BY CHRIS AGUINALDO
MILILANI — Patrons of the Showers of Blessing
Christian Bookstore at the Mililani Shopping Center got
a pleasant surprise on seeing the results of a recent
facelift.
Walk through the front door and it just seems bigger
and brighter. The counter has been moved inward, so
there's more space to get in and out.
The walls easily allow for the display of colorful
artwork and other merchandise. Look in the back — past
the now generously spaced shelves — and there's a new
computer to help customers find and sample music.
"The project took about four and a half days
altogether," said Ope Fetui, general contractor and
owner of Pacific Contractors. "We had fun working here
with Sam."
Store owner Sam Curtis, with his perpetually cheerful
smile, shook his head in amazement. "Ope thought he was
going to come in and just work on cabinets," he said.
Instead, Fetui and brother Foa also installed new
wall panels, bookshelves and flooring, and were still
putting the finishing touches on the front
counter/display area last week.
A series of unforeseen events led to the contracting
duo stepping in at the eleventh hour, Curtis said.
First, he had ordered new fixtures from the mainland,
which were supposed to arrive not long after the store
closed for renovations on Dec. 28.
But the shipment came in late and without
instructions. By then, it was already Jan. 2 and the
original general contractor told Curtis that the job was
"out of their league."
Fortunately, they referred Curtis to Fetui, who just
happened to have a project rained out on the Windward
side and had the time to spare.
"This is God's work," said a grateful Curtis, who
lives in Wahiawa. "Ope is more than a contractor. He's a
godsend."
Fetui had to adapt the initial plans and adjust for
the materials and time frame that were available. On
Saturday, Jan. 6, Showers of Blessing reopened to
positive feedback.
Mark Turansky, pastor of Pacific Islands Bible
Church, summed it up during a recent visit as he praised
the renovations. "This isn't just a store," he said.
"It's a ministry."
