LIHU’E — The rain threatened, but did not come down, as doors opened to the 14th Annual Contractors Association of Kaua’i (CAK) Home Show Friday. The show continued yesterday, with large crowds. That rain was a topic on the minds
LIHU’E — The rain threatened, but did not come down, as doors opened to the 14th Annual Contractors Association of Kaua’i (CAK) Home Show Friday.
The show continued yesterday, with large crowds.
That rain was a topic on the minds of the vendor representatives as well as dignitaries who attended the Friday opening ceremony, as just a hint of sprinkles brought that subject to mind.
Karen Taketa, CAK executive director whom a lot of the dignitaries credited with being the spearhead behind the event, invited people to seek shelter in both the tented meeting area and dining area.
Bill Dahle, a longtime announcer for the Home Show, was again on hand, with Kaua’i Mayor Bryan J. Baptiste keeping his opening remarks short to try and beat the threat of rain.
“I know you are busier than busy in light of the recent events, so I thank you for taking time out to come and participate in this event,” Baptiste told the audience members including vendor representatives who spanned a variety of business organizations involved in various phases of construction, grading, remodeling, and furnishings for homeowners.
Mike Murakoshi of First Hawaiian Bank, a supporter of the Home Show since its inception, echoed the mayor’s sentiments, adding that he is waiting for the sun, but looks forward to being involved with the Home Show for years to come.
Murakoshi thanked Taketa for her efforts at getting the Home Show organized and coordinated. “She spends the whole year doing what is right, and what is good,” he said.
Jeff Mira, president of the CAK, has had years of experience as the chair of the Home Show, and added that it is good to see the vendors sharing the fruits of their successes.
The Service Rentals & Supplies booth earned the award for “Attention Getter,” announced Dahle prior to the dedication by Ipo Kahuanaele-Ferreira.
Leaders at Ferguson Enterprises, a previous Best in Show winner, earned the Best Use of Design award, with Puhi Paint’s variety of painting implements landing the Most Original award, as the implements were suspended mobile-fashion throughout the tiny booth.
Honsador leaders earned the Best in Show award for this year’s Home Show, as the doors opened to the return of the Big Save shopping spree as the major door prize in the event presented by leaders of First Hawaiian Bank.
People attending the Home Show receive game cards upon entering, and after filling them out through visits to the various booths, were entered for a drawing for the three finalists by First Hawaiian Bank representatives following the show.
The three finalists will appear at the Lihu’e Big Save on Saturday, where the grand-prize winner will be entitled to a five-minute shopping spree.
The other two finalists will receive Big Save gift certificates of $50 and $100, respectively.
In addition to the variety of exhibits, people had an opportunity to learn through the variety of seminars that this year featured U.S. Attorney Edward H. Kubo Jr. presenting a program on identity theft.
Other seminar topics include maintaining shake roof, or Arch 80 roofs, caring for aging parents in a home setting, remodeling homes in anticipation of the days when stair-climbing is not practical, or just getting started remodeling.
For prospective home-buyers, officials with the Offices of Community Assistance County Housing Agency had information on programs available, A&B Properties leaders offered an opportunity to learn about and sign up for their Kai ‘Olino and Keala’ula housing projects in Port Allen, and First Hawaiian Bank leaders offered help with the pre-qualifying process.
The Home Show was held at the Kauai Veterans Center on Kapule Highway.
