Bowers + Kubota Consulting was recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council for the design and construction of a warehouse and office building in Waipahu that meets a number of environmental standards.

Environmentally friendly features incorporated into the building include photovoltaic panels, water-efficient plumbing fixtures, occupancy sensors and daylight sensors for interior lighting, use of sustainable and low-emitting materials, and a high-efficiency air-conditioning system.

The warehouse received gold certifications in two categories under the Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program.

NATIONAL GUARD GROUP COMING IN 2013

The National Guard Association's annual convention planned for Honolulu in 2013 is expected to draw about 5,000 participants and generate more than $24 million in visitor spending.

The event scheduled for Sept. 21 to 23 at the Hawai'i Convention Center will include delegates from all 50 states and several territories, according to a news release from the convention center. The conference will result in an estimated 40,000 room nights booked at local hotels, according to the release. The number of hotel rooms booked for a convention usually far exceeds the number of delegates because it includes family members and other non-delegates

MOBI PCS EXPANDS CELL PHONE COVERAGE

Mobi PCS said it has activated cellular sites in Lualualei that enhance its voice and data coverage in that area.

The site addition provides enhanced in-building and street coverage throughout Lualualei from Nänäkuli to the Naval Reservation, as well as through the residential areas of Lualualei toward Mä'ili.

The new cell sites increase download speeds of Mobi's Hele Wireless Broadband and improve the network's overall capacity throughout the area, the company said.

Mobi PCS said it has deployed nearly 20 new cell sites across the state so far this year.

Mobi PCS is the only locally operated wireless network in Hawai'i. The company is owned by both investors and employees.