Consumers stream through latest in green building concepts

LIHU‘E — There is money out there, said Mike Murakoshi, senior vice president of First Hawaiian Bank.

There was a steady stream of people interested in enhancing their homes and properties when the Contractors Association of Kaua‘i opened the doors to its 2009 Home Show, Friday afternoon.

The show, which runs through 2 p.m. today, showcases the latest in green technology in the building industry.

Murakoshi said First Hawaiian Bank, a show sponsor for the 17 years the event has run, has no intention of leaving and is included in the top five percent of banks in the nation.

Jason Yotsuda got an opportunity to return to Kaua‘i as the Kaua‘i representative for MHE Pacific.

“He’s a natural,” said Abe Lee, the national marketing director for MHE Pacific. “Everywhere we go, people know him, and that’s a good way to get information out there.”

MHE Pacific was representing Autoclave aerated concrete, a product that has been used in Europe for 80 years, and now available in the United States, Lee said.

Additionally, different agencies from the county were on hand to help homeowners and residents with questions and items to help conserve natural resources.

Some of these included the low water usage toilets featured at Ferguson Enterprise, winner of the Best Display of Green award presented by A&B Hawai‘i.

That award was one of four presented by the CAK leaders. Honsador Lumber was awarded Best Design Use of Space, Service Rentals received the Best Attention Getter award for its display that featured a pair of Polaris multi-purpose vehicles.

RSI Rosa’s Roofing and Building Supply was the recipient of the event’s Best in Show award.

People attending the show have an opportunity to win a $500 shopping spree at the Big Save stores when they register with the volunteers from the Kaua‘i High School Key Club.