Island Inc. | Business briefs 7-29-13

Landscape industry will honor sustainable projects

Entries are being accepted for the first-ever Landscape Sustainability Awards until Aug. 30.

The awards, being organized by the Landscape Industry Council of Hawaii, will showcase landscape projects that are in harmony with the natural environment, resulting in ecological regeneration with improved social and public health outcomes.

“We live in a tropical paradise largely developed in building booms when resources were plentiful; Now it’s time to redesign our built environment in a manner respecting our unique island ecology,” said Chris Dacus, the council’s president. “The awards will showcase innovations in sustainable landscape practices. We want to accelerate Hawaii’s transformation into a sustainable landscape, so winners are required to provide the plans for others to learn from.”

The awards are for designers of sustainable Hawaii projects whether they are residential, commercial; paid professionals or weekend warriors. It’s open to everyone.

The award categories include: an overall Sustainability Award, Native Plant Design Award, Native Plant Advocacy & Research Award, Sustainable Company Award, Plant Pono Advocacy Award, Water Conservation Award and Edible Landscape Award.

The awards ceremony will take place Oct. 10 at the council’s annual Green Industry Conference at the Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall on Oahu.

In the spirit of sustainability, the awards submission process is completely paperless. The council is only accepting digital PDF submissions online at hawaiiscape.com/awards. Submissions must include the project credit information and a project description.

Full Life organization earns three-year accreditation

Full Life, a nonprofit organization supporting individuals with developmental disabilities islandwide, has been accredited for a period of three years for CARF International’s Community Integration programs. This is the first time that Full Life has applied for accreditation with the international accrediting body.

This accreditation decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization and demonstrates Full Life’s substantial conformance to the CARF standards. An organization receiving a three-year accreditation has put itself through a rigorous peer review process.

Full Life management, administrative staff, the board of directors, and direct support workers demonstrated to a team of surveyors during an on-site visit its commitment to offering programs and services that are measurable, accountable, and of the highest quality. Full Life, which has offices in Hilo and Kealakekua, has been around since 2000.

According to the CARF survey report, Full Life employs dedicated staff who are knowledgeable about the individuals they support, and search tirelessly for opportunities to advance their dreams. The reports also stated the individuals and their families served have a great deal of input in decisions relating to the programs and services they receive, and that “across the organization, the provision of quality, individualized services is clearly emphasized and staff members are dedicated to helping the participants achieve their individual goals.”

The report mentioned how the “team continues to move forward with mission-driven optimism and enthusiasm,” as well as commended Full Life for developing and expanding employment opportunities for the individuals they support; its effective management of resources and fiscal health.

“Full Life has a strong, mission-driven team that is deeply committed to assuring that individuals with developmental disabilities receive the quality services they are entitled to,” said Stone Wolfsong, Full Life executive director. “I am proud of the staff and grateful to the Full Life families and participants.”

Blue Hawaiian equipped with ‘revolutionary’ cockpit

American Eurocopter has received a supplemental type certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration for installing the Garmin G500H “glass cockpit” multifunction electronic flight display system in the EC130 T2 helicopter.

Launch customer Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, a helicopter tour company serving all four major Hawaiian Islands, has received the first two G500H-equipped EC130 T2s with more on order.

The new aircraft, the latest model in the Eurocopter single-engine product range, will supplement Blue Hawaiian’s existing fleet of EC130 B4 and AS350 helicopters.

The G500H system is available with optional components like Helicopter Terrain Awareness Warning System, including Synthetic Vision. With this capability pilots can monitor and adjust the radios, navigation, intercom and operating systems through touch screens. The Garmin system is a leap ahead in technology.

“The G500H is a revolutionary tool to improve situational awareness and significantly reduce our greatest risk. The cost/benefit of this system makes this choice a ‘no-brainer,’” said David Chevalier, chief executive of Blue Hawaiian Helicopters. “The greatest risk factor faced by helicopter operations in Hawaii is inadvertent flight into IMC (instrument meteorological conditions) and subsequent CFIT (controlled flight into terrain). Garmin’s synthetic vision technology is a godsend. “

Blue Hawaiian was the launch customer for the EC130B4 in 2001. Since that time the company has logged more than 460,000 flight hours on its all-Eurocopter fleet.

The popular EC130 T2 light single-engine helicopter provides many advantages for aerial tour operators including increased cabin space and comfort with individual seats for each passenger, improved visibility through a wrap-around glass cockpit, state-of-the-art avionics and Eurocopter’s advanced main rotor and Fenestron tail rotor technology. The Turbomeca Arriel 2D engine provides increased power with lower specific fuel consumption.

“The double sliding doors significantly improve passenger ingress and egress and the additional engine power is substantial over the EC130B4. The most exciting thing about this aircraft is the expected reduction in operating costs,” said Chevalier.

Blue Hawaiian has been Hawaii’s leader in the air tour industry for more than 25 years. In addition to its scenic flights, Blue Hawaiian also provides charters and utility services such as firefighting, search and rescue, power line patrol and the transportation of external loads.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii facility earns accreditation

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii recently announced its Moanalua Medical Center is the first facility in the state to be accredited as a Level 1 facility by the Bariatric Surgery Center Network Accreditation Program of the American College of Surgeons for both its inpatient and outpatient services.

This designation of excellence means that Moanalua Medical Center has met the essential criteria that ensure it is fully capable of supporting a bariatric surgery care program and that its institutional performance meets the requirements outlined by the accreditation program.

“Receiving a Level 1 accreditation for both our inpatient and outpatient services represents Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to providing safe, high-quality surgical care for our bariatric patients before, during and following their surgery,” said Mark Yamamura, chief of surgery for Moanalua Medical Center. “Our weight management and bariatric surgery team works closely with our patients every step of the way to provide them with the programs and support to make the kinds of lasting lifestyle changes that are needed to improve their health following surgery.”

The American College of Surgeons Bariatric Surgery Center Network Accreditation Program was established in 2005 to advance safe, high-quality care for bariatric surgical patients through the accreditation of bariatric surgery centers that maintain certain physical resources, human resources, and standards of practice, as well as the documentation of outcomes, including improved surgical care, for the bariatric patient. The program accredits facilities in the United States that have undergone an independent, voluntary, and rigorous peer evaluation in accordance with nationally recognized bariatric surgical standards. Recognizing that high quality surgical care occurs in a variety of surgical contexts, the program offers five accreditation levels for inpatient hospitals and outpatient facilities.

This past June the American Medical Association, the nation’s leading physician organization, officially declared obesity a disease, which will significantly impact policy, research and treatment approaches to obesity which, in turn, will have a positive influence on health care in the United States. Subsequently, the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act was introduced by lawmakers, which would require Medicare to cover additional obesity treatments such as prescription drugs for chronic weight management and to make it easier to receive weight-loss counseling.

Walmart offering businesses the chance to ‘Get on the Shelf’

Hawaii-based entrepreneurs have a chance to “Get on the Shelf” at Walmart in a national competition recently announced by the company.

The social crowdsourcing competition, developed by WalmartLabs, gives entrepreneurs a chance to get noticed and sell their products on Walmart.com, as well as potentially in select Walmart stores.

The competition was first launched last year. More than 5,000 inventors, entrepreneurs and small businesses from across the country entered. Submissions for products included household wares, children’s toys, organic food and green items. More than one million votes were cast. The grand prize will was Humankind Water, a bottled water with a mission of providing clean water to some of the 1 billion people without it.

For this year’s contest, Walmart has a special interest in seeing products made in the U.S. as part of its domestic sourcing commitment.

Interested entrepreneurs, business owners and inventors can enter through July 31 by submitting a video featuring their product at getontheshelf.walmart.com. Later this summer, they’ll learn if their product will progress to the audition round, where the public vote will determine each week’s winning item.

Through this process, up to five winning products will be chosen to be sold on Walmart.com. One or more of these winners will be selected as a grand prize winner based on the number of online pre-orders from customers, and could potentially be sold in select Walmart stores.

— MILESTONES —

Lava Lava Beach Club celebrates anniversary by helping nonprofits

Lava Lava Beach Club at Anaehoomalu Bay has designated four island nonprofits to benefit from their first anniversary celebration festivities on Aug. 17.

Dubbed Feast on the Beach, guests will enjoy food stations catered in conjunction with Paradise Gourmet Catering, beer, wine, and toes-in-the-sand ambiance. The celebration will run from 6 to 9 p.m. with entertainment by LT Smooth.

The nonprofits are Hawaii Island Humane Society, Rotary Club of North Hawaii, Waikoloa Canoe Club and North Hawaii Hospice. Fifty-percent of each $100 ticket benefits the charity that sells the ticket. Lava Lava Beach Club’s goal is to donate $20,000 to these worthwhile charities.

“When we were discussing what to do to mark our first anniversary, there was never any doubt that whatever we did, it would be a fundraiser of some kind,” explained Lava Lava Beach Club co-owner Scott Dodd. “It is our hope that Feast on the Beach becomes a much anticipated tradition for years to come.”

Special fortune cookies, which each guest will receive at Feast on the Beach may contain a prize, such as dinners, T-shirts and stays in the cottages.

Advance purchase tickets will be required for entry. Contact representatives from any of the nonprofits, stop by Lava Lava Beach Club, or visit LavaLavaBeachClub.com for tickets or more information.

Auto Body Hawaii celebrating 40 years

In August 1973, Auto Body Hawaii opened for business in a small space in a warehouse on Luhia Street. Forty years and thousands of satisfied customers later, Auto Body Hawaii has grown with the West Hawaii community.

Starting with a single employee, over the years Auto Body Hawaii is proud to have since provided employment to hundreds of Hawaii residents. Dale Matsumoto, current president, claims the longevity of the business is due to company values.

“We strive to provide excellent quality with exceptional customer service,” he said. “Honesty is what people expect and that we provide.”

Contact Tiffiny Taylor at 329-2544 or tiffiny@autobodyhawaii.com for more information.

— MOVERS & SHAKERS —

Purdy joins trust’s Kona office

Weston James Manaoio “Mana” Purdy has joined the Queen Liliuokalani Trust as Manager Associate at its Kailua-Kona office, said LeeAnn Crabbe, the trust’s vice president.

Born and raised on the Big Island, Purdy’s role at the trust will focus on its Keahuolu master planning efforts, with particular emphasis on the trust’s conservation and interpretive activities.

Previously, Purdy served an internship at Kohanaiki working to restore its culturally and environmentally sensitive anchialine ponds, and in varied positions at Environet Inc. and the Kahaluu Bay Education Center.

Purdy is an honors graduate of Northern Arizona University, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in environmental studies, and Hawaii Preparatory Academy.

The Queen Liliuokalani Trust was established by Hawaii’s last ruling monarch, the beloved Queen Liliuokalani. The Deed of Trust, executed in 1909, directs that the Queen’s lands be utilized to serve and provide for orphan and destitute children in perpetuity. The core trust assets include some 6,400 acres of land, the majority in Kona. Outreach to beneficiaries is delivered through the Queen Liliuokalani Children’s Center, established in 1933.

Fujisaki leading bank’s personal trust department

Central Pacific Bank has appointed Catherine Fujisaki to vice president and personal trust department manager. Fujisaki has an extensive background with over twenty years of combined experience in the areas of finance and investment management, corporate accounting, and trusts and estate planning law.

In her new position, Fujisaki is responsible for the leadership of the personal trust department which includes oversight of its accounts and business development. The position relies on her experience in estate planning, trust administration, and investment services.

Fujisaki was most recently in private practice with her own firm, Manoa Estate Planning LLC, which specialized in wills and trusts. Prior, she worked at Cades Schutte as an attorney in the trusts and estates department.

Fujisaki has a law degree from University of Hawaii, a master’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in finance and statistics from University of California, Los Angeles, and a bachelor of science degree in accounting from the University of California, Berkeley.

She is a licensed attorney, chartered financial analyst, certified public accountant and realtor. Fujisaki is chair of the elder law section of the Hawaii State Bar Association, a member of the Hawaii Estate Planning Counsel, and an officer of the Board for Malama Manoa.

Two Big Isle coffee companies honored

Two Champions of Hawaiian Coffee were crowned in commercial and creative divisions during the annual Hawaii Coffee Association’s 18th Conference and 5th Cupping Competition Saturday at the Kauai Beach Resort.

Big Island Coffee Roasters of the Big Island was awarded the top spot in the creative category with a score of 86.939. ‘Creative’ entries are those that had less than 300 pounds of the winning coffee available for purchase. The creative category encourages farmers to experiment with new varietals and cultivation or processing methods without having to produce a commercial-level quantity of coffee.

Mountain Thunder Coffee from the Kona District received top honors in the commercial category, scoring 85.51 These entries had at least 300 pounds of the winning coffee available for purchase as of the time of entry. A full listing of all entries that received a score of 80.0 or greater is being provided on hawaiicoffeeassociation.com.

The coffees were ‘cupped’ and scored from a pool of 99 premium Hawaiian coffees from eight statewide districts: Hamakua, Hawaii, Ka’u, Kauai, Kona, Maui, Molokai and Oahu. Coffee cupping is a combination of art and science where coffees are evaluated and scored based on subtle characteristics including flavor, aroma, ”mouth-feel,” acidity, sweetness and aftertaste.

Entries were critiqued by a judging panel of esteemed coffee industry professionals using standardized blind procedures, as defined by the Specialty Coffee Association of America. Judges assigned a single numerical score to each coffee.

The SCAA defines “Specialty Coffee” as a coffee that has a cupping score of 80.0 or greater. Awards were given for up to the top three eligible entries from each district, and the top 10 eligible coffees in each of the Commercial and Creative categories received awards.

Judges for this year’s cupping panel were SCAA President Paul Thornton of Coffee Bean International, SCAA Vice President Shawn Hamilton of Java City Roasters and Warren Muller of Inter-American Coffee.

The scores of entries are going up, according to David Gridley, HCA cupping competition chair.

“Nearly 80 percent of the 99 entries achieved a cupping score of 80.0 or greater,” said Gridley. “At our first cupping five years ago, we had 55 to 60 percent of entries scoring 80.0 or more.”

The conference also featured an industry trade show, numerous informational speakers, growers’ reports, a hands-on cupping workshop, a silent auction and a tour of Kauai Coffee Company’s farms and facilities.

— NEW BUSINESSES & SERVICES —

Index Fund Advisors representative now in Hawaii

Wealth Advisor Cheri Franklin is making the islands her home as the Hawaii regional representative for Index Fund Advisors, Inc., a California-based fee-only financial advisory firm with over $1.87 billion in assets as of June 30.

An IFA vice president, Franklin offers a host of services and a sound investing approach that is suitable for individual investors, company 401(k) plans, trusts, endowments, foundations, and other accounts. She points to the IFA Sustainable Fund Index Portfolios in particular as an option for Hawaii’s sustainable community. Franklin has more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry.

“I look forward to working with companies and individuals who want to align their investments with their personal values,” she said. “IFA’s lower-cost fee structure and array of services make us very competitive in Hawaii.”

The IFA approach strives to eliminate the need to engage in stock picking or market timing, instead providing an “invest and relax” approach based on more than 85 years of investing science and Nobel Prize-winning economic research.

IFA focuses on the advantages of passive investing with risk-appropriate, globally diversified index portfolios. It offers a myriad of educational tools, including webcasts, articles, books, and other publications on IFA.com.

Franklin is available to work with investors throughout Hawaii. She can be contacted a 325-8665 or cheri@ifa.com.

Baby store reopens in Kona

After a short closing to move, Aloha Kona Kids has reopened in the Kona International Market on Luhia Street in Kailua-Kona.

The company offers with a variety of high quality, trendy, innovative and fun products. Customers will find items for parenting, baby surf and something for every budget. New items arrived weekly. Besides retail items, there are rental options.

Aloha Kona Kids is a locally owned and operated baby store with “grand character and tropical flare.” It opened its doors first in 2005.

The new store is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Call Lori at 329-3621 or visit alohakonakids.com for more information.