"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.

June General Membership Meeting & Housing Summit

On June 6th, BIA members gathered at BIA headquarters in Waipahu for a General Membership Meeting and Housing Summit featuring NAHB national speaker Assistant Vice President for Forecasting and Analysis Danushka Nanyakkara-Skillington.

Mahalo to event sponsors:

BIA Hawaii President Honored

On May 28th at the Kahala Resort, BIA members and guests celebrated Hinano Nahinu's recognition as a top Woman Leader in Hawaii.

View more photos and videos from the event on BIA's Instagram account @bia_hawaii.

Congratulations Hinano!

In the News...

BIA Hawaii CEO Roseann Freitas was featured in a recent Hawaii News Now top story addressing the gap between median home prices and household income in Hawaii.

L to R: HBIF Trustee Tim Waite; Karen Nakamura; HBIF Trustee and BIA Board Member Kamuela Potter; HBIF Trustee and BIA Board Member Marc Rinker.

Education Gift to Hawaii Building Industry Foundation

At BIA's General Membership Meeting on June 6th, Karen Nakamura announced a $50,000 gift to the Hawaii Building Industry Foundation to support the future industry workforce.

HBIF is BIA's philanthropic arm. Its mission is focused on two areas: Education and the Maui Recover + Rebuild Fund.

During Karen's tenure at BIA, her work was instrumental in establishing BIA as the preeminent association representing builders, developers, and contractors in Hawaii.

Learn more about HBIF by visiting their website at www.hawaiibuildingindustryfoundation.org

Tax-deductible gifts can be made on the website or by calling 808-629-7509.

Pacific Business News Feature:

Leaders in Construction

Roseann Freitas, BIA Hawaii CEO, sat down with Pacific Business News reporter Stephanie Salmons for an in-depth interview discussing workforce trends and challenges.

SBA Unveils Working Capital Pilot Program

The Small Business Administration is rolling out a new structured line of credit that aims to offer more flexibility to lenders and small-business owners.

The 7(a) Working Capital Pilot Program would use a fee structure similar to the agency’s existing Export Working Capital Program and its SBA Express loans offering, under which there are no fees for loans under a certain amount but gradually scale up as the loan gets larger. The fee structure also changes based on whether the loans are shorter or longer than 12 months.

Job Interview Questions NOT to Ask

Job interviews are among the most high-stakes conversations that happen in the workplace, but it's not just because of the hiring decision. It's because of the legal risks, and many managers admit to putting their employers at risk by asking illegal questions. It's a scenario made even more complicated by the intense hiring environment and the complex scenarios managers are facing in the post-pandemic world.

New Energy Codes Mandate a Blow to Housing Affordability

In a move that will curb new construction and harm housing affordability nationwide, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have issued a final determination that will require all HUD- and USDA-financed new single-family construction housing to be built to the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and HUD-financed multifamily housing be built to 2021 IECC or ASHRAE 90.1-2019.

Eva Marie Whitworth, Education Specialist, has brought a wealth of experience and expertise to her role at BIA Hawaii since joining the team in 2022. With a profound focus on educational program development and execution, she has developed a solid portfolio in her field. Her dedication is underscored by a comprehensive array of certifications in Safety Topics, coupled with her accreditation as a certified trainer.  

In her capacity, Eva Marie assumes pivotal responsibilities that encompass scheduling, marketing, and strategic planning of courses and educational initiatives. Her purview extends to the meticulous orchestration of programs such as Green PACT and the facilitation of continuing education opportunities tailored to professionals within the construction industry.

Here is Marie hard at work promoting BIA's education programs in the community.