"Construction Connection" is your source for monthly information on industry news and events to keep you in the know. BIA-Hawaii is The VOICE of the construction industry and we work diligently to promote our members through advocacy and education and provide community outreach programs to enhance the quality of life for the people of Hawaii.
2020 BIA-Hawaii President’s Mahalo Message
ALOHA TO ALL BIA-HAWAII MEMBERS!

2020 has certainly turned out to be a very unprecedented and exciting year for all of us. Through it all, BIA-Hawaii has continued its mission to educate and advance the lifestyles of Hawaii’s communities and its people. Despite the hardships of social distancing and adapting to doing things virtually, we’ve been able to carry on.

I want to express my deepest MAHALO for everyone’s great efforts and hard work … our new CEO, Jess Leorna, BIA’s staff (Mary Ah Wong, Barbara Nishikawa, Vanessa Vinson, Khatrina Meeuwsen), BIA’s Consultants (Lesley Harvey, Stef Sakamoto, Holly Kessler), our Board of Directors, our Committees and Committee Chairs, and to all of our Members… thank you so much for all that you’ve done and for your wonderful support. We couldn’t have survived the year without you!
 
As my year as BIA-Hawaii’s President comes to an end, I would like to ask for your continued support for BIA-Hawaii’s new leadership. Despite our challenges with COVID-19 and trying to recover to a new normal, I was able to gain first-hand experience of what it takes to keep BIA-Hawaii going and what it must have endured to continue on these past 65 years. It’s been a truly amazing experience. Thank you very much for allowing me to serve BIA-Hawaii in such a coveted position.
 
As we look forward to a better 2021, I want to wish you all great success, health and happiness. Please continue your valuable support of BIA-Hawaii. Stay strong and be safe!
 
Mahalo and Best Regards,
Dwight Mitsunaga
Installation & Awards Ceremony - Join Us Virtually

On December 10th at 2pm BIA-Hawaii officially installs the incoming President along with the new Board of Directors and recognizes the service and commitment of our outgoing directors, officers, and committee chairs, while welcoming our incoming leadership. We will also celebrate and recognize those who work hard to make the building industry in Hawaii successful.
Mahalo to our Sponsors
Continuing Education Classes & Seminars
The Construction Training Center of the Pacific (CTC) is a one-stop comprehensive training and educational resource center established by the Building Industry Association of Hawaii as its workforce development arm. The CTC provides academic and vocational training, career counseling, job awareness, and related supportive services that address critical labor shortages in the rapidly expanding construction industry.

BIA-Hawaii offers a full range of seminars and continuing education classes to empower you and your employees with the latest information on industry standards.
All classes are open for registration, space is limited


January 14-16 Wooden Window Workshop
IBSx. Affordable. Beneficial. Convenient.

The IBSx virtual experience is your best opportunity to discover the latest products and trends in 2021. So, what's your excuse? Why haven't you registered?

Too expensive. No! IBSx is beyond affordable. Your $50 expo pass gives you access to explore and connect with the leading suppliers in residential construction.

I won't learn anything. Think again! You won't find another event that’s more beneficial for your business. You'll be able to pick up tips from construction demos showcasing real building projects nationwide and impress your customers with your knowledge of the hottest new products and tech applications.

I'm too busy. Not an issue! IBSx is extremely convenient and available whenever and wherever you are, whether you're at home, at the office or on-the-go. The industry is booming and it’s time for you to sharpen your competitive edge.
Hawaiʽi utilities are asking customers to remain vigilant as scam calls and phishing – already more prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic – ramp up during the Holidays

As we head into the holidays, be aware of scammers posing as bill collectors and utility workers. Customers need to be alert and recognize scams, especially when criminals threaten to disconnect service unless a payment is made.

Consumers should never wire money, purchase gift cards, or give out personal or financial information to anyone who initiates contact. Utility scammers will say anything, including threatening disconnection, to trick consumers into making payments.

Scammers target residents and businesses who rely on essential services such as electricity, water, gas and telecommunications.

The utilities offer the following tips:
  • If the caller says your utility account is delinquent and threatens to shut off service immediately unless payment is made, it’s a scam. Don’t be fooled by the caller ID, which can be manipulated to show a legitimate phone number.
  • If someone calls from a utility demanding immediate payment over the phone, via money transfer, prepaid debit cards or by Bitcoin, it’s a scam.
  • If the caller asks to meet the customer in person to pick up a payment, it’s a scam.
  • If you receive an email from your utility urging you to click on an embedded link or attachment to resolve a utility issue or pay a bill, think before you click. It’s likely a scam.
  • If a utility worker shows up at your home or place of business, ensure that person is wearing official attire with a logo, driving a properly labeled vehicle and carrying company identification.

When in doubt, call the utility’s customer service center.
Safety Tips & Resources
BIA Members Inspire the Future Workforce

Waipahu High School’s virtual CRASH (College Readiness and Academic Success Hawaii) program inspires high school students to enter the building & construction industry. BIA members created videos describing their profession to help high school students envision their life after high school through different career pathways.

This month we feature Sean Lee, Estimator, at Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company, describing his job in the building industry.
Focus ON: Membership Value

There are many benefits of BIA-Hawaii membership. Each month we will highlight a benefit to ensure you are getting the most value from your membership.

Build Your Reputation and Grow Your Business
  • BIA Recognition: Promote you and your company through Awards Programs to enhance your credibility
  • BIA Leadership: Gain valuable leadership skills by leading a committee or serving as a BIA board member or officer
  • BIA Directory: Members and consumers find your company info online at the BIA website
  • BIA Networking: Meet Member Developers, Builders, Contractors, Suppliers, Architects, Engineers and more
  • BIA Sponsor Recognition: Promote your company by sponsoring events with the BIA Brand of Confidence and Competence

Learn more about BIA-Hawaii membership at www.biahawaii.org/value-of-your-membership

Membership questions? Contact info@biahawaii.org or call 808-847-4666
BIA-Hawaii shares new tech products, services and resources with our members to help your business thrive.

Raken aims to make reporting faster and easier for construction firms. It automatically creates branded daily reports from inputs created by users, such as a field worker, foreman or superintendent.

One Click Contractor is a cloud-based platform that transforms the traditional home improvement sales visit into an online experience. Rather than a lengthy in-person conversation, a contractor can visually show homeowners any changes to their property and present home improvement estimates using computer-generated measurements, all while sharing a screen.

Disclaimer: BIA-Hawaii is not endorsing any product or service mentioned herein.
COVID-19 Industry Updates & Resources
(Updated weekly)
Now Accepting Reservations
The BIA-Hawaii CTC headquarters in Waipahu has beautiful and convenient space for all of your event needs. Classrooms for trainings and well-equipped rooms for events are available to rent. The event & classroom rental calendar is now open for 2021. Space fills quickly! Secure your preferred dates and times. Contact info@biahawaii.org or call 808-847-4666.
Contribute to YOUR Newsletter
BIA-Hawaii is offering members the opportunity to promote their business in the monthly newsletter free of charge for the next few months, first come, first served. If you would like to feature your business, please contact info@biahawaii.org.

Do you know a BIA-Hawaii member who has been giving back to the community by volunteering their time, services, labor or supplies to community projects? Please let us know at info@biahawaii.org.

Suggestions are always welcome on the type of articles and content that you would like to see. Submit ideas HERE.
Building Industry Association of Hawaii
94-487 Akoki Street, Suite 213
Waipahu, Hawaii 96797
808.847.4666
Mahalo to our
Corporate Platinum Sponsor