"Industry Connection" is your source for curated industry content designed 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.

BIA Hawaii's Incoming President Marc Rinker Goes to Washington

Representatives from BIA Hawaii had a productive meeting with U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda in Washington, DC , where they discussed the housing cost issues in Hawaii and shared valuable insights. Grateful to Marc Rinker (Gentry Homes) and Tag Gilkeson for representing BIA with the latest statistical information from the National Association of Home Builders as we continue our efforts to make affordable homes a reality in Hawaii.

Access NAHB's Economic Housing Market Report highlighting the first quarter of 2024. This report is packed with data and analyses you can use when contemplating strategic business decisions.

Pictured L to R: Roseann Freitas, BIA CEO; U.S Congressman Ed Case; Mark Rinker, BIA Incoming President; Kamuela Potter, BIA Vice President.

Special Guest at BIA's July Board of Direcotr's Meeting

The July BIA Hawaii board of directors meeting welcomed special guest U.S. Congressman Ed Case.

BIA presented Congressman Case with a campaign donation on behalf of the National Association of Home Builders.

Congressman Case participated in a talk story session with the board candidly answering tough questions affecting our industry and members.

BIA Hawaii Members Honored

BIA Hawaii was well represented at the Top 25 Contractors of 2024 event, presented by Trade Media Hui, held at the Honolulu Country Club on June 26, 2024.

Pictured in attendance are BIA staff L to R: Tricia Laanui-Nuestro, Roseann Freitas, and Marie Whitworth.

Congratulations to the BIA members who were featured. Click below to view the full listing of contractors and rankings.

American Floor and Home Announces New Kapolei Showroom

American Floor & Home is excited to announce the opening of its newest location on Oahu's leeward side. This expansion brings a wide array of home renovation solutions, including carpet, hard surface flooring, and bathroom and kitchen renovations, to the local community. The new store provides residents with a convenient, one-stop-shop for all their home improvement needs. The new leeward location marks a significant milestone in the company's growth and its ongoing mission to provide Hawaii residents with the best in home renovation solutions.

Conveniently located at 480 Kamokila Blvd (neighboring Kid City Premium Playground and Territorial Savings) in Oahu's Kapolei area, the new American Floor & Home store (which includes their kitchen and bath renovation division, KIBA by American Floor & Home) enhances the home renovation experience for Oahu homeowners who live and work in and around the leeward area. Customers can expect the same comprehensive selection of high-quality products and expert services that American Floor & Home has built its 50-year reputation on, including carpet, hardwood, laminate and vinyl flooring options, as well as complete bathroom and kitchen renovation services designed to transform any space.

"We’re excited to bring American Floor & Home to Oahu's leeward area," said Daniel Arita, President of American Floor & Home. "Our goal is to provide Oahu’s homeowners with exceptional service and top-quality products that meet their renovation needs. This new location allows us to better serve the local community and make it easier for residents to access the latest trends and innovations in home design. With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, the team is dedicated to helping customers make informed decisions and achieve their vision for their homes."

Located at 480 Kamokila Blvd Suite B2, Kapolei HI 96707

Interested customers are encouraged to call or visit us online to schedule a FREE consultation and see our beautiful new showroom

Phone:    (808) 466-8828

Web:       https://www.americanfloorandhome.com/kapolei

Hours:    Monday thru Saturday 9am-5pm (closed Sundays)

2024 NAHB Legislative Conference Update

To: Local and State HBA Executive Officers

From: Carl Harris, 2024 NAHB Chairman of the Board

RE: 2024 Legislative Conference Update

I am happy to report that because of your tireless efforts during the recent NAHB Legislative Conference, we can also celebrate important progress that has been made to advance our priorities on two top issues – energy codes and workforce development. Your leadership and advocacy for housing on Capitol Hill were meaningful, and I am pleased to share with you how your successful grassroots efforts are making a difference on behalf of housing.

HUD and USDA’s adoption of the 2021 IECC was one of the three issues we took to lawmakers, and I’m happy to report that Congressman Warren Davidson, along with 38 other lawmakers, recently introduced a Congressional Review Act resolution of disapproval to allow Congress to overturn this harmful rule. After the 4th of July holiday, when Congress is back in session, we will launch a grassroots campaign to encourage you to follow up with your Members of Congress and ask them to cosponsor this crucial resolution. 

In other positive news on this issue, the House Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee has approved language that would prevent HUD from using federal funds to implement this rule. The full appropriations committee is expected to consider the bill in July and, if approved, will be advanced to the House floor for a vote.

Another key issue featured during the Legislative Conference was the importance of workforce development. NAHB has been a strong proponent of Job Corps, which is a vital source of skilled labor for the housing industry. 

I am pleased to share that the House Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee has approved language that would keep Job Corps 100% funded at $1.76 billion in fiscal year 2025. This is a significant win for the housing industry. The fact that Job Corps is fully funded in the House spending bill so early in the 2025 appropriations process is a strong sign that Job Corps will remain fully funded in fiscal year 2025.

Our message to lawmakers that the housing supply shortage is the primary cause of growing housing affordability challenges and ensuring we have enough workers to build the homes the nation needs is ringing loud and clear on Capitol Hill.

Once again, please accept my deepest appreciation and thanks for your outstanding contributions during the 2024 NAHB Legislative Conference. Your commitment, dedication, and advocacy are what make our industry great.

Tree Maintenance Tips for the Summer Months

Homeowners often take advantage of shade from trees on their property to enjoy outdoor activities during the summer. However, not all summer days are picture-perfect. Very hot days can dry the soil, and summer storms can lead to downed trees, causing power outages or property damage. As you settle into your lawncare routine this summer, consider the following steps to help maintain your trees and how to approach tree work if a severe storm hits. 

Water Regularly  

Watering your trees during the warm summer months is essential so they can stay healthy. A professional arborist can tell you how often and how much you should hydrate your trees. Generally, the best time to water your trees is in the early morning or evening so the water can absorb in the ground better than during the hottest part of the day.

Prune as Needed

The heat of the summer can take a toll on your trees and pruning can add to the stress. If you see limbs that are dead or broken, you should remove them. According to the National Arbor Day Foundation, any trees that flower in mid- to late summer should be pruned in winter or early spring.

Stay Safe After a Summer Storm

The confusion following a major storm can result in the removal of trees that could be saved or the improper weakening of a tree that can reduce its life. Homeowners can lose money, as well as the beauty and practical benefits of their shaded trees, with poor advice and the services of fly-by-night tree “experts.”

Tree work can be extremely dangerous. A professional tree care company should be used when: 

• a tree is large and requires high climbing or the use of a chainsaw;
• a tree is leaning on a structure or entangled with another tree;
• wires are involved or structures are endangered;
• major repair of the tree is necessary;
• a large limb is split or broken but still attached to the tree;
• when you do not have the proper tools, knowledge or health to do tree work.

It is wise to get more than one estimate. When removals are necessary, it is important to have a clear understanding of who removes the limbs and debris from the property and whether or not the price includes stump removal and clean-up. Your tree will have value as firewood or chips, which should be considered in the estimate. 

For more tips on landscaping and home maintenance, visit nahb.org/consumers. 

You are invited to attend the 19th Annual Hawai'i Government Contracting Forum

at the Honolulu Country Club on August 14, 2024 from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm.

The event will focus on:

• Introduction to Hawaii Technical Assistance Providers: MBDA, SBDC, HI-PTAC(APEX)
• VBOC, MCBL, YWCA CRP Program, EWOC Oahu
• Hawaii Business/Economic Forecast-DEBDT
• U.S. Small Business Administration Small Business Updates
• City and State Procurement Opportunities
• FY24-FY26 Long Range Acquisition Estimates (LRAE) by Federal Government Contracting Agencies
• Matchmaking Sessions with Contracting Agencies, Small Business Administration
• Technical Assistance Providers and Prime Contractors

This is a great opportunity for Contractors interested in doing business with City, State, and

Federal Government Contracting Agencies to receive information and technical assistance and meet one-on-one with Representatives.

Seating is limited. Hosted by the Hawai'i MBDA Business Center.