AkzoNobel Car Refinishes North America has announced that four collision repair centers in Hawaii have become the first in the state to switch to waterborne technology. The system they chose to help preserve the tropical beauty of the island is Sikkens Autowave.
These four collision repair businesses on Oahu that are doing their part to protect the fragile Hawaiian ecosystem are — Acme Fender, Island Fender, Kuroda Autobody and Oka's Auto Body. Each shop is a second generation, family-owned businesses. Collectively they represent a total of over 200 years of service in Hawaii.
"Here in Hawaii, where water surrounds us, taking care of the land and considering our part in
the worldwide eco-system is a part of our culture," said Van Takemoto, Island Fender. "Now,
water will play a key role in helping to preserve the island's delicate ecology. In fact, there's a
native Hawaiian phrase, Malama I Ka ‘Aina, that reminds us of our responsibility."
"Waterborne is the future of the collision repair industry,” said Roland Kuroda, Kuroda's Auto Body. "As business leaders, we decided to take a step forward by converting to Autowave, and doing our part to preserve the environment for the future."
The collision repair shop owners began working with AkzoNobel and its distributor, Island Concepts, six months ago to develop a transition plan that included an equipment audit, upgrades to spray booths, air ventilation and filtration systems, and extensive classroom and hands-on training. In June, all four shops began using Autowave.
"Autowave is not only good for the environment, it offers easy application, an excellent finish, good color match and durability," said Eddie Okahara, owner of Oka's Auto Body.
"We are very proud of Acme Fender, Island Fender, Kuroda Autobody and Oka's Auto Body for leading the way and becoming the first shops in Hawaii to convert using Autowave," said Tim Loden, Director of Marketing for AkzoNobel Americas "More and more shops are realizing the benefits that waterborne refinish systems bring to their businesses. It is a win/win situation for the community, the employees, the environment and the industry."
