"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.

The January BIG Show Was Very Big!

The January BIG Home Building & Remodeling Show was one of the largest in recent memory, with over 144 booths and exhibitors.

The BIG Show featured a wide range of exciting new products and services featuring contractors, suppliers and companies presenting their newest and best on the showroom floor.

The Show offered an invaluable opportunity to streamline weeks of planning, meetings, and phone calls with potential contractors and suppliers— all in one convenient location. For homeowners, it’s the ultimate resource hub, offering everything they need in one place.

Our next BIG Home Show is scheduled for August 8-10, 2025. Pre-sale booths and early bird discounts are available by reaching out to Roseann Freitas, BIA CEO, at roseann@biahawaii.org

BIA Hawaii's Robust 2025 Education & Training Schedule

BIA Hawaii is planning a full year of new and exciting education classes and industry trainings.

From Safety Management Certification to Scaffolding Awareness to Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training and everything in between, there is something for everyone at each stage of their career cycle.

Continuing education is an important part of keeping your employees safe and up to date with the most current industry rules and regulations.

Check out the full list of classes by visiting our website, and sign up today!

Any questions, please reach out to Education Manager Eva Marie Whitworth at marie@biahawaii.org

BIA's Education Programs Featured in Hawaii Business Magazine

XLR8HI Applications For preX Cohort 9 are Open

If You Want To Go Fast, Go Alone; But If You Want To Go Far, Go Together

XLR8HI's "preX program" is designed for anyone interested in learning about raising funds, increasing revenue, expanding their business, and overall business growth. Companies in preX join a network of Hawaiʻi's top business minds and gain access to mentorship and investors, including local and national partners. 

What is "pre-X"? Help for companies, small businesses, and entrepreneurs who want to get to “X” but don’t know how to get there – where “X” can be launching or pivoting your business, obtaining funding, rapidly increasing customers, etc. The program helps businesses scale by identifying key priorities and action items to advance their business over the next three to twelve months. 

All Hawaiʻi-based founders and companies from any stage or sector are welcome and encouraged to apply. The program accepts companies on a rolling admissions process; earlier applications have a better chance of acceptance into the program.

YWahine in Business Incubator Cohort 5

February 25 through April 10, 2025

YWahine In Business is a 7-week course offering business fundamentals for new startups. This cohort offers Hawaii small business owners the right insight, knowledge, and resources for a stronger future. Classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30pm – 7:30pm. All entrepreneurs are welcome and not limited to woman-owned businesses!

Rising Homeownership Rate for Multigenerational Households

According to the Census Bureau, the homeownership rate for multigenerational households, those with three or more generations living together, is 74.2%, surpassing all other family household types.

EmPOWER Grant Applications Are Now Open

High energy prices, perhaps now more than ever, mean reducing your electricity costs could be crucial to keeping your small business open. An EmPOWER grant could help as you continue to navigate the challenges of today’s economy.

Submitting a grant application does not guarantee being awarded a grant.

Any grant awards will be disbursed after project completion as a reimbursement once all required documentation has been submitted, verified and approved by Hawaii Energy.

Builder Confidence Moves Higher as Election Uncertainty is Lifted

Builder sentiment improved for the third straight month and builders expect market conditions will continue to improve with Republicans winning control of the White House and Congress.

Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes was 46 in November, up three points from October, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI).

“With the elections now in the rearview mirror, builders are expressing increasing confidence that Republicans gaining all the levers of power in Washington will result in significant regulatory relief for the industry that will lead to the construction of more homes and apartments,” said NAHB Chairman Carl Harris, a custom home builder from Wichita, Kan. “This is reflected in a huge jump in builder sales expectations over the next six months.”

Kayana Omalza-Ibert

Education Coordinator

Kayana joined BIA Hawaii as an intern and transitioned into a full-time role upon completing her internship. She is a proud graduate of Leileihua High School and is deeply rooted in the vibrant culture and community of Hawaii. With a passion for the outdoors, she enjoys spending time hunting pigs and exploring the natural beauty of Hawaii's beaches. For Kayana, these activities are not only a way to unwind but also connect with the land and traditions of the islands.

In her new role as Education Coordinator, she is eager to contribute to BIA's mission, working closely with the team and members to further the goals of education and community development. She is committed to growth and learning and looks forward to supporting strong relationships within the community.