This month, we bid aloha to a man who impacted Hawai‘i’s building landscape for more than 45 years. James K. Schuler was a name synonymous with homebuilding in our state from the 1980s through the early 2000s.

But to simply call him a builder would be an understatement.

When Schuler started his company in 1973, he had a clear mission — provide affordable homes for growing families in Hawaii. Over the years, his company grew to become one of the biggest residential homebuilders across the state, constructing thousands of units on O‘ahu, Maui, Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i island.

But his work wasn’t just about putting up walls and roofs; it was about creating welcoming spaces for families to plant thier roots and build communities.

In 2002, Schuler Homes merged with D.R. Horton and Schuler could’ve easily stepped back and enjoyed a well-deserved retirement. Instead, he remained deeply involved in the business, ensuring the newly formed Schuler Division at D.R. Horton remained attentive to the unique needs of Hawai‘i homeowners.

His influence wasn’t limited to construction, either. Schuler was a dedicated philanthropist via the Schuler Family Foundation, which supports educational initiatives to help local students.

He was also a trustee at Le Jardin Academy, helping shape the school’s campus and making sure it had the resources needed to succeed. The Schuler Administration Building at Le Jardin is the lasting legacy of his commitment to education and the larger Kailua community.

Schuler’s passing is a significant loss, but his memory lives on through countless local families whose lives have been impacted by his work.

Aloha,
Jason Genegabus
Senior Editor
[email protected]