Chinatown vendors who worked in 100-plus degree heat for nearly two weeks got some much-needed relief Wednesday. A broken air conditioning system at Kekaulike Mall has been repaired.
What a difference a day makes.
"Better than yesterday I can smile a little bit," said vendor Amenda Yoo
Thanks to a 24-ton portable air conditioning unit.
"It’s a big difference. Yesterday temperatures was like 110 now it’s about 80 degrees," says vendor Paul Min.
Temporary vents put in by the mall’s manager CTMS Inc., distribute cool air through the market. The 30-degree swing is appreciated.
"Yesterday they look uncomfortable, but today when they come inside you can see them smile," said vendor Ramil Seril.
Smiles led to spending, but there is much work ahead. The air conditioning system in the city-owned building first started showing signs of failure in mid-April, then completely went out 10 days ago.
"As for making up the money it’s going to take about six or seven months for us at least," said Min.
A technician from Heide and Cooke, the company that maintains the air conditioning system, told the city a broken circuit board needed to be ordered from Tennessee. Wednesday, the city went in for a second opinion. Vendors are glad they did.
"Apparently they said it was going to take about a month for the parts to come in, we got it done in you know half and hour so with local parts that was available on island," said Glen Rilveria, the city’s air conditioning supervisor.
A $40 fix. Much cheaper than the $2,000 circuit board that was ordered. That order was cancelled.
"Relief downstairs they should be start feeling cooling within about a half an our so," said Rilveria.
It took 20 minutes. Min’s temperature gauge said it all, hovering between 73 and 74 degrees.
"You’re smiling today? Oh yes, I have a big reason to smile, I’m very cool now," said Min.
It eventually got down to 69.
"Really thank you for Channel Two for that really I’m thank you for that, I appreciate," said Yoo.
"I’m glad that we got it done today instead of waiting another month. You guys the heroes today! Well, that’s what we’re here for," said Rilveria.
"A good sign to KHON2 they are helping us out all the community here I thank you very much. You’re very welcome."
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
