“Hawai‘i’s Red-Hot Subs of 2024” — subcontractors selected by the state’s top general contractors as the most distinguished in their trades — are sharing their accomplishments and insights as the industry begins what promises to be a banner year in construction.
Building Industry Hawaii recently polled the state’s Top 25 Contractors, as determined by its 2023 annual survey, and asked which subcontractors in plumbing, carpentry, flooring, painting and electrical exceeded their expectations through their craftsmanship and commitment. Associate Editors Brett Alexander-Estes, Paula Bender and Richard Melendez then compiled the nominations and determined a list of winners with additional editorial consideration.
The results are in — and there are a few surprises this year. While most 2024 nominees were standouts in previous Red-Hot Subs rankings, they’re joined this year by our new plumbing cohort and other newcomers.
We asked all of this year’s Red-Hot Subs to share their top 2023 and 2024 projects, their keys to success and other insider tips.
CARPENTRY
1st Place
GROUP BUILDERS INC.
(808) 832-0888
groupbuilders.net
Kokua Hale Senior Living, pictured, was a Group Builders Inc. project in 2023. PHOTO COURTESY GROUP BUILDERS INC.
Lito Alcantra
• Completed 2023 Projects: Kokua Hale Senior Living, Dental Clinic Renovation (Waianae), Halewai‘olu Senior Residences, Atherton Residences for Innovative Student Entrepreneurs, Wai Kai, Hale Makana O Mo‘ili‘ili, Wailuku Apartments, Maui Bay Villas, Kihei High School, Grand Wailea Renovations, GWR Bistro Molokini, Kona Village Resort, Hokuao (Lana‘i)
• Upcoming 2024 Projects: Victoria Place, Hilton Waikoloa Ocean Tower Renovation Phase 3, Ulana at Ward Village, Queen’s Medical Center Expansion, The Park at Ward Village
Q: What are your keys to success as a carpentry subcontractor?
A: “Keep the team mission, build good relationships, continuous learning (all trades and departments) to keep improving performance and the quality of work, take care of employees (they are important assets of any company), save for the rainy day.”
– Lito Alcantra, president, Group Builders Inc.
2nd Place
BRUCE MATSON CO. INC.
(808) 735-0254
brucematsonco.com
Bruce Matson completes carpentry projects at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
in 2023, including the resort’s all-day dining area, pictured above.
PHOTO COURTESY BRUCE MATSON CO. INC.
• Completed 2023 Projects: Sky Ala Moana, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, Hawaii Electricians Fund Pension Office, Swanepoel Residence
• Upcoming 2024 Projects: Ulana Ward Village, Lowe Residence, Lima Ola, Gentry Homes Ka‘ulu
Q: What are your keys to success as a carpentry subcontractor?
A: “Having a great team to solve problems and take care of our customers, and being honest and ethical. Delivering product per schedule is critical to keeping the project moving. And because we manufacture our own cabinets and millwork, we have control of when the products ship and deliver. We also know the impacts of late deliveries, and [since we have] control over the entire process from shop drawings to punchlist, we can ensure a quality product on time. This not only benefits us, but our customers as well.”
– Brent Matson, president,
Bruce Matson Co. Inc.
3rd Place
Among BEK’s hospitality projects in 2023 was Romer Waikiki at The Ambassador. PHOTO BY PAULA BENDER
• Completed 2023 Projects: Kona Village Resort, AC Marriott Hotel Renovation, Ambassador Hotel Renovation, Molokini’s at Makena, Kaimuki Gateway Plaza
• Upcoming 2024 Projects: King Kalakaua Plaza, 1060 Bishop Street, Maui Coast Hotel, Makena Kula Villas, Makena HK 8 Plex, Grand Wailea Spa Renovation
Q: What are your keys to success as a carpentry subcontractor?
A: “Our key to success is working through the job from the very beginning to identify the opportunities early on, so that upon arriving at the jobsite our crews have a clear path to success.”
– Todd R. Middleton, president, BEK Inc.
ELECTRICAL
1st Place
WASA ELECTRICAL SERVICES INC.
(808) 839-2741
wasahawaii.com
• Completed 2023 Projects: Outrigger Waikiki, Ritz-Carlton Mohala Project 3, Pasha Hawaii, Ritz-Carlton Waikiki Penthouse, Lowe Residence
• Upcoming 2024 Projects: Halekulani Renovation, Kai ‘Olino Apartments, TPWV – Block H, MKH Model Building, MKH Building 6
Q: What are your keys to success as a carpentry subcontractor?
A: “The things that matter and will remain are the loyalty, dedication and commitment to the client and the quality of service work.
First Pacific Builders LLC believes in building a solid foundation strong enough to handle customer demand and flexible enough to meet their professional expectations.”
– Anacleto S. Alcantara Jr., president and
CEO, First Pacific Builders LLC
2nd Place
PAUL’S ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING LLC
(808) 486-9866
paulselectrical.com
PHOTO COURTESY PAUL’S ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING LLC
• Completed 2023 Projects: Outrigger Waikiki, Ritz-Carlton Mohala Project 3, Pasha Hawaii, Ritz-Carlton Waikiki Penthouse, Lowe Residence
• Upcoming 2024 Projects: Halekulani Renovation, Kai ‘Olino Apartments, TPWV – Block H, MKH Model Building, MKH Building 6
Q: What are your keys to success as a carpentry subcontractor?
A: “The things that matter and will remain are the loyalty, dedication and commitment to the client and the quality of service work.
First Pacific Builders LLC believes in building a solid foundation strong enough to handle customer demand and flexible enough to meet their professional expectations.”
– Anacleto S. Alcantara Jr., president and
CEO, First Pacific Builders LLC
3rd Place
M.H. ELECTRIC CO.
(808) 833-8499
John Yoo
• Completed 2023 Projects: Kokua Hale Senior Living, Dental Clinic Renovation (Waianae), Halewai‘olu Senior Residences, Atherton Residences for Innovative Student Entrepreneurs, Wai Kai, Hale Makana O Mo‘ili‘ili, Wailuku Apartments, Maui Bay Villas, Kihei High School, Grand Wailea Renovations, GWR Bistro Molokini, Kona Village Resort, Hokuao (Lana‘i)
• Upcoming 2024 Projects: Victoria Place, Hilton Waikoloa Ocean Tower Renovation Phase 3, Ulana at Ward Village, Queen’s Medical Center Expansion, The Park at Ward Village
Q: What are your keys to success as a carpentry subcontractor?
A: “Keep the team mission, build good relationships, continuous learning (all trades and departments) to keep improving performance and the quality of work, take care of employees (they are important assets of any company), save for the rainy day.”
– Lito Alcantra, president, Group Builders Inc.
PLUMBING
1st Place
COMMERCIAL PLUMBING INC.
(808) 845-4112
complumbing.com
This is the first year Building Industry Hawaii is including plumbers in its Red-Hot Subs rankings.
• Completed 2023 Projects: UH Atherton, Sky Ala Moana, Hale Makana, Ohana Malia, Hilton Hawaiian Village Tapa Tower
• Upcoming 2024 Projects: Kuilei Place, Ālia, Halawa View Apartments, The Park Ward Village, UH Mixed Use Housing
Q: What are your keys to success as a plumbing subcontractor?
A: “At Commercial Plumbing we pride ourselves in cultivating strong relationships with general contractors, owners and developers to ensure the success of the project at hand. Another key to success is in continued education and keeping up with the latest technological developments in our trade. The final key to [our] success is the personnel who make up our corporation. It is crucial to build a team that is not only qualified but also dependable and committed to quality work.”
– Randal Hiraki, president, Commercial Plumbing Inc.
Runner Up
PAN-PACIFIC MECHANICAL
(808) 325-5128
ppmechanical.com
Kekoa Nicolas
• Completed 2023 Projects: Kona Village Resort, Hawaiian Airlines HNL Lobby 3 Security Screening Checkpoint, IMP Saks 5th Demolition Scope, Kapolei Charter School RTU’s Replacement, Westin Maui Hot Water Tanks Replacement
• Upcoming 2024 Projects: Odex Kapolei LLC Distribution Center, Ālia at 888 Ala Moana, Honouliuli WWTP Phase 1C (headworks, HRBC, solids process and misc. Improvement), Element Hotel Kapolei, King Kalakaua Plaza Renovation
Q: What are your keys to success as a plumbing subcontractor?
A: “We believe the key to our success as a subcontractor is facilitating a collaborative work environment, based on trust and hard work. We utilize our vast industry experience combined with a team mindset to assist all parties involved in the construction process to achieve the best possible results for the owner.”
– Kekoa Nicolas, leader, Hawaii Division, Pan-Pacific Mechanical
FLOORING
1st Place
A-AMERICAN CUSTOM FLOORING INC.
(808) 454-8888
aamericanhawaii.com
The Ililani condominium features flooring installed by A-American Custom Flooring Inc. PHOTO COURTESY NATHANIEL FORBES/A-AMERICAN CUSTOM FLOORING INC.
Benny Capalnas
• Completed 2023 Projects: Sky Ala Moana, Fairmont Kea Lani, Makena Custom Homes, Grand Wailea Resort, Ililani
• Upcoming 2024 Projects: The Park Ward Village, Hilton Waikoloa, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Halekulani Hotel, The Park on Ke‘eaumoku
Q: What are your keys to success as a flooring subcontractor?
A: “Our company is continuously fixated on providing the highest quality of workmanship for our clients. Strive for perfection and never settle for mediocrity.”
– Benny Capalnas, director, A-American Custom Flooring Inc.
2nd Place
BMK CONSTRUCTION LLC
(808) 792-1870
Travertine squares and a granite border installed by BMK Construction are pictured at the Grand Wailea in 2023. PHOTO COURTESY BMK CONSTRUCTION LLC
• Completed 2023 Projects: Ko‘ula, Kona Village Resort, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, Timbers Kaua‘i Townhomes Phase 2, Royal Lahaina Cottage Renovation, Wailea Resort Projects (Café Kula Renovations, Bistro Molokini Renovations, Humuhumu), 3650 Waialae (Kaimuki Gateway Plaza), Hawaii State Federal Credit Union Headquarters
• Upcoming 2024 Projects: Victoria Place, Ulana Ward Village, King Kalakaua Plaza Renovations Project, Hilton Grand Vacations Maui Bay Villas Phase 2, Romer House Waikiki, Fairmont Orchid Resort Renovations
Q: What are your keys to success as a flooring subcontractor?
A: “Cultivating enriching partnerships with all through effective communication and accountability, rooted in mutual respect. Leveraging our collective expertise to deliver timely and high-quality work with an unwavering commitment to excellence. Dedicated to ensuring the success of all projects.”
– Igor Mokan, member, BMK Construction LLC
3rd Place
808 MAINTENANCE & FLOORING INC.
(808) 735-9139
Completed projects in 2023 for 808 Maintenance & Flooring Inc. include the Hilo branch of Bank of Hawaii. PHOTO COURTESY 808 MAINTENANCE & FLOORING INC.
• Completed 2023 Projects: Bank of Hawaii – Hilo, Komohale Kamakee Vista, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, Cottages at Mauna Olu Phases 2 to 5, Island School SMR Classroom Building
• Upcoming 2024 Projects: Honouliuli Waste Water Treatment Facilities, Sand Island Waste Water Maintenance Building, Bank Of Hawaii – Ele‘ele, Charter Communications Office (Kaua‘i), Gather Federal Credit Union – Kilauea (Kaua‘i)
Q: What are your keys to success as a flooring subcontractor?
A: “808 Maintenance & Flooring’s keys to success as a subcontractor are capable installers, product knowledge and an understanding contractor.”
– Jack Shizuru Jr., president/RME, 808 Maintenance & Flooring Inc.
PAINTING
THE ZELINSKY CO.
(808) 682-1321
zelinskyhawaii.com
Among the projects completed in 2023 for The Zelinsky Co. include interior painting at the reopened DFS Waikiki. PHOTO COURTESY THE ZELINSKY CO.
• Completed 2023 Projects: Honouliuli Phase 1B, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, Kokua Elderly Housing, Turtle Bay, DFS Waikiki
• Upcoming 2024 Projects: Victoria Place, 801 South Street Building B Exterior, Sheraton PK Room Renovation, Sand Island WWTP Secondary Phase 1, Outrigger Kona Exterior
Q: What are the most important trends that painting subcontractors need to watch?
A: “One of the most evident trends we are seeing as a subcontractor is the increasing use of technology. Ten years ago, everything was done on paper including timecards, extra worksheets, punch lists and so forth.
That said, a number of software companies identified a need to help modernize the construction industry. Many of our clients are requiring our use of programs like BIM 360, Procore or Raken to monitor daily reports, daily huddles, safety, punch lists and extra work tracking.
To keep up with these new requirements over the last five years, we issued our foremen iPads and have also implemented software to streamline operations and get information in real time.”
– Jesse Taylor, vice president of operations,
The Zelinsky Co.
2nd Place
JADE PAINTING INC.
(808) 677-5233
jadepainting.com
Jade Painting completes work at the Doubletree Alana Hotel in 2023. PHOTO COURTEsY JADE PAINTING INC.
Jade Painting Inc. placed second among the state’s leading painting subcontractors.
• Completed 2023 Projects: Mamaka (Ho‘opili), Ho‘oula (Ho‘opili), Nahele (Ho‘opili), Waioha (Koa Ridge), Honolulu Community College Library Building 8807, Kalei‘opu‘u Elementary School, UHM C-MORE Hale, BYU TVA Housing Phase 1, Doubletree Alana Hotel Waikiki
• Upcoming 2024 Projects: Amazon, UHM Mixed-Housing, Montage Kapalua Bay Hotel – Maui, Kamehameha Schools – Various Campus/Commercial Projects, Hilo Lagoon Center, BYU TVA Phase 2, Molehu (Ho‘opili), New Roosevelt High School Gym
Q: What are your keys to success as a painting subcontractor?
A: “Integrity. Consistency through longevity. Loyalty to our customers and ourselves.”
– Donald Ka‘anapu Jr., estimator, Jade Painting Inc.
3rd Place
JD PAINTING & DECORATING INC.
(808) 242-9731
jdpainting.com
JD Painting and Decorating Inc. finishes work on the exterior of Hawaii Humane Society Hawaiian Humane Society Kosasa Family Campus at Ho‘opili on the corner of the Old Fort Weaver Road in 2023. PHOTO COURTESY JD PAINTING AND DECORATING INC.
Sheldon Ibara
JD Painting placed third among the state’s leading painting subcontractors.
• Completed 2023 Projects: Hawaii State Federal Credit Union Headquarters Building, Hawaiian Humane Society Kosasa Family Campus at Ho‘opili, Kahana Manor, Rehab Hospital of the Pacific, Royal Lahaina Resort, Timbers Kaua‘i Townhomes
• Upcoming 2024 Projects: Hoku‘ula Residential Workforce Housing, Kaloko Heights Affordable Housing, Maui Kamaole, Mauna Kea Tower Apartments, The Royal Sonesta Kaua‘i Resort, Waioha II and Nanea II at Koa Ridge
Q: What are your keys to success as a painting subcontractor?
A: “The main key to being successful as a subcontractor is communication. Be clear and concise in your scope of work. If something doesn’t seem right, bring it to the GC’s attention … remember, we are all partners with the same goal for success. Finally, listen to feedback objectively and be open to new ideas.”
– Sheldon Ibara, business development manager,
JD Painting & Decorating Inc.
