For Marco Topete, Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company Inc. senior project engineer, the general contractor’s newly completed residential project in Kaka‘ako is more than a showplace.
“Ulana Ward Village stands as the proof of concept for the future of Honolulu,” he says.
His words were borne out in November 2025 when Ulana opened its doors: all reserved units were presold to first-time Hawai‘i homebuyers.
The Hawai‘i Community Development Authority, which oversees Kaka‘ako, required that Ward Village build Ulana for kama‘āina households earning between 100% and 140% of the area median income — and not for the upscale or luxury market.
Ward Village took its mission to heart.
“… Ulana Ward Village marks a transformative moment for Honolulu, especially for first-time homebuyers who now have the opportunity to own a home that reflects the quality, design, amenities and lifestyle for which Ward Village is known,” said Doug Johnstone, president of the Hawai‘i Region & National Condominium Development for Howard Hughes Communities.
It was up to general contractor Hawaiian Dredging and its team to deliver that moment.
Gathering the Team
Ulana’s design called for a 42-story residential tower comprising 697 units, supported by a nine-level parking structure and featuring a blend of private resident amenities and a publicly accessible park.
Topete managed the project’s financial performance and contractual compliance, overseeing owner and subcontractor billings, cost tracking and comprehensive change order administration.
“I served as the primary point of contact between the owner’s representative and the project team for all cost-related and contractual matters, ensuring transparency, accuracy and alignment with project objectives,” Topete says.
Topete was joined by key members of Hawaiian Dredging’s team — Patrick Palmer, vice president, Building Division; Derek Kochi and Zach Murr, project managers; Brandee Nam (neé Toyama), tower superintendent; Kevin Yano, parking structure superintendent; Ray Milner, Ryan Saragoza, Garrett Mandich, Reid Saito, Ty Shishido, Arlee Aquino and Virgil Tamayo, project engineers; Al Giro Rosario and Kent Tanji, construction engineers; Todd Johnson, quality control manager; Hoang Huynh, building information modeling detailer; and Alva Bergstrom, project administrator.
Digging In
Hawaiian Dredging and project subcontractors broke ground in December 2022.
“Early in the project, unforeseen subsurface conditions were encountered. Drawing on the collective expertise of a veteran team, the project team quickly adjusted its approach to maintain forward momentum,” Topete relates.
“Through proactive problem-solving and decisive action, a potential three-month delay was successfully mitigated to just 30 calendar days.”
Building Up
Hawaiian Dredging’s innovative techniques also kept the team in step with the tower’s accelerated build-out.
Topete says tunnel form construction “enabled the simultaneous forming, pouring and finishing of walls and floors with exceptional efficiency, allowing the building to be dried-in early and interior finishes to commence ahead of schedule.”
The team also employed “a technology-forward approach, leveraging Microsoft Teams for shared documentation and digital logging,” he says.
Other tools included a dedicated mobile platform that deployed safety alerts and field communications instantly, improving responsiveness and site-wide alignment.
Enterprise Resource Planning, which digitally integrates cash flow with construction benchmarks, “facilitated seamless, transparent financial coordination with trade partners, eliminating delays and inefficiencies associated with traditional email-based workflows,” Topete says.
“However, the foundation of success was a ‘boots-on-the-ground’ mindset — recognizing that face-to-face coordination and direct phone communication remained the most effective tools for resolving critical-path issues quickly and decisively.”
Finish Line
Construction wrapped on October 31, 2025.
“Despite the accelerated pace, finish subcontractors delivered exceptional quality control, resulting in a near-zero punch list at the time of unit turnover,” Topete says.
“The team would like to specifically recognize A-1 A-Lectrician, Dorvin D. Leis Co., Group Builders and WE Painting for their outstanding performance, collaboration and commitment to excellence.
“The owner and design teams provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, particularly noting the exceptional quality of finishes and the speed at which units were delivered and made ready for occupancy,” he notes.
Topete reports the project was completed with exceptional success. The owner was thereby able to meet its closing schedule, with most units closed prior to year-end.
Residents began moving into their new homes as early as two weeks following project completion.
A Clear Signal
“As the first major affordable housing development within Ward Village by Howard Hughes, [Ulana] demonstrates that workforce housing can be delivered at a high level of quality while generating strong market demand,” Topete points out.
“The project sends a clear signal to the industry: when thoughtfully designed, attainable housing succeeds — providing 697 local families with a meaningful and achievable path to homeownership in Kaka‘ako.”
The project might even be seen as an expression of the team’s core values.
“At Hawaiian Dredging, the
team is guided by the principle He ‘Ohana Kākou — ‘we are family,’” Topete says.
“That spirit of camaraderie became the project’s defining strength. Every team member took personal ownership of the shared mission to deliver homes for 697 local families, fostering a culture of accountability, pride and collective purpose.”
Ulana’s Standout Subs
Marco Topete, Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company Inc. senior project engineer, says “the contributions of all trade partners were integral to the project’s success.” For Hawaiian Dredging’s partners below, the feeling is mutual.
A-1 A-Lectrician Inc.
“Scope included lighting and lighting controls, power, fire alarm, emergency generator and electrical infrastructure of low-voltage systems,” says Vice President Lisa Yamada-Son. “[We] worked in close coordination with [Hawaiian Dredging’s] entire construction team to build a project on-time and on-budget, and we are especially proud to work together to bring more affordable housing to families in Hawai‘i.” (Project Timeline: Nov. 2022 – Oct. 2025)
Beachside Roofing LLC
Scope of work included sub-grade waterproofing, TPO roofing and standing-seam metal roofing, says Michael Yomes, senior supervisor. “At Ulana, we delivered foundation protection, a screen-enclosed standing-seam roof and the tower’s flat roof with integrated-leak detection, enabled by strong coordination and teamwork with Hawaiian Dredging.” (Project Timeline: Dec. 2022 – Oct. 2025)
Bruce Matson Co. Inc.
“We furnished and installed all finish carpentry, including all unit kitchen and bath cabinets,” says Brent Matson, president.
“We fabricated over 10,000 cabinets in our Washington State manufacturing facility. … We also installed all the wood and metal doors and frames throughout the project which included over 5,500 openings along with the bath accessories and other miscellaneous specialties. The first-floor trellis was fabricated, finished in our Washington fabrication shop along with the custom reception desk.
“Hawaiian Dredging was an amazing partner and our team worked great with them to coordinate the work. … It was a great project for us.” (Project Timeline: April 2024 – Nov. 2025)
Dorvin D. Leis Co. Inc.
Scope of work included “mechanical, plumbing, sheet metal, fire sprinkler,” says Mandy Moikeha, senior operations manager. There was “a big effort by [Hawaiian Dredging] to preplan the project in great detail, both on constructability and scheduling.” (Project Timeline: mid-2022 – Oct. 31, 2025)
East & West Aluminum Craft Hawaii Ltd.
“East West Aluminum furnished and installed cable railings and security fencing within the parking tower, and the decorative aluminum fencing and gates along the perimeter of [the] project,” says John Bordignon, president. “The Hawaiian Dredging leadership team was led by Patrick Palmer [and] project manager Derek Kochi, while East West Aluminum worked directly with Zach Murr for our scopes of work.”
Foundations Hawaii Inc.
Scope of work included decorative concrete hardscape, says Kevin Pena, president. “Foundations Hawaii and Hawaiian Dredging have built a strong relationship over the years, and that experience has allowed for several successful collaborations, including Ulana Ward Village.” (Project Timeline: March 2025 – Nov. 2025)
Group Builders Inc.
Scope of work included CFS metal framing, drywall, plaster (EIFS, DEFS), acoustic ceiling, acoustic wall panel, Imperial plaster and fireproofing, say John Sagsagat, project manager, and Francisco “Cisco” Riveral Jr., foreman, who worked with Hawaiian Dredging’s Derek Kochi, project manager, and Richard Galanto, general superintendent. (Project Timeline: Dec. 2023 – Oct. 2025)
HPM Building Supply
“HPM furnished and installed Bosch compact washer and heat-pump dryer systems with smart technology for all … units to deliver energy-efficient, high-performance laundry solutions suited for condominium living,” says Senior Project Program Manager – Projects Jaydence Goya. “Hawaiian Dredging … provided exceptional coordination, facilitating efficient scheduling, site access and smooth installation across all units.” (Project Timeline: Summer 2024 – Spring 2025)
Jayar Construction Inc.
“We were the civil team … so we handled mass grading, site utilities (sewer/water/drain), structural excavation and the fine grading of the various finish areas (AC/Concrete/landscaping),” says Aaron Kent, project manager. “Our teamwork starts years in advance during design development. Then in the field we work together to ensure the project is completed on time and within budget. The more proactive we can be, the better for everyone. Being familiar with the [Hawaiian Dredging and Howard Hughes Corp.] teams allow us to have open communication with issues and solutions as the project progresses.” (Project Timelines: Sept. 2023 – Feb. 2024; Aug. 2024 – June 2025)
Kirschner Contractors
“[We] served as scheduling consultant to Hawaiian Dredging, providing critical path method schedule development, coordination and forensic analysis support throughout the project,” says Stephen Teijeiro, director of advisory services. “[We] worked directly with Hawaiian Dredging’s project manager and vice president while facilitating bi-weekly coordination with the project engineer and superintendent team, integrating area schedules into a unified master schedule.”(Project Timeline: Late Pre-construction – Closeout)
Other valued subcontractors and suppliers
in alphabetical order
AFFILIATED CONSTRUCTION LLC
AIRGAS USA LLC
ALEXANDER BROTHERS LTD.
ALL WEATHER SURFACES
ALLIED SECURITY FENCE CO. LLC
ALLISON SHIPPING CONTAINERS INC.
ALOHA POWER EQUIPMENT
AMERICAN STANDARD CONCRETE
APEX ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY & HEALTH INC.
ATLAS CONSTRUCTION
SUPPLY INC.
ATLAS SALES COMPANY INC.
AWP SAFETY
BALDRIDGE & ASSOCIATES STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING INC.
BMK CONSTRUCTION LLC
BONDED MATERIALS CO.
BRANDSAFWAY SERVICES LLC
BRIQ TECHNOLOGIES INC.
C & C SECURITY INC.
CAPITAL INDUSTRIES INC.
CHEMI-TOI
CITY MILL COMPANY LTD.
CLEANERS WAREHOUSE
CLEARSTORY TECHNOLOGIES INC.
CLOSET SYSTEMS SUPPLY LLC
CMC STEEL FABRICATORS INC.
CONCRETE WASHOUT SYSTEMS OF HI
CONSOLIDATED ENGINEERING LABORATORIES
CONTRACT SPECIALTIES IN HAWAII
CONTROLPOINT SURVEYING INC.
CRESTEK CLEANING CENTER INC.
CWR HAWAII INC.
DAVID’S FENCING INC.
DIAMOND PARKING
DOWNSTREAM INC.
ECOSHADE INC.
EFCO CORP.
EMI CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS
EXACTA SALES INC.
FAITH FIRE SERVICES LLC
FIRETEK PACIFIC INC.
FIREWISE CONSULTANTS LLC
FIRST ONSITE PROPERTY RESTORATION
G P ROADWAY SOLUTIONS INC.
GENDA INC.
GEOTECH SOLUTIONS INC.
GIMA PEST CONTROL INC.
GRAINGER
HAWAII NUT & BOLT INC.
HAWAIIAN CRANE & RIGGING LTD.
HC&D LLC
HIGHWIRE INC.
HILTI INC.
HOIST DIRECT LLC
HONBLUE INC.
HONOLULU DISPOSAL SERVICE INC.
INDUSTRIAL HARDWARE HI INC.
ISLAND PACIFIC DISTRIBUTORS INC.
ISLAND PACIFIC INSTALLERS LLC
J&B MATERIALS INC.
JDH GUELKER LLC
KALU GLASS CO. INC.
KETTAL NORTH AMERICA INC.
KOA VENTURES SKYLANI LLC DBA SKYLANI CLEANING
MAGUIRE BEARING COMPANY LTD.
MENEHUNE WATER CO. INC.
MORROW EQUIPMENT CO. L.L.C.
MR. SANDMAN INC.
MUTUAL PLUMBING SUPPLY CO. INC.
NEWPORT PACIFIC CABINETS INC.
NORTHSHORE EXTERIORS INC.
NORTHWEST TOWER CRANE SERVICE INC.
OTIS ELEVATOR CO.
OUTINORD UNIVERSAL INC.
PACE SUPPLY CORP.
PACIFIC ALLIED PRODUCTS LTD.
PACIFIC APPLIANCE GROUP INC.
PACIFIC BUILDING MATERIALS INC.
PACIFIC NETWORK GROUP – BANYAN NETWORKS
PERI FORMWORK SYSTEMS INC.
PLASTIC EXTRUSION TECHONOLOGIES
PRO-BEL ENTERPRISES LTD.
RMUS LLC
ROBOTIC ASSISTANCE DEVICES INC.
SERVICE RENTAL & SUPPLIES INC.
SKY HIGH CLEANING LLC
SLIM’S POWER TOOLS INC.
SOLUTIONS TEAM LLC
SURVEYORS SUPPLY CO. INC.
TAJIRI DEMOLITION & DISPOSAL
TAJIRI RECYCLING & DEMOLITION LLC
TAKANO NAKAMURA LANDSCAPING INC.
THE FILIPINO CLEANERS
THE IMAGE GROUP
TIMBERLAND HAWAII INC.
TOM LAI ELECTRONICS
TRIPLE C SECURITY LLC
TYSON’S INC.
UNITED STEEL LLC
UNIVERSAL MANUFACTURERS INC.
USA FIRE DOOR LLC
VERSATILE INC.
VINYL FENCE CLEANING AND REPAIR HI LLC
VON KENRIC BRUSHES
WE PAINTING INC.
WHITE CAP CONSTRUCTION SUPPLY
WINDOW WORLD INC.
