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BIA-Hawaii 'Remodel It Right' expo

The BIA-Hawaii traveling mini-expos held at shopping malls around the island have proved so popular that they had to go bigger. Thus, "Falling in Love again ... with the Home," the inaugural BIA-Hawaii "Remodel It Right" expo, is moving into the Hawai'i Convention Center July 8-10.

If you're remodeling or just thinking about it, the expo provides access to 150 exhibitors with displays from Hawaii's top contractors, suppliers, building industry experts and associates, all under one roof.

Parking is $5 at the center. Admission is $3 for adults, with accompanying children under 12 admitted free; three-day passes cost $4; and admission is just $1 on July 10 for those 55 or older, with valid identification. Look for discounts on-line at www.bia-rir.com and in print ads.

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RICHARD WALKER / RWALKER@STARBULLETIN.COM "Flowers and Plants of Hawaii," by Paul Wood and "Orchids of Hawaii," by Ted Green are colorful guides to island flora.

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Blooming basics

Whether you're a longtime resident or newcomer, the following books are the perfect tour guide through Hawaii's tropical gardens:

"Flowers and Plants of Hawaii": Island Heritage's latest offerings come from Maui resident Paul Wood. Illustrated with vibrant photographs by Ron Dahlquist, the title comprises a full-color, soft-cover book at $12.99, and a smaller pocket guide version priced at $8.99.

The books make isle flora easy to identify, with a picture index and easy-to-read text that includes a brief history about the plants' journey to the Sandwich Isles. Plants are divided into sections such as "The Wild Ones," "Roadside Plants," "Garden Shrubs" and more.

"Orchids in Hawaii": Written by landscape architect and Kaaawa resident Ted Green, this book from Mutual Publishing introduces several species of orchids, from the ubiquitous cattleyas to the showy lady-slippers. It is not so much a guide to growing as it is a resource for hobbyists in search of nurseries and clubs that can offer help to novices. The book includes more than 175 photographs with descriptions, plus instructions on how to transport orchids to the mainland. Cost is $10.95.

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