Page 3 - Hawaii Island MidWeek - Sep 8 2021

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021
HAWAI‘I ISLAND MIDWEEK 3
A MINDFUL MOMENT
Alice Inoue
MPlanetary Weather
y curiosity about all aspects of life has led me to delve deeply into a plethora of disciplines. One I’ve found fascinating
is the study of planetary movements that impact us. In the same way we look to the sun for illumina- tion and to the moon for reflection, I’ve learned that
other planets influence us as well.
Uranus, for example, is known as the “awakener”
and is waking us up to our “weirdness.” In other words, it’s time to let your individuality emerge and not hide parts of yourself for fear of judgment or rejection.
Your uniqueness is where your power is. Your authenticity is your advantage, so accept yourself as you are, and express yourself as you desire while balancing your need for belonging with your need to be “you.”
alice@yourhappinessu.com
A s the state and rest of the world con- tinue to deal with the pandemic and its effects on daily life, the need for as- sistance continues to grow. Organizations that help the community in myriad ways are working harder than ever, and sometimes with fewer re-
ing Campaign. Through this program, employees of partic- ipating workplaces may opt to contribute a set amount from each paycheck (or make a one- time gift) for specified causes. Participants may choose from a list of nearly 350 nonprofits that AUW supports.
ed as an employee of HGEA, and had been in place long before that.”
sources than normal. Throughout this, Aloha
Randy Perreira, executive director for Hawai‘i Govern- ment Employees Association, notes that the group has a long history with AUW.
“Over the years, through workplace campaigns con- ducted at unionized em- ployers, our affiliates and members have raised funds through bake sales, fashion shows, the raffling of em- ployee ‘perks,’ golf tourna- ments and a variety of other creative means. The level of ingenuity in raising funds has been quite remarkable.”
“One of our most success- ful annual campaigns is our Retiree Giving Program, rais- ing in excess of $133,000 last year alone. Our partnership with AUW has been invalu- able to encourage and guide giving in our ranks.”
United Way persists. Along with its many giving partners, it continues to sustain its sup- port of the organizations that help those in the community who may be struggling.
“I can’t say how long our Hawai‘i State AFL-CIO has been partnering with AUW, but will confirm that our partnership has been in place for the 38 years since I start-
To learn more about AUW and its Workplace Giving Campaign, go to auw.org.
To that end, AUW has launched its Workplace Giv-
— Lianne Bidal Thompson
Randy Perreira
Perreira says that while many opt to give via a direct donation or payroll deduction, employees have found other ways to raise funds for AUW.
He adds that, for many HGEA members, the spirit of giving continues on beyond the end of one’s career.
Tech Helps SMART Plumbing Hawaii Care For Customers
Gabe and RosaLei “Lei” Androyna
Plumbing and technology come together cleverly at East Hawaii’s most-respected industry company. Led by husband-and-wife team Gabe and RosaLei “Lei” Androyna, SMART Plumbing Hawaii is Hilo’s answer to all its plumbing needs.
“We use technology to solve problems, be it business platforms or contracting/plumbing,” says Lei.
From digital invoicing to online booking, they put customers first, which means the full-service need-driven business does legitimate work and takes no shortcuts so customers stay safe.
“If a job needs a plumbing permit, we secure it,” assures Lei. “We make sure it’s up to code.”
And if the plumbing’s not up to par for the required work to be done, SMART Plumbing Hawaii will walk you through the processes of getting everything
in order. From fixing venting issues or ensuring gas and water lines are safely installed, SMART Plumbing Hawaii helps its customers improve their properties.
This is true for all the work they do — from renovating or upgrading bathrooms and kitchens to rainwater catchment and water heating delivery systems — they do all aspects of plumbing.
Along with the Androynas working hard on the day-to-day operations for customers, they campaign for cesspool conversions around Hilo and the rest of the island. It’s something they’re passionate about to ensure proper wastewater management for Hawaii.
“Making sure we eliminate cesspools viably and efficiently so they don’t contaminate our groundwater and coastal shores, that’s what we’re about,” says Lei. “Our company is part of the solution, but we can’t solve such a huge problem by ourselves, we need all the community support and qualified providers we can get, to help make things better.”
SMART Plumbing Hawaii’s admin office is located at 94-A West Kawailani St. in Hilo.
Learn more by calling 808-393-9296,
visit plumbinghawaii.com or emailing SMART@plumbinghawaii.com.
Photo courtesy HGEA