"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.
President's Message
The Rising Cost of Lumber
A combination of factors have led to massive price increases
by Beau Nobmann, BIA-Hawaii President

Many of us can remember where we were when we landed on the moon in 1969, what it felt like to wait in line during the 1970s oil crisis and how so many American families lost their homes and jobs during the Great Recession from 2007 to 2009. COVID-19 impacted just about everybody on the planet in 2020. As we gain our footing, extraordinarily high lumber prices have become a national experience as well.
COVID-19 and events leading up to the pandemic created a perfect storm for price increases:
  • 2017: The U.S. imposes tariffs on Canadian lumber, creating a shortage of imported lumber we would need access to later.
  • March 2020: The U.S. declares the COVID-19 pandemic a national emergency.
  • May 2020: Most states issue “stay at home orders” and treat the construction industry as an essential business.
  • Mid-2020: Lumber mills shut down plants in anticipation of a major drop in demand, leading to a massive decrease in production.
Join us for BIA-Hawaii's General Membership Meeting on August 13th at Kapolei Golf Club "Overcoming Human Resource Challenges for Hawaii Businesses" featuring local experts.

This will be the first BIA in-person event in over one year! Don't miss this opportunity to connect with colleagues and friends at the beautiful Kapolei Golf Club.

Mahalo to our sponsor HMAA.
BIA-Hawaii home shows are the biggest and the best in the state! You know the value and importance these shows provide to your business in the form of leads, clients, and brand exposure.

Reserve your Booth Today. Reservations are now being accepted for booth space.

Hybrid Event. The BIG Summer Show will be a combined virtual & in-person home show.
ATTENTION 2020 SUMMER EXHIBITORS:
IF YOU OPTED TO ROLL OVER YOUR PAST COMMITMENT OR BOOTH PAYMENTS, YOU ARE ALREADY REGISTERED.
Please do not duplicate your registration. 
Enter Your Design
Prestigious Awards Honor Best in the State
Awards Gala October 22 at Honolulu Country Club
There is Still Time to Submit Your Entry!
Deadline is Next Week Friday
For more than 30 years, BIA-Hawaii has conducted the Building Industry Design & Construction Awards featuring the best in remodeling and new construction projects statewide.

The esteemed awards recognize and celebrate the achievements of industry professionals in a variety of categories representing a cross-section of the building and construction spectrum.

Entries are judged on creativity, use of materials, craftsmanship, functionality, and design principles. The award-winning designs incorporate the latest technologies and products on the market today. From sustainable living and luxurious outdoor spaces to commercial and retail spaces that become community gathering places, the competition inspires exciting possibilities in our industry.
Join us as we celebrate the BIDCA Award Winners!

The 2021 Building Industry Design & Construction Awards Masquerade Gala will be held at Honolulu Country Club on Friday, October 22 at 5:30 pm. This is a formal dinner and awards ceremony that will celebrate and highlight the BIDCA winners. Sponsorship tables will be available during the cocktail hour.
Hawaiian Electric looks forward to partnering with Building Industry Association members as we continue to work to improve services and processes for builders, developers, and contractors. The company’s Customer Installation Division (CID) offers E Hoʻomaikaʻi – which means “to improve” – an e-newsletter that outlines best practices and other helpful information to provide a clearer path toward completing projects on schedule.

To view all the latest issues of E Hoʻomaikaʻi quarterly newsletters, go to https://www.hawaiianelectric.com/electrical-services/builders-developers-and-contractors/newsletter-updates. The newsletters offer everything from the latest brochures for new service and/or upgrade requests for residential and commercial customers to tips on what photos must be submitted for residential property requests with multiple meters – even what to include in the subject line (project name, TMK and address). 

For more information and helpful resources from HECO read more here...
Mahalo for Wheelchair Donations!
BIA-Hawaii's Certified Aging in Place Program
Receives Wheelchair Donations

Lead by Shari Motooka-Higa of Locations Hawaii, and with the help of generous donors, BIA-Hawaii was able to secure wheelchairs as an asset for our aging-in-place classes, which allows for a fully immersive experience as class participants engage in a hands-on, in-person environment. The wheelchair donations are an amazing asset to the program! CAPS is a very interactive class, and students use tools like goggles that simulate low vision, wheelchairs and walkers to effectively understand the challenges residents face on a daily basis in the home.

The National Certified Aging in Place (CAPS) Designation classes for home builders, contractors, and realtors are approved continuing education credit courses with the Hawaii State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

Thank you to the following individuals and organizations for their donations and support of the Certified Aging in Place (CAPS) Designation Program:

  • Shari Motooka-Higa of Locations Hawaii
  • Suzanne Oakland, Catholic Charities
  • Chanelle Morisato, 15 Craigside
  • Anne Navarro, Arcadia
  • Maria Dingle, D-Well Care Services
NAHB offers a targeted curriculum, accomplished instructors, and nationally respected professional development opportunities. CAPS designation requirements and more information can be found HERE.

Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) courses teach technical, business management, and customer service skills essential to competing in the aging-in-place market with a major focus on professionalism including a strict Code of Ethics.

The following BIA-Hawaii members have earned the CAPS designation:
BIA's next CAPS course series will be offered in September.
Focus ON: Membership Value

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

Learn more about BIA-Hawaii membership at www.biahawaii.org/value-of-your-membership. Membership questions? Contact [email protected] or call 808-847-4666
Announcing New Member Benefit!
Exclusive Travel Website - Save up to 65%
Just in time for Summer Travel!
BIA-Hawaii members, their employees, and families can save up to 65% off room rates at over 800,000 lodging options worldwide. Plus, members can source and book group lodging for company events, as well as personal needs like weddings and family reunions. Save now!
Congratulations to the BIA Golf Tournament Winners!
1st Place:
John Gabriel's Team:
John Gabriel
Danny Stredbeck
Jason Bostick
Mark Giefer
2nd Place:
Marc Putman's Team:
Marc Putman
James Keller
Keith Goto
Rick Goslin
3rd Place:
William Dearmore's Team:
William Dearmore
Zachary Kaneshiro
Andrew Parisio
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 [email protected] or call 808-847-4666.
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.
Did You Know?
SELECT Education Class Fees Can Be Paid By ETF
About the Employment & Training Fund. In 1991, the State Legislature established the ETF program to address the growing need to upgrade the job skills of Hawaii's workforce, created as part of a national movement that swept the country in the 1980s. Investing in human capital to improve productivity and the nation's quality of goods and services became a top priority. The Employer Referral ("micro") program is for individual businesses that need to upgrade the job skills of their employees. 
 
BIA-Hawaii is an approved Training Provider. ETF will cover 50% of the Non-Member course fee rate for select courses, up to a maximum of $400.

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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