Hau‘oli makahiki hou! As Building Industry Hawaii welcomes the new year, I’d like to thank all of our readers and advertisers for their support over the past nine months. It’s been quite a ride since my start here in April, and I’m looking forward to telling more of our industry’s stories over the months to come.

It’s also important to remember that living on a group of islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean means we have to do things a little differently here. Businesses must rely not only on their own expertise, but also their professional relationships to help when things go sideways.

Unlike projects on the continent, Hawai‘i builders only have so many subcontractors and vendors they can call upon. Here in paradise, there’s no looking to adjacent states for manpower or trucking in additional supplies from across the country.

That’s the Building Industry Association of Hawaii is so important to the vitality of our local construction industry. As the industry’s voice for public advocacy and consumer outreach, BIA Hawaii also presents annual events to keep local professionals connected and up-to-date with the latest building trends.

On Dec. 8, BIA Hawaii celebrated the installation of its 2024 officers and directors in Waipahu. National Association of Home Builders’ Chairman Alicia Huey and Disaster Field Specialist Jonathan Falk were also on hand for this year’s event.

The new executive committee is composed of leaders from across the building and construction industry and includes associate members whose products and services support BIA Hawaii’s builder, developer and specialty contractor members.

“BIA Hawaii’s 2024 Board of Directors is comprised of a dedicated team of community leaders committed to providing strength and stability to the building industry,” says new BIA Hawaii CEO Roseann Freitas, who stepped into her new role in December. “I am excited to channel their expertise and energy into furthering BIA’s mission.”

Congratulations to Freitas, who takes the helm following the departure of Jess Leorna. Congrats also to new BIA Hawaii President Hinano Nahinu of Pacific Source, Incoming President Marc Rinker of Gentry Homes, Vice President Kamuela Potter of Inspired Closets Hawaii and Treasurer Paul Silen of Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co. Inc.

Here’s to a successful and prosperous 2024!

Aloha,
Jason Genegabus
Senior Editor
[email protected]