There’s Nothing Like Clean Air

By Jason Fujihara
Wednesday - April 18, 2007
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Air Reps staff (from left) Clement Ching, Brian Houghton, Jason Fujihara, Gail Miyamoto, Lisa Deuhaylonsod, Brian Nakamura and Barney, unofficial office pooch
Air Reps staff (from left) Clement Ching, Brian Houghton,
Jason Fujihara, Gail Miyamoto, Lisa Deuhaylonsod, Brian
Nakamura and Barney, unofficial office pooch

Growing up in Nuuanu, I was fortunate to be surrounded by individuals who encouraged and inspired me to work hard, appreciate what I was given and show respect for others. One of them was my aunt, Florence Amuro Huntington. My family observed traditional Japanese values, but they also understood the importance of embracing local ways of living and doing business. Auntie Florence embodied this philosophy by succeeding as the first female pharmacist in Hawaii and working to improve life for residents. Another who challenged me to always “do the right thing” was Hubert White who, among his other community roles, worked at the Nuuanu YMCA and was always there for us kids.

It’s now my turn to make a difference in our community. As the general manager for Air Reps Hawaii, I have the opportunity to continue building the highest level of customer and employee confidence and satisfaction by implementing the values shared with me throughout the years. Our clients include all kinds of businesses and individuals, ranging from couples needing mobile air conditioning units for their wedding receptions to climate control for corporate information technology departments to water cooler systems for the military - and we see every interaction as worthy of our efforts to offer outstanding customer care, quality equipment and strong relationships.


Each year Air Reps Hawaii has witnessed the growth of its industry. Even in the Islands, the quality of our air and water is decreasing in the face of mounting traffic exhaust and other pollutants, compelling us to seek cleaner and more fulfilling live and work environments. In Honolulu, urban development has also led to noise pollution, and even an uncomfortable increase in climate temperatures, which now reach above 90 degrees on many summer days. Air cooling systems that permit us to close windows and clean, bottled drinking water are important ways for people to stay healthier and reduce stress in today’s world. Air Reps carries the most desirable brands and products to address these needs, including MovinCool portable air conditioning units, Aqua BreezeTM portable fans with water mist, and Oasis water coolers. Another important product we carry is Mars Air Doors, which saves energy by minimizing air-conditioned air loss through open doorways and also repels flying insects, dust and pollutants.

With the proliferation of airborne illnesses plus molds, bacteria and other allergens, Air Reps is seeing a tremendous demand for our Steril-Aire systems, which combine high-tech air-cooling with built-in ultraviolet lights that minimize these dangerous elements. Iolani School installed the units in its newest structures, and found that not only did ultra-violet lighting reduce mold by 99.8 percent, but also that they received fewer respiratory complaints and even saved money.


Living in Hawaii is becoming more challenging not only in regard to maintaining good health, but also economically. It seems that every day we see folks giving up on their dreams or failing to do the right thing because they can envision no other way to make it. But companies like Air Reps Hawaii - and the computer sales and service company of which I’ve been president for 22 years and continue to run, Maintec - prove that “old-fashioned” hard work, respect for clients and dedication to quality products that serve needs really do pay off. I think Hawaii needs to grab back onto these values and celebrate them.

I hope that my story will inspire our younger generations to believe in themselves and do the right thing, starting with my own two children. Whether at the workplace or at home, life is simply too short to compromise values and quality of life.

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