BY LAURIE LAGRANGE
At some point, everyone needs a plumber. Whether it’s to fix a leaky faucet or upgrade a bathroom, veteran plumber and owner of Pukana’s Ohana Plumbing LLC Kamae Ching wants readers to know what to ask for before placing that call for help.
“Sadly, I’ve seen cases where residents, especially our kupuna, bring in plumbers and get charged $500 or more for unfinished work,” says Ching, who also serves as the company’s president. “They call us to come in and either finish the job or fix what’s been done improperly.”
Ching says there are steps consumers can take to avoid this scenario:
• Make sure the company is a licensed contractor with licensed plumbers.
• Hire a company that is bonded and insured.
• Identify the problem as best you can, so the plumber can provide you with an accurate estimate for repairs.
• Ask upfront for the hourly cost for repairs or any other service charges.
• Obtain information and references on the company — after all, you’re inviting someone you don’t know into your home.
After spending two-plus decades as a licensed plumber with several of Hawaii’s largest plumbing companies, Ching founded Oahu-based Pukana’s Ohana Plumbing LLC in December 2018.
“During my 20-plus year career, I’ve worked on all types and sizes of projects, ranging from new building construction and multimillion-dollar renovations to residential homes,” says Ching. “No project is too big or too small, and we’re available 24/7 for emergency calls as well.”
Pukana’s Ohana Plumbing is a family-owned business with the same level of experience and expertise as Hawaii’s larger plumbing companies; yet, overhead is kept to a minimum, making Pukana’s affordable without sacrificing quality workmanship or service.
Since the company was formed in 2018, it has been named a finalist in Honolulu Star-Advertiser‘s 2020 Hawaii’s Best People’s Choice Award for Best Plumbing Company, and recently became a licensed member of Union Local 675. Union-backed contractors are held to a higher standard, providing customers with added peace of mind.
“I’ve seen our ad posted on customers’ refrigerators, which has a photo of myself and my son Jashon, who recently joined the company as a licensed plumber and vice president,” concludes Ching. “Residents need to take precautions when allowing contractors into their homes. With Pukana’s, you know exactly who will be working in your home before we arrive.”
Resident Sandy Fonseca recently shared her experiences in having Jashon fix a complicated toilet leak. “Jashon did such an outstanding job, he was very fast and pleasant!”
According to Ching, people should consider the following for maintaining healthy pipes:
• If you have a leak, the longer you wait to fix it, the more you’ll pay.
• Not all DIY plumbing projects are successful.
• Toilet wipes will cost you money to buy and a plumber to unclog your drain.
• Garbage disposals are not made for full pots of food or rice.
1015 Wilder resident manager Sandy Kahoano is one of several property managers who list Pukana’s as a preferred plumber for residents.
“Pukana’s Ohana Plumbing is reliable, dependable and they always go out of their way to keep their clients happy,” says Kahoano.
PUKANA’S OHANA PLUMBING LLC
CONTACT 389-9831
EMAIL chingr041@hawaii.rr.com
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