Chamber’s 13th annual Living and Design Show this weekend loaded with vendors

Karim El-Tawansu of Cutco, left, displays his knives for Dan and Helen Dusschee at the Living and Design Show at the Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou Bay last year. (Laura Ruminski/West Hawaii Today file)
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KAILUA-KONA — Strong economy, strong showing.

This weekend, the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce will host its 13th annual Hawaii Island Living+Design Show at the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay, and this year’s event is already proving to be something special, with nearly 40 vendors registered to take part in the premier home show over the weekend.

It’s also a special one because the Chamber is celebrating its 50th anniversary — as is sponsor West Hawaii Today — and is offering free event admission as well as awards for best booths. Live radio D.J. Darde Gamayo from KAPA FM will spice things up from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, too.

“The strong line-up of sponsors and exhibitors is an indicator of West Hawaii’s strengthening economy,” said Wendy Laros, Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce executive director. “Exhibitors are bringing their most new and exciting offerings for home design and comfortable living.”

HPM Building Supply and Honsador Lumber Corp. are the show’s headline sponsors. Each will have a full six-booth display with demonstrations of all they offer.

“We’re happy to be back in the show after a few years absent,” said Lee Wilson, HPM Building Supply VP of marketing and retail business development. “We’re bringing lots to see like Carhartt clothing, Trek decking, Pratt & Lambert & Ben Moore paints, Makita outdoor power tools and more, plus a fun ‘Words with Friends’ type game for your chance to win a $500 HPM shopping spree!”

Attendees of the Hawaii Island Living + Design Show will also have games and contests to look forward to, including a drawing for a chance to win a two-night stay at the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay.

Saturday it will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A special section will run inside Friday’s paper highlighting the 37 vendors who will be offering pros and do-it-yourselfers all they need to know when it comes to home improvement projects. The venue is a perfect opportunity for one-on-one time between businesses and customer.

“The Hawaii Island Living+Design Show is a great way to connect with our customers,” said Kim Keahiolalo, ProVision Solar sales and marketing manager. “During the two day event we have the opportunity for personalized Q&A with shoppers. The spacious booth allows us to showcase our innovative products and services. There’s really nothing better than face-to-face interactions with the public.”

Sponsors are HPM Building Supply, Honsador Lumber Corp., Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union, Hawaii Gas, ProVision Solar, Renewable Energy Services and West Hawaii Today.

Info: Contact the Chamber at 329-1758 or email info@kona-kohala.com.