Kaiser Hawaii wins another award

The Kaiser Permanente Hawaii Kai clinic has received recognition from the National Committee for Quality Assurance’s Physician Practice Connections, Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) program for its integrated, coordinated care. The PCMH model of care seeks to strengthen physician-patient interaction with coordinated care and a long-term healing relationship, according to a Kaiser statement.

"Being recognized as a Patient-Centered Medical Home tells us we’re on the right track," said Dr. John Timtim, Hawaii Kai clinic chief, in a statement. It reflects that Kaiser physicians "have the tools they need to provide their patients with the best possible care."

The committee also recently rated Kaiser Permanente Hawaii as having the top Medicare and Medicaid plan in the state.

IRS tells tax preparers to renew IDs

The IRS is sending notices to 3,463 Hawaii tax professionals this week to encourage them to renew their Preparer Tax Identification Number online now to avoid any last-minute rush.

Tax professionals who do not have a number or those who received a number before the new system began Sept. 28 must register using the new online system at www.irs.gov/taxpros.

The agency will require the number on all returns prepared beginning Jan. 1.

"The process will help ensure taxpayers receive competent, ethical service from qualified professionals by strengthening oversight of tax preparers," said David Tucker II, IRS spokesman.

The system was created to replace the practice of preparers using their Social Security numbers as identifications on returns they prepare.

Golf course seen as spur for lot sales

The golf course at the developing luxury resort community on Kauai called Kukuiula is scheduled to open next month along with the main portion of the project’s clubhouse.

The golf course is expected to stimulate sales of home lots that have stalled amid the economic downturn.

A partnership led by local developer Alexander & Baldwin Inc. suspended marketing efforts briefly earlier this year after selling 13 Kukuiula lots in 2008 and none last year. Since sales resumed in July, one lot has sold, A&B said last week in a conference call with stock analysts.

A&B and Arizona-based DMB Associates Inc., its partner for the 1,200-home development, have retained Greenville, S.C.-based luxury real estate sales and marketing firm IMI to lead the new sales effort.

Habitat builds its first off-grid house

Habitat for Humanity will hold a blessing today for a Molokai home that is the organization’s first project nationally with a renewable energy system that allows the home to be off the grid.

The decision to power the home with solar panels and a battery backup system was made after discovering that bringing in electrical lines would have cost $30,000, said Emillia Noordhoek, resource development director for Habitat for Humanity’s Molokai chapter.

RevoluSun volunteered the labor to install the photovoltaic system on the house in Hoolehua, while Young Bros. shipped all the materials to Molokai free of charge.

The home is the 19th on the island built by the Molokai chapter since it became an affiliate in 1998.

On the Move

Distinctive Homes Hawaii has named Patrick O’Neill its principal broker. His real estate experience includes sales management, finance, project management and development. O’Neill has managed real estate firms in Asia and the United States as well as in Hawaii with Misui Trust, Hunt Development, Coldwell Banker, Watt Homes and U.S. Pacific Development.

Leilani Olinger has been elected president of the Hawaii Flooring Association, a nonprofit trade association that represents more than 60 dealers, contractors and manufacturers engaged in the floor covering industry. Kaleo Nakamura will serve as vice president; Dinah Hirayama, treasurer; Garrett Sasaki, secretary and Hawaii director; Mel Pomroy is the Maui director; and George Fern is Kauai director. Directors of the association are Harris Nakamura, Brian Bauer and Marc Matsubara. Associate representatives are Kevin Coronas and Scott Takushi. The executive director will continue to be Tim Lyons.

The Roofing Contractors Association of Hawaii has announced its board of directors. Officers are Charlie Beeck, president; Guy Akasaki, vice president; Tai Ai, treasurer; and Bernadette Robins, secretary. Directors are Joe Kirby, Scott Ai, Dora Fong, Michael Leong and Mike Tory. Associate representatives are Dave Pavlicek, Howard Meechan, Jack Miller, Sonny Leandro and Dana Bergeman. Immediate past president is Steve Maero, and Tim Lyons continues to serve as executive director.