BIA-Hawaii is pleased to announce the 2020 General Membership Meeting will be held virtually on September 18, 2020 at 12:30pm. Hawaii NEXT: Strength, Endurance and Hope will focus on resilience and positivity for the building industry during these trying times. 

A panel discussion with Q&A will feature Congressman Ed Case, Avalon Development’s Christine Camp and Michael Kai, Senior Pastor of Inspire Church, each providing their message of resilience and strength to BIA members and guests. Learn more...

Can I require an employee to return to work if he or she is not comfortable returning based on fear of exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace? Answer...

My employee has requested PTO for travel and knows he/she will have to stay home for 14 days after her trip. Does FFCRA apply and can I deny him/her PTO request? Answer...

If an employee wants to self-quarantine after self-diagnosing symptoms of COVID-19, is he or she eligible for FFCRA leave? Answer...

COVID-19 has presented many challenges to the building industry. Use this time to educate yourself, your staff and employees and earn a designation that is valuable in Hawaii. BIA-Hawaii offers a comprehensive list of industry courses this fall. Learn more...

NAHB Workforce Development Initiatives. Now more than ever, the home-building industry needs to continue to invest in training. A skilled and capable workforce is necessary to meet our nation’s housing demand is vital to home builders. Read more...

CDC Issues Rental Eviction Moratorium through Dec. 31. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a nationwide order halting millions of U.S. renters from being evicted through 12/31/20. The measure is necessary to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. Learn more...

FHA Extends Foreclosure and Eviction Moratorium for Homeowners through Year End. The third extension will allow FHA-insured homeowners economically impacted by COVID-19 to focus on financial recovery. Read more...

Mayor Kirk Caldwell issued Emergency Order 2020-25 on August 25th shutting down the Island of Oahu for 14 days. The order titled "Second Stay at Home, Work from Home Order" went into effect August 27th and continues through September 9, 2020. The intent of this Order is to curb the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus. Read more...

Oahu Small Business Relief & Recovery Fund Expanded. The City and County of Honolulu expanded eligibility for its Oahu Small Business Relief & Recovery Fund, which provides up to $10,000 reimbursements for business expenses. Read more...

Governor David Ige announces retirement of two top cabinet members. Dr. Bruce Anderson and Director Nolan Espinda will be retiring in September. Read more...

Governor David Ige issued a 12th Proclamation on August 20, 2020 related to the COVID-19 Emergency which extends the emergency period through October 1, 2020. Read more...

The County of Kauai Small Business Boost Grant. Funds have been exhausted, the program is now closed. Read more...

The Kokua Maui County Small Business Recovery & Relief Fund can assist small businesses to cover reimbursable business expenses for rent/lease payments, utility payments and COVID-19-related safety precautions, up to $7,500. Note: businesses that have received funds from the County of Maui Micro Business Loan Program are not eligible. Read more... 

The Maui Chamber of Commerce and County of Maui have partnered to create the Micro Business Loan Program to help micro business owners through COVID-19, the resulting recession and beyond. Loans awarded through the program are offered as emergency and working capital loans in amounts ranging from $7,500 - $25,000. Read more...

Mayor Harry Kim signed an eleventh emergency rule for the County of Hawaii. The new emergency rule went into effect on Aug. 21 and extends thru Sept. 30. Details on the Order can be found here.

Hawaii County Coronavirus Relief Fund. On Sept 3rd Holomua Hawaiʻi began accepting applications for the reimbursement grant program for costs incurred from business interruption due to the COVID-19. Small businesses can receive up to $10,000 to support core operations, safe ongoing and reopening costs, PPE, and training and technical assistance. Read more...

Hawaii County Mortgage & Rent Relief Program Opens August 24. Hawaii County is partnering with six non-profits to assist with rent and mortgage payments up to $1,000. Read more...

County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development. The County of Hawaii has aggregated a variety of grant programs for nonprofit organizations, county agencies, and educational institutions. Visit their website to review programs currently open. Read more...

Federal Resources for U.S. Small Businesses. Please visit the official federal resource website for U.S. small businesses affected by COVID-19. Here you can view relevant federal agency resources, access the latest news, and search for a Small Business Advisor near you. Read more...

September is National Preparedness Month. Customizable resources are available to create your plan. Learn more...

Jobsite Safety and Recordkeeping Guidance for Coronavirus. The Construction Industry Safety Coalition (CISC) offers detailed plans on how to prevent worker exposure to coronavirus, protective measures to be taken on the job site, personal protective equipment and work practice controls to be used, cleaning and disinfecting procedures, and OSHA guidance on what to do if a worker becomes sick, including recordkeeping requirements. Learn more...

NAHB Podcast: Helping America Rebound from COVID-19. Listen to learn more about how housing is poised to lead our economy out of the current recession and what NAHB is doing to support home builders, home owners and renters five months into the coronavirus pandemic. Read more...

Hawaiian Electric service disconnections for nonpayment have been suspended through Dec. 31, 2020. The company urges customers challenged by the financial impact of COVID-19 to seek utility bill assistance from government and nonprofits, and to set up a payment arrangement plan.

Seeking on-call math instructors for BIA's Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training program. For more information contact Barbara Nishikawa, Education Director at bln@biahawaii.org or (808) 629-7505.

BIA-Hawaii is here to support your company by offering job postings in our weekly COVID-19 eBlast. Please submit job openings to info@biahawaii.org