Tropical Chic

Bellavita Tile recently debuted an elegant collection of tiles called Bamboo Planks, which recreates the look of natural bamboo through glass. Suitable for residential, commercial and institutional spaces, the glass tiles are 2 inches by 12 inches in size, 8 millimeters thick, and ideal for wall and column applications. The collection is available in six colors: Desert (shown here), Mocha, Snow, Smoke, Taupe and Midnight. Bellavita Tile distributes its product in Hawaii through Pono Stone LLC. Contact Pono Stone at 721-9767 or e-mail Trevor@ponostone.com. Bella Vita Products can be viewed online at: www.bellavitatile.com.

Got a Light?

Magnalight.com has just debuted a solar powered LED beacon that offers maintenance-free operation and 30 different strobing flash patterns. Powered by a 14.3 volt lithium poly battery and recharged via an included solar panel assembly, the SPLED-CL1B-M Class 1 LED beacon is visible for over a mile and can run for more than five hours on a full charge. The beacon is magnetically mounted and ideal for applications where a strong and effective signal beacon is needed yet normal power sources are either unavailable or inconvenient. It is ideal for construction sites where equipment operators need to let others know that an operation is running. Visit Magnalight.com for more details on this product.

Make It Rain

GrohFlex is a new universal valve system by GROHE that accommodates the full spectrum of shower applications — from a basic tub-shower setup to a multi-function, custom shower. According to GROHE, the core element of GrohFlex is a one-size-fits-all, rough-in box that will accommodate the portfolio of GrohFlex bath solution kits, which include trim coupled with an integral four-port control module valve, including service stops. Connections to the hot and cold 0.5 inch water supplies and the outlets are made via the installation box. The Bath Solution Kit is plugged into the rough-in box to complete the trim installation. GROHE products are available at Lowe's stores throughout Hawaii.

AQUAPave

Introducing the AquaPave Permeable On-Site Stormwater Source Control System by Abbostford. The company says this product is an important first effort to reduce excess stormwater runoff quantities and improve water quality. The AquaPave system allows commonly recurring rainstorms to infiltrate through a permeable concrete pavingstone surface into a clear crushed open-graded aggregate base before being released into storm sewers or watercourses. Known as permeable interlocking concrete pavement, the system acts as an infiltration facility for the storage, treatment, and improvement of released water. To order this product in Hawaii, contact Futura Stone and Concrete Products, an approved installer of the AquaPave system. Visit www.futurastonehawaii.com or call 841-7433.

Vast Improvement

VAST composite permeable pavers are a superior alternative to concrete permeable pavers. The company says: "Combined with an open-graded base, VAST permeable pavers can reduce runoff-generating impervious cover and decrease the rate and quantity of runoff. Paver joints are filled with small stones and independently tested at an infiltration rate of over 480 inches per hour. VAST composite masonry is the first composite material in the world, made almost entirely of recycled materials with the physical strength, durability and natural appearance to replace concrete. VAST composite masonry utilizes up to 95 percent post-consumer recycled materials, requires 82 percent less energy and releases 89 percent less carbon dioxide than most concrete product manufacturers." This product is available through Evergreen by Debra, LLC. Visit www.evergreenbydebra.com, call 239-6599 or e-mail Info@EvergreenbyDebra.com.

Reclaim to Fame

TerraMai provides distinctive, one-of-a-kind wood products for premiere commercial and residential projects. The company recently released a new line of solid and engineered wood flooring. TerraMai says its experts travel the globe in search of the most beautiful and unique reclaimed woods. In fact, all of TerraMai's woods are reclaimed and all are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified. Over the company's 19-year history, TerraMai has repurposed millions of board feet of salvaged wood. In the process, the company has helped offset the use of new wood (especially old-growth tropical hardwoods) and the emissions associated with the logging, transportation, milling and processing of new wood. Browse the company's vast selection of products at www.TerraMai.com. To order, contact Aaron Preman, LEED AP, at aaron@terramai.com or call 530-925-2751.

Window of Opportunity

Pella Windows and Doors recently debuted a new line of windows that is ideal for Hawaii home and business owners. Pella 350 Series windows offer durability and energy-efficient options that meet or exceed Energy Star guidelines for the state of Hawaii. Pella's new line of windows features an exclusive energy-saving system that provides industry-leading protection from extreme temperature and blocks 96 percent of the sun's fading rays. Furthermore, Pella 350's weather-strip is up to three times more effective than the window industry standard. For more information, visit the Pella showroom at 214 Sand Island Access Road. (Courtesy of Pella® Windows and Doors)

Flying Colors

Eagle Roofing Products presents a new line of energy-efficient claylike tiles. Inspired by an authentic handmade looking tile, the Artisan Series is available in an array of striking colors. According to Eagle Roofing Products, Artisan tiles can help reduce cooling costs by reducing heat transfer into the attic due to the airspace under the tile, as well as its highly reflective surface. The concrete tiles are created in a single base color and treated with a unique process that creates random streaks in beautiful accent colors so that no two tiles look the same. Pictured here is the color "Hilo Sunset." To find out more about Eagle's new Artisan Series and other tile roofing solutions, visit www.eagleroofing.com.

High Polish

Metabo Corporation, a leading international manufacturer of professional grade portable electric power tools and abrasives for industrial, construction and welding applications, now offers a 4-inch wet polisher that provides the most power and highest speed range of any wet polisher on the market. The PWE11-100 is ideal for polishing and finishing natural stone, artificial stone and concrete. The new polisher includes Metabo's VTC (Vario Tacho Constamatic) electronic speed stabilization for in-
creased productivity under the heaviest operating conditions. The PWE11-100 features a long-lasting 9.6 A motor with 1,100 watts of power, 34 inch-pounds of torque and a no-load speed of 1,700 rpm to 5,400 rpm. This enables the PWE11-100 to polish twice as fast as an air polisher and gives the tool the ability to drive 1-3/8 inch core bits for faucet installations. Metabo products are available at Airgas Gaspro.

Laser Sharp

Bosch Measuring Tools, a worldwide leader in laser measuring technology, introduces a new laser distance measurer. The GLM 80, the first Li-ion battery-powered combination laser distance and angle measurer, incorporates a number of new features including the ability to accurately measure heights of and distances to objects with only one click of a button. The integrated two-axis tilt sensor, a first in the industry, enables the GLM 80 to read angles when the unit is handled either horizontally or vertically. Its indirect measurement mode is ideal for taking measurements that are inaccessible. This product is available at Lowe's Home Improvement. For more information, visit www.boschtools.com.

Road Warrior

Gradall recently debuted the Gradall XL 4100 IV hydraulic excavator outfitted with its new AutoDrive(TM) system featuring an automatic transmission. This is a machine that can easily travel from home base to the jobsite and back. It travels at speeds up to 60 mph, which eliminates the need for a lowboy trailer and enables the operator to get to the jobsite faster. The machine also has a new 245-horsepower Tier 4i Mercedes engine that meets the latest EPA standards. The single engine is designed to efficiently and cost-effectively power the excavator up to 60 mph on highways, or 5 mph for repositioning around jobsites from the upperstructure cab. To purchase or rent Gradall equipment, visit Bob's Equipment Sales, Rental & Repair located at 2285 Hoonee Place or go to www.bobsequipment.com.

Future Living

Moen once again has set a high standard for luxury-class shower products. The company recently introduced the ioDIGITAL vertical spa, a product that offers consumers the ultimate shower experience. An ideal product for high-end, custom building projects, the ioDIGITAL vertical spa has multiple showerheads and is outfitted with an array of high-tech features. The ioDIGITAL interface allows consumers to quickly and accurately set the preferred combination of temperature, flow and spray outlets. The ioDIGITAL system is powered by an electronic valve that manages the hot and cold water supply, and can be located up to 30 feet from the bathroom for easy installation and retrofit flexibility. This product is currently available at Lowe's Home Improvement. For more information, visit www.moen.com.

Light the Night

Skyfuel construction grade solar paving lights are now available in Hawaii.
These grid-independent paving lights are solar-powered, with no batteries, conduit, wiring or transformers required, also allowing it to be installed nearly anywhere, in both vertical or horizontal applications, including garden patio, fountain, stairway, sidewalk, swimming pool deck, exterior building walls or driveways. Made with polycarbonate or cast aluminum casings, they are designed to withstand traffic loads as large as semi-trucks and trailers and are 100 percent waterproof.
For additional product information visit www.skyfuel.ca. The local dealer is Futura Stone of Hawaii, located on Sand Island Parkway, phone: 841-7433, web site: www.futurastonehawaii.com.

Heart of Glass

TimberSIL recently introduced GlassWood, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) only certified nontoxic "barrier" wood building material, exempt from EPA's pesticide regulations. The product is manufactured through a process that forms millions of barriers around and within fibers of southern yellow pine. This microscopic coating is composed of silica flakes. It is 50 times stronger than wet-treated wood, has four times more holding strength for screws and fasteners, and is non-corrosive. It is both a Class A fire retardant and ignition resistant material.
TimberSIL GlassWood is available through Judd Hummel in the Dillingham Transportation Building at 735 Bishop St., phone: 531-5542, e-mail: hummel@aloha.com.

 

Maximum Comfort

Volvo Construction Equipment recently debuted the EC250D and EC300D excavators, powerful and reliable machines that excel in heavy digging and lifting duties, offering superior cycle times and greater fuel efficiency. Furthermore, these models are fitted with latest generation Care Cab that offer operators excellent visibility and ideally placed controls and monitors. Furthermore, they offer a quieter, safer and more comfortable space in which to work. Volvo Care cabs provide greater ergonomic comfort leading to reduced fatigue and increased productivity. They also minimize vibration and noise, which gives operators a smoother ride; each model is roll over protection system-protected and mounted on dampened cab mounts that iron out vibrations. For more information, contact Volvo Rents on Oahu at 693-8771 or visit www.volvorents.com.

Productivity Boost

New Holland Construction says its new 200 series skid steer loaders offer superior productivity. The company's engineers used input from hundreds of customers to design its new line of skid steers. The machines are ideal for a wide variety of construction and landscaping applications. According to New Holland, its patented vertical lift Super Boom® design has best-in-class forward dump height and reach. It's more efficient to load materials to the center of the truck. In addition, its industry leading bucket breakout force and dump angle provide fast cycle times and improved productivity. For more information, visit www.newholland.com or call 1-888-365-6423.

Carryin' A Torch

Makita presents the new 18V LXT lithium-ion cordless drywall screwdriver kit. Its Makita-built motor delivers 0-4,000 RPM to handle drywall and framing applications. Makita says its LXT Lithium-Ion battery provides longer run time, five times lower self-discharge (for use any time) and 16 firm holding contact terminals (for constant high power). Thirty-minute rapid optimum charger communicates with the battery's built-in chip throughout the charging process to optimize battery life by actively controlling current, voltage and temperature. There is also a built-in fan to cool the battery to produce more lifetime work. To order this product, visit Slim's Power Tools at 1626 Republican St. or visit www.slimspowertools.com.

Brains & Brawn

John Deere continues to make strides in operator comfort. The company recently debuted the 470G LC, an excavator that offers an exceptionally spacious and cozy operating environment. But here's what sets this machine's operator cab apart from the rest — it's equipped with JDLink Ultimate, giving its owner 24/7online access to its location. John Deere says, "You can track machine health, utilization, and fuel consumption — valuable information that helps you better understandcosts and jobsite performance. Plus, you can help protect your machine from theft by setting up geofence and curfew alerts in your JDLink account." To learn more about this product, contact American Machinery on Oahu at 682-8282 or visit www.americanmachineryhawaii.com.

Retro Chic

The Weymouth collection from Moen captures the beauty and luxury of yesteryear for a classic, timeless design. Moen's full suite of products boasts unique, elaborate and detailed design elements, such as porcelain inlays and delicate curves, adding flair to the sink, shower and tub. Moen's new line offers perfectly matching bathroom accessories, wall mount faucets and vertical spa packages to help the traditional bath stand apart. The elegant faucets in the Weymouth collection are certified to meet WaterSense criteria, reducing water usage by up to 32 percent, without sacrificing performance. A matching Eco-Performance showerhead flows at 1.75 gallons per minute — 30 percent less than the industry standard. Moen products are available at The Home Depot and Lowe's Home Improvement stores throughout Hawaii.

Waste Not

Uponor has created a new packaging design for its crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) tubing coils, which are a leading choice for residential and commercial plumbing. Uponor's new packaging offers a more user-friendly product for customers and dramatically reduces packaging waste. Uponor says its new design shrink-wraps a low-density polyethylene film around a coil of tubing and adds a circular perforation in the center of the coil. Users simply punch through the perforation and pull the required amount of PEX tubing for the job. When finished, users simply tuck the tubing end back into the center of the coil and transport the coil to the next job. More details are available at www.uponorpro.com.

Mean & Green

Hawthorne Cat's new D6T, D7E and D8T track-type tractors deliver reduced emissions, higher productivity and lower operating costs. Hawthorne Cat says these models from Caterpillar build on the solid, proven designs of their predecessors with new features that increase fuel-efficiency and productivity while reducing operating costs. All three models feature Cat engine and after treatment solutions to meet US Environmental Protection Agency Tier 4 Interim emissions standards. According to Hawthorne Cat, the D6T and D7E use the Cat C9.3 ACERT™ engine and the D8T uses the Cat C15 ACERT engine, having net horsepower ratings of 205, 235 and 310 respectively. These engines utilize the building blocks of ACERT Technology, including the Cat NOx Reduction System and Cat Clean Emissions Module (CEM), to meet Tier 4 Interim emissions standards. Hawthorne Cat products are available in Hawaii through Hawthorne Pacific Corp. Call 677-9111 or visit www.hawthornecat.com.

High Class Glass

Masonite, global manufacturer of interior and entry doors, recently introduced its new designer patio door collection that enhances a home's beauty while providing a heap of energy saving, dependable performance. Masonite's new collection features SpectraWeld technology on select decorative glass panels. This unique system utilizes revolutionary composite material that bonds to the glass and simulates caming. Masonite Patio systems are available as NFRC certified units in fully assembled or knock-down kits, with low-E configurations qualifying for the tax credit. Door panels are also available in standard and flush-glazed configurations. Its designer patio doors are manufactured with Low-E glass, which improves thermal performance and allows for year-round energy efficiency. Masonite's designer patio doors are available at Honsador Lumber and Hardware Hawaii stores on Oahu, Maui and Kauai.

Fail-Safe Connection

Working together with Optical Cable Corp., TrueView engineers have developed the IRIS™ connector, the first "fail-safe" breakaway fiber optic cable connector ever developed for traffic light control cabinets and highway network nodes.
The IRIS connector is easily configurable to any new or existing traffic cabinet. In the event of a traffic signal controller cabinet knockdown, the IRIS connector isolates fiber damage to the stricken cabinet. Because of the built-in safety disconnect point installed at the base of the cabinet, the fiber optic cable no longer gets ripped out of the ground by the crashing vehicle.
For information contact Optical Cable at (800) 622-7711, e-mail: marketinginfo@occfiber.com; or visit www.occfiber.com.

Spread the Wealth

Convenience Products has just released a new model of their portable constant pressure dispensing systems. The CPDS Series 2 machine, with an empty weight of 155 pounds and a footprint of 24 by 33 inches, is designed to be a high-performance foam spray system that can fit in the back of a truck or through standard doorways and entrances.
The unit holds up to 150 feet of chemical hose and includes a powder-coated metal toolbox, chemical-resistant labels and heavy-duty hose connectors. For more information, contact distributor Service Partners Supply, LLC at (800) 221-3359.

Speed of Light

Larson Electronics has just released its new Magnalight LM-30 telescoping light boom. With a range of up to 30 feet, the LM-30 is designed to elevate commercial light fixtures, cameras and electrical equipment securely with a maximum weight load of 150 pounds. The collapsible boom is built with 12 square, 0.5-inch thick steel with four pre-drilled three-quarter inch diameter holes for mounting and includes two 1,000-pound manual winches. For more information, visit magnalight.com of call 1 (800) 369-6671.

Making the Grade

DoMor Equipment has just released a new line of skid-steer (SS) series grader attachments. Designed to attach directly to the front of an SS unit's universal mounting bracket, the attachments, constructed from 4-inch tubular steel, are also compatible with Bobcats, tractors and backhoes. Suitable for road reclamation, agriculture and light industrial applications and designed to handle dirt, weeds, gravel, brush and small trees, the SS series is available in 5, 6, 7 or 8-foot width models, with fixed, hydraulic and manually adjusted blades available. For more information, contact DoMor equipment at 1 (800) 798-2303, or visit www.domorequipment.com.

Repelling Rust

Valspar has released a new line of anti-rust paints. Valspar Anti-Rust Armor is a heavy-duty, moisture- and chemical-resistant line of primer and enamel suitable for both interior and exterior uses, including wood and wall surfaces and is resistant to chips, cracks and peels. The product is available in many colors in both oil-based brushing and aerosol spray finishes. Also available in a gallon-size Anti-Rust Armor Professional Maintenance Enamel for industrial use only. For more information, visit CarQuest Hawaii at www.carquesthawaii.com or call (888) 778-7011.

On Tap

Kohler recently added to its Purist line of fixtures with its new Purist Bridge kitchen faucets. Available in polished chrome, polished nickel, matte black, and stainless finishes, the new model features a 360-degree swivel spout, improved ergonomics as well as wall-mount and deck-mount options. Deck-mounted units are available with optional sidespray. The faucet also includes a 1.8 gallon-per-minute aerator compliant with CALGreen building standards code requirements. For more information, contact Ferguson Kitchen, Bath and Lighting Gallery on 925 Kokea St. at (808) 832-7474. Kohler products are also available at Lowe's Home Improvement and The Home Depot.

Deck Protectors

CertainTeed has just released two new colors of its PT Decking product: Castle Gray and Tudor Brown. CertainTeed's PT Decking products feature a high-density polyethylene core encapsulated by a fade- and scratch-resistant coating with an embossed, wood-like finish that is resistant to termites, splinters and decay. The wood plastic composite decking material is reversible, with four distinct, complementary grain patterns and comes with a 20-year stain and fade performance warranty. PT Decking products are also available in bronze, rosewood and slate. For more information, visit www.certainteed.com or call 1 (800) 233-8990.

Drill, Baby, Drill

The Little Beaver company has just released a new line of hydraulic earth drills. Featuring an 11-horsepower Honda overhead valve gas engine, the HYD-PS11H hydraulic earth drill features a 5-gallon reservoir mounted on a three-wheel chassis and front and rear handles, as well as an integrated forward/reverse lever. The HYD-PS11H can drill holes up to 12 feet deep using 12-inch diameter augurs, and can accommodate augurs of up to 16 inches in diameter. The unit comes with a built-in 150-RPM motor, but 220-RPM and 125-RPM motors are also available for added speed or torque. For more information, visit www.littlebeaver.com or call 1-800-227-7515.

Light up the Night

Acuity Brands has just released a line of three new LED outdoor park luminaries. The Tersen Ratio PG, designed to meet IESNA RP-20 standards for use in parking garages, delivers up to 100 lumens per watt in a finned housing that serves as a heat sink with optional dedicated up-light. Its Lithonia Lighting VAP is designed for exterior environments, housed in a moisture- and dust-resistant polycarbonate enclosure, while the new model of Acuity's Lithonia Lighting ALX is designed to produce 18 to 25 percent more light than its previous model. Acuity Luminaries are available locally at Klopfenstein's Lighting on 1128 Nuuanu Ave., Suite 101. For more information, call (808) 533-0558.

 

Keep it Together

A new line of concrete mold hot melt adhesives and applicators is now available from Power Adhesives. The TEC 3200, a 400 watt 43mm/1.75-inch hot glue gun, is designed to apply beads or dots of adhesive, while the TEC 6300 unit is a 500 watt 43mm/1.75-inch self-contained pneumatic applicator that uses electricity and compressed air to spray hot melt adhesives. The TEC 7300, a 1000 watt, 43mm/1.75-inch hot melt spray applicator, is designed to cover 21 square feet on a single cartridge, is safe to use on heat-sensitive materials, has a built-in speed loader and melts up to 11.5 pounds of adhesive an hour. For more information, visit www.poweradhesives.com or call (704) 334-2425.

 

Deck Connection

The Ipe Clip company has released a new line of high-density polyethylene deck tile connectors. Designed for use with wood-backed deck tiles, Deck Wise tile connectors feature a pre-cut center drain hole, scoring lines for side or corner installation, pre-set gap spacing and pre-drilled countersink holes for installation on top of existing wood or concrete surfaces. The connectors feature a matte finish available in brown, black, or gray and retail for about $2 a unit. For more information, visit Ipe Clip's web site at www.deckwise.com or call Ipe Clip at (864) 902-8818.

On the Level

Hilti has put out a new pair of laser products. Its PMP 42 plumb laser and PMP 45 plumb and square laser have been designed with built-in magnetic feet for mounting and alignment on metal tracks. The PMP 42 generates two beams, while the PMP 45 generates two beams 90 degrees apart on the same plane and a third 90 degrees orthogonal to the plane. Both units come with Hilti calibration service as well as a two-year warranty. Hilti products are available at the Hilti Training Center on 1199 Dillingham Blvd. For more information, call (808) 845-9664.

Room-less Traction Elevator

Providing a sustainable and cost-effective solution for the low-rise building market, Schindler Elevator Corp. recently introduced its Schindler 3300 machine roomless traction elevator. The Schindler 3300 offers a range of design options and a smooth, quiet performance that uses less energy.

The system is designed to allow for more usable building and design space by eliminating the need for a machine room or a control closet. It fits into the footprint of a hydraulic elevator design, yet provides the smooth, quiet operation of traction technology. The system is delivered to the building site in one complete shipment, allowing accelerated lead times and quick installation.

Tier 4 technology

Hawthorne CAT has recently launched Caterpillar's exclusive new Tier 4 technology in Hawaii, designed specifically to reduce the environmental impact of large equipment.
The new Tier 4 Interim/Stage IIIB engines provide an combination of electronic, fuel, air and after-treatment components, based on engine size, the type of application and the geographic location. The engines have been specfically designed to meet or exceed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards set to take effect next year.
Highlights include: up to 5 percent improvement in fuel efficiency and up to 90 percent reduction in particulate matter (PM) and 50 percent reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.

"Hawthorne CAT is proud to bring this world-class technology to Hawaii," says Bobby Whitworth, general manager of Hawaii operations for Hawthorne CAT. "The new Tier 4 engines increase efficiencies to bring down costs as well as the impact on our environment."

Kahu Curt Kekuna performs the blessing during the groundbreaking. Participants included (from left): David Cheever, former-interim director of Mission Houses Museum; Anela Andrade (behind Kekuna), executive director of Punana Leo o Kawaiahao; Teddi Anderson of The Limtiaco Company, representing Hawthorne CAT; Dr. Thomas Woods, executive director of Mission Houses Museum; and Mission Houses Museum board members, Leilani McGuire and Charles Black.

Get a Grip

Unistrut Hawaii, a division of GP Roadway Solutions, recently intro- duced its latest innovation — Gripple seismic bracing systems. These bracing systems are specifically designed and engineered to brace and secure nonstructural equipment and components within a building or structure to minimize earthquake damage to suspended components. For example, Gripple seismic bracing systems are ideal for use in essential facilities that are required for emergency operation in the aftermath of an earthquake. It is also ideal for: bearing cable trays, supporting trellises, hanging lights, signage support and mechanical, electrical and HVAC applications. Gripple seismic bracing systems are available in Hawaii through GP Roadway Solutions. To learn more, call 833-2502 or visit the GP Roadway Solutions showroom at 660 Mapunapuna St.

Cool as Ice

Airgas Gaspro recently announced its new lineup of refrigerants. This includes CFC, HCHC, HFC, ammonia and the new alternative refrigerants. Furthermore, Airgas can eliminate redundant purchases by combining refrigerant procurement with other gas products and safety supplies. Its broad product offering incorporates a complete selection of industrial gases — such as oxygen, nitrogen carbon dioxide, acetylene and argon, as well as welding equipment and supplies and safety products. Airgas says it ensures its customers receive not only reliable products but also value-added services. For example, Airgas will provide a refrigerant recovery cylinder at no extra charge. When the cylinder is full, return it to Airgas and they will dispose of it at no extra charge. For more information, call Airgas Hawaii at 842-2222 or visit the Honolulu showroom at 2305 Kam Highway. Log on to www.airgas.com for more details. top of page