregano and rosemary; let-tuces like Manoa and arugula; and cherryor regular tomatoes thrive in the islands.

“Some of the easiest plants to care forare basil, green onions and arugula let-tuce, and all are commonly used in cook-ing,” Dedrick said. “While preparing din-ner, I can just break off some herbs orgather some lettuce for a salad. Not onlyis it extremely fresh, but I know exactlywho has been in contact with it, it savesme money and is readily available.”

Family activity

Dedrick adds that grow-ing your own food is agreat activity for families.

“My kids have alwayshelped with the gardening— seed planting, water-ing, fertilizing, weedingand finally harvesting. It

provides many teachable moments aboutthings like sustainability and responsibili-ty. And we all know things kids makealways taste better, so it encourages themto eat more vegetables!”

Growing basics

Seminar attendees learn the basics ofplanting and harvesting and the manyoptions available to them. Container gar-dening has become extremely popular,as anyone with some sunlight and space— even a small lanai or kitchen windowbox — can grow fresh herbs and vegeta-bles. Following the seminar, people canask questions one on one with Geobungainstructor Keola Kalama, to learn moreabout their specific gardening needs.Also, attendees can get everything theyneed including pots, topsoil, potting mixand pre-planted herbs and vegetables.

“Another wonderfulthing about growingwhat you eat is thatmany of these plants arebeautiful and add an aes-thetic value to yourhome,” said Dedrick.

Don’t miss your chanceto learn how to grow yourown garden at home. Space is limited andreservations are recommended. Visitwww. geobunga.com to register.

Geobunga is Hawaii’s best resourcefor anyone looking to enhance their out-door experience. Providing unique gar-den elements from all over the world,

Geobunga specializes in stone pavers,decorative rocks, stones and pebbles,ceramic pots, fountains, stone benches,bamboo accents and outdoor sculptures,as well as a full line of plants. With thebest prices, selection and service in thestate, each visit to Geobunga brings some-thing new to discover.

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If sound coming from yourcurrent system interfereswith listening to music, TV,conversation or evenfalling asleep, it’s time totreat yourself and yourfamily to a new ductlesssplit system. These new airconditioning units are soquiet you won’t even knowthey’re on.

How about cost? A newefficient ductless split sys-tem can keep you comfort-able in your home for pen-nies a day. And the higherthe SEER (Seasonal EnergyEfficient Ratio), the moreyou save on electric,”Wiedemann said. “Theoperative word is ‘efficient’— old or malfunctioning airconditioning systems areenergy hogs that don’t dothe job effectively and runup your electricity bills.The air conditioning sys-tems available at the AireConditioner Shoppe are the

newest models that incor-porate the latest technolog-ical advances.” He pointedout that split ductless sys-tems can be just as efficientas central air conditioning,or more efficient in termsof energy savings, depend-ing on the lifestyle of thehomeowner.

Wiedemann, who hasbeen in the air conditioningbusiness since 1979, sellsand installs split ductlesssystems on Oahu, as well asportable air conditioners.He also sells the less expen-sive window units that areoften the choice for apart-ments, condos and houses.“Even the window air con-ditioning units, which aregenerally what you see in

older apartment buildingsor townhomes, have beenextensively improved bothin efficiency and appear-ance. However, the tenantand/or owner needs toobtain permission from themanagement companyand/or apartment ownersassociation to install anytype of air conditioning,”he added.

Both ductless split sys-tems and window air con-ditioners are on display atthe Aire ConditionerShoppe showroom inWaipio and also shown anddescribed on the website,www.aireconditionershoppe.com. The company in-stalls, repairs and serviceswhat they sell. Wiede-

mann guarantees the low-est prices for any producthe sells with installation ofthe same equipment. For 10years running Fujitsu hasnamed him “Dealer of theYear.”

The Aire ConditionerShoppe offers free on-siteestimates and design con-sultation. Wiedemann cre-dits his company’s successto a strong commitment tocustomer satisfaction. TheAire Conditioner Shoppe’sslogan is “we do it rightthe first time.”

To make an appoint-ment to meet with an esti-mator at your home oroffice, call Neil Wiede-mann at 676-1455. “Whenour estimator reviewsyour needs and you makea decision on the systemyou want to install, youwill have a quote the nextday by phone or fax. If thecustomer is satisfied, wedraw up the contract.Once I set a price, it’s firmand it will be guaranteedthe lowest available pricewith the same equipment,”Wiedemann said.

• Replace your wire-less with a cordedhome phone, or at thevery least, use thespeakerphone func-tion when using cord-less phones.

• Avoid prolongedfluorescent light ex-posure.

• If you are not readyto get rid of your mi-crowave, move far awayfrom it when it is on.

• Turn off your wire-

less routers at night,especially if yourhome office is nearyour bedroom.

EMFs were not anissue even 50 yearsago, but today ad-dressing them is essen-tial to feng shui prac-tice. You cannot fullycontrol your exposureto EMFs while you areaway from home, butyou can control yourfamily’s exposurewhile you are at home,especially at nightwhen your body needsits rest.

FROM PAGE 2

Repelling EMFs

A cool situationFROM PAGE 12

HAWAIIRENOVATION

If you’ve ever waited in frus-tration for your turn in thebathroom, you know that just

about every home could use aspare bath. A macerating toiletsystem is a great alternative toconventional (gravity) plumbingin situations where no below-floor drainage exists.

Macerating, or up-flush, plumb-ing gives you unlimited flexibility,because there is no need to breakthrough the floors to installdrainage piping, which adds sub-stantial cost to the project.

From the attic to the basement,

up-flush plumbing lets you cre-ate a full bathroom anywhereyou like. “It’s a pretty good con-cept,” says Otis Dardy, generalcontractor and owner of DardyConstruction.

Dardy recently used Sanifloup-flush plumbing for a residen-tial customer’s remodel and isnow incorporating Saniflo in bidsfor other jobs. “This saves a lot oftime, and it’s nice and neat,” hesays, noting that his bids for theup-flush plumbing are around$5,000 less than the industry’sconventional counterparts,

thanks to easy installations.In an up-flush system,

waste and water arepumped from the toilet,sink and tub or shower up,rather than flowing down,as with conventionalplumbing. This technologyis also different fromsewage ejection systems,which temporarily storeplumbing waste in a nearbytank, which can cause odorproblems. With up-flushplumbing, the waste isremoved to the sewer lineor the septic tank withevery flush.

What could be morepractical or efficient thanan extra bathroom? This isone remodel project guar-anteed to improve comfortand convenience in thenear term, while deliveringa strong return on invest-ment when your home issold.

HAWAIIRENOVATION

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As the days get longer and things get a littlebrighter inside your house, it becomes easier tonotice the places that could use a little extra

TLC. It’s the perfect time to work on simple homeimprovement projects.

Here’s a checklist you can work on so your home willbe vibrant and welcoming:

Floors

When light reflects off your floors, you really start tonotice the imperfections. If you’ve been waiting to screenand recoat your hardwood floor to give it a new shine,now’s the perfect time to do it. If you’re replacing tile,vinyl or linoleum flooring, a heat gun is a great tool tohelp soften the adhesive for easy removal. The WagnerHT3500 digital heat gun offers 12 precise temperature set-tings, making it an easy-to-use tool for do it yourselfers.

Painting

One of the easiest ways to fill your rooms with

warmth is to give them a fresh coat of paint. A lot ofsunlight will help you choose the color that works bestwith your room, so choose a color during the day, whennatural light shines into the room.

Windows

Spring is a great time to take a look at your windowtreatments and see if they could use a little love.Cleaning your blinds and washing your curtains can

give your indoor space a little extra life. If you’rerepainting, you also may want to consider repainting orrestaining your window frames. You also can use a heatgun to help you remove old paint or varnish from yourframes.

Deck

The next time you use your deck or lanai, you’llprobably notice plenty of debris that’s collected overthe past year. Start by giving it a good spray with thehose to clear away everything. If you plan on stainingor repainting, mild temperatures are ideal. If you get itdone now, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy itthroughout the year.

Bathrooms

Since you’re freshening up the rest of your house,don’t forget the bathrooms. Besides simply scrubbingyour tub, cleaning and regrouting bathroom tile is aneasy way to get your bathroom looking clean andbright. This project can be done over a weekend and issimple enough for most homeowners to handle.

By taking some time to tackle these projects now,you’ll give yourself a whole summer of relaxing in thewarmth of your newly refreshed home. For more proj-ect ideas, how-to videos and information on tools forpainting, staining and other home improvement tasks,visit www.wagnerspraytech.com.

Simple projectsto spruce up the

look of your home

HAWAIIRENOVATION

By Kyle Galdeira

To say that FrankDuarte is knowl-edgeable when it

comes to constructionand remodeling is a grossunderstatement. After all,the general contractor hasbeen honing his craft asan integral cog in the fam-ily business since beforeHawaii was declared astate.

The spry 73-year-old ispassionate about hiswork, and his eyes lightup when talking aboutusing his skills to helppeople improve theirhomes, while also accom-modating various budget-ary constraints. Afterlearning the ropes withhis father at the helm,Duarte — the oldest ofthree boys in his family —started D’s Plumbingmore than 31 years agoand is still going strongtoday, thanks to the helpof his son, Aaron.

While plumbing is oneof D’s fortés, Duarteenjoys exterior and full-home renovations — allthe way down to intricatedetails such as landscap-

ing — because, as he putsit, “with pipes, onceyou’re done with thework, they’re covered upand you don’t get to seethe finished product. Iwanted to present thework we do and display

the craft.”D’s does it all, from new

homes to additions, andmaking dreams of exqui-site kitchens and bath-rooms a reality. Duarte isan expert at replacingaged materials with mod-

ern alternatives, includingswapping out old, darkwood to enhance lightingand replacing galvanizedpiping with copper. Othertechniques, including mo-dernizing bathrooms byexpanding shower areasto accommodate the dis-abled, or adding housingsin a kitchen to free upmore space by getting amicrowave off the count-er, are just a few inDuarte’s arsenal.

“It’s all about thedetails,” Duarte says. “Intoday’s times, you have tomeet the customers’ bud-get and present some-thing to them where theywon’t have to struggledown the road,” Duartesays. “We make sure thatthe customers are com-fortable and we workwithin their means.”

On a recent job, a cus-tomer asked Duarte tofully renovate a rentalunit with the goal of sell-ing it quickly. The homewas finished, listed andsold within two weeks,and thanks to theimprovements, it fetchedmore than the initial ask-ing price.

Duarte reminds currentand potential customersthat renovations can poseunforeseen difficulties,especially when hiddenobstacles are exposedmidway through the job.The crafty veteran relieson his “years of experi-ence” when workingthrough such challenges,and puts customers’ fearsto rest with his ability toadjust on the fly. AsDuarte says, “if you havea house, especially with awooden floor, you can doanything!”

For more informationon what D’s has to offer,log on to www.AffordablePlumbingHawaii.comor call 230-8308 or 734-2032.

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HAWAIIRENOVATION

CONTACT: 230-8308

• 734-2032

D’SPLUMBING

WHO DOES IT ALLTHE PLUMBER

When it comesto replacingdoors and

windows, there arethree important criteria:

Product

While many vinyl win-dow systems look thesame, like any product,there is a wide differencein quality.

Most windows manu-factured today are dual-pane to be more energy-efficient and soundproof.The quality of the spacer,the piece that separatesthe pieces of glass, isimportant. Better qualitywindows use argon gasbetween the panes toincrease insulation. Apoor-quality spacer will

fail in a few years, allow-ing air and moisturebetween the panes.

Lower-grade windowsuse single-strength glass.Double strength is 1.5times as thick and givesless chance of breakage,better storm protectionand better insulation.

Vinyl frames do well inHawaii as they insulateand provide protectionfrom salt corrosion.Ensure the frames arechambered for strengthand compare the thick-ness of the vinyl.

If you stacked upall the brands ofwindows and putthe heaviest at oneend and lightest atthe other, the heav-

ier window will general-ly be better in qualitybecause the metal isreinforced inside andhas thicker glass andvinyl.

Better quality windowsuse “neat” glass thatallows water to sheet offthe glass and not leavewater spots. The rain or ahose will keep your win-dows clean.

While we have carriedmany brands of windowsin our 20-plus years of in-stalling windows, theAnlin brand has proven

to be the best quality andvalue for your money.

Reputation

Just as important asproduct quality, ensurethat the company meas-uring and installing yourwindows is professional.Buying windows fromone entity and having asub-contractor installthem can lead to prob-lems if there is a leak infive years. What is theinstallation warranty?Does the company standbehind the work they do?

Check the BetterBusiness Bureau (BBB)or State Licensing Boardto see if the dealer youare considering has com-plaints. Anyone canpromise something at thetime of sale, but does thecompany back it up?

Windows Hawaii hasan A-plus rating with theBBB.

Service/warranty

Read the warrantycarefully. Does it includelabor? Is it pro-rated?

Windows Hawaii of-fers a lifetime warrantyon both product andinstallation. If your win-dow leaks in 10 years,call us for a repair orreplacement at no chargeto you.

If the problem is amanufacturing defect,we will do the work ofgetting the windowmanufactured and re-placed for as long as youlive in your home. Whatyou pay for your win-dow replacement isimportant. Ensure thatyou are getting what youpay for.

Call Windows Hawaiifor a demonstration onthe differences in win-dow quality and a freeestimate at 671-0808 or383-7233 after hours.

CONTACT: 671-0808

• Windows-hawaii.com

WINDOWSHAWAII

20 | HAWAII RENOVATION | MAR. 11, 2012 AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT PUBLISHED BY OAHU PUBLICATIONS, INC. | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

BACKPAGECOVERSTORY

What you need toknow about window,door replacements

hawaii renovation mar 11 2012

Documents

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cell membranes

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