"Industry Connection" is your source for curated quarterly 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.

A Beacon of Hope and Transformation

The construction of the Ka La'i Ola temporary housing development aims to bring a renewed sense of hope and healing to the West Maui Community

BIA Hawaii was honored to have attended the Ka La'i Ola groundbreaking ceremony on April 29th. 

The project, located mauka of Lahaina’s fire-damaged Wahikuli subdivision, is a 450-unit community that will house displaced wildfire survivors for up to five years and provide relief to those affected by the Lahaina fire who weren't eligible for FEMA assistance. While designed to last for five years, it will give the community time to plan for a long-term solution.

Residents will also receive wrap-around services, including childcare, healthcare, financial planning, and trauma-informed support, to help with healing and recovery. BIA will remain committed to working with our partners to assist in rebuilding the community.

HomeAid Hawaii received a $40 million grant from the Hawaii Community Foundation to support people who lost their homes in the Maui wildfires. 

News from BIA's Education Department

Visit to Pearl City High School

Earlier this month, the BIA team and members talked to students at Pearl City High School's Academy of Technology & Design about careers in the construction industry. We want to thank our members from Graham Builders, Evan Fujimoto, Pacific Source Hawaii, Hinano Nihanu, and the team from Gentry Homes for taking the time to share their impactful experiences with the students.

National Training Session Conducted at BIA Hawaii

On May 14th, BIA members were treated to national leadership training led by Donna Franza.

Franza flew to Hawaii to offer this special two-part course, which included a Leadership Challenge and a Speak with Confidence session. The training was conveniently held at the BIA office in Waipahu.

BIA's PACT Education Program Secures $100,000 Grant to Support the Future Workforce

Click below to read press coverage on the announcement

DPP Director Speaks at May BIA Board of Directors Meeting

Pictured L to R: Roseann Freitas, BIA Hawaii CEO; Dawn Apuna, DPP Director; Hinano Nahinu, Pacific Source, and BIA Hawaii Board President.

On May 30th, the Hawaii Department of Planning and Permitting Director, Dawn Apuna, spoke with the BIA board of directors about the new system being implemented to speed up the permit process.

Build the IBS Experience with an IBS Scholarship

Attention all BIA members between the ages of 21-35. Experience the 2025 NAHB International Builders’ Show (IBS) with a scholarship to achieve career growth and business success.

Selected recipients receive a travel stipend (savings up to $2,000) and an IBS 2025 registration (IBS Expo+Education Pass) to connect with industry peers and leaders, discover cutting-edge information and see live demos of new products and upcoming trends at IBS. 

Apply for an IBS Scholarship in three easy steps: 

• Visit the application portal 
• Select Builders' Show Scholarship from the drop down menu 
• Complete the application by July 12

Hold Your Next Meeting at BIA Hawaii

*Member Benefit*

As a BIA Hawaii member, you have access to many money-saving programs. One such valuable member benefit is Discounted Room Rental Fees offered at BIA Headquarters in Waipahu. BIA's conference rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to help make your in-person, virtual, or hybrid meetings a breeze.

Recently, BIA member DR Horton (pictured above) held a meeting at BIA and took advantage of this member benefit. If you have an upcoming meeting and need a top-notch meeting facility, please contact Tricia at tricia@biahawaii.org or call 808-629-7500.

DBEDT Offers FREE Cyber Security Testing for Hawai'i Small Businesses

The State of Hawai'i Department of Business Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) has created the Cybersafe Hawai'i program. This initiative provides eligible companies with technical assessments of their IT systems to identify vulnerabilities, cyber awareness training, and systems testing to validate security. There is NO COST to qualified participants! Space is limited so apply today to protect your business and customers.