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s one of Hawai‘i’s leading industries, construction never ceases to provide a wide variety of employment opportunities. There’s a job for almost anyone — regardless of background or experience.

That’s what Cushie Construction Company Inc. Truck Driver Kira Lanning discovered rather quickly when deciding what she wanted to do after graduating from high school on Kaua‘i.

Lanning didn’t have to stray far. She initially gained an interest in the industry after helping wash trucks at her uncle’s trucking company, then began transporting materials and machinery herself.

“I told myself one day, maybe one day I can drive [them],” Lanning says of her uncle’s trucks.

It didn’t take long for her to successfully get behind the wheel.

ON THE JOB

The days and duties vary for Lanning depending on the project she’s working on. One day, she might be driving machinery across the island, while others consist of moving materials around a single jobsite.

Although her role occasionally requires long hours, Lanning believes the variety of her job keeps her days interesting.

“I try to make work my priority because that’s how I pay my bills,” she says. “If there’s things to be done at work, somehow I always find the time.

“I like driving. … I get to go all over the place every day.”

Aside from various destinations her job takes her to, Lanning enjoys learning from her coworkers, whom she says have been her greatest mentors throughout her career.

“I matured a lot because [I] work with older people,” she says. “Everybody makes mistakes — it’s the only way you’re gonna learn. All of my coworkers [have] helped me out.”

Lanning says the best way to adapt to new tasks is to listen to her colleagues. With a large influx of projects continually hitting her plate, she’s been able to manage everything by absorbing advice from her peers and pushing herself out of her comfort zone.

“You gotta have a good attitude and just listen, you know?” Lanning says. “People are trying to help you.

“Don’t talk too much, just listen.”

Lanning has learned to appreciate the mistakes she’s made, saying the experiences are integral to gaining a deeper understanding of the ins-and-outs of truck driving. She believes there’s no better way to learn than by making mistakes, especially when she’s surrounded by supportive coworkers.

LOOKING AHEAD

Lanning has driven full-time for seven years since graduating high school and has become well-versed within her role, leading to additional opportunities operating heavy machinery. It’s something she hopes to jump into full-time at some point, but for now she’s satisfied with cruising Kaua‘i and driving past projects she’s proud to have contributed to.

“Driving past someplace that you worked, like a site, and you can just say, ‘eh, I brought that there,’ or ‘I worked there!’” is what is most rewarding, says Lanning.

“Don’t be scared to try new things even if you’re uncomfortable. Just have a good attitude and don’t give up, even if you mess up.”