Home show keeps homeowner informed of change

LIHU‘E — Lighting in homes and the workplace is becoming an emerging issue for senior citizens and baby boomers as the population of Kaua‘i matures.

The Kaua‘i Transportation Data Book shows the population of older adults on Kaua‘i has increased steadily over the past 30 years, and as projected by the Hawai‘i Development of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, this trend is expected to continue through 2035.

In 1980, 15.8 percent of Kaua‘i’s population was 60 years or older, and in 2010, the number had climbed to 21.9 percent. By 2035, more than 30 percent of the population is expected to be 60 years or older.

The topic will be address by Susan Irie, owner of Kilohana Lighting, who will offer workshops on lighting needs for the maturing population during the 21st Annual Contractors Association of Kaua‘i Home Show at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall.

The show opens Friday from 2:30 through 9 p.m. and continues Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In addition to leading the workshops Irie will have a booth where her staff will showcase Light Emitting Diode technology lamps and other energy efficient illumination, including appropriate lighting for kupuna and baby boomers.

Tying in with lighting which generates heat, HPM/Kaua‘i Lumber will have its line of solar attic fans available at the show. The fans are designed to be roof-mounted and will pull hot air out of the attic, resulting in energy conservation. Additionally, HPM/Kaua‘i Lumber will be giving away an attic fan to a lucky show visitor.

With Hurricane ‘Iniki 21 years behind them, many roofs may be signalling time for re-roofing as the life span of popular asphalt shingles near its end.

HPM/Kaua‘i Lumber, Honsador Lumber and Gerard Roofing Technologies will have their professionals on hand to answer questions on the different types and materials of roofing.

Additionally, Honsador Lumber and HPM/Kaua‘i Lumber will have home packages for those seeking to build or remodel. This is in addition to the assortment of cabinets for kitchens and baths in a wide range of prices.

Pohaku Fabrication adds to this with a line of countertops utilizing recycled materials, and Wisteria Lane Flooring will have samples of flooring products visitors can take home to see what might work.

RMA Sales will have a display of its new generation six-inch jalousie blades which allows for easier cleaning and a better seal against rain coming into the home. It will also have the security and high-wind screen systems which is an investment against forced entry, both items being made in Hawai‘i for its unique needs.

Hawaiian Telcom will offer free corded phones for use in the event of power loss, but the free offer is good only while supplies last.

Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative will have the latest information before a customer installs a photovoltaic system, examples of which are available at American Electric, Islandwide Solar and Renewable Energy Technologies.

First Hawaiian Bank, a major sponsor of the show since its inception, will have a treasure chest available for people to try their luck at.

This is in addition to their customer service experts who can help with mortgage, home loans, construction loans, refinancing, home equity, or lines of credit.

The CAK Home Show is a community service presentation by the Contractors Association of Kaua‘i and First Hawaiian Bank along with cooperating sponsors The Hunt Companies, Princeville Center, and the County of Kaua‘i who will be represented at the home show by the Building Division, Housing Agency, Planning Department, Civil Defense Agency, Kaua‘i Police and Fire departments.

CAK was established in 1957 as a trade association of licensed contractors, suppliers and businesses affiliated with the construction industry on Kaua‘i. It is affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders.

• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.