Editor’s Notes: April 2024

Sustainability and stewardship.

I’m a big believer in leaving things better than how you found them. The concept of stewardship has been a core part of my life since childhood — as a Kalihi girl, I learned early on to be grateful for what you are given and treat everything, and everyone, with care.

I remember a quote from our October/November 2022 cover feature that exemplifies what stewardship is all about. Homeowner Guy Brand, in talking about the inspiration behind his net-zero “Musubi House” on Hawaii Island, said, “Hawaii was here long before us, and will be here long after we are gone. We are only guests to this beautiful place.”

Stewardship is a sense of responsibility to honor the past and do what you can in the present to create a brighter future. You can practice stewardship every day. Whether it’s being conscientious about conservation, or supporting small companies and contractors to keep our local economy thriving, or diligently taking care of your home and loved ones — living thoughtfully constantly happens in even the simplest ways.

At Hawaii Home + Remodeling, we see ourselves as stewards of the precious stories that comprise our Island home. Each issue we produce is a compilation of mindful conversations and idea-sharing with people who entrust our team with their insights, expertise, experiences, accomplishments and time. It’s our hope that this spirit of collaboration fosters a mutually beneficial relationship between our team and the community we humbly serve, now and in the years to come.

And with that, I introduce our April edition. The timing of this issue coincides with Earth Month — by design, much of the content in the following pages focuses on sustainable living. In addition to highlighting where you can find eco-friendly products and how you can incorporate environmentally friendly materials in your projects, our lineup of April stories also explores how sustainable living is inextricably tied to being good stewards of your surroundings and the resources available to you.

Lucky we live Hawaii, with a beautiful environment and a welcoming community that makes everyone feel at home. How will you pay it forward?

Aloha,

Darlene Dela Cruz, Editor