Building Industry Hawaii - July 2020

JULY 2020/$5.00

+

CONTRACTORS Codes & Regulations • Airports, Harbors & Piers

KAPILI

ROOFING BUILDING PEACE OF MIND,

ONE ROOF AT A TIME • FREE ESTIMATES

• RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, GOVERNMENT ROOFING • FULLY INSURED & BONDED

WWW.KAPILIROOF.COM • RE-ROOFING • NEW ROOFS • ROOF REPAIRS • ALL TYPES

252-E2 IPUHAO PLACE WAHIAWA, HI 96786 • F: 808-621-7663 License #C-28938

SUPPORTING HAWAII’S FINEST Kelikai Inc. is Hawaii’s premiere geotechnical construction company specializing in foundation and shoring projects

Augercast Piles Drilled Shafts Micropiles Shoring Systems Tieback/Anchor & Soil Nails Soldier Pile Walls Seawall Repair Secant & Tangent Pile Walls

LIC. #AC-29872

Hawaii’s Soil and Foundation Experts.

808-841-8284 | KELIKAI.COM

Call for Entries Completed entry due July 24, 2020

Submit your project today and receive early bird rates thru May 29th.

This prestigious annual award competition recognizes the diversity and excellence in quality construction and design of new and remodeled projects.

T

his was the first year I ever entered any project into the Building Industry Design & Construction Awards. I was pleasantly surprised to win all 3 projects I entered. The BIA did a real nice job of publicizing my victories. They created a nice spread in the Hawaii Home & Remodel Magazine that highlighted my awards. On top of that my company received the Carl Reppun Award!! It ended up being a great decision for me to enter. The exposure I received from just the magazine publishing alone was worth the time effort and money I put into entering the contest.

J.R. Moorhead Owner Moorhead & Company Inc.

Applications and information online at

BIAHAWAII.ORG

Your Hawaii Pipeline Pasha Hawaii operates roll-on/roll-off vessels between the U.S. Mainland and the Hawaiian Islands with direct calls to Oahu, Maui and the Big Island.

•

Fully enclosed ventilated decks with 120 metric ton stern ramp, 18’ of vertical clearance to accommodate a wide variety of heavy equipment and project cargoes.

•

Variety of support equipment from heavy-duty roll trailers to road-legal -to-door service for all kinds of equipment and materials.

Call (866) 393-9831 or email OHW@pashahawaii.com.

COFFEE BREAK

Hats Off to the Top GCs Every July, we bring you the results of our Hawaii’s Top 25 Contractors survey. Our annual coverage includes a look at the industry and highlights each of the Top 25 GCs. Spoiler alert: Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co. Inc., for the 15th year in a row, ranks No. 1 based on its earnings in the Islands in 2019.

The section on the GCs also profiles Noteworthy Contenders—a few GCs who participated in the survey but just missed out on landing among the Top 25.

Plus, we have facts, charts and statistics about the industry.

A major industry topic involves new codes and regulations that are impacting builders in the Islands and how the state’s lawmakers are looking for ways to push for more construction. Be sure to read the report by Associate Editor Brett Alexander-Estes.

We also provide a look at what’s happening at the modernization and improvement projects going on at Hawaii’s airports, harbors and piers.

Also in this issue, project leaders from Nordic PCL, G70 and ‘Iolani School go into detail with Building Industry Hawaii on the challenges and rewards of building a new Residence Hall on the campus.

And Contributing Editor Don Chapman shares some of the insights he gained while watching a crew repave his asphalt parking lot.

A hui hou,

david@tradepublishing.com

Publisher AMANDA CANADA Editor DAVID PUTNAM Associate Editors BRETT ALEXANDER-ESTES PRISCILLA PÉREZ BILLIG Contributing Editor DON CHAPMAN Senior Advertising Directors BARRY REDMAYNE CHARLENE GRAY Senior Account Executives DAVID KANYUCK JENNIFER DORMAN Advertising Coordinator LORRAINE CABANERO Lead Art Director URSULA A. SILVA Art Director JONATHAN TANJI Graphic Designer DUSTIN KODA Circulation Manager CHELSE TAKAHASHI Press Manager ABE POPA Press Operator DEAN ONISHI

The Residence Hall’s mauka-side elevation at ‘Iolani School. PHOTO COURTESY NORDIC PCL CONSTRUCTION INC.

Bindery Operator AUSTIN POPA

Copyright 2020 with all rights reserved.

Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited. Building Industry Hawaii is published on the first day of each month by Trade Publishing Company, with offices at 287 Mokauea, Honolulu HI 96819. Unsolicited materials must be accompanied by self-addressed, stamped return envelope. Publisher reserves the right to edit or otherwise modify all materials and assumes no responsibility for items lost or misplaced during production. Content within this publications is not to be construed as professional advice; Trade Publishing disclaims any and all responsibility or liability for health or financial damages that may arise from its content. Statement of fact and opinion in articles, columns or letters of contributors are the responsibility of authors alone and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Trade Publishing Co. Single copy rate is $5, with subscriptions available at $35 per year. For information, call (808) 848-0711.

6 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

SPECIALIZED

EXPERTISE CONSTRUCTION & HAULING

SERVICING HAWAII SINCE 2001 FENCING & FABRICATION • CHAIN LINK FENCE

•

• VINYL FENCE

•

• TREX FENCE

•

•

WOODEN FENCE

•

ORNAMENTAL FENCE GATES & OPERATORS BOLLARDS SECURITY SCREENS

CONCRETE & MASONRY

SITEWORK

• SAW-CUTTING &

• WATER SYSTEMS

• SLABS, PADS, &

• RAMPS

CORING • DEMOLITION • EARTHWORK • HAULING

• SEWER SYSTEMS

DRIVEWAYS • CURBS, HEADERS GUTTERS • SIDEWALKS

• CMU WALL (TILE)

• DRAIN SYSTEMS • ASPHALT PAVING • STRIPING

PACIFIC ISLES EQUIPMENT RENTAL, INC. P (808) 520-2615 • F (808) 520-2635

• CRM WALL (ROCK) • SPALL WORK • CRACK REPAIRS

WWW.PIER-INC.COM

CONTENTS

Visit us online at www.tradepublishing.com

JULY 2020 VOL. 63 NUMBER 7

20

78

88

98

Features

News Beat

12 Paving Crew Put on a Show

106 DHX Wraps Phase 1 of Warehouse Solar Microgrid 106 Haseko to Develop 15-acre Ewa Purchase 107 New EV Rebates May Aid Energy Code Compliance 107 Rosendin Earns Two Safety Awards 107 NAVFAC Pacific Awards Contract for Work in Australia

Building Hawaii: Don Chapman

14 Contractors Reap Another Hot Month

Agency awards for 2020 already more than $1.7 billion

16 Working in a High-Hazard Industry

Builders welcome employment amid COVID-19, but danger lurks on the job

20 Hawaii’s Top 25 Contractors

Islands’ leading GCs reap $3.4B in 2019; Hawaiian Dredging holds No. 1 spot in annual rankings

78 Coming Up: A New State

Contracting Agency

Hawaii officials also weighing the DOE award process, COVID-19 housing options and new building codes

Departments 6 Coffee Break: David Putnam 10 Datebook 14 Contracts Awarded 15 Low Bids 108 World Beat 111 News Makers 113 New Products

JULY 2020/$5.00

88 Harbors and Piers Get a Facelift

Infrastructure modifications and improvements top state’s planned projects

94 Airport Improvements Take Flight

General contractors move forward on Hawaii’s modernization projects

On the Cover The results of the annual Hawaii’s Top 25 Contractors rankings.

Design by Ursula A. Silva

+

CONTRACTORS Codes & Regulations • Airports, Harbors & Piers

98 A Global Home

Collaboration: Nordic PCL, G70 and ‘Iolani School

112 The Evolution of Duct Tape

New Product Profile: T-Rex

114 Construction Trends: Garrett Sullivan

The best project managers all have the top traits

8 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

COMING IN AUGUST

Building Industry Hawaii coverage will include an update on Kauai Construction and what’s new in Concrete & Cement. We also take a look at how Demolition & Recycling is going in the Islands.

Honolulu residence

’s Winner of RCAH e 2019 Project of th Year Award

Kapolei warehouse

Kaumakapili Church

SURFACE SHIELD ROOFING COMMERCIAL, RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ROOFING EXPERTS

Find out for yourself the difference an experienced, professional roofing company can make.

(808) 739-9599

info@surfaceshieldroofing.com www.surfaceshieldroofing.com C-28235

DATEBOOK | Upcoming Classes, Events & More If you’d like your organization’s event to be considered for Datebook, contact brett@tradepublishing.com a minimum of two months prior to your event.

Editor’s note: Due to the continuing developments surrounding COVID-19 in Hawaii, some scheduled events and activities have been canceled, postponed or, as of press time, were unconfirmed.

JULY 1

Electrician 240 Class

Presented by the Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. Hawaii Chapter (ABC Hawaii). Meets HRS section 448E-5(b) requirements. The class for the coming year is open for enrollment. Email Ken@abchawaii.org for an application packet.

JULY 1

AIA Center for Architecture Programs (Tentative)

Until further notice, programs at the American Institute of Architects Honolulu Chapter’s Center for Architecture are restricted. A limited number of programs and events are available online. For information on the latest available programs, visit aiahonolulu.org.

JULY 2

Hazard Communication (4-Hour) – Online Webinar

Presented by Lawson & Associates via Zoom, 7-11 a.m. Register at lawsonassociatesinc.thundertix.com.

Email response contains link to webinar. For more information, go to info@ lawsonsafety.com, lawsonsafety.com or contact Lawson at 441-5333. Fee: $99 plus tax and registration/online ticketing fee (includes materials).

JULY 6-9

OSHA 500 – Trainer Course in OS&H for the Construction Industry

Presented by the Building Industry Association of Hawaii (BIA-Hawaii) and UC-San Diego OSHA Training Institute. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. (daily).

BIA-Hawaii, 94-487 Akoki St., Waipahu. To register and for more information: biahawaii.org, extension. ucsd.edu, email oshatraining@ucsd.edu or call (800) 358-9206. Fee: $765.

JULY 9

Construction Safety Trenching & Excavation Training (Hilo)

Presented by BIA-Hawaii through an OSHA grant. 8 a.m.-noon. Hawaii Community College-Hilo (Lower 10 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

Campus), 1175 Manono St., Kaneikeao Building 379, Room 1. Go to biahawaii. org to register and for more information, or contact Barbara Nishikawa at bln@biahawaii.org or 629-7505. Free.

JULY 10

Respirable Crystalline Silica Competent Person Level Course (4-Hour) – General Industry/ Construction Online Webinar

Presented by Lawson & Associates via Zoom, 7-11 a.m. Register at lawsonassociatesinc.thundertix.com.

Email response contains link to webinar. For more information, go to info@ lawsonsafety.com, lawsonsafety.com or contact Lawson at 441-5333. Fee: $99 plus tax and registration/online ticketing fee (includes materials).

JULY 10

Construction Safety Trenching & Excavation Training (Kailua-Kona)

Presented by BIA-Hawaii through an OSHA grant. 8 a.m.-noon.

Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (NELHA), 73-987 Makako Bay Dr., Hale Lako building, Room 119. Go to biahawaii.org to register and for more information, or contact Barbara Nishikawa at bln@biahawaii. org or 629-7505. Free.

JULY 11, 18 (TENTATIVE)

AGC’s STP Unit 4 – Contract Documents (2015 Edition)

Presented by the General Contractors Association of Hawaii (GCA of Hawaii).

Instructor: Scott Batterman. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. (daily). GCA of Hawaii Conference Room, 1065 Ahua St. To register and for more information, go to gcahawaii.org or contact Gladys Hagemann at gladys@ gcahawaii.org. Fee: GCA members $295; non-members $395.

JULY 14-16 (TENTATIVE)

Construction Quality Management

Presented by GCA of Hawaii and rescheduled from May 12-14. Noon-4 p.m. (daily). GCA Conference Room, 1065 Ahua St. To register and for more information, go to gcahawaii. org, or contact Judee at gca@gcaha-

waii.org/833-1681 ext. 14. Fee: GCA members $95; non-members $125.

JULY 16

Safety Leadership (2-Hour) – Online Webinar

Presented by Lawson & Associates via Zoom, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Register at zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_eFq0SYQTOe1U6wEBLzDrQ. Email response contains link to webinar.

For more information, go to info@ lawsonsafety.com, lawsonsafety.com or contact Lawson at 441-5333. Free.

JULY 18

Confined Space for Construction Competent Person Level Course (8-Hour) – Online Webinar

Presented by Lawson & Associates.

7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Register at lawsonassociatesinc.thundertix.com. Email response contains link to webinar.

For more information, go to info@ lawsonsafety.com, lawsonsafety.com or contact Lawson at 441-5333. Fee: $199 plus tax and registration/online ticketing fee (includes materials).

JULY 20-22

OSHA 503 – Update for General Industry Outreach Trainers

Presented by BIA-Hawaii and UC-San Diego OSHA Training Institute. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. (daily).

BIA-Hawaii, 94-487 Akoki St., Waipahu. For more information, go to biahawaii.org or osha.ucsd.edu. No online enrollment. To register, email oshatraining@ucsd.edu or call (800) 358-9206. Fee: $525.

JULY 23

Construction Safety Trenching & Excavation Training (Kahului: Two Sessions)

Presented by BIA-Hawaii through an OSHA grant. Maui County Business Resource Center (MCBRC), Maui Mall, 70E Kaahumanu Ave., Room #B-9. 8 a.m.-noon (first session).1-5 p.m. (second session). Go to biahawaii. org to register and for more information, or contact Barbara Nishikawa at bln@biahawaii.org or 629-7505. Free.

JULY 23

The Role of the Qualified, Competent and Authorized Person (2-Hour) – Online Webinar

Presented by Lawson & Associates via Zoom, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Register at zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ GPNqKfqFRwGjJiMwPcB0yQ. For more information, go to info@ lawsonsafety.com, lawsonsafety.com or contact Lawson at 441-5333. Free.

JULY 27-30

OSHA 511 – OS&H Standards for the General Industry

Presented by BIA-Hawaii and UC-San Diego OSHA Training Institute.

8 a.m.-4 p.m. (daily). BIA-Hawaii, 94-487 Akoki St., Waipahu. To register and for more information, go to biahawaii.org, extension.ucsd.edu, email oshatraining@ucsd.edu or call (800) 358-9206. Fee: $765.

AUGUST 3, 5, 7, 10, 12

40-Hour Safety Hazard Awareness Training for Contractors (5-Day)

Presented by BIA-Hawaii. 7:30 a.m.-4

p.m. (daily). BIA-Hawaii, 94-487 Akoki St., Waipahu. To register and for more information, go to biahawaii.org or contact Barbara Nishikawa at 629-7505 or Sydney Simbre at 629-7504 or sls@ biahawaii.org. Fee: BIA members $450; non-members $575; ETF $287.50.

AUGUST 4

Construction Safety Trenching & Excavation Training (Lihue)

Presented by BIA-Hawaii through an OSHA grant. 8 a.m.-noon. Kauai Community College, 3-1901 Kaumualii Hwy., Room OCET 105. Go to biahawaii.org to register and for more information, or contact Barbara Nishikawa at bln@biahawaii.org or 629-7505. Free.

AUGUST 6

Construction Safety & Injury Prevention Program (CSIP): Manager/ Employer/Supervisory Staff Training

Presented by BIA-Hawaii. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. BIA-Hawaii, 94-487 Akoki St., Waipahu. To register and for more information, go to biahawaii. org or contact Barbara Nishikawa at 629-7505 or Sydney Simbre at

629-7504 or sls@biahawaii.org. Fee: BIA members $195; non-members $295; ETF $147.50.

AUGUST 14

Construction Safety Trenching & Excavation Training (Waipahu)

Presented by BIA-Hawaii through an OSHA grant. 8 a.m.-noon.

BIA-Hawaii, 94-487 Akoki St., Waipahu. Go to biahawaii.org to register and for more information, or contact Barbara Nishikawa at bln@ biahawaii.org or 629-7505. Free.

AUGUST 15

Excavation & Trenching Competent Person Level Course (8-hour) – Online Webinar

Presented by Lawson & Associates via Zoom webinar. 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Register at lawsonassociatesinc.thundertix.com. Email response contains link to webinar. For more information, go to info@lawsonsafety.com, lawsonsafety.com or contact Lawson at 441-5333. Fee: $199 plus tax and registration/online ticketing fee.

www.tradepublishing.com/building-industry-hawaii | 11

BUILDING HAWAII | DON CHAPMAN

Paving Crew Put on a Show

As with any successful construction project, a perfect re-pave requires planning, cooperation by skilled pros and some really cool machines

L

ocked down at home, hiding from a global virus that is far too social, I was more grateful than you might reasonably expect to have some free entertainment come to my Kaneohe neighborhood.

Over several days in May, a crew of yellow-vested workers repaved our little road and cul-de-sac. And it was freakin’ great.

At some point it occurred to me that my observations from a secondfloor perch at the end of the road, often with a chilled beverage in hand, probably ring true for other trades in Hawaii’s construction industry as well.

As with any successful project, it started with good planning. Letters from Maui Kupono Builders LLC were sent to residents in November that a re-pave was coming to the road that over the years had acquired more patches and scars than a clumsy fire-knife dancer. Soon a small crew

appeared with cans of white and orange spray paint to mark water, sewer and utility locations. Or so I assume because the hieroglyphs they left behind were indecipherable. Which sat there ignored for months. Were we the cul-de-sac that time forgot?

Then in May signs appeared up and down the road proclaiming there would be no street parking from Wednesday through Friday. Sure enough, on a Wednesday crews arrived with big machines and chopped out sections of the concrete gutters that had cracked. They also scraped off a layer of old asphalt. The following day they poured new concrete to replace the old guttering.

It was a nice little opening act.

A week passed, and the signs went up again. No street parking Wednesday through Friday.

The curtain on this drama went up, just like clockwork, on Wednesday

The cul-de-sac re-paving project in Kaneohe by Maui Kupono only took a few days in May. PHOTO BY DON CHAPMAN 12 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

morning. Here they came, men with big machines and bigger trucks. This was the main event. Clearly, the crew was trained for each task, and moved as a team, in coordination. These guys knew what they were doing and what each colleague was doing.

Having never lost a little boy’s fascination with big machinery, I marveled at the task-specificity of each, and the engineering that went into creating it.

One had monstrous mechanical teeth to gash out chunks of old asphalt. And the operator used the big incisors with precision, setting them down exactly, almost gently, where the cement gutter ended and the asphalt began, leaving the gutter unscathed. There also was a scooper to move old asphalt away.

And a steel-bristled sweeper to get the small stuff. A water wagon kept the dust down.

But the star of the show was a contraption to shave away layers of asphalt and spew the resultant rubble up through a long-neck chute that made the machine resemble a mechanized apatosaurus disgorging its load into the back of an oversize dump truck. As the apatosaurus inched ever forward, so too did the big rig at exactly the same pace, continuously receiving the spew of gravelized asphalt. Talk about your ballet pas de deux. It was a beautiful thing to behold. I marveled at the operators’ skill.

Amazing as the machines were, this is still hard physical labor. Other crew members carried snow/coal shovels and scraped away loose asphalt into piles.

The term back-wrecking came to mind.

It also was apparent that despite the best of efforts, total social distancing is difficult at a construction project.

It took another half-day to finish removing old paving on the entire road, and then they started repaving my not-very-circular cul-de-sac. Once again, it was like watching a boisterous ballet. This time a large truck hauling

fresh asphalt dumped a pile in front of a machine that spread and flattened it, following the truck for more like a hungry puppy. Right behind came the guys with those flat shovels, looking for potential declivities to be filled.

Yet others took what looked like big metallic squeegees and used them like scalpels to keep fresh asphalt distinct from the cement guttering. Then came two big rollers to compact and flatten the fresh paving, and these drivers too drove with precision, placing the outer edge of their big rollers just-so.

How loud was it? I didn’t notice that the neighbor’s yard man was operating his unholy triumvirate of mower, blower and whacker until I saw him.

What I didn’t see were any of the road crew wearing ear plugs.

All of this machinery was l-o-u-d.

How loud was it? I didn’t notice that the neighbor’s yard man was operating his unholy triumvirate of mower, blower and whacker until I saw him.

What I didn’t see were any of the road crew wearing ear plugs.

They paved about half the road that Thursday, returned Friday morning and finished the job by lunchtime.

And suddenly it was quiet. I walked the road, and it was smooth and consistent.

It was another job well done by a crew of Hawaii laborers.

Bravo. Cheers, too. don@tradepublishing.com

When your projects call for concrete admixtures, concrete color hardeners, liquid bonding adhesives, water-proofing systems and sealants or fire /

safety products, count on us. For new construction & restoration projects, our large inventory and fifty years of experience in this industry are ready to help.

BONDED MATERIALS COMPANY Kailua Kona (808) 326-2477 / Honolulu (808) 832-1155 / www.BondedMaterials.net

www.tradepublishing.com/building-industry-hawaii | 13

CONTRACTS AWARDED

Contractors Reap Another Hot Month room building to be built at Waipahu High School.

Next was a $25,746,434 award landed by Ralph S. Inouye Co. Ltd. for a designbuild job at Kapiolani

Community College’s Culinary Institute of the Pacific. Nan Inc. won the third-largest single award of $20,907,422 for renovations at Bachman Hall at UH-Manoa.

1,200,000,000

Although less than April’s $197,160,199 in awards, May’s total was a massive 558.8 percent increase over the $27,470,641 awarded during the same month last year.

COMPARING NUMBERS 2020 2019

1,000,000,000

TOTAL $1,720,359,858 $213,784,015

0

2020 2019 JANUARY

2020 2019 APRIL

$27,470,641

$180,918,628

$30,073,797

$57,580,170

$94,085,715

2020 2019 2020 2019 FEBRUARY MARCH

$197,160,199

200,000,000

$73,256,682

400,000,000

$175,816,281

600,000,000

$25,105,725

800,000,000

$1,072,379,035

Nine government agencies awarded contracts valued at $180,918,628 in May, pushing the total for the first five months of 2020 to $1,720,359,858.

The University of Hawaii handed out the bulk of the contracts, with jobs totaling $80,710,328 for work on its campuses across the Islands.

Along with UH, agencies handing out the most contracts were the Department of Education ($32,423,465), the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands ($24,895,071), the Department of Transportation ($16,629,678) and the Department of Agriculture.

The largest contract of $27,973,600 was won by S&M Sakamoto Inc. for a new class-

2020 2019 MAY

Oahu

Summit Construction Inc. ......................734,888

F&H Construction ....................................542,000

Waipahu High School, New Classroom Building

EBJ Construction Inc. .............................. 715,562

Sea Engineering Inc. ............................... 447,400

S&M Sakamoto Inc. ........................ $27,973,600

Iliahi Elementary School, Miscellaneous R&M FY2008-2011

Ralph S. Inouye Co. Ltd. ....................25,746,434

Auxiliary Services Building, Emergency Power for Department of Public Safety, UH-Manoa

Part 1, Design-Build Construction of the Culinary Institute of the Pacific, Phase 2, Kapiolani Community College at Diamond Head

Nan Inc. ............................................... 20,907,422

RFP Part 1, Design-Build Construction, Bachman Hall Renovation, University of Hawaii at Manoa

Ralph S. Inouye Co. Ltd. ................... 14,296,000 Product Development Center Renovation, Leeward Community College, UH

CC Engineering & Construction Inc. .... 578,000 8805 General Classroom Building, Various Exterior Repairs, Honolulu Community College, UH (Rebid)

Hawaii Works Inc. ....................................548,892

Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex, Pool Stands Partial Coating Replacement, UH-Manoa

Doonwood Engineering ..........................423,800

Mira Image Construction ................. 12,797,022

Waiahole Valley Water System Operations and Maintenance

Integrated Construction Inc. ............10,132,544

Removal and Installation of Security Facilities at Honolulu Harbor

Grace Pacific LLC..................................7,940,919

Maemae Elementary School, Courtyard Artificial Turf

F&H Construction..................................4,844,000

Aina Haina Elementary School, ADA Restrooms

T. Iida Contracting Ltd. ....................... 2,243,200

Mililani Middle School, Building A, Replace Gutters and Downspouts, and Building F, Replace Downspouts

Piers 24-28 Utilities Improvements at Honolulu Harbor Waiahole Water System Improvements

Villages of Kapolei, Roadway Rehabilitation

Bilger Hall and Bilger Addition Reroof, UH-Manoa

Accessibility and Site Improvements at Hookipa Kahaluu (HA2072), Phase II

Kaikor Construction Associates Inc...... 227,500

Peterson Bros. Construction Inc. ..........219,670 Bora Inc. ..................................................... 98,230 Certified Construction Inc. ...................... 75,000

C&C Electrical Contractor Inc. ...........1,288,870

Henry’s Equipment Rental & Sales Inc. ................................... 26,900

MJ Construction Co. ........................... 1,200,000

Maui

HPER and Stan Sheriff Center, Exterior Lighting Replacement, UH-Manoa

Waimano Ridge, Kitchen/Dining Building, Emergency Generator

Pono Pacific Land Management LLC................................. 1,156,798 Installing Ungulate-Proof Fence on Oahu 20-22

Ford Audio Video Systems LLC........... 1,135,868

Maintenance of Flight Information Display System, Public Address System, Airline Name Display System, Gate Management System and Departure Level Roadway LED Digital Signs, DKI International Airport

Brian’s Contracting Inc. ...................... 1,011,000 Kekuanaoa Building, Upgrade Electrical Mains

14 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

Ewa Beach Elementary School, Reroute Collapsed 6-Inch Sewer Line

Alpha Inc. ............................................ 12,711,045 Pulehunui Wastewater System

Mira Image Construction ....................8,709,566 Keokea-Waiohuli Subdivision, Phase 2A, Makawao

F&H Construction .................................3,657,522 2252 Kaa Ike and 2253 Paina, HVAC Controls and Distribution Placement, UH Maui College

Royal Mechanical & Sheetmetal...........925,000 Maui District Office, Maintenance Building, Reroof and Repairs, Kahului

Wailuku State Office Building No. 2, Replace AC Units Substructure Repairs at Kaunakakai Harbor, Molokai

Tokunaga Masonry Inc. ..........................109,794 Papanahoa Stream Bridge Maintenance Repairs

Hawaii

Nan Inc. ..................................................4,108,532 Title IX, Complying Women’s Soccer and Softball Fields, UH-Hilo

Sea Engineering Inc. ............................ 3,474,460 Nanakuli Flood Control Channel Improvements

Isemoto Contracting Co. Ltd................2,663,984 Palamanui Outdoor Improvements, Hawaii Community College, UH, Kailua-Kona

Heartwood Pacific LLC ....................... 1,159,000 Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Elementary and Intermediate School, Miscellaneous R&M FY13, Papaikou

Maxum Construction of Hawaii LLC...... 986,710 7206a Physics Lab Conversion, Palamanui Campus, Hawaii Community College, UH, Kailua-Kona

Isemoto Contracting Co. Ltd. .................494,485 Paauilo Elementary & Intermediate School, Miscellaneous R&M FY16

Wasa Electrical Services Inc. ................345,033 Kilauea Elementary School, Fire Alarm Upgrade

Isemoto Contracting Co. Ltd. .................215,000 Replace Siding at Pier 1 Shed, Hilo Harbor

Able Electric Inc. .....................................193,545 Haaheo Elementary School, Replace Fire Alarm System, Hilo

Kauai

Grace Pacific LLC..................................1,516,294 Maalo Road Resurfacing, Mile Post 1.0 to Mile Post 2.0, Lihue

Pacific Blue Construction LLC.............1,017,674 Eleele Elementary School, Miscellaneous R&M FY2016

MAY'S TOP 10 CONTRACTORS JBH Ltd. .....................................................409,825

Fence Installation at Na Pali Kona Forest Reserve and Kokee State Park, Lihue

Dandy S. Velasco .....................................368,400 4452 One Stop Center, Various Exterior Repairs, Kauai Community College, UH, Lihue

Pacific Concrete Cutting & Coring Inc. ............................. 275,000 Uluwehi Falls Trail Boardwalk Installation, Wailua River

Cushnie Construction Co. Inc. ...............180,800 Revetment Repairs at Nawiliwili Harbor

Cushnie Construction Co. Inc. ................. 85,440 Koloa Elementary School, Miscellaneous R&M FY17, Drainage Improvements at Buildings C, J and D

1. Ralph S. Inouye Co. Ltd. (2)................................................. $40,042,434 2. S&M Sakamoto Inc. (1) ......................................................... 27,973,600 3. Nan Inc. (2) ............................................................................ 25,015,954 4. Mira Image Construction (2) .................................................. 21,506,588 5. Alpha Inc. (1) ......................................................................... 12,711,045 6. Integrated Construction Inc. (1) ............................................. 10,132,544 7. Grace Pacific LLC (2) ............................................................... 9,457,213 8, F&H Construction (3) ............................................................. 9,043,522 9. Sea Engineering Inc. (2) ............................................................ 3,921,860 10. Isemoto Contracting Co. Ltd. (3) ........................................... 3,373,469

Information is summarized from the Contractors Awarded section of BIDService Weekly, compiled by Research Editor Alfonso R. Rivera.

LOW BIDS The companies below submitted the low bids in May for the work detailed. Submitting the lowest bid is not a guarantee of being awarded the job. However, it is a strong indication of future work, and subcontractors can plan accordingly.

Oahu

Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. ... $390,134,881 New Kapalama Container Terminal Wharf and Dredging, Honolulu Harbor

Hensel Phelps Construction ..........144,894,000

HNL Ticket Lobby Renovations and Baggage System Handling Improvements, Phase 2 at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (DKI)

MEI Corp. ...............................................7,226,434

Hawaii Works Inc. ................................ 1,250,000

RMY Construction Inc. .........................6,464,162

Sea Engineering Inc. ............................1,179,750

APP Construction Corp. .......................6,416,851

International Roofing & Building Construction...................... 1,111,471

Makakilo Water System Improvements, Part III Pauoa Water System Improvements Hoaeae Wells Renovation

LTM Corp. ............................................... 5,573,745

Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. ......103,960,275

Mililani Wells II, Replacement of Pumping Units

Goodfellow Bros. Inc. ........................ 31,755,711

Waianae Wastewater Treatment Plant, Biosolids Dewatering System Replacement

Runway 8L Widening, Phase 2 at DKI

Kalawahine 180-foot Reservoir 2.0 MG

Nan Inc. ............................................... 23,453,345 HNL Restroom Improvements Phase II at DKI

APP Construction Corp. ....................13,126,705 Waimalu Wastewater Pump Station Modifications Upgrade

Healy Tibbitts Builders Inc. .................8,399,090

Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant, Ocean Outfall Shoreline Revetment

Mega Construction Inc. ...................... 8,295,180 Kamehameha Heights, Water System Improvements, Part III

Oceanic Companies Inc. ..................... 7,607,868

Honolulu Area Wastewater Pump Station, Facilities Improvements

Hensel Phelps Construction ...............5,171,000 Pave-Tech ...............................................4,542,101 Runway Rubber Removal and Pavement Markings Maintenance Statewide

Oahu........................$136,322,119 Maui............................27,102,327 Hawaii ........................13,640,749 Kauai.............................3,853,433 Total.........................$180,918,628

AWARDS BY AGENCY

UH .............................$80,710,328 DOE .............................32,423,465 DHHL ...........................24,895,071 DOT ............................16,629,678 DOA.............................10,132,544 HCDCH ..........................8,364,719 DAGS ..........................3,678,000 HPHA ...........................2,243,200 DLNR .............................1,841,623 Total.........................$180,918,628

Fender and Substructure Repairs at Pier 11, Honolulu Harbor

Castle Memorial Hall, Reroofing and General Repairs, Phase 1, UH-Manoa

Kitsap Construction LLC..................... 1,063,039 Renovation of Existing Building at 91-832 Pohakupuna Road

HSI Mechanical Inc. ............................ 1,054,090 Halawa Correctional Facility, Replace Cooling Tower, Add Dining Hall AC and Related Improvements

Brian’s Contracting Inc. ...................... 1,040,950

Titan Industries LLC..............................4,356,702

Waialua District Park, ADA Improvements

Frank Coluccio Construction Co. .......4,150,000

Waialua Corporation Yard, NPDES Improvements, Phase 3, Vehicle Wash Facility

Medical Examiner Building Improvements

Kaialiu Street, Sewer Reconstruction, Sewer I/I Ala Moana Basin

APP Construction Corp. .......................4,143,992 Mililani 994 Booster Station

CC Engineering & Construction Inc. ..3,988,000 Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium, Phase 22B Stadium Work, UH-Manoa

57 Engineering Inc. ..............................3,448,000

AWARDS BY AREA

Ala Moana Regional Park, Japanese Pond Improvements

Kualoa Regional Park, Maintenance Facility Modernization

Integrated Construction Inc. ...............3,357,700 East Kapolei Rail Station Multimodal Access Improvements, Kualakai Parkway and Keahumoa Parkway

Landan Construction Inc. ................... 1,023,000 Paul’s Electrical Contracting LLC.......... 847,700 Reef Runway Taxiway Signage Improvements at DKI

Paul’s Electrical Contracting LLC..........793,700 Diamond Head Crater Operation Center, Emergency Fiber Optic Cable System

Prometheus Construction.......................784,754 Diamond Head Road Rockfall Mitigative Improvements

Henry’s Equipment Rental & Sales Inc. .768,000 Kawainui Marsh Restoration of Habitat at Mokulana

All Maintenance & Repair....................... 767,000

StarCom Builders Inc. ..........................3,209,000

Wahiawa Public Library, Miscellaneous R&M

Summit Construction Inc. ...................2,312,588

Kaimuki High School, AC for Buildings A and H, Phase I

RMY Construction Inc. ........................ 1,969,394

Holomua Elementary School, Replace Fire Alarm System

Hawaii Works Inc. ................................ 1,918,135

Kuhio Elementary School, Area 01, Erosion Control and Basketball Court

Enhanced Materials Recovery Facility Solar Building Renovations DOD Fort Ruger, Building 306A Alterations Kawailoa Drainage Improvements

Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant, Chemical Storage and Temporary Process Laboratory

Brian’s Contracting Inc. .......................... 741,000 Rambaud Electric LLC ............................719,144 Henry’s Equipment Rental & Sales Inc. .493,800 Kaikor Construction Associates Inc......466,000

Elite Pacific Construction Inc. ........... 1,890,000

Kahanaiki Access Road Improvements

Honolulu Police Headquarters, Building Elevator Modernization

Royal Contracting Co. Ltd. .................... 428,000

Maxum Construction of Hawaii LLC........................................ 1,757,921

Provide Trench Drain Grates, Kalaeloa Barbers Point Harbor

MJ Construction Co. ................................ 410,000

Kawananakoa Middle School, ADA Transition

Island Pacific Installers LLC .............. 1,599,750 DAGS Building Oahu, Re-key Building and Entrance Doors

Former Honolulu Airport Tower, New Communication Equipment Room

Ridgeway Construction............................398,562

Integrated Construction Inc. ...............1,447,700

Kauikeaouli Hale (Honolulu District Court), Sheriff Station Relocation

IC Construction Inc. ............................ 1,429,156

Kapiolani Regional Park, Shared Path, Kapahulu Avenue to Monsarrat Avenue

Service Lateral Replacements in Waipio and Waikele

Aiea High School, Building A and B, Shelter Hardening

Haron Construction Inc. .........................383,900 ... continued on page 18

www.tradepublishing.com/building-industry-hawaii | 15

WORKING IN A HIGH-HAZARD INDUSTRY Builders welcome employment, but danger lurks on the job

BY PRISCILLA PÉREZ BILLIG

P

umping about $10 billion into Hawaii’s annual economy, the construction industry is both a money driver and one of the top 10 most dangerous professions in the U.S. Falling from rooftops, listed as the greatest risk to builders, adds to additional hazards that include injuries caused by unguarded machinery, being struck by heavy construction equipment, electrocutions, silica dust and asbestos, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

16 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

“All of Hawaii benefits when construction is going strong, as our industry is building the homes, structures and infrastructure all communities need,” says Cheryl Walthall, executive vice president for the General Contractors Association of Hawaii.

Still, when the current coronavirus pandemic forced Hawaii’s governor to proclaim a Cheryl Walthall

statewide “stay at home” order, even construction entered a stop-and-go mode. When it was realized that with fewer people on the streets, fewer vehicles on the road, and most establishments closed, the time was perfect for the building industry to get back to work. Construction was deemed an essential business but bound to follow established safety procedures, and now, employers must also follow safety protocols to help protect workers from exposure to the global coronovirus pandemic—COVID-19.

Goodfellow Bros. workers gather for their daily safety meeting on the jobsite of the Kihei High School.

PHOTO COURTESY GOODFELLOW BROS.

“For all Goodfellow Bros. projects, safety is a non-negotiable top priority,” says Zack Gonzales, project manager for the Kihei High Zack Gonzales School Phase 1 Infrastructure Project. “This project required special training and accommodations, given the risks that accompany working around blasting. GBI’s management team focused on training

in accordance with a site-specific safety plan, which was developed in-house.

“Additionally, our company policy of holding regular safety meetings and conducting an activity hazard analysis for every work activity helped us successfully complete this project with no injuries or recordable events.”

Safety = Success

According to Tracy Lawson, president and founder of Lawson & Associates Inc., a safety solutions provider, successful companies have

established processes that prioritize quality training through a safety training program. Training requirements are based on a needs assessment (what training is required by regulation for which job positions) and then determine which topics are best suited for safety meetings and which are best suited for actual training courses.

“We have evaluTracy Lawson

www.tradepublishing.com/building-industry-hawaii | 17

ated this for the construction industry and created a baseline training matrix we provide to our clients to help them establish an at-a-glance look at their entire program to best plan, strategize and document what courses are needed, the frequency of the training

PHOTO COURTESY MOONEY ROOFING & CONSTRUCTION

and which employees need each training topic,” Lawson says.

“We focus our courses on what is needed to equip the participants with real-life, actionable knowledge to make improvements in skills, attitudes and translate to effectiveness and efficiencies in the field,” Lawson says.

Lawson adds that supervision needs a strong command of the subject matter to plan safety into the job. She says this helps avoid work slowdown or stoppage due to safety hazards, injuries and fines.

Close Construction Inc. ......................... 374,407

Haron Construction Inc. ........................... 91,500

Nan Inc. ..................................................8,342,283

Miller’s Paving..........................................353,200

Ridgeway Construction.............................. 90,841

A Mooney Roofing & Construction worker applies a roof coating produced by National Coatings Corporation while attached to a safety harness, part of a fall arrest system that includes an anchor, rope, shock absorbing lanyard, rope grab and harness.

... Low Bids, continued from page 15 Maili Elementary School, Building D, Renovate Restrooms Kaimuki High School, Area 07 Resurface

Miller’s Paving..........................................343,735 Renton Road, Phase 1, Sewer Manhole Frames and Covers Replacement

Sea Engineering Inc. ...............................332,060 Maunalua Bay Boat Ramp, Loading Dock Repair

Mega Construction Inc. ..........................311,644

Repair Concrete Pavement at Pier 39, Honolulu Harbor

Kauikeauoli Hale, 2nd Floor and 3rd Floor Transaction Counter Improvements

Paaluhi Builders LLC ................................. 49,000 Castle High School, Portable P-11, Interior Reconstruction Due to Fire Damage

Maui

USDA Inspection Building at Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole

Heartwood Pacific LLC.........................7,979,083 Restroom Improvements, Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole

Paul’s Electrical Contracting LLC.......4,427,700 Airfield Lighting Improvements, Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole

Sea Engineering Inc. ............................ 3,474,460

Waipio Wastewater Pump Station Force Main Combined Air Release Valve Vault

Swinerton Builders............................. 35,793,053

Nanakuli Flood Control Channel Improvements

Ted’s Wiring Service Ltd. ........................298,738

Prometheus Construction....................3,598,091

Statewide Water Meter Replacement and Miscellaneous Improvements, Island of Hawaii

Swimming Pool Deck Electrical Bonding Improvements at Pearl City District Park

Global Specialty Contractors Inc. .........297,115 Guardrail Installation at Various Locations, FY19

F&H Construction ....................................296,000

Hoapili Hale, Electric Service and Distribution Infrastructure Upgrade

TM Construction Hawaii ......................... 275,230 Rehabilitation of Maliona Street Box Culvert over Maili Channel M-4, Bridge No. 807

Landan Construction Inc. ....................... 275,000 Central Oahu Ambulance Facility, Fuel Storage Tank Installation

Paul’s Electrical Contracting LLC .........267,000 Waianae Reservoir, Microwave Radio Tower Replacement

Integrated Construction Inc. ..................249,700

Holdroom and Gate Improvements at Kahului Airport

Iao Valley State Monument, Flood Repairs and Improvements, Wailuku

Isemoto Contracting Co. Ltd. ............. 1,783,426 Isemoto Contracting Co. Ltd. ............. 1,618,025

P.B. Sullivan Construction Inc. .......... 2,089,735

Mealani Research Station, Miscellaneous R&M, Kamuela

West Maui Construction...................... 1,309,402

Naalehu Elementary School, Covered Walkways

Goodfellow Bros. Inc. .......................... 1,054,500

Drainage Well and Catch Basin Cleaning, Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole and Hilo International Airport

Makena State Park Improvements, Phase 2 Koukouai Bridge Repair

Statewide Water Meter Replacement and Miscellaneous Improvements, Molokai

West Maui Construction..........................921,554 Central Maui Landfill, Organics Processing Facility and Solidification Basin

Maxum Construction of Hawaii LLC......699,969 Restroom Expansion at Lanai Airport, Lanai City

Stan’s Contracting Inc. ........................1,577,300 H.T.M. Contractors Inc. ....................... 1,114,006 Stan’s Contracting Inc. ........................1,107,300 Honaunau Elementary School, P3 EOEL Pre-K Renovation

Able Electric Inc. .....................................954,995 Kulani Correctional Facility, Mechanical and Electrical Systems Repairs and Improvements, Phase 1, Hilo

CML Security.............................................711,700

Statewide Water Meter Replacement and Miscellaneous Improvements

Central Construction Inc. ....................... 637,755

Kulani Correctional Facility, Various Security System Improvements, Hilo

Brian’s Contracting Inc. ..........................221,000

Elcco Inc. ..................................................591,530

Isemoto Contracting Co. Ltd. .................581,200

Kalama Intermediate School Campus, Replace Fire Alarm, Makawao

Kohala High School, Faculty Center Building D Renovation

Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co. Inc. ..............................534,500

Site Engineering Inc. .............................. 305,000 Keaukaha Elementary School, Covered Walkway, Hilo

Royal Mechanical & Sheetmetal ..........359,525

Hilo Union Elementary School, P1 EOEL Pre-K Renovation

Kekuanaoa Building, Basement Renovation and Lobby Repairs

Kalana O Maui Building, Fire Sprinkler, Phase II

Kaikor Construction Associates Inc. ....195,500

Castaway Construction & Restoration LLC ................................... 210,450

Kealakekua Public Library, Cesspool Closure and Wastewater System Improvements

Fort Ruger State Motor Pool, Above Ground Fuel Storage Tank

Landan Construction Inc. .......................220,508 Replace Emergency Generator Fuel Tank at Pier 2 Terminal, Honolulu Harbor

Sterling Pacific Construction .................196,939

Levee Access Improvements and Environmental Restoration at Waiauia

Hawaii Works Inc. ................................... 147,853 Repair Sidewalk at Pier 2, Honolulu Harbor

Ridgeway Construction............................143,849 Kam V Post Office, Replace Exterior Doors

Henry’s Equipment Rental & Sales Inc. .138,000 Waialua Public Library, Cesspool Closure and Wastewater System Improvements

Site Engineering Inc. ...............................123,300

Stevenson Middle School, Outdoor Tennis Court, Replace Existing Fence, Posts and Gate

Kahului Small Boat Harbor, Bathroom Complex

Substructure and Subsidence Repairs at Pier 2, Kahului Harbor

Maui Plant Quarantine Greenhouse, Repairs and Improvements, Kahului

Betsill Bros. .............................................209,586

Pukalani Elementary School, P11 EOEL Pre-K Renovation, Makawao

Mocon Corp. ............................................. 107,160 Nahiku Potable Water Tank Interior Coating

Wasa Electrical Services Inc. .................. 93,421 Lahaina Recreation Center, Ballfield Lights

Hawaii

Isemoto Contracting Co. Ltd. ..............9,191,919 Komohana Research & Extension Center, Phase B Repairs, Hilo

18 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

Sakoda Construction LLC........................189,950 Isemoto Contracting Co. Ltd. ................. 171,464

Kauai

Cushnie Construction Co. Inc. ............ 1,247,574 Emergency Staging and Storage Facility at Lihue Airport

Pacific Concrete Cutting & Coring Inc. ..............................648,000 Security Fence Improvements at Port Allen Airport, Hanapepe

American Marine Corp. .......................... 256,865 Fender Repairs at Port Allen

Islandwide Fencing LLC...........................160,000 Repair Fence at Waapa Road, Nawiliwili Harbor

Sheraton Kauai, Hawaii

The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas Maui, Hawaii

Dusit Thani Hotel & Resort Guam, USA Hale Mahana Apartment

Kona Big Island Judiciary Courthouse

Heroes Hall Malacanang Palace with his Excellency President Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte Manila, Philippines

10 YEARS IN BUSINESS WITH SATISFIED CLIENTS! Committed to Superior Quality & Results Four Seasons Resort Ko Olina, Oahu

Serving All Hawaiian Islands, Guam and Philippine Island • Lath & Plaster • Building Insulation • Carpentry • Millwork & Cabinets

• Drywall • Acoustics • Fireproofing • Exterior Insulation Finish Systems

HAWAII

ABC-32135

308 Kilua Place Honolulu, Hawaii 96819 (808) 738-4988

GUAM

PHILIPPINE ISLAND

380 Harmon Industrial Park Tamuning, Guam 96913 USA (671) 969-1808

295 Loyola Street Obrero Davao City, Philippines (0917) 704-9491 / (0917) 851-7808

CLB11-0766

Luzon / Visayas / Mindanao

Joey Alcantara, CEO • joey.alcantara@firstpacificbuilders.com • FirstPacificBuilders.com

CONTRACTORS

An ‘Essential’ Industry

Islands’ leading GCs reap $3.4B in 2019; Hawaiian Dredging holds No. 1 spot in annual rankings

BY DAVID PUTNAM

T

hroughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the construction industry has risen to the forefront across the U.S. and kept many economies afloat, and especially here in Hawaii.

“Across the business spectrum, conditions look to be unusually tough for all of us in 2020 and 2021,” says John F. Metzler, managing officer at Metzler Contracting Co. LLC. “However, the construction industry has been spared the worst of it, I believe, and hopeJohn F. Metzler fully we will suffer only minor impact into next year.”

Metzler Contracting, based in Kapaau on the Island of Hawaii, is making its first appearance in Building Industry Hawaii ‘s annual Hawaii’s 20 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

Top 25 Contractors rankings. The 45-year-old construction firm lands in the No. 22 spot.

“Because we’ve been judged to be an ‘essential’ business, for the most part, our local construction industry is expected to skirmish through the current difficulties,” Metzler adds, “and the majority of construction projects in the state will likely be completed without interference or significant delay beyond those factors created by COVID-19.”

His thoughts on the uncertainties caused by the coronavirus echo throughout the Top 25 GCs and Noteworthy Contenders. For 2019, the Top 25 contractors report a combined $3,430,500,000 in revenue, similar to the past two years but falling a bit short of 2016’s $4.2 billion.

Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co. Inc. heads the rankings for the 15th consecutive year. Nan Inc. is No.

The future Lilia Waikiki, an ongoing Nordic PCL project RENDERING COURTESY NORDIC PCL CONSTRUCTION INC.

2, with Hensel Phelps, Kiewit Corp. and Dorvin D. Leis Co. Inc. rounding out the top five.

Hawaii’s leading GCs are already looking forward.

Thomas Diersbock “Wow, what a start to 2020,” says Thomas Diersbock, Hensel Phelps’ vice president. “The construction industry is accustomed to evaluating risks by means of employing PPE and other procedures to protect ourselves and those around us. Our industry has shown active leadership throughout the pandemic and managed well through these uncharted times.

“With that said, as things begin to move in the direction of the new normal, there is a sense that construction will not ...continued on page 22

TOP 25 CONTRACTORS

from the Publisher & Trade ohana

T

This year’s ranking, with last year’s rank in parentheses and reported 2019 earnings in millions.

1. Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co. Inc. (1) $514.0 Amanda Canada

o all of you who rolled up your sleeves in 2019 and said, “We got this,” we salute and thank you. You know all too well the daily challenges of limited supplies, prolonged permits, change order forms, many times debt and always stiff competition.

Building Industry Hawaii has the privilege of telling your story. The story of what builds our state, our communities, our livelihoods.

It has been our challenge and our utmost pleasure to present each contractor–the makers of this construction magic–in our special Hawaii’s Top 25 Contractors issue, with insight to your remarkable love of the industry. Your grit, sweat, and laborious hours may not be evident in these pages, but are documented by the beautiful projects you constructed and are now serving Hawaii.

Mahalo for another year of allowing us the honor of presenting this editorial glimpse into your accomplishments. Looking forward to many more.

We’re all in this together…we got this!

Sincerely,

Amanda Canada and the Building Industry Hawaii staff

2. Nan Inc. (2)

388.0

3. Hensel Phelps (4)

379.2

4. Kiewit (8)

298.5

5. Dorvin D. Leis Co. Inc. (6)

185.0

6. Nordic PCL Construction Inc. (3)

170.0

7. Albert C. Kobayashi Inc. (7)

163.0

8. Swinerton Builders (5)

158.8

9. Unlimited Construction Services Inc. (10)

130.8

10. Royal Contracting Co. Ltd. (13)

96.8

11. Wasa Electrical Services Inc. (11)

90.0

12. Allied Builders System (14)

89.7

13. Layton Construction Co. LLC (9)

83.2

14. Arita Poulson General Contracting LLC (19) 77.5 15. Maryl Group Construction Inc. (22)

74.0

16. Group Builders Inc. (17)

66.0

17. Isemoto Contracting Co. Ltd. (12)

63.8

18. Coastal Construction Co. Inc. (16)

60.0

19. Alakai Mechanical Corp. (15)

59.2

20. Shioi Construction Inc. (20)

59.0

21. Ralph S. Inouye Co. Ltd. (18)

56.1

22. Metzler Contracting Co. LLC (NR)

49.4

23. Honolulu Builders LLC (21)

42.3

24. Healy Tibbitts Builders Inc. (23)

39.7

25. Constructors Hawaii Inc. (NC)

36.5

NOTEWORTHY CONTENDERS Paradigm Construction LLC (NC)

31.0

Alan Shintani Inc. (24)

26.0

S&M Sakamoto Inc. (25)

22.4

Elite Pacific Construction Inc. (NC)

16.9

Big Island Electric Inc. (NR)

3.9

NC: Noteworthy Contender NR: Not Ranked in 2019 Rankings rely on 2019 Hawaii-based revenue as reported by those companies that responded to our requests for information. www.tradepublishing.com/building-industry-hawaii | 21

...continued from page 20

only continue to remain active, but there is much discussion about utilizing ‘make ready’ projects to stimulate the economy.

There are public agencies here in Hawaii already gearing up to push projects out to get people back to work.”

The industry is experiencing setbacks from the pandemic, such as timely delivery of materials, says Mark Kong, president of No. 15-ranked Maryl Group.

“We do expect there to be financial and schedule impacts, as well the lengthening of lead time in procuring Mark Kong material,” Kong says. “We procure material from various countries, and the pandemic has already delayed the procurement of material on one of our projects this year due to the shutdown of factories and employees working from home, resulting not only in delay of the production of material but slow and

HNL MAUKA TERMINAL

inefficient correspondence.

“We have seen some projects this year move ahead, but in the private sector, many projects have either been delayed or completely halted.”

Adds Roy Y. Shioi of 20th-ranked Shioi Construction Inc.: “The forecast for the remainder of 2020 depends on Roy Y. Shioi who you ask, the size of the company and what type of markets they go after. The COVID-19 pandemic definitely has a tremendous negative impact on the tourism, hospitality and private sectors with owners and lenders holding back, delaying and canceling projects.”

Diersbock encourages the industry to remain optimistic. “With change and challenge,” he says, “comes new opportunity—keep pushing through!

“As an industry, we cannot grumble too much, as we seem to be one of the best-suited groups to quickly bounce back and make it through 2020 with-

KOULA AT WARD VILLAGE

out the same impact as other local industries.”

Brett Alexander-Estes, Priscilla Pérez Billig, Jackie M. Young and Lorraine Cabanero contributed to the reports on the 2020 Hawaii’s Top 25 Contractors and Noteworthy Contenders.

Combined Earnings of Top 25 GCs

YEAR BILLIONS

2019.............................. $3.4 2018................................ 3.4 2017................................ 3.4 2016................................ 4.2 2015................................ 3.8 2014................................ 2.9 2013................................ 2.5 2012................................ 2.4 2011................................ 2.6 2010................................ 2.5

KAANAPALI OCEAN RESORT

NOHONA HALE

BEK appreciates the partnerships we have with the Top 25 General Contractors for the past 37 years.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication towards our mutual success.

BEK, Inc.

COMMERCIAL WALLS & CEILINGS SYSTEMS

Todd R. Middleton PRESIDENT

99-1386 Koaha Place, Aiea HI 96701 Tel: 808-486-9653 • Fax: 808-488-1903 • estimate@bekinc.com • www.bekinc.com

22 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

#

1

HAWAIIAN DREDGING CONSTRUCTION CO. INC.

CONTRACTORS 2019 EARNINGS

$514 MILLION

YEARS IN HAWAII

118

EMPLOYEES

800

Hawaiian Dredging’s projects in 2019 include Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani.

PHOTO COURTESY HAWAIIAN DREDGING CONSTRUCTION CO. INC.

Top GC Sustains Construction Statewide

R

anked No. 1 among Hawaii’s Top 25 Contractors for the 15th consecutive year, Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co. Inc. leads with projects that underpin every sector in the state.

“Overall, construction is a challenging business,” says Gerry Majkut, company president. “At Hawaiian Gerry Majkut Dredging, we look forward to the challenge.”

From Maui’s new airport CONRAC to ultra-luxury renovations, the general contractor’s 2019 projects display impressive size and scope—and with three renovations, exquisite refinement.

“Overall, our business was very good in 2019 as we achieved and/ or exceeded most of our company goals,” Majkut says. Successful projects produced $514 million in 2019 Hawaii-based revenue, down 6.5 percent from $550 million in 2018.

“A few recent examples of successful projects by Hawaiian Dredging 24 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

in 2019 are the Halepuna Waikiki

by Halekulani; the Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection; and the Espacio, The Jewel of Waikiki,” Majkut says. “Each of these projects were hotel renovations of high quality and demanding schedules.

Working together closely with the owners, designers, and an overall team approach with all parties involved, we were able to collaborate, develop and implement a successful plan.”

At Espacio, the team gutted an 88-room Waikiki hotel and built nine 2,250-square-foot suites. Each suite occupies an entire floor, features custom marble and metal work, and reportedly commands $5,000 a night.

Successful planning also marks the company’s projects in the public sector, where Hawaiian Dredging performed 34 percent of its work last year, and where it has excelled since its founding in 1902. Completed 2019 projects include the Kahului Airport CONRAC, the Ala Wai 46kV Underground Relocation and the Kauai Emergency Flood Repairs.

Hawaiian Dredging typically outsources 70 percent of its work to subcontractors, who have many oppor-

tunities in ongoing 2020 public sector projects. These include the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s Farrington Highway Station Group, Ala Wai Canal dredging and improvements (as part of a JV), Moanalua High School – Performing Arts Center Phase 2B, as well as quasi-public housing projects, bridge and pier repairs, and large wastewater treatment plant projects.

Hawaiian Dredging’s 800 employees will be busy as well at ongoing 2020 projects in the private sector— Koula and The Central Ala Moana, two new Honolulu residential towers; Maui Bay Villas and Hilton Waikoloa Village, Ocean Tower Conversion Phase 2 / Sector C, two luxury resort builds; and modifications at Matson’s Sand Island Terminal.

Hawaiian Dredging’s hefty 2020 project list and parent company, Atlanta-based Kajima U.S.A. Inc., are a strong shield going forward as “there is much uncertainty for 2020 and 2021,” Majkut says.

“Throughout the world, including the mainland United States and Hawaii, government authorities are … implementing the necessary actions for the health, safety and economies for all.”

since 1902

with diversity & expertise.

Building | Commercial | Heavy (Civil) | Waterfront & Foundation | Power & Industrial

Clockwise from top left: Kapiolani Residence, Espacio The Jewel of Waikiki, Roosevelt (Kipapa) Bridge, Matson, Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant.

#

2

NAN INC.

CONTRACTORS 2019 EARNINGS

$388 MILLION YEARS IN HAWAII

30

EMPLOYEES

736

Nan Maintains Full Plate Nan Inc. workers place 5,500 cubic yards of concrete at the Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant.

W

hen Nan Chul Shin emigrated from Korea he came with the work ethic that spurred him to found Hawaii’s largest locally owned construction company. Today, headed

by CEO and President Fooney Freestone, general contractor Nan Inc. seems to maintain an enviably full roster of projects.

Next month, Nan is set to wrap the $60.9 million Phase 1 of East Kapolei Middle School. In 2021, work is scheduled for a January completion on the Federal Inspection Services Building at the Kona International Airport, valued at $55.5 million; in April 2021, the P-013 Communcations/ Crypto Facility, Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station, valued at $49.7 million, is scheduled to finish April 2021. Also, April 2021 should see the wrap of the J-006 Apra Medical/Dental Clinic on Naval Base Guam, valued at $58.4 million.

In 2019, Nan’s Hawaii-based reve-

nue ticked up to $388 million to help it repeat at No. 2 in Building Industry Hawaii magazine’s Hawaii’s Top 25 Contractors survey.

Last year Nan ranked Nan Chul Shin No. 2 with earnings of $327.5 million for calendar year 2018.

“Our success and growth is based on our use of local workers with local resources, compared to the Mainland,” Shin says. “I’m proud of our localgrown dedication. We can compete with the ‘big boys’ based on the dedication from my people.

“Our Marriott and Keeaumoku condo projects got shut down. But other projects are doing well. We are hiring people, and I’m happy to keep local people working.”

December 2022 is Nan’s finish month for both the City and County of Honolulu’s expansion of the secondary treatment system at the Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant in Ewa, valued at $267 million, and the P-911

Nan Inc. builds HART’s West Oahu Station.

PHOTO COURTESY NAN INC. 26 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

PHOTO COURTESY NAN INC.

Bachelor Enlisted Quarters, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, valued at $117.8 million.

April 2023 is projected as the completion date for the P-459 Bachelors Enlisted Quarters, Joint Region Marianas, Guam, valued at $103 million. In September 2023, the J-031 Bachelors Enlisted Quarters D & F, Joint Region Marianas, Guam, is scheduled for completion at a cost of $204.2 million.

Projects completed in 2019 include the AO380 Improvements to Gates 29 and 34 at DKI International Airport for $15.7 million; the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) West Oahu Stations Temporary Park and Ride at $13.2 million; and KOA Terminal Modernization Program Phase 1 at Kona International Airport for $80.5 million.

Last year, the company racked up 77 percent public sector work and 50 percent subcontracted work.

Nan Vice President Ryan Nakaima says the forecast for the remainder of 2020 is “positive.” He adds his company may have seen additional awards in 2019 but “all projects were at varying stages of development.”

Today, Nan is tasked with participating in Oahu’s elevated rail for HART, having won Ryan Nakaima bids to construct six of the 20 rail stations, including the Kamehameha Highway Stations Group—Pearl Highlands, Pearlridge and Aloha Stadium. Previously, Nan began work on the stations at Hoopili, University of Hawaii at West Oahu and East Kapolei. Nan also is performing utilities contracts for HART.

KON A

HONO RAIL S ULIULI (HO’O TATION PILI)

JUDI

CIAR

Y CO

MPL

EX

U) ST OAHON E W H ‘AE (U RAIL STATI KEONE

Exceeding Expectations in New Construction Working from the ground up, Nan, Inc. has the expertise, experience, and equipment to perform the most complex civil and building projects; including those with foundations over existing basalt rock terrain, deep retaining walls, and large-scale utility infrastructure.

As a locally-owned company, our success comes from our commitment to worksite safety, quality of work and outstanding customer service.

Nan Inc

CO N S T R U C T I O N MA N AG E M E N T | G E N E R A L CO N T R AC T I N G | D E S I G N - B U I L D LICENSE #ABC-19711

636 Laumaka St. Honolulu, HI 96819 | 808.842.4929 | NanHawaii.com

#

3

HENSEL PHELPS

CONTRACTORS 2019 EARNINGS

$379.2 MILLION YEARS IN HAWAII

28

EMPLOYEES

427

Hensel Phelps won the Grand Prize in the GCA of Hawaii’s annual Build Hawaii competition for its work on Kailua Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant (RWWTP) Tunnel Influent Pump Station and Headworks Facility and Kaneohe/Kailua Tunnel Influent Facility. PHOTO COURTESY HENSEL PHELPS

Grand Prize and a Busy Year

T

he Command and Control Facility Phase 3 project at Fort Shafter, says Thomas Diersbock, Hensel Phelps’ vice president and district manager, “continues to be our most complex and challenging project.”

The designbid-build work for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Honolulu District entailed construction of multiThomas Diersbock story (four stories or higher) buildings for the Sensitive Compartmentalized Information Facility (SCIF), the Command Building and for Support Operations.

Diersbock says USACE “has been a great partner” on the Fort Shafter project, “which has been an important part of its success to date.” The estimated value of

28 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

the three-phase project could be as much as $500 million.

The ongoing project helps to boost Hensel Phelps, which reports earnings of $379,246,000 in 2019, up a notch to No. 3 among Hawaii’s Top 25 Contractors.

The Greeley, Colo.-based general contractor, which has been doing business in Hawaii for 28 years, reported earnings of $285 million in 2018 to rank No. 4.

And as for the highly secured military project at Fort Shafter, Diersbock says, “Hensel Phelps and our trade partners will be working together to bring all previous phases together both from a structural and finishes standpoint, but also the start of commissioning the project’s critical technology and MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) systems.”

In 2019, Hensel Phelps also celebrated winning the Grand Prize in the General Contractors Association’s annual Build Hawaii competition. Its winning project was the $149 million Kailua Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant (RWWTP) Tunnel Influent Pump Station and Headworks Facility and Kaneohe/ Kailua Tunnel Influent Facility.

Hensel Phelps also won in four other categories in the GCA of Hawaii’s Build Hawaii 2019 contest.

Other projects Hensel Phelps completed last year include the Tripler Army Medical Center clinic renovations and Building 40 repairs, a power upgrade at Harmon Naval Base on Guam and

Hawaiian Airlines’ Elliott Hangar facility.

“For Hensel Phelps, business in 2019 was strong, with the local construction industry remaining very busy,” Diersbock says. “All major vertical markets seemed to be participating with ongoing operations and procurements in 2019.”

In May, the GC landed a $56,465,000 contract for construction of a new corrosion control hangar at Marine Corps Base Hawaii which, according to specs, will be used for paint preparation and painting to support the maintenance of H-1, H-60, CH-53 and MV22 series aircraft.

A few of the GC’s ongoing jobs are the Hawaii State Hospital’s new patient facility, estimated to be completed in December; Kaiser Permanente’s Hawaii Regional Capital Projects Program, expected to wrap in 2023; the Waianae Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements and upgrade (February 2021); renovation of the Four Seasons Hualalai Room; and the HNL NDWP ITT Mauka Terminal Extension Project (August 2021).

Despite economic setbacks because of the coronavirus, Diersbock is optimistic for the future.

“As we work though the pandemic protocols and the state begins to reopen, we believe we can expect the construction industry to remain busy,” he says. “There is talk of even more infrastructure and stimulus work coming down the pipe from the public and DOD sectors over and above what was already planned.”

Building a Legacy, One Landmark at a Time

Learn more at henselphelps.com

#

4

KIEWIT CORP.

CONTRACTORS 2019 EARNINGS

$298.5 MILLION YEARS IN HAWAII

72

EMPLOYEES

289

Kiewit projects in 2019 included the Kahanahou Wastewater Pump Station (WWPS).

PHOTO COURTESY KIEWIT CORP.

A Good Year to Bask in the Islands

P

ercent-wise, Kiewit Corp. can celebrate having had one of the best years among Hawaii’s Top 25 Contractors during 2019. With a 79.7 percent increase in Hawaii-based revenue, Kiewit leaps four spots to rank No. 4 in the annual contractor rankings.

Kyle Pready, Kiewit’s executive area manager, explains the general contractor’s revenue increase.

“In 2019, Kiewit had several strong bidding opportunities. Our traditional bidding opportunities with local government agencies were not as extensive as previous years, and there weren’t as many large projects to pursue since some targeted opportunities pushed into 2020,” Pready says.

“However, we used 2019 to explore other options, including participating in pursuits or opportunities as a subcontractor with other general contractors. We also pursued more private project opportunities in several markets to expand our reach.”

Kiewit, which reports doing 89 percent of its work in the public sector, 30 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

posts earnings of $298,550,830 in 2019. Last year, when it ranked No. 8 among the Top 25, Kiewit had 2018 revenue of $166,094,588. Parent company Peter Kiewit Sons Inc. was founded in 1884 and is headquartered in Omaha, Neb.

“We’re looking forward to our work in the second half of 2020 and 2021.”

—Kyle Pready “For our active work in 2019, we led or partnered on projects for a wide range of clients in the markets we serve,” Pready says.

“We worked on more than 20 jobs across the state on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Lanai and the Big Island, including significant projects such as the Kapalama Container Yard and

the Dowsett Highlands Relief Sewer projects.”

Pready refrains from speculating on the future of the construction industry in the Islands, noting that “as a private company, we don’t provide financial forecasting externally.” But he did express optimism.

“We’re looking forward to our work in the second half of 2020 and 2021,” he says.

Kiewit’s Hawaii office reports 22 ongoing projects, but one that it will be linked to for generations in the Islands is its work on multiple contracts for the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Kiewit was key in building the first 10 miles of HART’s 20-mile guideway and stations.

In January, Kiewit Infrastructure West Co., and another Hawaii GC, Hensel Phelps Construction Co., were among several contractors winning bids as part of a $990 million DesignBuild/Design-Bid-Build Multiple Award Construction Contract for the Navy that involves seven projects at various Hawaii sites.

Kapalama Container Yard

North Shore Bridges

ilo South H

Landfill

Concre

te Pavin

g Conv ersion -

BUILDING HAWAII SINCE 1948

Turning

Ts

For more than 70 years, Kiewit has served as a dedicated construction contractor in Hawaii. From roads, bridges and airports to schools and hospitals, Kiewit is proud and honored to contribute to the quality of life across the islands.

Completed Projects in 2019: Diamond Head Apron Reconstruction Gates G-1 to G-6 | Hele Channel Improvements | Rail Station Connectivity for Transit Oriented Development (TOD) | Hololani Resort New Shore Protection | H-1 Shoulder Work and PCCP Rehabilitation | Kahanahou WWPS Upgrade and Sewer Improvements | Kunia Perimeter Road Erosion Control | Fire Damage Repairs, Kahului Elementary School 707 Richards Street, Suite 750 • Honolulu, Hawaii 96816 • (808) 457-4500 • (808) 674-1088

| KIEWIT.COM

#

5

DORVIN D. LEIS CO. INC.

CONTRACTORS 2019 EARNINGS

$185 MILLION

YEARS IN HAWAII

53

EMPLOYEES

690

DDL is mechanical contractor at Oahu’s new Hawaii State Hospital.

PHOTO COURTESY DORVIN D. LEIS CO. INC.

A Challenging Year Ahead

E

mployee safety— always a top priority at Dorvin D. Leis Co. Inc.—is now vulnerable industry-wide. “We promptly coached and trained our employees in new procedures to ensure their safety in response to the (COVID19) pandemic,” says Stephen T. Leis, company president.

“DDL attempts to be responsive to all of the variables we encounter across our five offices and more than 500 fulltime employees.”

In 2020, the Stephen T. Leis mechanical contractor is also continuing its long history of community service. “We will remain involved in our communities and are proud of the support given to numerous nonprofits in 2019,” Leis says. “These include the American Heart Association, Maui Memorial Medical Center, the Girl Scouts STEM Project, local schools, youth sports, the Maui Arts and Cultural Center and many other community-based organizations.”

At DDL, steady community support and solid financial strength go hand-inhand. The company’s 2019 revenue is 32 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

$185,085,706, a decrease of less than 1 percent from 2018’s $185,240,000.

DDL repeats at No. 5 among this year’s Hawaii’s Top 25 Contractors.

“Overall, business was good in 2019 and similar to 2018 in volume,” Leis says. “Our 2019 outcome was in line with our expectations based upon our ability to accurately forecast many of the large projects early in the year.”

DDL is mechanical contractor at the U.S. Army One of those projects required Pacific (USARPAC) Command & Control Facility.

DDL to replace “the entire central PHOTO COURTESY DORVIN D. LEIS CO. INC. plant, both air conditioning and domestic hot-water systems, in an cal and energy. Public sector projects ongoing five-star Four Seasons resort,” account for 25 percent of annual work, Leis says. “DDL provided 500 tons of with 5 percent typically subcontracted. temporary air conditioning to this $5 DDL, founded in 1961, is headmillion project with the occupied hotel quartered in Kahului, Maui, along with never experiencing any disruptions.

Aikane Pacific Corporation, its parent “After 90 days, the project team company. Other DDL offices are on looked back with a sense of satisfacOahu, Hawaii Island and Kauai. tion at having installed three 500-ton It’s a big responsibility. “We centrifugal chillers, three 75-horseanticipate that the remainder of 2020 power chilled water pumps, three will be challenged as a result of the 40-horsepower condenser water pandemic,” Leis says. pumps, one 500-ton cooling tower “Even considering this, 2020 will be and four 1,500,000 BTUH gas water busy at DDL. Going forward into 2021 heaters—all while keeping the resort in will be more challenging … certainly, normal operation.” the best outcome for the construction DDL, with 690 Hawaii employees, industry as a whole will be the full also equips new builds. Services include recovery of the tourist industry. fire protection, pipe trades, HVAC/ “When that occurs is the millioncontrols, pre-construction, mechanidollar question.”

#

CONTRACTORS 2019 EARNINGS

$170 MILLION

YEARS IN HAWAII

82

6

NORDIC PCL CONSTRUCTION INC.

Nordic Looks to Visitor Confidence to Spur Isle Construction

N

ordic PCL, EMPLOYEES fresh 200 off the success of its American Savings Bank tower, further demonstrated its expertise last year with two innovative school projects.

“We completed both the Iolani School Residence Hall and the Punahou Kosasa Grades 2-5 Community in 2019,” says Glen Kaneshige, company president.

“Both were very challenging since we were working in an Glen Kaneshige active campus, and completing on time is mandatory.”

Both projects wrapped on schedule.

When Hawaii-based revenue for the year was tallied, 2019 showed a 43.5 percent decline, from $301 million in 2018 to $170 million. Nordic, No. 3 in last year’s Hawaii’s Top 25 Contractors rankings, is now No. 6.

“Although our financial numbers may not reflect it, 2019 was a busier year than 2018, which is what we had

Straub Medical Center-Kapolei Clinic & Urgent Care, a 2019 Nordic PCL project PHOTO COURTESY NORDIC PCL CONSTRUCTION INC. 34 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

expected,” Kaneshige says.

The busy year also included wraps on Ke Kilohana in Ward Village, the Consolidated Theaters Mililani Renovation, the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation Entrepreneur’s Sandbox, the Straub Medical Center – Kapolei Clinic & Urgent Care facility and the Queen’s Medical Center-West Oahu Clinical Services Center, 3rd and 4th Floor, Package 1.

“Our revenue volume declined since a couple of large projects that were originally slated to start early in the year got pushed back to the end of the year,” Kaneshige says.

In 2020, Nordic’s robust list of ongoing projects include Lilia Waikiki, Central Pacific Bank’s main branch renovation, The Modern Honolulu, Kona Village Resort, various projects at The Queen’s Medical Ke Kilohana, a 2019 Nordic PCL project Center-West Oahu, PHOTO COURTESY NORDIC PCL CONSTRUCTION INC. the F-22 Fighter Alert Facility, Servco Pacific Inc.’s Toyota founding, Nordic and PCL Construction Windward showroom renovation, the Services Inc., its Denver-based parent Hawaii Foodbank Oahu office and the company, have weathered many construcUniversity of Hawaii’s Snyder Hall. tion crises. But “COVID-19 has turned the world upside down,” Kaneshige says.

“2021 will be very challenging for the construction industry since the local economy will not recover if people are afraid to travel for fear of the virus. …

Whether the Japanese return to the Islands in 2020 will definitely influence how severe a recession this could be. This recession will be different from 2008 since interest rates are at histori—Glen Kaneshige cal lows and the banks have capital, Nordic and its 200 Hawaii employwhich wasn’t the case 12 years ago.

“The recovery of tourism will ees specialize in hospitality, education, healthcare, commercial office and retail eventually lead construction and the projects. The company usually subcon- local economy out of any recession, so restoring visitor confidence by reintracts 80 percent of its work, with 10 forcing the perception of Hawaii as percent allocated to the public sector. safe will be essential.”

In the 82 years since its Hawaii

“2021 will be very challenging for the construction industry.”

Photos: Top | Punahou School, Kosasa Community for Grades 2-5; Bottom Left | F-22 Fighter Alert Facility, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam; Photos: | Punahou for Grades 2-5; Bottom Left | F-22 Fighter Alert Facility, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam; BottomTop Right | Straub School, MedicalKosasa Center Community – Kapolei Clinic & Urgent Care Bottom Right | Straub Medical Center – Kapolei Clinic & Urgent Care

DIVERSEIN INCAPABILITIES. CAPABILITIES. DIVERSE FOCUSEDON ONGREAT GREAT RESULTS RESULTS..

FOCUSED

WEGOT GOT ITIT COVERED. COVERED. WE

PCL companies are equal opportunity employers and will not discriminate against any employee or for employment because ofemployers race, color,and religion, sex, national origin, sexual gender PCLapplicant companies are equal opportunity will not discriminate against anyorientation, employee or identity,for age, disability orbecause veteran of status. applicant employment race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender

#

7

ALBERT C. KOBAYASHI INC.

CONTRACTORS 2019 EARNINGS

$163 MILLION

YEARS IN HAWAII

57

EMPLOYEES

215

Albert C. Kobayashi Inc. broke ground at Aalii at Ward Village last year.

PHOTO COURTESY ACK

ACK Stays the Course in 2019

A

lbert C. Kobayashi Inc. began work in January 2019 to renovate 1,641 guestrooms at the Sheraton Waikiki, only to be stymied in mid-March by the COVID-19 outbreak.

“This was a very challenging project. Our top concern was maintaining productivity, while minimizing the effect on the hotel guest experience,” says Michael Young, ACK’s vice president. “When the project commenced, the hotel was fully operational all the way until mid-March when hotel operations slowed due to the pandemic.”

While most of the businesses in Waikiki slowed to a crawl, “we did not stop construction, and at that time we were 90 percent complete,” Young says.

Although ACK’s 2019 earnings declined to $163 million, from $180.5 million in 2018, the firm remains steadfast at No. 7 among Hawaii’s Top 25 Contractors.

The Sheraton Waikiki, scheduled to wrap in May, was among numerous major projects for ACK. “On average, we turned over 30 rooms a week, including typical rooms, suites, lounges and lobby areas,” Young says. “Some of our challenges included keeping noisy work to certain hours, maintaining good signage and communication and minimizing any dust or environmental concerns.

36 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

“We were fortunate to work with a proactive, innovative client, construction manager and design team to help us deliver a very challenging project a few weeks ahead of schedule.”

Albert C. Kobayashi began his namesake company in 1963 as a residential contractor. Over the years, ACK has become one of the largest locally owned general contractors in Hawaii. It has been 100 percent employee-owned by its 215 workers since 1997.

“Our employees are the heart and soul of our organization, and their dedication and loyalty have driven our success.”

—Michael Young “We are extremely grateful for all the relationships we have developed with clients, architects, engineers and subcontractors,” Young says. “These relationships have helped us complete some of the most complex projects, on-time and within budget.

“Our employees are the heart and soul

of our organization, and their dedication and loyalty have driven our success.”

Other notable projects ACK completed in 2019 were the Anaha Grand Penthouse and work on the offices for Commercial Plumbing Inc. “We had a modest 2018, after completing some large projects in 2017,” Young says. “In 2019, we broke ground on a few projects, including Aalii at Ward Village, Azure Ala Moana and the Sheraton Waikiki guestroom renovation. These projects have gone well and provided very rewarding work for our company.”

There were also several promotions in 2019, including Shaun Shimizu to corporate treasurer, Deron Matsuoka to project executive and Brian Niitani to project executive.

As for the future, Young says, “we are fortunate to have some backlog for the next couple of years, especially with the challenges generated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There is obviously a lot of economic uncertainty both in Hawaii and around the nation. The construction industry is not immune to this uncertainty, and we are concerned that the industry will be significantly affected.

“We have been fortunate to be deemed an essential industry, which has allowed many projects to continue,” he adds. “However, the ramifications of the COVID-19 economic impact will likely be felt in Hawaii for the next couple of years, if not longer.”

ing d l i Bu s for orrow’ Tomam, Dre ay.

Tod

Azure Ala Moana Rendering from Azure Ala Moana LLC

Azure Ala Moana Photo by The Image Group

Aalii at Ward Village Photo by The Image Group

Sheraton Waikiki Guestroom Renovations Photo by Ren Shiroma Photography

We are honored to be selected General Contractor for: Aalii at Ward Village Azure Ala Moana Sheraton Waikiki Guestroom Renovations

Lic. # ABC 7819

94-535 Ukee Street, Waipahu, HI 96797

808-671-6460 • www.ack-inc.com

#

CONTRACTORS 2019 EARNINGS

$158.8 MILLION YEARS IN HAWAII

8

Yamasaki: ‘We Build Together’

S

winerton Builders is one EMPLOYEES of “Hawaii’s best 265 places to work.”

That’s the assessment by one of Hawaii’s leading periodicals, published last year.

Other evidence?

Swinerton, the Hawaii general contractor’s California-based parent company, is ranked by Fortune magazine as a “Best Workplace for Millennials” and as one of the nation’s “Best Workplaces for Diversity.”

However, Swinerton Builders has slipped in Building Industry Hawaii’s annual Hawaii’s Top 25 Contractors rankings, moving to No. 8 from No. 5 last year. In 2019, the firm received $158,845,000 in revenue, a 33.6 percent decline from the previous year’s $239,553,000.

The firm’s human capital, however, continues to grow.

Aaron Yamasaki, Swinerton’s new Hawaii division manager, says “our people and the culture that we build together are what make me Aaron Yamasaki proud to be a part of our Swinerton ohana.” Another source of pride, Yamasaki says, is that “a number of our 2019 projects, including Hale Kewalo, Nohona Hale and the Queen Emma Building conversion, provide our community with much-needed affordable housing.”

Nohona Hale in particular, Yamasaki says, is “an opportunity to redefine what a mixed-use, mixedincome affordable housing development can provide to the residents of Hawaii.”

18

SWINERTON BUILDERS

38 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

As Hawaii’s first “micro-unit” housing project, the 16-story, 111-unit, zero-lot-line building “took full advantage of its small, 10,000-square-foot parcel, and kept our team on their toes about being good neighbors to the surrounding businesses throughout construction,” he says. “The project team used a variety of strategies including on-site dewatering, sequenced installation of foundations and scheduling staggered shifts to maximize the usable space and productivity on-site.”

Developed by private and public entities, the project also reflects Swinerton Builders’ 30 percent activSwinerton recently wrapped on Nohona Hale, Hawaii’s first “micro-unit” ity in the public housing project. sector. The firm PHOTO COURTESY AMY HISAOKA/SWINERTON BUILDERS has operated in Hawaii for 18 years, employs 265 School, the Kaanapali Beach Hotel people and subcontracts 75 percent of and Royal Hawaiian Center tenant its work. improvements. In 2020, Yamasaki Parent company Swinerton, expects “an increase in projects in the founded in 1888, specializes in aviamedical field, federal jobs and state tion, education, hospitality, industrial jobs. warehouse, office, retail, affordable “While the economic landscape is housing, residential, student housing uncertain, construction in Hawaii has and tenant improvements nationwide. been playing an essential role in safely Swinerton Builders’ $77 million providing work and livelihoods for Solomon Elementary School Campus people in our community throughout Expansion, an ongoing project, “is the COVID-19 pandemic,” Yamasaki proof that we can do great things says. “The industry will be looking when we work together,” said Gov. to play a big part in our state’s and David Ige at a recent ceremony. nation’s economic recovery, and has Other ongoing projects for seen an administrative push for shovelSwinerton include Turtle Bay Resort, ready projects to get started.

“We have mindful optimism for the Queen Emma building, the Westin construction for 2020.”

Maui Resort & Spa, Campbell High

Building Community, Building Peace of Mind

Hale Kewalo Stanford Carr Development | RMA Architechture

808.521.8408 swinerton.com | HI License No. BC-3753

#

9

UNLIMITED CONSTRUCTION SERVICES INC.

CONTRACTORS 2019 EARNINGS

$130.8 MILLION YEARS IN HAWAII

30

EMPLOYEES

111

Unlimited Construction has completed the first three phases of Keahumoa Place and expects to wrap on the final phase in August.

PHOTO COURTESY UNLIMITED CONSTRUCTION SERVICES INC.

Unlimited Achieves 2019 Goals

U

nlimited Construction Services Inc., one of the premier contractors in Hawaii’s affordable housing arena, completed many notable projects in 2019, including Keahumoa Place Phases 1 to 3, with Phase 4 expected to be completed in August.

“The Keahumoa Place Affordable Housing project is significant because it will provide 327 affordable units to many low-income families that desperately need this product,” says Unlimited President Jay Manzano.

But as with many Jay Manzano public sector jobs, he says, one of the main drawbacks comes after the job is done. “These types of projects are funded by multiple sources, and many government agencies are involved with the pay applications, so getting timely payments has been our biggest challenge,” he says.

“But because Unlimited is sound financially, we were able to pay many of our vendors in advance to keep them working on our project, to keep our project on time.”

Although the 30-year-old general 40 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

contractor saw a 14 percent drop in revenue in 2019 to $130,857,586 from the previous year’s $152.4 million, it rose a notch to No. 9 among Hawaii’s Top 25 Contractors.

“2019 was a good year for Unlimited, and we were on the upper half of our revenue goals,” Manzano says of the company that specializes in hospitality and commercial and affordable housing.

Other significant projects in 2019 were the MCC (motor control center) Chlorination Facilities site and building improvements in Koloa for the County of Kauai Board of Water Supply and the Ola Ka Ilima Artspace Lofts in Kakaako.

Unlimited was founded by Peter Robson on Kauai in 1990. Until 2001, it did about $5 million in business each year with about 10 employees. Since then, it’s grown and posts more than $100 million in earnings yearly, with more than 100 employees. Robson remains a 10 percent owner; Manzano is majority owner at 43 percent.

Manzano says Unlimited has been successful over the years because “keeping our company mid-sized allows our executives and managers to be more hands-on and to be very involved in all of our projects. We are also fortunate to have repeat clients who only want to

work with Unlimited.

“By focusing on our five core values of safety, quality, timeliness, productivity and relationships, and making sure every employee considers all five values equally important, we have had many successful projects.”

Unlimited’s ongoing projects include Bishop Place – Phase 1 (recently completed), Kukui Tower Rehabilitation (set for completion in September) and the Wainiha Community Resilience Center in Hanalei, Kauai (expected to be completed in March 2021).

For 2020 and beyond, Manzano’s forecast for the industry is cautiously optimistic.

“Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, in general, the majority of our projects were able to continue,” he says. “Most clients are very understanding of the new environment we are working in, and have been collaborating with us on the challenges we face with this pandemic.

“Construction in the future could continue to be as strong as currently.

None of our projects we have in backlog are in danger of being cancelled, since many of our projects are affordable housing.

“If the federal assistance programs continue, we could forecast better years to come for our industry.”

Building Lasting Relationships through Safety, Timeliness, Productivity and Quality » DESIGN-BUILD » COMPREHENSIVE CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS » DESIGN-ASSIST »

» HGV Ocean Tower Conversion – Waikoloa, Hawaii

» Kukui Tower Rehabilitation – Honolulu, Oahu

» Ola Ka ‘Ilima Artspace Lofts - Kakaako, Oahu

» Bishop Place - Honolulu, Oahu

» Keahumoa Place Phases 1-4 - Ewa Beach, Oahu

Locally-owned and operated for 30 years!

MAIN OFFICE – OAHU

733 Bishop Street, Ste. 1717 Pacific Guardian Ctr.,Makai Tower Honolulu, Hawai'i 96813

Ph: 808.521.4141 Fx: 808.521.4199

KAUA’I OFFICE

1696 Haleukana Street Lihue, Hawai'i 96766

Ph: 808.241.1400 Fx: 808.246.6666

License ABC #16638

www.unlimitedhawaii.com - unlimited@unlimitedhawaii.com

#

10

ROYAL CONTRACTING CO. LTD.

CONTRACTORS 2019 EARNINGS

$96.8 MILLION YEARS IN HAWAII

59

EMPLOYEES

160

Royal Contracting started work at Koa Ridge in 2019.

PHOTO COURTESY ROYAL CONTRACTING CO. LTD.

Installing Meters for BWS, On-Call for HART

A

s 2019 was drawing to a close, Royal Contracting Co. Ltd. began training more than 20 select members of its team on a new computer system to be used to complete a project for the Honolulu Board of Water Supply.

“In 2019, Royal started our BWS project to replace MXU (meter transponder unit) and ECR (electronic communications register) as required at over 80,000 residences,” says Leonard K.P. Leong, president of the company that moves into the top 10 in the annual Hawaii’s Top Contractors survey.

Royal, founded in 1961, moves up three notches to No. 10 this year with reported 2019 earnings of $96,850,000—up 16.4 percent from $83.2 million in 2018. Other officers at Royal are Thomas Hulihee, vice president; Joyce Furukawa, treasurer; and Janelle Leong, secretary.

In preparing for the BWS project, which was awarded to Royal in June 2019, Leong says the crew was instructed on using a “tablet to record each meter box that was updated.

Initially, using the tablets was difficult because of block-out area, battery life and link to BWS computers.

“On most projects, workers are working in groups, but on this project every worker was isolated except for a cellphone to call for assistance.”

42 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

Before the meter boxes were updated, letters of notice to residents had to be issued seven days in advance of the work. To allay concerns, the notices informed residents that Royal’s crew would be wearing yellow vests with the company name.

“In rural areas with no sidewalk, locating the meter was often difficult,” Leong notes. “Issuing and collecting MXU and ECR was a task since it was not feasible to drive to each location since parking was a problem.”

2019 poster contest which attracted 96 entries from 12 schools.

Along with working on multiple parcels at Hoopili, Royal’s projects included Koa Ridge, the Mokulani development and Farrington Highway improvement. “During 2019,” Leong adds, “Royal had an opportunity to respond to an emergency repair on Kamehameha Highway in Hauula.”

Royal reports subcontracting 25 percent of its work last year when it employed 160 workers and performed

“On most projects, workers are working in groups, but on this project every worker was isolated except for a cellphone to call for assistance.”

—Leonard K.P. Leong The general contractor began the $5 million project in January, changing BWS’ automated meter reading (AMR) meter transponder units for new ones at one “cycle,” or area, of Oahu at a time.

The project will be completed this year.

Last year, Leong says “business met our expectation, with our primary focus” on D.R. Horton’s Hoopili development and its role at the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s On-Call IV Contractor. Beyond the worksite, Royal supported HART’s

20 percent of its jobs in the public sector.

Looking ahead, “Royal expects 2020 to be similar to 2019,” Leong says.

Pointing to the impact of the coronavirus, he says that “county and state government will need to increase public work projects since the workforce will be abundant, traffic volume less and the continuous need for road repairs and housing. Material shortage, closed business and qualifying for a loan are three possible hindrances to an increase in construction volume.”

Randall Sakumoto

Real Estate Development & Construction

Clifford Miller

Scott MacKinnon

Our real estate attorneys handle a full range of complex and sophisticated transactions involving real estate development, construction and development loans, loan restructuring and workouts, acquisitions and dispositions, commercial leasing and equity investments. Our clients include landowners, developers, banks and investment banks, investment firms, property managers, insurance companies, architects, construction contractors and others involved in all facets of the real estate industry.

Five Waterfront Plaza, 4th Floor 500 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96813 (808) 529-7300 | m4law.com

#

CONTRACTORS 2019 EARNINGS

11

WASA ELECTRICAL SERVICES INC.

Wasa: Connecting the Power

W

$90 MILLION

hen Matson’s improvements project at its YEARS IN HAWAII Sand Island termi71 nal required work in a high-voltage area, the shipping company turned to Wasa Electrical EMPLOYEES Services, one of Hawaii’s largest full260 service electrical contractors.

“It was a rush job, with site utilities and specialized high-voltage equipment for new bridge cranes,” recalls Ronald K.B. Yee, Wasa president, of the 2019 project.

Wasa, which has been doing business in the Islands for 71 years, specializes in the installation of highvoltage systems including power station, substation, overhead and underground distribution lines.

Founded in 1950, it has been part The Maui CONRAC was one of Wasa Electrical’s notable projects in 2019. of the Japan-based Kinden Corp. since PHOTOS COURTESY WASA ELECTRICAL SERVICES INC.

A Legacy of Quality Electrical Craftsmanship

www.WasaHawaii.com

Oahu: (808) 839-2741 Maui: (808) 242-9764

44 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

Hawaii: (808) 329-8414 Kauai: (808) 245-2941

1987. Over the decades, Wasa has installed industrial and commercial electrical work at hospitals, condominiums, hotels, schools, airports, roads, factories and refineries.

Wasa, which reports revenue of $90 million in 2019, repeats at No. 11 among Hawaii’s Top 25 Contractors.

Last year, Wasa reported $87 million in earnings.

“We met our sales goal in 2019,” says Yee of the company which last year employed 260 people, members of IBEW Local 1186.

According to the company, it performs 15 percent of its jobs in the public sector, and subcontracts 8 percent of its work.

Yee says he expects this year to be “below average due to COVID-19.

“We expected better sales, but in light of the virus, it will probably be 20 percent less.”

Projects that Wasa completed in 2019 include the Moanalua Hillside Apartments, Mauna Lani Bay Hotel renovations and Halepuna Hotel renovations.

Its ongoing jobs include the H-1 Freeway management system Phase 2, Azure Ala Moana and the Kahaku Koula Wasa Electric handled high-voltage and site work for three new bridge cranes as part of the Matson condos.

Container Yard wharf improvements project.

Aon Construction Services Group

Your Trusted Advisor for Construction Risk

Aon Risk Services, Inc. of Hawaii 201 Merchant Street, Suite 2400 Honolulu, HI 96813 (808) 540-4335 or www.aon.com

#

CONTRACTORS 2019 EARNINGS

$89.7 MILLION

12

ALLIED BUILDERS SYSTEM

ABS Grows More Agile, Adapts to Changes

C

ontractors in Hawaii’s high-stakes building YEARS IN HAWAII industry, like high-flying 50 pilots, need strong support systems and lightning reflexes. Gary Oda, president of general contracEMPLOYEES tor Allied Builders System (ABS), says 85 “strong relationships with our clients, architects and consultants, and amongst our subcontractor network, have enabled Allied Builders to be more agile, and has better equipped us to adapt to changing conditions.”

This is crucial during schedule changes, Oda says—as when ABS fast-tracked the start and finish of a new ballroom and the Longboard Club at Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach in 2019.

Other completed 2019 projects include Assets School’s new K-4 Weinberg Village, and the Servco Lexus & Suburu Maui.

For 2019, ABS posted a nearly 31.6 percent

gain in revenue, from $68,205,000 in 2018 to $89,754,000.

Ranked No. 14 among last year’s Hawaii’s Top 25 Contractors, ABS The new ballroom at Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach, a 2019 Allied Builders System project is now No. 12.

PHOTO COURTESY HAWKINS BIGGINS PHOTOGRAPHY With 85 employees, ABS works exclusively in the private sector, subcontracts 66 percent of its work and also provides construction management.

Founded in 1970, Hawaii-based ABS, incorporated as RAM Corp., was “extremely excited about starting our 50th year in business,” Oda says. Then COVID-19 “caused companies worldwide to alter forecasts for 2020.”

ABS will keep to its 2020 lineup that includes a Queen’s Health Systems hospital expansion and a new gym at St. Louis School. “We expect more changes during the aftermath of the pandemic,” Oda says, “and we remain flexible in navigating the uncertain future.”

From Plans... to Plate Line...

Certified Truss Manufacturer Locally Owned & Operated Statewide Services 91-227 Hanua St. (Campbell Industrial Park), Kapolei, HI 96707 (808) 690-1222 fax (808) 690-1322 www.precisiontrusshawaii.com 46 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

Are you looking for a general contractor who is dependable and professional?

Wave Builders, LLC represents honesty and integrity. From residential projects like new home construction, kitchen and bathroom remodeling to large scale commercial projects, Wave Builders, LLC can do it all.

RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION KITCHEN & BATH REMODELING COMMERCIAL PROJECTS

BC-34870 94-459 A Uke’e St. BC-34870 Waipahu, HI 96797 (808) 680-9283 www.wavebuildershi.com

#

13

LAYTON CONSTRUCTION CO.

CONTRACTORS 2019 EARNINGS

$83.2 MILLION YEARS IN HAWAII

15

EMPLOYEES

55

The Adolescent Treatment and Healing Center on Kauai

PHOTOS COURTESY LAYTON CONSTRUCTION CO.

Merging for a Brighter Future

T

wo days before Christmas 2019, Layton Construction Co. became part of New York-based STO Building Group and its parent organization, Global Infrastructure Solutions Inc. The move comes at the close of a calendar year of declining earnings for Layton, which has done business in Hawaii for 15 years. In 2019, Layton reported a 47.4 percent drop in earnings to $83,201,490, from 2018’s $158,238,856.

The firm, which has offices in Honolulu and Kauai and is headquartered in Utah, this year falls to No. 13 among Hawaii’s Top 25 Contractors.

The company, founded in 1953, has held a spot in the Top 10 in each of the previous five years, including No. 9 last year, and has been as high as No. 4 two

The Marriott Residence Inn in Kapolei 48 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

years ago with $254 million in earnings.

“In 2019, Layton Construction took on several projects with tight timelines and complicated needs,” says Tyler Dillon, executive vice president, Layton Construction. “In order to meet deadlines, Layton team members developed building schedules to accommodate complex logistics, shipping delays from international sources and labor demands from multiple subcontractors on Tyler Dillon Neighbor Islands.

“By maintaining communication and working closely with all parties, the team was able to complete these challenging projects on time and on budget.”

Joining Dillon as a new EVP at Layton last year is Will Summerhays.

The Adolescent Treatment and Healing Center on Kauai, which has live-in space for 16 adolescents at a time, was one of the projects Layton completed in 2019. The 16,000-square-foot complex was built on five acres of former sugar cane land that was donated by Grove Farm.

Another prominent job last year for Layton was the Marriott Residence Inn in Kapolei. Other projects it completed in 2019 are the University of Hawaii at Manoa gym renovation,

upgrades and repairs; the Mahelona Medical Center, Endoscopy Suite build-out; the remodel of the Cohen Veterans Care Facility; the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Mililani fire alarm system upgrades; the Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Iolani dorm renovation; the Kauai Community College DKI improvements; and repairs and guestrooms at Kauai Beach Resort.

Ongoing projects expected to be completed this year include the UH Life Sciences Building, KS Kuihelani Elementary School, generator replacement at Wilcox Medical Center and a residence at Kukuiula.

Layton is on schedule to finish Phase 1 of renovations at Ala Moana Hotel this year and Phase 2 in 2021.

Other ongoing jobs set to wrap next year are 803 Waimanu and The RitzCarlton, Kapalua.

Dillon says Layton’s workload remains busy during the coronavirus outbreak.

“Despite the unprecedented circumstances that we find affecting our industry in 2020, Layton continues to value open communication, constructing with integrity and delivering quality work,” he says.

“Our team has adapted to the challenging times by instituting new safety policies, using new technologies and innovative processes, while continuing to provide our services with the same high level of quality and care that we have consistently delivered in the past.”

#

14

ARITA POULSON GENERAL CONTRACTING LLC

CONTRACTORS 2019 EARNINGS

$77.5 MILLION

YEARS IN HAWAII

33

EMPLOYEES

55

The Lineage Restaurant at the Shops at Wailea was one of Arita Poulson’s jobs in 2019.

PHOTO COURTESY APGC

APGC Posts 48.7% Growth in Earnings

A

rita Poulson General Contracting LLC had an impressive 48.7 percent increase in earnings in 2019 over the previous year, but now, like others in the building industry, APGC is uncertain about how 2020 will finish.

“What construction is going to look like as we exit the COVID-19 emergency is anyone’s guess,” says Brad Espedal, APGC’s chief operating officer.

Developers and property owners are likely to be hesitant to move forward with projects until the economy is more stable. “Retail and hospitality construction will be negatively impacted for at least a year,” Espedal says.

“It is hard for an affordable housing developer to have an appetite for starting any new project given the current rate of unemployment.”

APGC, which specializes in hospitality, commercial, education, medical, industrial and residential projects, reports revenue of $77,551,678 last 50 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

year to climb five spots to No. 14 among this year’s Hawaii’s Top 25 Contractors. In 2018, APGC, which has offices on Maui and Honolulu, posted earnings of $52,142,400 and ranked No. 19 in last year’s survey.

“2019 met our revenue expectations, but the bidding volume for future work seemed to slow in the later part of the year,” Espedal says.

The company, founded in 1986 by Darryl Arita and Bob Poulson, has seen steady growth over the years—ranging from 2013’s $23.7 million in revenue to 2017’s $60.9 million, its second-best year during the past decade. APGC has maintained its Maui offices at the Puunene Base Yard site for 30 years and, since 2003, also operates out of its Oahu offices on Sand Island Access Road.

Projects that APGC completed last year include Buffalo Wild Wings at Ala Moana Shopping Center, renovations to Lahaina Gateway Center, renovations to Lahaina Cannery Mall and PV

Eats in Princeville on Kauai.

This year’s workload includes the three-bedroom, 72-unit Luana Garden Villas in Lahaina, which is slated to wrap this month.

While Espedal says “all projects have individual challenges,” he expresses concern about maintaining adequate crews. APGC subcontracted 75 percent of its work in 2019.

“I think that the lack of manpower on Maui affected our subcontractors’ staffing requirements on our larger projects on Maui,” he says. “Oahu seemed to be less affected by any manpower shortages.”

Another obstacle, he says, is that “we constantly run into permitting issues that delay project starts. This is an issue that has gotten progressively worse over the last decade. It would be nice to see less disparate permitting requirements across the counties. Thirdparty plan and code reviews would speed up the permitting process.”

TRUSTED PARTNERSHIPS INTEGRITY • SOLUTIONS • SERVICES

(808) 871-4787 www.aritapoulson.com Lic. #BC-13759

#

15

MARYL GROUP CONSTRUCTION INC.

CONTRACTORS 2019 EARNINGS

$74 MILLION

YEARS IN HAWAII

10

EMPLOYEES

300

Maryl Group wrapped on the new Safeway in Waikele last year.

PHOTOS COURTESY MARYL GROUP CONSTRUCTION INC.

‘Great’ Partners Boost Earnings

L

anding major new partners in 2019 enabled Maryl Group Construction Inc. to nearly double its earnings from the previous year, says Mark Kong, president of the general contracting, framing and drywall company.

The Spectrum offices at Kapolei Commons was among Maryl Group’s 2019 projects.

“We had a great 2019,” Kong says. “We were fortunate to grow our revenue from 2018, and were able to partner with great clients such as The MacNaughton Group, D.R. Horton, Stanford Carr Development, The Pacific Companies and American Assets Trust on our projects throughout 2019.”

52 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

Maryl, which saw its revenue grow to $74 million last year—easily exceeding the $35 million it earned in 2018— claims the No. 15 ranking among Hawaii’s Top 25 Contractors. Last year, Maryl ranked No. 22.

“Our framing and drywall subcontracting division also continued to grow and contribute to our bottom line.”

—Mark Kong “Our framing and drywall subcontracting division also continued to grow and contribute to our bottom line,” Kong says. “We were able to employ between 150 to 250 carpenters throughout 2019.”

Maryl, founded in 2010, also reports subcontracting 70 percent of its work last year.

In 2019, Maryl completed such jobs as Safeway Waikele, Kapolei Commons Buildings J2 and J3 and restroom renovation, Wheeler Carports and Iliahi at Hoopili. Carryover projects from 2019 include Klipper Villas at Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe, the Highlands at Kehalani and D.R. Horton Aulu.

Maryl’s ongoing projects include Kona Commons Building A renovation (June), Maui Lani Lot 43A (July), Wailea Village Center A&B renovations (April), Kahoma Village (September), Kenolio Apartments (June 2021), MottSmith Laniloa recreation deck improvements (March 2021) and BYU-Hawaii’s Na Hale Kumu townhouses.

“Being in construction, each and every project has its inherent challenges and opportunities,” Kong says, adding that “with the construction industry running on all cylinders and having historically low unemployment in 2019, a major obstacle we faced was a shortage in the availability of qualified and skilled labor.”

People make the difference; a cliché for sure. But what is equally certain is that people are the foundation and fuel behind our success. The consistency and quality of each and every Maryl Group project is a direct result of the dedication shown by those that are unquestionably the most talented people in the Islands. With Maryl Group, projects aren’t just built, they’re… Built With Aloha.

808-545-6464 www.marylgroup.com

#

16

GROUP BUILDERS INC.

CONTRACTORS 2019 EARNINGS

$66 MILLION

YEARS IN HAWAII

40

EMPLOYEES

340

Group Builders projects in 2019 include the Aalii condos in Kakaako.

PHOTOS COURTESY GROUP BUILDERS INC.

Rising to Meet the Challenges

B

uoyed by a solid workload of projects carried over from a strong 2019, Group Builders Inc. acknowledges that it is “fortunate to have some backlog to carry us for the rest of 2020 and part of 2021.

“There are a few projects we are involved with that are delayed due to the pandemic,” says Amado Sanchez, executive vice president of the company that has been a leader in Hawaii’s construction industry for 40 years.

“However, our general outlook continues to be one of cautious optimism.”

The specialty finishing contractor, founded in 1979 by a group headed by Anacleto Alcantra, handles drywall,

Kulana Hale Phase 1 54 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

lathe and plaster, carpentry and cabinetry, millwork, acoustic, exterior insulation and fireproofing. Group Builders reports 2019 earnings of $66 million and moves up a notch to No. 16 among this year’s Hawaii’s Top 25 Contractors. In 2018, the firm posted revenue of $56.2 million.

Major ongoing projects for Group Builders include the U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) Command and Control Facility (C2F) at Fort Shafter and the Aalii micro-unit condos in Kakaako, which is The Howard Hughes Corp.’s sixth building in Ward Village.

Additionally, Group Builders is working on the continuing CONRAC project at the Honolulu airport.

But even with its busy workload, Sanchez says “2020 brings a slowdown period, resulting from COVID19, with slow recovery till 2023” for the building sector.

On the upside, however, he notes that “despite the current environment, our estimating department has not slowed down and continues to be busy bidding projects, providing preconstruction services and pursuing project negotiations.

“We also continue to develop and follow up on new leads which may help sustain us beyond the rest of 2021. Oahu, Maui and the Big Island continue to show big promises in terms of potential projects in the future.”

Group Builders’ completed projects

in 2019 include the Waikiki Parc Hotel, Keahumoa Place Phase 2 and 3, Mauna Lani on the Island of Hawaii, Koele Spa Hale on Lanai and Kula Villas on Maui.

The firm, which reports doing 22 percent of its work in the public sector, employed 340 people last year, up from 152 in 2018.

“Overall, 2019 met our expectations,” Sanchez says. “It still was a relatively busy year for Group Builders, and we were able to retain our core group of employees, and even hire additional manpower for some projects.”

Looking ahead, Sanchez sees formidable obstacles for the industry.

“Projects on Neighbor Islands continue to be a challenge in terms of management, manpower/resources allocation and logistics,” he says, adding that builders continue to face problems, often beyond their control, in scheduling and managing a project.

“Inconsistencies in material deliveries—and oftentimes, lack thereof— and issues on material quality greatly impacted our productivity,” Sanchez says. “If materials were promised to arrive, say, in the middle of the week, and did not materialize, we still have men on-site and to keep them moving we would need to find something for them to do to compensate.

“These translate into lost productivity creep, and result in budget losses if it becomes a recurring event,” he says.

  

Quality

General & Specialty Contractor License No. ABC 10164

Integrity

Our Specialties

Responsibility

• Acoustics • Fireproofing • Drywall • Millwork • Building Insulation • Cabinets Lito Alcantra, President • Lath & Plaster • Exterior Insulation Finish Systems "Forty-one years ago, a handful of men & women brought to life the vision that is Group Builders, Inc. today.

The many years of craftsmanship, quality work & distinguished service to clients grew, making our team consistently reliable & resilient through the challenges of time.

We hope to carry on our mission & goals to keep the company legacy alive in the coming years."

Main Office:

511 Mokauea Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96819 Ph. (808) 832-0888 / Fx. (808) 832-0890

Email:

info@groupbuilders.net

Engineering & Estimating Office:

1823 Colburn Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96819 Ph. (808) 832-0898 / Fx. (808) 832-0895

Website:

www.groupbuilders.net

RECENT PROJECTS:

Waikiki Parc Renovation (Honolulu)

Kula Villas Phase 1 (Maui)

Kulana Hale Phase 1 (Kapolei)

Kula Villas Phase 2 (Maui)

Mauna Lani Renovation (Big Island)

Koele (Lanai) OTHER PROJECTS COMPLETED:

Aulani , Disney Resort & Spa

Parklane at Ala Moana

Ritz Carlton Waikiki Phase 1 & 2

Hilton Grand Vacations Grand Islander

Anaha Tower

#

17

ISEMOTO CONTRACTING CO. LTD.

CONTRACTORS 2019 EARNINGS

$63.8 MILLION YEARS IN HAWAII

94

EMPLOYEES

140

Exterior view of the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy at UH-Hilo

PHOTO COURTESY ISEMOTO CONTRACTING CO. LTD.

Isemoto Raises a New Hilo College

T

he new Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy sits as the latest addition to the five colleges within the public University of Hawaii at Hilo and is situated at the UH Hilo University Park of Science and Technology.

Isemoto Contracting Co. built the $31 million, 45,000-square-foot, twostory building which presents a uniquely contemporary design. It

includes classrooms devoted to applied learning, high-fidelity simulations and distance audio-visual communications, multiple lab spaces, a simulated pharmacy facility, offices, a student community center and gathering and study areas.

“It was a challenge to complete the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy since the community, especially the students and staff, have been waiting Leslie Isemoto

Quality &

EXCELLENCE since 1926

SITE PREP & BUILDING

Hilo: Ph (808) 935-7194 Fax (808) 961-6417 Kona: Ph (808) 329-8051 Fax (808) 329-3261 e-mail: info@isemotocontracting.com Lic ABC1036

56 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

for it for a long time, and open it in time for spring semester,” says Leslie Isemoto, president of the Hilo-based construction company.

Isemoto Contracting brought in $63.8 million in 2019 and ranks No. 17 among Hawaii’s Top 25 Contractors. Last year, Isemoto was No. 12 when 2018 revenue reached $84 million.

One element of the new College of Pharmacy facility will be to serve as a conduit for pharmaceutical research.

“The new building was built to fulfill the education portion of our mission,” says Carolyn Ma, dean of the College of Pharmacy. “The modular structures, from which we moved, will undergo renovation to accomodate our research program.”

Designed by WCIT Architecture, the College of Pharmacy building meets the requirements for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification. There is access to natural daylight and room temperature control—enhanced environmental control that serves to reinforce carbon neutrality and energy efficiency.

“We are very happy with the building,” Ma says. “It’s like moving into a new home; our faculty and staff are figuring out the unique qualities and how we can best utilize the space and structure.”

Ongoing Isemoto projects include the soon-to-wrap Office of Prosecuting Attorney at West Hawaii Civic Center and the Alii Drive Culvert Repacement set for completion in mid-2021.

Isemoto’s public sector work amounted to 77 percent and its subcontracted work stood at 38 percent.

For the sum of 2020, Isemoto forecasts “10 percent to 20 percent lower total construction revenues than 2019.” He says “2019 turned out to be a slow year, which we anticipated.”

Looking forward, he adds, “we anticipate a significant uptick in construction activity, primarily due to increase in the state’s CIP projects.”

ST ST

• •

N N IO IO

STALL AT O IN EG INSTALLA O T EG

SUP

PORT

SUP

PORT

• •

#

CONTRACTORS

COASTAL CONSTRUCTION CO. INC.

Coastal Wraps ‘Sizable’ Projects in ’19

2019 EARNINGS

$60 MILLION

YEARS IN HAWAII

18

C

oastal Construction Co. Inc. saw its earnings rise in 2019 with such significant completed projects as EMPLOYEES the Kamalani, the Hilton Ocean Tower 250 Renovation and the Hoakalei Clubhouse.

According to Vice President Les Masutani, there were “no huge unforeseen challenges that year. Our largest project on the Big Island, Mohouli Senior Living – Phase 3, was our second project on that site, and it ran very smoothly, from the owners to the subcontractors. We were actually able to complete it a few months ahead of schedule.”

Coastal’s revenue rose 5 percent in 2019 to $60,012,000 from the year before, but because of a strong year for the construction industry, it drops two notches in the Hawaii’s Top 25 Contractors ranking to No. 18.

47

“The success of our company is due primarAmong Coastal Construction’s recent projects ily to our loyal is the Nani Ulupau community at Marine Corps employees who Base Hawaii in Kaneohe. continue to work PHOTO COURTESY COASTAL CONSTRUCTION CO. INC. with us in the field, and the close relationships we have with the carpenters’ union, local developers and military housing,” Masutani says.

“Business in 2019 was steady, but at a lower volume than we had hoped. We started a few sizable projects, including the Mohouli Senior Living – Phase 3 in Hilo, Nani Ulupau Military Housing at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe and the Kohina at Hoopili development.”

Masutani says he’s uncertain about 2020 and beyond.

“Although the construction industry has been deemed essential, will developers slow down or even shelve projects if residents aren’t able to buy homes? Will government projects be put on hold?"

SIGN UP YOUR TEAM Red Wing for Business Footwear Programs

www.redwingsafety.com

Hawaii’s Steel Truss Builder’s Hawaii’s only authorized Aegis Steel manufacturer

98-1277 Kaahumanu Street, #131 Aiea, HI 96701 (808) 486-3292 1130 N. Nimitz Highway, #A122 Honolulu, HI 96817 (808) 533-3292

58 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

Providing you excellent product, design, engineering and the quality service you expect & deserve.

Call or Email for a frEE EstimatE

808-877-0036 · Sales@TrussSystemsHawaii.com www.TrussSystemsHawaii.com

NO MATTER WHAT YOUR PUMPING NEEDS ARE PACIFIC PUMP & POWER IS THE SOLUTION

PACIFIC PUMP & POWER stocks a pump rental fleet offering a wide range of capabilities, including submersible electric pumps, submersible hydraulic pumps, pneumatic diaphragm pumps, dredge equipment, air compressors, generators, light towers and centrifugal pumps. We stock a selection of McElroy fusion Equipment for rental and sale. Whether your project is big or small, Pacific Pump& Power has the equipment, the staff and the experience to assist you with your project needs.

WITH HUNDREDS OF SEWER BYPASSES UNDER OUT BELT OVER THE LAST DECADE SERVING THE ISLANDS, WE ARE HAWAII’S LEADING EXPERTS ON SEWER BYPASSING. OUR TEAM IS ALSO VERY EXPERIENCED IN DEWATERING, PERMANENTLY INSTALLED PUMPS, STATIONARY AND TOWABLE AIR COMPRESSORS, STANDBY AND TOWABLE GENERATORS.

PUMPS/COMPRESSORS/GENERATORS ✦ RENTALS/SALES/OPERATIONS/SERVICE

#

19

ALAKAI MECHANICAL CORP.

CONTRACTORS 2019 EARNINGS

$59.2 MILLION YEARS IN HAWAII

46

EMPLOYEES

233

Alakai Mechanical Corp. works on the Prince Waikiki’s rooftop outside air units and existing rooftop exhaust fans.

PHOTO COURTESY ALAKAI MECHANICAL CORP.

Alakai: A Pearl in Harbor Work

A

lakai Mechanical Corp. spotlights its work on the Prince Waikiki, as well as other apartment projects.

“For the Prince Waikiki, that project involved replacement of their existing rooftop outside air units and a few of the existing rooftop exhaust fans,” says Alakai President Darryl Kanno. “The Marco Polo project involved replacement of the existing waste and vent piping. At the Moanalua Hillside Darryl Kanno Apartments, we were involved with installation of the air conditioning equipment and general sheetmetal for the project.”

On a 24/7 basis, Alakai specializes in air conditioning, sheet metal duct fabrication, commercial kitchens and design-build. Last year’s Hawaii-based revenue tally was $59.2 million, up from $58.8 million the previous year, placing Alakai Mechanical at No. 19.

Anthony Hirata, Alakai Mechanical treasurer, writes that a forecast for the 60 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

industry in 2020 is “uncertain because of COVID-19.”

Still, Alakai has earned distinguished kudos for its work, allocating public sector work at 12.6 percent and work subcontracted at 12.5 percent.

Among received accolades, the U.S. Department of the Navy offered this testimonial to Alakai Mechanical’s many projects at Pearl Harbor: “I’d like to take this opportunity to recognize your firm for your outstanding support. Your spirit of teamwork, coupled with your commitment to innovation, quality and performance, defines true customer service and is a superb example of total excellence.

Thank you for a job well done.”

Alakai Mechanical is currently wrapping up work on the Sheraton Waikiki Guestrooms and plans to complete Block N by September 2021.

Projects completed in 2019 include work at the Marco Polo and Moanalua Hillside Apartments.

Alakai was founded in 1974 by Japan-based Taisei Oncho Co. Ltd., which also has offices in Guam, the Philippines, China and India. Today, CEO Ralph Inouye and Kanno man

the helm offering services in mechanical construction, renovation and retrofit needs—air conditioning, ventilation, refrigeration, fire sprinklers, plumbing and energy management.

Outstanding projects served by Alakai Mechanical in the past include work at the 38-story Hilton Hawaiian Village Grand Waikikian Tower; the world-renowned golf oasis, RitzCarlton Residences Kapalua Bay; the 72-acre Hale Koa Military Resort; and the $168.8 million, two-phase Kaiser Moanalua Medical Center.

Today, Alakai is aggressive in its recruitment and training of new employees.

Employees posted the following on the company’s website: “Working at Alakai Mechanical has been a wonderful experience. Management from top to middle is very supportive, flexible and encouraging. The benefits are good, working environment is in top condition, and compensation is more than fair.

If you are looking for a great place to work, grow and overall enjoy your job, Alakai Mechanical is the place for you.”

Alakai’s newest executive hire is Dayne Matsumoto as vice president.

We put our heart and soul into every project.

From simple assessments to full design-build projects, our experienced personnel provide innovative solutions that save time and costs.

As Hawaii’s leading mechanical construction company, we have been providing excellent service and value to commercial builders and property managers in our state since 1974.

• Plumbing • Flow-liner system • Air conditioning

• Ventilation • Duct cleaning • Sheet metal duct fabrication

• Food service & stainless steel equipment • Energy management • Design & Build

How can we assist you with your next project?

Call us at (808) 834-1085 or visit us online at alakaimechanical.com.

alakaimechanical.com 2655 Waiwai Loop Honolulu, HI 96819 LIC. #C-7338

#

CONTRACTORS 2019 EARNINGS

$59 MILLION

I

20

SHIOI CONSTRUCTION INC.

Multi-tasking Yields Solid Returns

on Brookfield Residential Hawaii’s PiliMai project in Po‘ipu, a luxury resort community on Kauai’s south coast.

“We were a subcontractor to perform the concrete, rough carpentry framing— Koa‘e Makana, a workforce housing development on Kauai, was walls, floors and roof, among Shioi Construction’s projects in 2019. and siding and drywall PHOTO COURTESY SHIOI CONSTRUCTION INC. and insulation for Development to construct 23 buildings seven multi-family buildings with 12 consisting of four- and six- ’plexes, and 13 units per building, three stories with one-, two- and three-bedroom high,” Shioi says. units for a total of 134 units and one The second contract, valued at community center.” $30,500,000, was Koa‘e Makana, a Shioi Construction, an employeeworkforce housing rental community owned company with offices on Oahu in Koloa, he adds. and Kauai, reports revenue of $59 “We were the GC for Mark million in 2019 and remains No. 20 among Hawaii’s Top 25 Contractors.

PHOTO CREDIT: INK ARCHITECTS PHOTO CREDIT: HOKUALA TIMBERS RESORT As president of the 72-year-old contracting firm, Shioi says “2019 fell short of expectations mainly because of the delay in project start-ups due to various reasons,” and he cites permits, funding, delays with contracts, etc.

The firm completed 22 projects in 2019. Among the notable jobs were the $2 million Cultural Culinary Facility at Kauai Comminity College, the $3 million in renovations at Kapaa High School’s Career Pathways classroom and the AutoZone in Lihue.

Kauai Community College Shioi lists 25 projects on the books Hokuala Timbers Resort Culinary Instructional Facility for 2020, including a $9,240,753 job at the Maui Bay Villas timeshare and a $2,422,177 contract for work at the Maui County Service Center through its Creative Partition Systems division.

Looking ahead, Shioi expects to see an uptick in business.

Commercial • Resorts and Hotels • Healthcare “We are seeing government, mainly at the state level, not so much on the Multi-Family and Residential Condominiums • Institutional federal and county levels yet, pushing Industrial • Tenant Improvements • Design-Build and getting jobs out to bid,” he says.

“As for next year, I think the same OAHU: 98-724 Kuahao Pl • Pearl City, HI 96782-3113 • Ph: 808.487.2441 • Fax: 808.487.2445 will apply as the rest of 2020 with a downturn in hospitality and private KAUAI: 4011 Halau St • Lihue, Kauai, HI 96766-1415 • Ph: 808.245.3975 • Fax: 808.245.3977 work and upturn in government spendwww .shioihawaii.com Lic# ABC-12379 ing, hopefully on all levels.” n 2019, Shioi 72 Construction reports employing 260 EMPLOYEES workers—and 260 company President Roy Y. Shioi makes it clear that the contractor needed every last one of them.

“There were two projects that were challenging due to the size, manpower requirements and equipment needed as these jobs overlapped and had to be worked simultaneously,” Shioi says.

The first, he says, was a $13.6 million contract to work YEARS IN HAWAII

62 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

YOUR CHOICE OF 0.9% FOR 60 MONTHS WITH ZERO DOWN + A CAT® CUSTOMER VALUE AGREEMENT* OR 0% FOR 60 MONTHS WITH ZERO DOWN** Apply on Cat Attachments too!

Because your business never stops, we want owning new Cat® compact equipment to be simple and hassle-free.

Right now, you can take advantage of low interest rates with unmatched support from Hawthorne Cat. Plus, with a Cat Customer Value Agreement, you get 3-year comprehensive coverage and up to 50% longer component life with the use of genuine Cat parts that are conveniently provided for planned maintenance. This finance rate can also be applied to attachment purchases, helping you get even more done for less.

Just a few of the new ways we say, “Hello and welcome to Hawthorne Cat.”

Hawaii | 808.676.0218 Guam | 671.649.4228 San Diego | 858.674.7107 www.hawthornecat.com *Financing offer valid from July 1, 2020 through January 31, 2021. 0.9% interest for 60 months financing with zero down payment available only on the following new Cat machines manufactured by Caterpillar Inc.: Skid Steer Loaders, Mini Excavators, Compact Track Loaders, Compact Wheel Loaders, Backhoe Loaders, Small Dozers, Small Wheel Loaders, and Telehandlers and when purchased with a qualifying Cat Customer Value Agreement (CVA). A qualifying CVA includes the Maintenance Parts Kits for 3 years/1,500 hours (exception: the Small Wheel Loader includes a parts kit for 3 years/3,000 hours); TA1 Inspection; Product LinkTM; and a Powertrain, Hydraulics and Technology Equipment Protection Plan (EPP) for 3 years/3,000 hours on Skid Steer Loaders, Mini Excavators, Compact Track Loaders, Compact Wheel Loaders, Backhoe Loaders, Small Dozers, Small Wheel Loaders and Telehandlers. The maintenance parts included cover the first 1,500 hours (estimated 3 years) of machine utilization. The kit contains one set of parts for regular planned maintenance under normal operating conditions. In some severe applications where maintenance parts need to be replaced more frequently, the additional parts will be at the customer’s expense. Excludes dealer labor, wear parts, S•O•SSM and fluids (final drive oil is included for Compact Track Loaders, and Mini Excavators). The fluids not included are oils, grease, coolant, friction modifiers, additives, etc. All excluded items are available at participating dealers at an additional cost and should be negotiated with the dealer. For details on the exact parts list for your specific machine, please contact your local dealer. Financing, zero down, and published rate terms are only available through Cat Financial for customers meeting credit approval and subject to Cat Financial offered terms and conditions. Not all buyers will qualify. Higher rates may apply for buyers with lower credit rating and lesser qualifications. Offer available only at participating Cat dealers. Flexible payment terms available to those who qualify. Offer is available to customers in the USA only. Offer subject to machine availability. Offer may change without prior notice and additional terms and conditions may apply. Contact your Cat dealer for details. **Financing offers valid from July 1, 2020 through January 31, 2021. 0.0% interest for 60 months financing with zero down payment available only on the following new Cat machines manufactured by Caterpillar Inc.: Skid Steer Loaders, Mini Excavators, Compact Track Loaders, Compact Wheel Loaders, Backhoe Loaders, Small Dozers, Small Wheel Loaders, and Telehandlers. Financing, zero down, and published rate terms are only available through Cat Financial for customers meeting credit approval and subject to Cat Financial offered terms and conditions. Not all buyers will qualify. Higher rates may apply for buyers with lower credit rating or lesser qualifications. Offer available only at participating Cat dealers. Flexible payment terms available to those who qualify. Offer is available to customers in the USA only. Offer subject to machine availability. Offer may change without prior notice and additional terms and conditions may apply. Contact your Cat dealer for details. © 2020 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, LET’S DO THE WORK, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Corporate Yellow”, the “Power Edge” and Cat “Modern Hex” trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.

#

CONTRACTORS 2019 EARNINGS

21

RSI Maintains ‘Controlled Growth’

T

he partial demoYEARS IN HAWAII lition 58 and renovation of First Hawaiian Bank’s new branch EMPLOYEES on East Manoa 68 Road kept Ralph S. Inouye Co. Ltd. (RSI) busy for longer than expected.

“We were working on the FHB project for almost three years because there was a significant redesign to address soil hazards and archaeological finds,” says Michael Inouye, vice president of business development and grandnephew of the company’s founder and

$56.1 MILLION

RALPH S. INOUYE CO. LTD.

namesake. “Since this was in a resilight commercial contractor, Inouye says.

“We accomplished a lot. Our dential area, we had to maintain dust volume was good. It’s always hard to control, address vehicle and foot trafbalance with the ebb and flow of our fic issues and minimize large trucks.

“But the team stuck together and industry; we’ve always tried to mainwe came up with a good project tain a controlled growth.

“Some people think it’s always good budget for the bank.” to get larger, but that’s not necessarily Other notable projects for RSI in our goal,” he says.

2019 were the Overseas Terminal Metal Roof Replacement at the Honolulu airport and construction of the Toell U.S.A. water facility on Nimitz Highway.

Although RSI reports a slight rise in 2019 revenue to $56.1 million— from $52.9 million in 2018—the contractor drops to No. 21 in the Hawaii’s Top 25 Contractors list.

Last year, RSI ranked No. 18.

“Business was good in 2019” for the 58-year-old design-assist, educational and Ralph S. Inouye Co. Ltd. completed work on First Hawaiian Bank’s Manoa branch in March.

PHOTO COURTESY RSI/OLIVIER

OVER 30 YEARS OF QUALITY SITE WORK Innovative solutions with architectural and structural precast prestressed concrete.

For information, call 808/682-6000 SITE WORK SPECIALISTS! Servicing Oahu and Maui

1176 Sand Island Parkway Honolulu, HI 96819-4346 Phone: (808) 843-0500 Fax: (808) 843-0067 Lic. # ABC-14156

64 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

QUALITY • PERFORMANCE • COMMITMENT 91-063 Malakole St Kapolei, HI 96707 E-mail: lkempers@gprmp.com

Phone: 808/682-6000 Fax: 808/682-6001 Website: www.gprmp.com

When Quality Counts and Service Matters.

Hawaii’s Rock Solid Ready-Mix Concrete and Aggregate Supplier has been trusted for commercial and residential projects across Hawaii for over 100 years!

Oahu (808) 832-9245 • Maui (808) 877-5068 HC&D • 2344 Pahounui Drive • Honolulu, HI 96819 • www.hcdhawaii.com

#

22

METZLER CONTRACTING CO. LLC

CONTRACTORS 2019 EARNINGS

$49.4 MILLION YEARS IN HAWAII

45

EMPLOYEES

75

Luxury Homes Produce Banner Year

A

popular getaway for both tourists and locals on the Island of Hawaii is taking a tour of the oceanfront luxury homes along the Kona-Kohala Coast.

Since 1976, more than a few of the dwellings are the work of Metzler Contracting Co. LLC. In 2019, MCC completed what John F. Metzler, the company’s managing officer, calls “an ultra-high-end residence at one of the Big Island’s most prestigious private communities.”

Designed by Zak Architecture of San Francisco, “the contemporary details and materials made for an unmatched level of difficulty and beauty within

The single-family dwelling at Kohanaiki was among Metzler Contracting Co.’s jobs in 2019.

PHOTOS COURTESY METZLER CONTRACTING CO. LLC 66 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

a natural lava flow and landscaped setting created by the top landscape designer in Hawaii,” Metzler says.

The project in Kohanaiki helped MCC to a banner year, with earnings of $49,400,000, a 19 percent increase over its 2018 revenue. The company also is making its first appearance among Hawaii’s Top 25 Contractors, coming in at No. 22.

“The business outlook at the beginning of 2019 was one of confidence and positive expectations for most all business in the nation,” Metzler says, “but there was no way of knowing how very good it would actually turn out to be, when evaluated by year’s end.

“The results of a wide range of governmental policy changes on the national level—including tax policies, the rollback of burdensome regulations, successful negotiations with our international trade partners and the economic policy changes made at the federal level—surprised every established business across the land and inspired leaders at all levels of business.”

He adds that the construction industry also “benefited greatly from these policies, which stabilized the economy and lending practices, limited inflation, drove down unemployment, stimulated orderly growth and led to a significant surge in wages and quality of life for our highly skilled workforce.”

MCC, which subcontracted 64

Metzler Contracting Co. was the GC on the 70,000-square-foot Kohanaiki Clubhouse, which includes a restaurant, exercise facility, lap pool, full spa and treatment center, a pro shop and a recreation area with a theater, gaming room, bowling alley, billiards, wine tasting room and cigar and poker rooms.

PHOTO COURTESY METZLER CONTRACTING CO. LLC

percent of its work last year, completed four other “top-quality” homes on the Kona-Kohala Coast.

On the commercial front, Metzler says MCC’s “most challenging project” is at the Hapuna Beach Residences to convert 100 Hawaii Prince Hotel rooms into 62 fee-simple, luxury condominiums within three concrete towers on the premier beachfront property at the Mauna Kea Beach Resort. Work continues on the project.

MCC, which reports having 75 employees in 2019, also has “entered into the pre-construction phase for a one-of-a-kind single-family dwelling at one of two Super Lots at Kaupulehu Development, Kukio,” Metzler adds.

Reflecting on how 2020 has shaped up so far, Metzler remains optimistic.

“Looking at the numbers,” he says, “our interpretation of the current industry trends leads us to expect a reduction in gross revenues and EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) of 15 percent to 20 percent in 2020, and a recovery to previous levels in 2021.”

Competitive Marketplace

Landing a berth in the inaugural Top 25 Contractors rankings in 1987 meant that a company’s Hawaii-based revenue needed to be at least $10.41 million. The highest revenue reported that year was $285 million. Here are the highs and lows over the years:

514.0

546.00 345.00

425.00

432.00

497.00

459.00

600 500

230.00

250.40

400 300

36.5

25.15

24.8

25.02

15.50

22.50

36.10

28.43

29.51

37.77

56.40

51.21

41.11

31.01

19.22

17.68

20.62

16.00

18.00

14.80

17.60

16.00

17.89

16.30

24.00

20.40

21.10

23.90

22.50

10.60

100 0

198

7 198 8 198 9 199 0 199 1 199 2 199 3 199 4 199 5 199 6 199 7 199 8 199 9 200 0 200 1 200 2 200 3 200 4 200 5 200 6 200 7 200 8 200 9 201 0 201 1 201 2 201 3 201 4 201 5 201 6 201 7 201 8 201 9

10.41

100

18.60

200

16.00

200

0

LOW

589.00

646.00

700

353.00

421.00

375.00 280.00

266.00

258.00

280.00

225.00

364.30

307.00

265.00

285.00

400

325.00

337.00

530.00

492.00

435.00

500

420.00

435.00

600

556.00

700

300

662.00

800

695.00

HIGH

800

WHEN CHOOSING A BUILDER FOR YOUR NEXT PROJECT, MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE!! CALL US FOR DEPENDABILITY, PERFORMANCE AND QUALITY!

METZLER CONTRACTING CO. ESTABLISHED 1976 LIC. ABC 11379 - ABC 22687

www.metzlercontracting.com mail@metzlercontracting.com Ph. 808 889 6322 www.tradepublishing.com/building-industry-hawaii | 67

#

23

HONOLULU BUILDERS LLC

CONTRACTORS 2019 EARNINGS

$42.3 MILLION YEARS IN HAWAII

18

EMPLOYEES

40

Honolulu Builders finishes off Hale Kipa in Ewa Beach.

PHOTOS COURTESY HONOLULU BUILDERS LLC

Building Big by Design

T

aking on construction of the largest warehouse on Oahu, Honolulu Builders is currently working on the 228,000-square-foot Honolulu Design Center Warehouse in Campbell Industrial Park, scheduled for completion in August.

Entrepreneur Thomas Sorensen purchased the Kapolei site that sits on two parcels totaling 9.5 acres for $10.3 million. Sorensen hired architect Lloyd Sueda, president of Sueda & Associates, to design the building.

Honolulu Builders Principal Dan Jordan says “the warehouse is a tilt-up structure with 156 wall panels, 43 loading Dan Jordan docks and 40-footclear height ceilings and parking for more than 200 vehicles.

“The project is a true example of our expertise in this type of structure and I’m happy to say that the economies of scale that we were able to create have provided the owner with the lowest cost per square foot for this type of project than would ever be possible on a smaller 68 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

building or by a less experienced contractor,” Jordan says.

Honolulu Builders, which reports 2019 earnings of $42,370,208, claims the No. 23 spot among Hawaii’s Top 25 Contractors. Last year, the 18-year-old general contracAn outdoor setting at Hale Kipa in Ewa Beach. tor ranked No. 21 with earnings of $43,931,182.

Enterprise Center for $12 million; and Honolulu Builders specializes in the completion of a $2.8 million projcommercial, retail and restaurant proj- ect for craft brewery Maui Brewing ects. But also on its roster are such Co. at the Lau Hala site. projects as Hale Kipa, or House of Honolulu Builders’ public sector Friendliness, a multi-service, nonprofit work is nil while subcontracted work agency that specializes in working stands at 80 percent. with at-risk youth and their families; “All projects present a challenge, Dependable Hawaiian Express (DHX) whether from a technical or logistiWarehouse; the Damien and Marianne cal aspect or from a timeline or budget Heritage Center in Waikiki, completed constraint,” Jordan says. “As I remind in October 2019 at a cost of $3.5 our team and our clients, we are million; and Ross at Lahaina Gateway. always building a unique structure, a Honolulu Builders also constructed prototype, if you will. Between us and the 15,000-square-feet Down to the design team we always learn a few Earth at Alexander & Baldwin’s retail things during the process and wish complex, the Lau Hala Shops in Kailua, we could build another to bring those the largest location for design-build of lessons to bear. We try and apply our the $4 million health food chain store. past project experiences to each project Notable projects in the recent which defines our unique capabilities.” past include REAL, a gastropub in Still, Jordan’s forecast for the industry Kakaako for $1.3 million; the Kapolei in 2020 is one of “doom and gloom.”

LET US USE OUR PROJECT EXPERIENCE TO

BUILD FOR YOUR SUCCESS COMMERCIAL • RETAIL • DESIGN/BUILD • RESIDENTIAL

Honolulu Design Center Warehouse

Hawaiian Airlines 787 Flight Simulator

800 Bethel Street, Suite 401 Honolulu, HI 96813 [P]: 808.521.1855 [E]: info@honolulubuilders.com www.HonoluluBuilders.com

Damien and Marianne of Moloka’i Education Center

#

CONTRACTORS 2019 EARNINGS

$39.7 MILLION YEARS IN HAWAII

24

Rewarding Year for Healy Tibbitts

H

ealy Tibbitts Builders Inc. is EMPLOYEES coming off its best 90 year since 2008 and captured the 2020 Construction Risk Partners Build America Award in the New Utility Infrastructure category for its “Replace 24-inch Underwater Underline Crossing at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam” project, which it completed in 2019.

“The project provided much-needed carrying capacity, as well as backup capability, for

56

HEALY TIBBITTS BUILDERS INC.

the Navy’s Pearl Harbor water system to maintain water service Healy Tibbitts’ projects include dredging the Ala Wai Canal. to all base facilities,” says Healy PHOTO COURTESY HEALY TIBBITTS BUILDERS INC. Tibbitts President Rick Heltzel.

“The success of this extremely chal“Healy continued to show a steady lenging project is due to the spirit of increase in annual revenue in 2019, and cooperation and commitment exhibexperienced its best year since the 2008 ited by Healy Tibbitts, the Navy and financial collapse,” Heltzel says. the Navy’s engineering consultant, Among its significant ongoing projFukunaga & Associates. The team over- ects, “the Ala Wai Canal Dredging project is very unique and requires removing came numerous challenges—such as and transporting over 100,000 cubic difficult environmental, historical and yards of material to deepen the canal for geotechnical conditions—to provide the Navy with a state-of-the-art water distri- flood control purposes,” Heltzel says. bution system that will last for decades.” “The material is dredged and transported up to 12,000 feet under three Although its revenue in 2019 bridges and placed in an ocean-going increased 18 percent to $39,700,000, scow positioned in the Ala Wai Harbor Healy Tibbitts drops a peg to No. 24 adjacent to Magic Island.” among Hawaii’s Top 25 Contractors.

WE PUT YOUR SUCCESS WITHIN REACH

` QUEEN’S MEDICAL CENTER POB 1 BRIDGE REPAIR ACCESS

HAWAII CONTRACTOR’S LICENSE # C-21658

HONOLULU

KAPOLEI

MAUI

(808) 841-1111 (808) 682-4680 (808) 877-3177 SCAFFOLDING • FORMING • SHORING DELIVERY • ERECTING • DISMANTLE RENTAL & SALES

www.atlas-sales.com

70 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

If you have to choose...

choose right.

What do you get when you choose to hire an IBEW Local 1186 electrician?

• unparalleled training in a five-year, 10,000 oJt hours, 900 classroom hours (over and beyond 240 hours required by the state) state and internationallyrecognized apprenticeship program

ibew1186.org 808.847.5341

Lighting your path to the future

• continued education for members in safety, technology and skill upgrades • obtaining and renewal of an electrical Journeyman (eJ) license is held to the highest standards of the law including, but not limited to: strict license:unlicensed worker ratios (1:1) and visible license (must be on your person at all times)*

• have peace of mind knowing that the most qualified, well-trained, and safety-focused electrician is working on your next residential, commercial, or industrial job by calling an IBeW Local 1186 contractor today

*State fines of up to $500 for each violation. Act 28 (SLH 2010), Hawaii Revised Statutes §444-9.5. Work performed by an unlicensed worker may also be rejected by your homeowner’s insurance policy. Call our Compliance Department at 841-6169 for more information.

#

25

CONSTRUCTORS HAWAII INC.

CONTRACTORS 2019 EARNINGS

$36.5 MILLION YEARS IN HAWAII

48

EMPLOYEES

36

Constructors Hawaii completes expanded renovations at the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum and Park.

PHOTOS COURTESY CONSTRUCTORS HAWAII INC.

Pride and History Run Deep

C

elebrating the proud history of naval battle machines, Constructors Hawaii has turned over the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum and Park, which is expected to draw more than 400,000 visitors yearly, to its exhibits team.

Located inside the Valor in the Pacific National Memorial, or the USS Arizona Memorial, the exhibits will feature artifacts and interactive exhibits that illustrate the progression of submarines from 1776, through WWI and WWII to the submarines of today.

“Our involvement with the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum and Park renovation project started in 2017,”

Contractors list at No. 25. Constructors reports 2019 revenues of $36,540,000, up from a little more than $26.3 million the previous year when it ranked among the Noteworthy Contenders.

Yoshiyama says an approved budget for the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum Colin Yoshiyama and Park was developed in October 2018 “and we broke ground in January 2019.”

He adds that the project involves a complete renovation of the existing 10,000-square-foot museum with a 2,000-square-foot extension. It includes

“One of the unique features is the massive 43-foot-diameter hull ring at the campus entrance.”

—Colin Yoshiyama says Colin Yoshiyama, Constructors Hawaii president. “We worked closely with the museum, Griffith Consulting Group, Seattle architects MIG Portico and Mason Architects on a design-assist basis to carefully plan and budget this ambitious and long-overdue project.”

With the project, Constructors Hawaii rounds out Hawaii’s Top 72 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

a new structure at the Kaiten Exhibit, enlarging the existing restrooms and a new support building for the staff.

“One of the unique features is the massive 43-foot-diameter hull ring at the campus entrance which represents the new Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine,” he says.

According to a Feb. 26 Congressional

Research Service report, the Navy has identified the design and build of 12 new Columbia-class nuclear ballistic missile submarines as the Navy’s top priority program, highlighting the significance of the hull ring entrance.

Ongoing projects include the Battleship Missouri Memorial Education Research Center, just wrapping up, and the Queen’s Healthcare Center Kahala, set for completion in October.

Projects completed in 2019 include the Waimanalo Health Center– Expanded Healthcare Facility and the kitchen and dining facilities at the Kobayashi & Kosasa Family Dining Room at the Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children.

Public sector work accounts for 10 percent of Constructors’ work, while work subcontracted is at 80 percent.

An award-winning project completed under the guidance of Constructors Hawaii is the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, Phase 2B Sanctuary Renovation, which won the 2019 Kukulu Hale Award for a nonprofit project.

The Cathedral is the mother church of the Diocese of Honolulu, as well as the church in which Saint Damien of Molokai was ordained in 1864. It is a state and nationally recognized historic landmark, and the oldest church in continuous use as a cathedral in the United States.

Past Top 25 Contractors Lists RANKING MILLIONS

RANKING MILLIONS

1. Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co. Inc. 2. Nan Inc. 3. Nordic PCL Construction Inc. 4. Hensel Phelps 5. Swinerton Builders 6. Dorvin D. Leis Co. Inc. 7. Albert C. Kobayashi Inc. 8. Kiewit 9. Layton Construction Co. LLC 10. Unlimited Construction Services Inc. 11. Wasa Electrical Services Inc. 12. Isemoto Contracting Co. Ltd. 13. Royal Contracting Co. Ltd. 14. Allied Builders System 15. Alakai Mechanical Corp.

16. Coastal Construction Co. Inc. 17. Group Builders Inc. 18. Ralph S. Inouye Co. Ltd. 19. Arita Poulson General Contracting LLC 20. Shioi Construction Inc. 21. Honolulu Builders LLC 22. Maryl Group Construction Inc. 23. Healy Tibbitts Builders Inc. 24. Alan Shintani Inc. 25. S&M Sakamoto Inc.

1. Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co. Inc. 2. Albert C. Kobayashi Inc. 3. Nan Inc. 4. Layton Construction Co. LLC 5. Hensel Phelps 6. Nordic PCL 7. Dorvin D. Leis Co. Inc. 8. Watts Constructors 9. Swinerton Builders 10. Unlimited Construction Services Inc. 11. Royal Contracting Co. Ltd. 12. Wasa Electrical Services Inc. 13. Group Builders Inc. 14. Alakai Mechanical Corp.

15. Isemoto Contracting Co. Ltd. 16. Ralph S. Inouye Co. Ltd. 17. Shioi Construction Inc. 18. Arita Poulson General Contracting LLC 19. Allied Builders System 20. Coastal Construction Co. Inc. 21. F&H Construction 22. Healy Tibbitts Builders Inc. 23. S&M Sakamoto Inc. 24. Paradigm Construction LLC 25. Honolulu Builders LLC

2018 (Figures reported in 2019 by the 2018 Top 25 listees.)

BUILDING

$550.0 327.5 301.0 285.0 239.5 185.2 180.5 165.0 158.2 152.4 87.3 84.5 83.2 68.2 58.7 57.2 56.2 52.8 52.1 52.0 47.2 35.0 33.6 28.9 28.8

2017 (Figures reported in 2018 by the 2017 Top 25 listees.)

$589.0 355.4 302.9 254.0 214.0 206.7 150.9 129.6 120.0 117.0 102.2 100.8 82.1 81.1 74.7 66.9 66.0 60.9 60.5 57.5 54.9 40.9 28.8 25.6 24.8

Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children Kobayashi & Kosasa Family Dining Room

RESILIENCY 1728 Kahai Street | Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 848-2455 | constructorshawaii.com Waimanalo Health Center Hale Ola ‘Alua

www.tradepublishing.com/building-industry-hawaii | 73

NOTEWORTHY CONTENDERS PARADIGM CONSTRUCTION LLC

Twice the Work in 2019

L

ower interest rates in 2019 prompted land developers “to start up their housing developments, and Paradigm Construction benefitted greatly,” says the president of the Waipahu-based contractor.

With the increase in subdivision projects, Alex M. Kwon adds that Paradigm last year more than doubled its earnings from 2018. The contractor reports 2019 revenue of $31,031,736; the previous year, it did $15,039,734 in business.

Puuwai Place and Kealii subdivision were among Paradigm’s major projects. But Kwon says the “most challenging project in 2019 was Ewa By Gentry Area 30 Interim Drainage Basin that included approximately a quartermillion cubic yards of hard excavation while proactively managing noise, dust

and erosion control for nearby subdivisions and a recreational park.

“This project also required an 80-ton Komatsu D375 bulldozer along with very large earth-moving equipment.”

Paradigm celebrates doing business in Hawaii for 15 years. Last Paradigm Construction’s projects in 2019 include Puuwai Place. year, it employed a re-energized economy to boost our 50 workers. Looking forward, Kwon construction industry in the remainder remains cautious. of 2020, but cautiously predict that the “Due to COVID-19 and its devastating impact to our economy, no one number of new construction projects can accurately predict our immediate and income will be moderate to signififuture,” he says. “We are hoping for cantly lower in 2021.”

ALAN SHINTANI INC.

Maintaining a Steady Workload

A

lan Shintani Inc. reports a busy year with a solid workload in 2019 despite experiencing a 10 percent drop in business in 2019 with revenue of $26 million.

In 2018, the 36-year-old construction contractor, which specializes in government, new and remodeling residential and historical renovation, posted earnings of $28.9 million and was ranked No. 24 among Hawaii’s Top 25 Contractors. In 2017, Shintani posted earnings of $24.6 million.

Last year, the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters named company founder and

namesake Alan Shintani its 2019 Outstanding Union Builder of the Year for his contributions to Hawaii’s construction industry and the community, cooperative approach to labormanagement relations and support for unionized construction.

Shintani, with 59 employees in 2019, is a veteran-owned firm and reports performing 95 percent of its work in the public sector. It completed approximately 30 projects last year, including those at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe and at Schofield Barracks and renovations at Kona Community Hospital and replacing a fire alarm system and ramp conversion, both at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

Alan Shintani Inc.’s projects include upgrading the radio communications facility in Makakilo.

PHOTO COURTESY ALAN SHINTANI INC. 74 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

S&M SAKAMOTO INC.

SMSI Celebrates 80th Year

work to be “steady through 2020.”

Its ongoing projects, with estimated completion dates, include the Goodwill Honolulu Career and Learning Center

(October), Niu Valley Middle School World Language Center (March 2021) and the Honowai Elementary School classroom building (March 2021).

T

he Honolulu contractor celebrates 80 years of building in Hawaii.

Two brothers founded the diversified construction firm in 1940, and the family-built and operated company continues to run at full speed.

SMSI reports revenue of $22,409,800 in 2019, which is a slight drop from the $28,830,000 the firm posted in 2018 when it held the No. 25 spot among Hawaii’s Top 25 Contractors.

Last year, SMSI wrapped work on multiple projects, including the Radford High School multi-purpose building, the Windward Community College Child Care Center, the Hawaii Okinawa Plaza, Ewa Makai Middle School, Kamehameha Schools Middle School dorms and Kamehameha Schools Kuihelani renovation.

The workload has carried over into this year, and Dale Sakamoto Yoneda, president of the company, says she expects

STEEL FRAMING WON’T FEED A FIRE

Fast Facts:

• Steel is a non-combustible, fire resistant material and will not feed a fire.

• Building with steel can reduce cost of construction insurance as well as homeowners insurance premiums.

• On average, wood framing ranks third as the first-ignited material in home fires (National Fire Protection Association).

• A complete list of cold-formed steel floor, wall, and roof fire rated assemblies is available from the Steel Framing Alliance (www.steelframing.com)

HawaiiSteel.com

Do You Want To Grow Your Business?

We can help with everything from improving your estimating and field operations, to employee accountability and communication, to increased profits right up to succession planning.

We Can Help. Call Us for Details.

Garret J. Sullivan President Ewa Makai Middle School was among SMSI’s projects in 2019.

PHOTO COURTESY SMSI

37 years of hands-on industry experience

808.478.2564 | GSullivan@SullivanHI.com | www.SullivanHI.com www.tradepublishing.com/building-industry-hawaii | 75

NOTEWORTHY CONTENDERS ELITE PACIFIC CONSTRUCTION INC.

Elite Pacific Wraps Diverse Projects

M

arking 15 years in Hawaii in 2020, Kaneohe-based Elite Pacific reports a solid jump in earnings last year, with receipts of $16,937,000.

President Mathew Lee is optimistic about the industry’s future, but notes there is “major uncertainty until the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided.”

Elite Pacific handled diverse projects in 2019. One job was providing a facelift to the Les Murakami locker room for the University of Hawaii at Manoa. The clubhouse at the baseball field, which opened in 1984, got state-of-the-art lockers, flat screen TVs, new showers, an updated training room and new carpet.

Other 2019 jobs included the Lyman Road drainage ditch rehabilitation, spall repair at the Federal Detention Center, wharf repairs and the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center parking garage elevator.

Its ongoing or recent projects,

with completion dates, include work on Pearl Harbor DryDock 1-4 radio frequency alarms (May), the Board of Water Supply generator (December)

and DryDock 2 overhaul caisson at Pearl Harbor (October).

Elite Pacific posted revenue of $15,984,000 in 2018.

Elite Pacific updates the locker rooms at Les Murakami Stadium.

PHOTO COURTESY ELITE PACIFIC CONSTRUCTION INC.

BIG ISLAND ELECTRIC INC.

BIE Serves Up Power to the Big Island

B

ased in Kona, Big Island Electric is a family-owned contractor offering electrical services to Island of Hawaii communities since 2004. This year, BIE is making its first appearance in the annual contractors survey, with 2019 receipts of $3,988,069.

“Though current economic restrictions with the pandemic have created a sense of uncertainty for many within our global community, we continue to 76 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

offer essential services locally and look forward to continued growth,” says President Kristy Biber.

Among BIE’s notable achievements of 2019 is its work on the Mauna Lani Canoe House, an oceanfront restaurant at the Mauna Lani Hotel and Bungalows. BIE did a complete electrical overhaul for the renovated bar, kitchen and dining areas and exterior guest areas, including landscaping.

BIE, which employed 21 people

last year, also completed work at Island Gourmet Market in Queen’s Marketplace and the Kona Airport baggage handling system.

Ongoing work for BIE includes the installation of ramp markings, lighting, CCTV, Access Control systems, and mechanical and electrical systems for the new Federal Inspection Services Building at the Kona Airport.

HAWAII'S LARGEST & BEST SELECTION OF AERIAL LIFTS

Very Competitive Rates n State-Wide Delivery n Experienced On-Call Mechanics n Fast and Friendly Service n Locally Owned and Operated

TELESCOPIC BOOM LIFTS 46’ – 141’ Working Heights er • 4-Wheel Drive Models We O f f e d • Diesel Powered t P ro - R a a t e s • Duel Fuel LP/Gas R Rental • Jibs Available • Up to 8’ Baskets • On-Board Generators Available on Some Models

5,500 lb. Maximum Lift Capacity • Exceptionally Compact. Only 6' 6" high, 5' 11" wide • Low Operating Weight. 9,990 lbs.

• 18' 10" Maximum Lift Height • 11' 3" Maximum Reach • Diesel Powered

TELESCOPIC FORKLIFTS

SCISSORS LIFTS

36' – 55' Lifting Heights • 6,000 lbs. – 12,000 lbs.

Capacities • All 4-Wheel Drive • All Telescoping • All Diesel Powered • Outriggers Available (544D Model only)

18’ – 59’ Working Heights • 4-Wheel Drive Models • Self-leveling Platforms (on some models) • Deck Extensions (on some models) • Diesel Powered • Dual Fuel – LP/Gas • DC Powered Models • Narrow Aisle Electrics Available

INDUSTRIAL FORKLIFTS

ARTICULATING BOOM LIFTS 36' – 86' Working Heights • 4-Wheel Drive Models • Electric Powered • Diesel Powered • Dual Fuel LP/Gas • On-Board Generators Available on Some Models

4000, 5000, 6000, 9000, 15,500 # Capacities • Triple Mast • Solid Pneumatic Tires • Side Shift Capability • Propane Powered • Diesel Powered

Featuring Hyster H155 XL2 15,500 lbs. capacity and 8’ Forks!

SPECIALTY AERIALS

GRADALL ing Train r y t e f fo Sa able Avail cissors ,S Boom handlers le & Te

COMPACT TELEHANDLERS

®

56' Working Heights • Weight Saving Design — Weighs ONLY 6,400 lbs!!!

• Leveling Outriggers allow for working on Uneven Terrain • Superb Gradeability by design

CALL TO RENT OR PURCHASE

(808) 847-4267 Fax (808) 842-1514

Neighbor Islands (888) 847-4267

Featuring the Niftylift TD50 Track Drive Boom Lift

Special Rates on Neighbor Island Rentals! Call for Details!

®

MEMBER HAWAII

1019 UlUpono Street • HonolUlU, Hawaii • 96819 Visit www.aeequipment.com

COMING UP:

A New State Contracting Agency

Hawaii officials also weighing the DOE award process, COVID-19 housing options and new building codes

BY BRETT ALEXANDER-ESTES

78 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

A

s COVID-19 keeps hammering Hawaii and the 2020 Legislature draws to a close, elected officials are looking for ways to rev up Hawaii construction.

Lawmakers are virtually unanimous in their support of construction as the state’s main economic driver, at least over the short term. And they’ve come up with at least one way to do it.

SB3103 SD2, “Relating to a School Facilities Agency,” a bill currently under consideration, provides for a new agency within the Hawaii Department of Education (DOE) that “shall be responsible for all public school development, planning, and construction related to capital improvement projects assigned by the legislature, governor, or board of education” and will likely expedite awards.

The General Contractors Association of Hawaii (GCA of Hawaii) supports the establishment of the School Facilities Agency, says Michael R. Michael R. Yadao Yadao, GCA’s director of government relations, “but with the condition that we allow for the potential of an expedited procurement process without subcontractor listing.”

The school principle, head school facility manager, architects and Nan Inc. during the final walkthrough of the administration and library buildings at Honouliuli Middle School, a DOE project by Nan Inc. set to open this fall PHOTO COURTESY NAN INC.

Subs Listings = Project Delays

“The subcontractor listing requirement in Hawaii’s current procurement

www.tradepublishing.com/building-industry-hawaii | 79

law has become the dominant factor in bid protests which delay projects and cost taxpayers,” Yadao says. “Bids that do not comply with this requirement may be considered ‘non-responsive’ and be disqualified for consideration.”

“Bids that do not comply with this requirement may … be disqualified for consideration.”

—Michael R. Yadao According to Yadao, the requirement has been used beyond its legislative intent by many bidders to identify faults of winning bids.

“This has resulted in delays in awarding contracts to address these protests and, in the event the low bidder is disqualified, additional cost to the state if the contract is awarded

A two-story “Tiny Home,” built with a kit available at the Cool Roof Store PHOTO COURTESY COOL ROOF STORE

to a higher bidder,” he says. “Allowing for a procurement process that could provide for an exemption from the subcontractor listing requirement when establishing the School Facilities Agency should help to expedite the improvements needed.”

On the Home Front

According to some lawmakers, COVID-19 is intensifying Hawaii’s housing crisis, and they want to speed up new affordable housing construction.

Honolulu City and County Councilmember Kymberly Pine and Council Chair Ikaika Anderson in Kymberly Pine April co-introduced Resolution 20-086 to expedite immediate emergency housing and public health infrastructure.

The resolution references “Kauhale Villages”—clusters of so-called “tiny homes” that together house up to 300 people who share common kitchen, 80 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

PRODUCTIVITYequals PROFITABILITY

Scan the code or CLICK HERE to view the data sheet!

CEMCO FIRE BEAD is one of four NEW fire rated drywall accessories from CEMCO. FIRE BEAD is a composite fire rated wall mount deflection bead that provides 1- and 2-hour fire-ratings in lieu of fire sealant for both dynamic and static joints according to UL-2079 5th edition (for both standard walls and shaft walls) and sound tested in accordance with ASTM E90. FIRE BEAD is ideal for exposed concrete ceilings and walls, it installs easier and more quickly than fire sealant, saving time and labor costs.

Scan the code or CLICK HERE to view the installation video!

www.cemcosteel.com | 800.775.2362 City of Industry, CA | Pittsburg, CA | Denver, CO | Ft. Worth, TX

gathering and restroom facilities—as one affordable housing solution.

Frank Rogers, principal at the Cool Roof Store, offers “Tiny Home” kits that provide 120 to 800 square feet of living space. “Our (basic) units are 10 feet by 12 feet,” Rogers says. “We have a couple of them in for permits right now.

“This provision includes almost $90 billion in additional federal relief funding.”

Hawaii Roofers: Cut the Cost of Compliance

Howard Wiig, energy analyst at Hawaii’s Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, says many Hawaii roofers are asking to modify Hawaii’s newest re-roofing code.

Howard Wiig The “model” or “Mainland” version of the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (2015 IECC), Wiig says, reduces roof heat gain through increased insulation, and “will double the cost of re-roofing. I’ve talked to many different roofers at different times, so I’m getting the same answer from different parties.”

But there might be an alternative, Wiig says: “The option is to select a very, very reflective roof surface.”

The newest highly reflective roof coatings, Wiig says, “also can maintain that high degree of reflectivity over the years. They have both a (high) initial reflectance, and an aged three-year reflectance.”

This option, Wiig says, is currently being considered by the Department.

—Kraig Stevenson “They tell me we’re going to pass all of engineering for wind uplift, seismic events and that sort of thing. And once we do that, we should be ready to go out to the public.”

HalePlus, larger modular homes offered by HPM Building Supply,

are scheduled for consumer release on Hawaii Island this fall, says Lee Wilson, HPM executive director of strategic business development. “As our community looks toward recovery from COVID-19, tackling the issue of affordable housing will be more important than ever.”

WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR SOLAR

New Codes Ahead

COMPANY AFTER INSTALLATION? POOF! They’re gone.

We, on the other hand, stick around. Our certified technicians maintain your solar energy system, keeping it running at its absolute best.

808.661.1166 | hawaiipacificsolar.com 82 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

Federal funding for emergency construction of smaller dwellings in Hawaii, Pine says, is available if the homes are built as part of the “Pandemic Response Period,” which began in March with the first emergency proclamations by Gov. David Ige and Mayor Kirk Caldwell.

Pine in April also introduced Resolution 20-085, which recommends Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) move to an alldigital permitting system and increase its level of consultant support to expedite emergency housing construction.

Hawaii’s building codes are updated every few years as new building standards evolve, says Kraig Stevenson, senior regional manager, government relations, of the International Code Council (ICC), which oversees building codes worldwide.

Updated codes, Stevenson says, are crucial for Kraig Stevenson structural integrity. Moreover, buildings destroyed or damaged in a hurricane or earthquake that are not up to code forfeit Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) aid.

“FEMA has made their policy very clear regarding disaster relief funding for rebuilding buildings,” he says. “The jurisdiction has to have

WINDWARD EQUIPMENT RENTALS Kailua, HI 96734 WINDWARD EQUIPMENT RENTALS Kailua, HI 96734 Full Parts and Service in Hawaii

Features Standard StandardononAll AllScissors Scissors Features Platform Power Platform 120VAC Power (GFCI) (NotPower Shown) Platform 120VAC (GFCI) (Not 120VAC Shown)(GFCI)

Features Standard on All Scissors

LGMG Universal LGMG Unlversal LGMG Unlversal Control Box Control Box Control Box with Motion with Motion with Motion Alarm and LED Alarm and LED Alarm and LED Screen LGMG Unlversal Screen Control Box with Motion Alarm and LED Quick Disconnect ForScreen Control Box

�....__�....__(Not Shown)

Fold-In Ralls Platform Power Fold-In Ralls Fold-In Rails � 120VAC (GFCI) � �....__(Not Shown) Fold-In Ralls Self-Closing & && Self-Closlng �Self-Closlng Self-Catching Self-Catching Self-Catching Entry Gate Entry Gate Entry Gate Self-Closlng Optional& Self-Catching Diamond Floor Optional Entry Gate Floor Optional Platform Diamond Diamond PlatformFloor Platform Width (Inches) Optional Diamond Floor HeightPlatform (Feet) Width (Inches) Width (Inches)

Foot Pedal Extended Platform

Foot Pedal Foot Pedal Extended Platform Extended Platform

Foot Pedal Oahu Sales and Service Extended Platform Oahu Sales and Service Serving all Hawaiian Serving all Hawaiian Oahu Sales and Service IslandsallIslands Serving Hawaiian Islands Coming Soon To Guam Oahu Sales and Service Coming Soon To Guam ServingSoon all Hawaiian Coming To Guam Islands

Scissors Scissors ANSI 92.20 Scissors ANSI 92.20 Approved

Width (Inches)

ANSI 92.20 Approved Approved

ComingPressure Soon To Transducer Guam (Overload Detector)

Pressure Transducer Pressure Transducer (Overload Detector) (Overload Detector) Pressure Transducer (Overload Detector) Tilt Sensor

Flashlng Beacon (Both Sldes)

Flashing Beacon Flashlng Beacon Extra Wide Non-Marking (Both Sides) (Both Sldes) Tires to Decrease Wear Flashlng Beacon (Both Sldes) Extra Wide Non-Marking Tires to Decrease Wear Extra Wide Non-Marking Extra Non-Marking TiresWide to Decrease Wear Tires to Decrease Wear

Slope Sensor

Slope Sensor MotionSlope AlarmSensor

SlopeMotion Sensor Swing-out Tray (Both Sides) Alarm Motion [Trojan DeepAlarm Cycle Batteries & tfydraullc Pump]

Motion Alarm Tray (Both Sides) Swing-out Swing-out (Both Sides) [Trojan Deep Tray Cycle Batteries ����-� &Pothole Protector [Trojan Deep Cycle Batteries tfydraullc Pump] Swing-out Tray (Both Sides) & Hydraulic Pump] [Trojan Deep Cycle Batteries & tfydraullc Pump] LED Battery Charging Status ����-� Pothole Protector Pothole Protector ����-� Pothole Protector LED Battery Charging Status LED Batter Charging LED Battery Charging StatusStatus

WINDWARD EQUIPMENT RENTALS WINDWARD EQUIPMENT RENTALS Kailua, HI 96734 Kailua, HIWindwardEquipmentRentals.com 96734 www.LGMGNA.com www.LGMGNA.com

WindwardEquipmentRentals.com

(808) 688-3714 (808) 688-3714

Upstairs in an aluminum-framed “Tiny Home” PHOTO COURTESY COOL ROOF STORE

current building codes adopted and implemented.”

Currently, Hawaii is in the process of updating state building and energy codes, says Timothy Hiu, DPP deputy director.

“The adoption of the State Building Timothy Hiu Code, based on the 2012 International Building and Residential Codes (IBC and IRC, respectively), will impact the design of new buildings with respect to

Downstairs in a 240-square-foot, two-story “Tiny Home” PHOTO COURTESY COOL ROOF STORE

increased structural and flood design requirements to increase resiliency of structures to natural hazards due to seismic, wind, flooding and tsunami events,” Hiu says. “Additionally, these model building codes have increased the fire protection for the first responders for new construction.”

UNPARALLELED QUALITY & ON-TIME DELIVERY

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

The state of Hawaii and the City and County of Honolulu, Hiu says, are also working on amendments to the 2018 IBC and IRC, and the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code. All of these codes automatically become part of the State Building Codes two years after their 2018 publication dates.

“We might see a rush of applications to grandfather projects … using the previous codes.”

—Timothy Hiu

METAL ROOFING Trusted, Tested, Tough, our high-performance, premium Metal Roofing Systems have a long, successful track record in Hawaii, with many design and color options.

STEEL SERVICE CENTER Hawaii’s largest inventory of quality steel products. We offer reliable on-time delivery, and responsive service from our experienced team.

HOT-DIP GALVANIZING Protecting Steel for Generations Hot-Dip Galvanizing provides superior long-term protection, ideal in Hawaii’s demanding environment.

SERVING ALL ISLANDS SINCE 1959 A Reliable Partner

Oahu (808) 682-3000 | Neighbor Islands (800) 352-3920 | Email HIsales@kloecknermetals.com

www.kloecknermetalshawaii.com 84 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

After that, the City and County of Honolulu and other Hawaii counties “will be required to adopt these codes next calendar year (2021), three years after their publication date,” he says. “In each case, if there is no action, these codes automatically become the building codes of both the state of Hawaii and the counties.

“The Honolulu City Council on May 20 adopted the State of Hawaii building code, based upon the 2012 IBC/IRC, with significant amendments, with an effective date 90 days after adoption.” Because of this 90-day window, he says, “we might see a rush

Just meeting the building code is NOT enough.

Concrete withstands disasters, endures the test of time and protects your investment.

Resiliency can be understood as the capacity to anticipate and minimize potential destructive forces through adaptation or resistance. For anything to be truly sustainable, it should be resilient as well. Concrete has the potential for future use and re-use, having a long service life with low maintenance costs for generations to come.

Concrete. Resilient. Sustainable.

CEMENT AND CONCRETE PRODUCTS INDUSTRY OF HAWAII 808-848-7100 | ccpihawaii.org

of applications to grandfather projects in their design using the previous codes.”

The city is also “being required to conform to the 2015 IECC (2015 International Energy Conservation Code),” Hiu says.

Mayor Caldwell in June signed the Honolulu City Council’s Bill 25, which amends the 2015 IECC for new commercial and residential buildings.

Amendments include local upgrades that expand access to solar power on residential roofs, as well as electric vehicle charging in commercial and residential buildings on Oahu.

“I believe we can and should make this happen.”

—Kymberly Pine Hiu says Hawaii’s building industry is quickly adapting to code changes.

But “unfortunately, the DPP’s website has not yet been updated to reflect the most current building codes. Hawaii builders can email info@honoluludpp. org and someone will respond to their specific questions,” he says. For questions about the Building Energy Efficiency Standards, call 768-8242.

Building in Sync

Hawaii’s new codes may confer other benefits besides structural integrity, says Stevenson.

“The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, signed by President Trump on February 9, included the Federal Cost Share Reform Incentive provision, which incentivizes states to update their latest building codes and invest in the resiliency of their communities,” he says. “This provision includes almost $90 billion in additional federal relief funding.”

This may be a critical resource during Hawaii’s COVID-19 crisis.

“The majority of elected officials are supportive of anything that provides much-needed housing,” Pine says. “I believe we can and should make this happen in many areas where people are suffering.”

86 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

Starter Homes Under $100K

As COVID-19 makes affordable housing even more critical, two Hawaii building suppliers are offering modular homes that are compact, easy-to-build and relatively inexpensive.

Tiny Homes – Cool Roof Store

Frank Rogers, principal at the Cool Roof Store, says the Hawaii vendor’s Tiny Homes are bolted and screwed together using a kit containing precut plywood panels laminated with Formica on both sides, aircraft-grade aluminum framing and stainless-steel fasteners. The Tiny Homes Basic DIY Kit for a waterproof 10-foot by 12-foot unit: Frank Rogers • Starts at $11,800 plus tax • Is designated as “Storage” or a “Playhouse” • Requires a 10-foot by 12-foot concrete slab (starting at about $2,500 on a level lot) or concrete block base • Can be assembled by the owner or by a general contractor referred by the vendor • Can be assembled by two or three handy people in about two or three days • Includes on-site instruction by the vendor’s lead carpenter to successfully complete assembly (free of charge on Oahu) • Does not require a building permit if it will be used as “Storage” or as a “Playhouse” • Does require an ADU building permit if plumbing is installed or if assembling a larger, more expensive unit (up to 800 square feet) • Includes free inspection by the vendor after assembly (on Oahu) and a free two-year warranty against defects in labor or materials • Can last as long, or longer, than conventional wood-framed homes if properly caulked and sealed

HalePlus – HPM Building Supply

Lee Wilson, HPM executive director of strategic business development, says the vendor’s HalePlus modular homes will initially be available on Hawaii Island this fall, and “will be permitted and fully comply with Hawaii Island building code and, when available on other islands, will fully comply with the building requirements of those Lee Wilson counties.” HalePlus modular homes will: • Feature in-factory plumbing and electrical work done by local licensed sub-contractors • Be installed by local licensed general contractors, who will also coordinate all site and foundation work • Offer four basic models and several variations of those models in one bedroom/one bath, two bedroom/one bath, and three bedroom/two bath configurations • Include a lanai (all models) • Will provide move-in ready houses in as little as three months “We are targeting to be able to offer the base HalePlus model on Hawaii Island for under $100,000,” Wilson says. “Pricing will vary based on the configuration, chosen finish options and the home’s location.”

QUALITY QUALITY PRODUCTS. CHOICES LOCAL SERVICE. PRE-PACKAGED HOMES

Oahu

808.682.2011 Maui 808.877.5045 Kona 808.329.0738 Hilo 808.961.6000 Kauai 808.246.2412

ADU

Accessory Dwelling Units DESIGNED • PACKAGED DESIGNED • APPROVED • PACKAGED

HONSADOR.COM HONSADOR.COM

Harbors and Piers

Get a Facelift Infrastructure modifications and improvements top state’s planned projects

BY PRISCILLA PÉREZ BILLIG

H

awaii’s harbor system is vital to the economic viability and security of the state as more than 80 percent of all goods consumed by people in Hawaii are imported. Of that, more than 98 percent is shipped in through the commercial harbors system, according to the Hawaii Department of Transportation.

Hawaiian Dredging’s Matson project PHOTO COURTESY HAWAIIAN DREDGING CONSTRUCTION CO. INC. 88 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

www.tradepublishing.com/building-industry-hawaii | 89

During nighttime work, Kiewit workers pour the concrete deck for the Kapalama Container Terminal.

PHOTO COURTESY KIEWIT INFRASTRUCTURE WEST CO.

Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co. Inc. worked on wharf and yard modifications for Matson Terminals Inc. that included construction for new crane-related infrastructure and installation of a new power system at existing Piers 51C, 52 and 53. The work

90 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

was performed in support of the new and modified ship-to-shore container handling cranes that arrived for installation in April 2019, built for Matson by Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding and prominently visible in Honolulu Harbor.

The new cranes weigh approxi-

mately 1,290 tons each and have greater lifting capacity, height and reach than the former cranes, which enable full service of Matson’s new, larger ships.

Hawaiian Dredging has currently completed Phases 1 through 5 for the

ONE RESOURCE, MULTIPLE ISLANDS EW N

OAHU

MAUI

KONA

GUAM

WAREHOUSING & DISTRIBUTION Aloha! Are you looking for warehousing and distribution services in Hawaii and Guam? We offer island storage & distribution services on Oahu, Maui, The Big Island and Guam. Learn more about how you can reduce expensive back-of-the-store storage space, increase retail store sales footage and restock shelves fast by storing your hottest inventory of sellers in our safe and secure state-of-the-art facilities! Wouldn’t it be nice to service your Honolulu, Neighbor island or Guam customer today or tomorrow simply by ordering a delivery online?

Contact us today and work with one company/ one software offering: • • • • •

Pallet positions for warehousing available at all locations Same day and last mile delivery services Inventory management, e-commerce fulfillment Single system multiple warehouse management technology used in Honolulu, Maui, Kona, and Guam facilities Multiple Island service available from Oahu

Toll Free (800) 488-4888 ext 1740 custsrv@dhx.com | www.dhx.com Member – World Cargo Alliance ISO 9001 Registered

The Supply Chain Partner You Can Depend On!™ A division of

DEPENDABLE, slogans and the color combination of purple and magenta are trademarks of Dependable Global Express, Inc. or affiliates. ©2020 DHX

DEPENDABLE SUPPLY CHAIN SERVICES

project and awaits Phase 6, expected to begin in the fourth quarter of this year. Phase 6 will include the remaining tie-downs and miscellaneous support work for the cranes.

“Although challenging to work around a fully operational shipping terminal, Hawaiian Dredging was able to work together with Matson to safely accommodate our work, resulting in zero recordable incidences,” says Project Manager Richard Aoki.

“Hawaiian Dredging is proud to be

involved with this project which is essential to continue sustaining the people and businesses throughout the State of Hawaii.”

Kiewit Richard Aoki Infrastructure West Co. is finishing up its preliminary site prep work on the Kapalama Container Terminal, at the heart of the HDOT’s Harbor

Equipment to Build A Better Equipment to BuildHawaii A Better Hawaii KUBOTA SSV75 SKIDSTEER

KOMATSU PC490-11 EXCAVATOR

NEW HOLLAND B95 BACK HOE JLG 460SJ BOOM LIFT

XTREME XR7083 TELEHANDLERS

SNORKEL A385-2 TELEHANDLER

Modernization Plan and the largest capital improvement project in Hawaii harbors history.

“The centerpiece of our Harbors Modernization is our Kapalama Container Terminal, Phases 1 and 2,” HDOT Director Jade Butay says.

“Phase 1 began January 2018 and is on-time and on-budget, with an on-time completion date set for winter Jade Butay of 2020 at a cost of $163 million. Phase 2 opened for bid in May 2020. The bid award has not been finalized.”

Following, or overlapping, completion of Kapalama Container Terminal Phase 1, the selected GC will move on to Phase 2 at a cost of approximately $390 million. Improvements in the wharf and dredging phase will include work wharfs, bulkheads and berths to complement the 84-acre cargo yard currently under construction.

“Hawaiian Dredging is proud to be involved with this project.”

—Richard Aoki

CROWN RC3020 FORKLIFT

KOMATSU FH40 FORKLIFT

TENNANT M20-3715 LP SWEEPER-SCRUBBER SAKAI SW320-1 ASPHALT ROLLER

NPK GH-12 HYDRAULIC HAMMER

BOMAG BW211D-50 PADFOOT ROLLER

5 LOCATIONS HONOLULU 808-839-7202

www.baconuniversal.com

92 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

HILO 808-935-8595

KAUAI 808-245-8472

KONA 808-326-1212

MAUI 808-244-9158

HDOT awarded Mira Image Construction LLC the Piers 24-28 Utilities Improvement project which will shore up needed infrastructure for harbor users. The contract, at almost $12.8 million, will be dedicated to construction of a new sewer system, potable water, fire hydrants, communication and electrical services.

The project also involves demolition and partial removal of the existing electrical system and the stub outs to each subdivided lot for the harbor tenants to make their connection to bring utilities into their areas. The project is set to start this year and take about a year to complete.

Smaller but essential projects meant to improve the viability and efficiency of the state’s harbor system include:

• Sea Engineering will conduct fender and substructure repairs at Honolulu Harbor’s Pier 11 at $1,179,750.

• Global Specialty Contractors will take care of Substructure and Fender Repairs at Pier 1, Hilo Harbor for $1,379,700.

• Close Construction Inc. is the general contractor on the Demolish Shed at Piers 31-34 project, Honolulu Harbor at $1,534,485.

The necessarily smaller projects, together with the more complex and expensive, all move the needle on progress toward HDOT’s Modernization Program. Its vision brings the Islands closer to self-reliance as a hub for local, national and international trade.

“These modernization projects for airports and harbors are funded through revenue bond sales,” Butay says. “We are closely watching the expected revenues and financial trends in the state and will continue to work toward efficient and improved facilities statewide.”

Shipping to Hawaii?

We’ve got you covered!

Lynden is proud to provide Hawaii with regularly scheduled service.

You can choose the mode – air, barge, or ship – that best fits your schedule and budget. With Lynden you only pay for the speed you need!

1-888-596-3361 | www.lynden.com

www.tradepublishing.com/building-industry-hawaii | 93

An aerial view of the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport PHOTO COURTESY NATIONAL AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM

AIRPORT IMPROVEMENTS

TAKE FLIGHT General contractors move forward on Hawaii’s modernization projects

BY PRISCILLA PÉREZ BILLIG

F

or one of the most isolated places on Earth, transportation is paramount. Serving the movement of people and some essential goods falls under the purview of the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT), which operates and manages the state’s 11 commercial service and four general aviation airports, most requiring infrastructure upgrades.

94 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

KAUAI

Lihue 808.246.3900

OAHU

Kapolei Sand Island 808.693.8771 808.650.6464

LANAI

Lanai City 808.208.0425

MAUI

Kahului 808.873.2100

BIG ISLAND Hilo/Kona 808.969.1478

WE EQUIP SUCCESS.

At Sunbelt Rentals, we offer the industry’s broadest range of tools and equipment to industrial, commercial and specialty contractors, as well as do-it-yourselfers. Backed by 24/7 service, online account management and trained experts, Sunbelt is here to help equip your project for success.

• 2000w Light Carts • Aerial Work Platforms • Air Compressors & Tools • Air Scrubbers • Crimping Sets • Compaction Equipment • Dehumidifiers/Fans • Earth Moving Equipment • Floor Scubbers • Floor Strippers • Generators • Hydraulic Torq Wrenches

• Ladders • Light Towers • Magnetic Drills • Material Handling • Pipe Cutters/Benders /Threaders

• Portable Air Conditioners • Pressure Washers • Rental Pickup, Flatbed & Dump Trucks • Ride-on-Sweepers • Water Trucks & Trailers

Meet James Allison, District Manager - Hawaii For the past 15 years, my team and I have been serving Hawaii’s Construction Industry with excellent construction equipment rentals and customer service.

With now the newest and largest rental fleet in the state of Hawaii, I am personally committed on continuing to provide the best equipment rental experience for all of our customers.

With true 24/7 service, we make it happen for our customers!

sunbeltrentals.com

THE SUNBELT PROMISE

Satisfaction • Delivery Service • Availability After-Hours Response

“We’ve had our Airport Modernization in the works for some time and have successfully completed the Diamond Head Commuter Terminal, cargo facilities for Aloha Air and Hawaiian Airlines, and many other projects idenJade Butay tified through this statewide modernization,” says Jade Butay, HDOT director.

Several modernization projects, totaling as much as $3 billion, have added major improvements at most airports, including the 4,520-acre Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, which handles more than 21 million passengers a year.

“For our state’s busiest airport, the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), we continue to move forward on the Mauka Concourse and the Consolidated Rental Car

Facility (CONRAC),” Butay says.

“The Mauka Concourse was designed to meet existing and projected facility needs, including aircraft fleet mix, and to improve operational efficiency.

Estimated completion date for the Mauka Concourse is August 2021.”

“Improvements to our statewide airports and commercial harbor system are critical.”

—Jade Butay Smaller but equally essential airport projects include the following, which is not a complete list.

Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. is the general contractor on the Runway 8L Widening Phase 2 project at the DKI for $103,960,275. Swinerton Builders

will oversee the Holdroom and Gate Improvements at Kahului Airport project at $35,793,053.

Hensel Phelps has won the bid for Ticket Lobby Renovations and Baggage Handling System Improvements, Phase 2, at the DKI Airport for $144,894,000. Hensel Phelps is currently working on a power upgrade at Hawaiian Airlines’ Elliott Hangar facility, as well as the DKI Mauka Terminal Extension Project.

In May, Hensel Phelps won a $56,465,000 contract for construction of a new corrosion control hangar at Marine Corps Base Hawaii which will be used for paint preparation and painting to support the maintenance of H-1, H-60, CH-53 and MV22 series aircraft. The DKI Mauka Terminal Extension Project, at a cost of $220 million, is due to wrap in 2021.

“Nan Inc. has been privileged to be a part of the vital modernization efforts at the various state airports,” Vice President Ryan Nakaima says.

“With visitors playing such a criti-

We are proud to serve our aviation clients with the highest of safety standards while maintaining continued operations throughout airport construction.

OUR

SUCCESS IS YOUR

SUCCESS We are more than a general contractor, we are family.

Hawai‘i | Florida | Texas | California mosscm.com | 808.585.7900 ABC 33782

96 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

Moss has a reputation for innovative, award-winning construction. The Fort Lauderdale Terminal 1 and Concourse A project was recently awarded the LEED Silver Certification.

Broward County Aviation Department is strongly committed to sustainable and environmentally responsive design and construction of its existing facilities and future growth.

The Terminal 1 Modernization Program consisted of a new 345,000 SF Concourse A with five new swing gates to efficiently manage both international and domestic flights. It includes a new Federal Inspection Services, Custom Border Patrol facility, 53,700 SF of new restaurants, concession spaces, baggage handling system, offices, and Ancillary Support spaces. There was also a 165,000 SF expansion of a newly centralized 12 lane security checkpoint, retail areas, airline offices and breakrooms.

cal role in Hawaii’s economy, it is not only paramount for the infrastructure to efficiently accommodate the millions of travelers each year, but it is also Ryan Nakaima the very first place that kicks off their destination experience, and the last to anchor their fond memories of our beautiful state. It is up to everyone to make sure that their experience is memorable from beginning to end, and we are grateful to play our part.”

Nan Inc.’s work on the Baggage Claim Handling System Improvements, Overseas Terminal, Phase 1 at the DKI Airport for $22.7 million is due for completion in October 2020. Nan is also tasked with Replacement of Parking Structure Pedestrian Bridges for $19.4 million currently scheduled for completion in November 2020, as well as work on Gates 29 and 34 at DKI tallied at $15.7 million.

Add to this Nan’s Terminal Modernization Program Phase 1 at Keahole’s 3,450-acre Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport, which sees more than three million passengers annually, at $80.5 million. Nan is also scheduled to complete the Federal Inspection Services Building at the Kona Airport at $55.5 million in early 2021.

Nan’s completed construction of Phase 1 in Kona included a centralized security screening checkpoint building, a baggage make-up building with TSA baggage screening equipment, two concession and restroom buildings, two covered bag drop areas with USDA Agriculture screening equipment and related site work not limited to the following: site improvements, demolition of the Onizuka Space Center Building, Baggage Handling System, ramp offices, ramp markings and lighting, CCTV, PA/FIDS coordination, mechanical, and electrical systems and all associated work.

Nan has also taken on a Restroom Improvements project at the Hilo International Airport for $8.75 million, scheduled to complete in May 2021.

“As an island state, improvements to our statewide airports and commercial harbor system are critical,” Butay says.

When it comes to commercial HVAC, we rule the roost.

(More commonly known as the roof.)

For the islands’ most extensive line of HVAC systems with the latest secure integrated BACnet® controls, look no further.

Carrier Hawaii is your single-source solution for cooling, ventilation and intelligent controls. Turn to the experts with service and distribution across the islands to save time and money. i-Vu® v7 web-based control interface

30MP AquaSnap® Water-Cooled Packaged Scroll Chiller (Puron®)

30XV AquaForce® Air-Cooled Screw Chiller (R-134A)

50FC;50GC Weather Series RTUs with EcoBlue™ Technology (Puron)

19DV AquaEdge® Water-Cooled Centrifugal Chiller (R-1233zd(E))

23XRV AquaEdge® Water-Cooled Screw Chiller (R-134A)

Locally owned distributor: Carrier Hawaii Kapolei Honolulu Kahului Kailua-Kona (808) 677-6339 • CarrierHawaii.com 2020 Carrier

©

www.tradepublishing.com/building-industry-hawaii | 97

COLLABORATION: GENERAL CONTRACTORS, ARCHITECTS & DEVELOPERS

A Global Home

Nordic PCL, G70 and ʻIolani School build a new Residence Hall

BY BRETT ALEXANDER-ESTES

I

nternational students receiving an elite education at ‘Iolani School can now also bond with their host culture, thanks to the ‘Iolani Residence Hall, their new on-campus home.

“Reinstatement of a boarding program at ‘Iolani School was part of an initiative contained in the school’s current strategic plan,” says Reid A. Gushiken, ‘Iolani School chief financial officer.

According to Gushiken, one of the plan’s goals is to “create meaningful, sustainable, and reciprocal global relationships that stimulate the exchange of ideas, foster a deeper cultural awareness and build students’ desire to improve the world around them.”

The school’s previous residence hall in Reid A. Gushiken the 19th century was home to ‘Iolani student Sun Yat-sen, who later founded modern China.

When ‘Iolani began its new multimillion-dollar residence hall in 2017, says Nordic PCL Construction Inc. Project Manager Cydney Nakama, “G70, ‘Iolani School and Nordic PCL collaborated throughout preconstruction and construction.” Through design-assist, says Charles Kaneshiro, G70 chief operating officer and Cydney Nakama principal-in-charge, “we held weekly meetings, and brought in subs and consultants as needed to work through complicated issues.”

This proved vital, says Gushiken, since “we were faced with tight deadlines and having to manage an active construction site Charles Kaneshiro on-campus while school was in session.”

98 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

‘Iolani Residence Hall, a successful collaboration between Nordic PCL, G70 and ‘Iolani School PHOTO COURTESY RONALD RIBAO

What did you want to build?

Gushiken: Our goal was to create a home away from home built on the spirit of aloha and our “One Team” philosophy, by providing community living spaces that promote collaboration and fellowship.

How does your design meet ‘Iolani’s goal?

Kaneshiro: Biophilia (love of nature). Due to its benefits in enhancing student development, connections to nature are reinforced through the use of natural materials, views and existing site elements.

What was the scope of the project?

Nakama: Demolition of the existing residence of the ‘Iolani Head of School and apartment building, extensive civil work and new construction of the fivestory residence and chiller plant. The 105-bed residence also includes full kitchens, laundry facilities, common www.tradepublishing.com/building-industry-hawaii | 99

COLLABORATION: GENERAL CONTRACTORS, ARCHITECTS & DEVELOPERS areas and study rooms.

How did you phase the project?

Nakama: Nordic PCL Construction carefully phased the project around ‘Iolani School’s academic and social calendar. By coordinating and scheduling the work during off-hours, Nordic PCL completed all utility tie-in during Christmas and Spring breaks in order to minimize disruption of campus activities.

What helped your aggressive schedule?

Nakama: Risks and obstacles were identified as early as possible during preconstruction so that the design and work phasing would mitigate any impacts.

G70 project manager Lance Hirai went above and beyond the call of duty responding to RFIs and resolving field issues by responding typically within 24 hours—often late at night to keep our team on schedule.

Nordic PCL demolishes existing strutures on the project site.

PHOTO COURTESY NORDIC PCL CONSTRUCTION INC.

After breaking ground in September 2017, what came next?

Nakama: Nordic PCL started select demolition to address aboveground contaminants while waiting for Department of Health approval for sub-surface contaminants. As soon as DOH approval was issued, contaminated material was removed.

Hawaiian Electric Company installs building conduits. PHOTO COURTESY NORDIC PCL CONSTRUCTION INC.

M

“ ahalo for the opportunity to be a part of another successful project ”

Congratulations to Nordic PCL and G70 on completing another successful project. We are proud to be on your team!

A FULL-SERVICE STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING FIRM PROJECT MANAGEMENT FORENSIC ENGINEERING

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING SPECIAL INSPECTION SERVICES

50 S. Beretania St., #C-119C Honolulu, HI 96813 phone: 808.533.2210

Electricians, Inc.

2688 Waiwai Loop, Honolulu HI 96819 p: (808) 839-2242 f: (808) 839-1344 100 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

email: mail@kaihawaii.com

An Employee-Owned Company

www.kaihawaii.com

Lic. # C-17120

www.DrillProCo.com

808-306-5095

12”-60” Diameter / Up to 40’ Deep

COLLABORATION: GENERAL CONTRACTORS, ARCHITECTS & DEVELOPERS Were there other challenges?

Kaneshiro: Designing around an existing monkey pod tree while working within a limited footprint, yet achieving the programmatic requirements of the school. Maintaining Hawaiian Electric Company access from the public right-of-way through campus.

Nakama: The team had strict restrictions on material and equipment deliveries as well as noise and dust control.

Was new technology used on this project?

The Hall’s typical floor-tofloor deck construction PHOTO COURTESY NORDIC PCL CONSTRUCTION INC.

Nakama: Nordic PCL is a big proponent of the Last Planner System (LPS). The technology provides key project management controls for scheduling and budget.

Kaneshiro: Nordic PCL modeled the building for clash detection amongst all trades. This proved invaluable in coordinating the MEP within a tight dropped ceiling.

Did you use special building materials?

Kaneshiro: We introduced a new material to the campus in thermally modified wood, which was used for the exterior siding for its resistance to decay, rot and termites, as well as for its beautiful, natural finish.

What’s the best example of collaboration on this project?

Kaneshiro: Coordinating with Hawaiian Electric to upgrade electrical

The Residence Hall’s chiller in progress PHOTO COURTESY NORDIC PCL CONSTRUCTION INC.

Thank You Nordic PCL

for allowing us to be a part of your team on Iolani Residence Hall

License C-9182

Telephone: (808) 671-4571 • Fax: (808) 671-5173 2159 Lauwiliwili Street Kapolei, HI 96707 102 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

Installing the Residence Hall’s trellises PHOTO COURTESY NORDIC PCL CONSTRUCTION INC.

Developers create.

Contractors build.

We empower.

Our skill in finding creative solutions to the challenges inherent in every project is just one reason U.S. News & World Report named us “One of the best law firms in the country.� If you seek excellence in real estate, construction or complex commercial law or litigation, put our team to work for you.

Problem solved.

Topa Financial Center, 700 Bishop St. 9th Floor, Honolulu, HI 96813

|

(808) 523-9000

|

legalhawaii.com

COLLABORATION: GENERAL CONTRACTORS, ARCHITECTS & DEVELOPERS

Student common areas in ‘Iolani Residence Hall

infrastructure to the site in time to open the building.

Nakama: Contaminated soil remediation and working with Hawaiian Electric to quickly bring the new residence hall online. In both cases, the team jumped in immediately with all the stakeholders to brainstorm options that would mitigate costly delays.

Please describe the finished structure.

Kaneshiro: The 33,000-square-

PHOTO COURTESY RONALD RIBAO

foot, five-story dormitory provides 56 double-bed units and four multibedroom faculty apartments. It can house up to 112 local, domestic and international students in grades 9 through 12.

What do you think is the project’s standout feature?

Kaneshiro: The front façade—floor slabs express horizontality, canted wood panels with hidden bursts of

Construction: JR Construction, civil contractor Kai Hawaii, structural engineer

Nakama: The construction and design team received positive feedback overall. ‘Iolani School highlighted good feedback on our ability to collaborate with Hawaiian Electric. The team successfully delivered the project on time before the academic year began.

—Reid A. Gushiken Kaneshiro: We have received many complimentary comments from various members of the ‘Iolani community.

The project has been recognized with a 2019 AIA Honolulu Design Award of Merit.

Which team members really made a difference?

Installing thermally modified wood panels on the building’s façade PHOTO COURTESY NORDIC PCL CONSTRUCTION INC.

104 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

When the project wrapped in January 2019, how was it received?

“Our goal was to create a home away from home.”

Standout Subs Design: G70, civil and interiors Easterday Design, landscape architect Kai Hawaii, structural engineer Inatsuka Engineering, mechanical engineer Douglas Engineering Pacific, electrical engineer Censeo AV+Acoustics, acoustical engineering Design 2B Accessible, ADA compliance

color and floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize views and natural daylight.

Kaneshiro: All of our consultant team played vital roles to the delivery of this project. When hot issues arose,

‘Iolani Residence Hall’s ‘One Team’ ‘Iolani School (Client) Reid A. Gushiken, chief financial officer

Nordic PCL Construction Inc. (GC) Gary Gordon, project superintendent Cydney Nakama, project manager John Baranski, project manager Paul Lindo, project superintendent Scott Viola, construction manager

Student rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows offering sweeping views and ample natural light.

each sub came through when needed.

Nakama: Chris Lee and Henry Keawe Costa from JR Construction.

Their efforts, especially with the soil remediation and civil work, set the path for success. Kai Hawaii was very responsive with structural (engineering) issues. Their team always responded within 24 hours, and often came to the site to brainstorm and resolve issues in the field.

G70 (Project Architect) Charles Kaneshiro, principal-in-charge Ma Ry Kim, design principal Lance Hirai, project architect/ project manager Roy Inouye, senior project architect Ronald Ribao, designer Kellye Greco, interior designer

Are you looking forward to new projects in the education sector?

Kaneshiro: Looking forward to seeing Kihei High School break ground as it is designed to be a “net-zero energy” campus.

Nakama: The Nordic PCL team has been selected as the low bidder for Kihei High School on Maui, and is awaiting final selection.

PHOTO COURTESY RONALD RIBAO

Pavement Maintenance Specialist • Seal Coating • Asphalt Repair • Speed Bumps • Emergency Work • Potholes • Paving • Striping • Slurry Seal

Concrete • Curbs • Footings • Slab • Bollards

Asphalt. It’s what we do!

DC Asphalt provides every type of paving service.

We provide the right solution that fits your needs and budget.

8-Time Award Winner – 2010-2017 GCA Safety Award 12-Time Award Winner – 2008-2019 Best of Honolulu 4-Time Award Winner – 2014-2017 AGC Safety Award

808-682-4414 dcasphaltservices.com

Lic. #AC-26608

www.tradepublishing.com/building-industry-hawaii | 105

NEWS BEAT

DHX Wraps Phase 1 of Warehouse Solar Microgrid

Freight company Dependable Hawaiian Express (DHX) in May completed the first phase of a new solar microgrid on the roof of its Honolulu warehouse and distribution center.

The new microgrid combines solar and battery storage for a zero-emissions energy system with a backup power supply. The grid was designed, engineered and installed by REC Solar, an affiliate of North Carolinabased Duke Energy.

“When your company’s first name is ‘dependable,’ you better have a power Brad Dechter system that is, too,” says DHX President Brad Dechter.

The microgrid’s 360 solar panels are on one side of DHX’s 76,000-squarefoot warehouse roof. The 133 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system’s solar generation is combined with 222 kWh of battery energy storage, a microgrid controller and other equipment that protects the company’s sensitive elec-

Solar panels in DHX’s new rooftop microgrid spell out the company’s name.

PHOTO COURTESY DHX/DGX

tronic equipment and provides up to four hours of backup power during outages.

“Avoiding costs from damaged computers, servers and other equipment could in itself pay for the system,” Dechter says.

More solar will be installed on the roof’s opposite side in the project’s next phase, and will provide electric vehicle charging capacity for the company’s planned transition to electric vehicles (EV) in the future.

Haseko to Develop 15-acre Ewa Purchase

Haseko, a longtime residential, commercial and resort developer in

Hawaii, plans to start construction in 2021 on approximately 15 acres in

Haseko’s newly purchased 15-acre parcel in Ewa Beach PHOTO COURTESY HASEKO/GOOGLE EARTH 2014 106 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

Ewa Beach it purchased in May. Located on Miula Street off Renton Road, the site will be developed for up to 142 attached and single-family condominium homes.

Construction is expected to begin early next year.

“We’re pleased with this latest acquisition, as construction projects across the state will be essential to Hawaii’s overall economic recovery from the current pandemic,” says Haseko Hawaii Inc. President Tom Sagawa.

“We are looking at other sites as well as we build on our nearly 50-year history of developing in Hawaii.”

The upcoming project will be Haseko’s third residential development in Ewa Beach. Other developments include the master-planned communities of Ocean Pointe and Hoakalei Resort.

New EV Rebates May Aid Energy Code Compliance

Hawai‘i Energy, a Hawaii non-profit that promotes clean energy alternatives, in May announced a new electric vehicle (EV) charging station bonus incentive for affordable housing projects.

The bonus may make it easier for affordable housing developers and landowners to comply with the Honolulu City Council’s Bill 25, signed by Mayor Kirk Caldwell in June. Bill 25 amends the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (2015 IECC) to require that “new multi-unit buildings that have eight or more parking stalls … shall be electric vehicle charger-ready for at least 25 percent of the parking stalls.”

Hawai‘i Energy’s new rebate is now available for affordable housing developments statewide and complements Hawai‘i Energy’s current Electric Vehicle Charging Station (EVCS) Incentive Program that launched in January.

The new bonus incentive will be available to affordable housing units offered for sale or rent to households earning 100 percent or below of the area median income (AMI) per county.

Navy Awards $9M Contract to AECOM AECOM Technical Services Inc. of Los Angeles was awarded a $9 million contract for the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP) Advanced Studies, part three at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PHNSY & IMF).

AECOM Technical Services, a subsidiary of AECOM which has offices in Honolulu, landed the cost-plusaward-fee task order modification job by Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Pacific on June 2.

As one of the Navy’s four public shipyards, PHNSY & IMF on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam performs a vital role in national defense by executing maintenance on attack submarines in order to provide combat-ready ships to the fleet.

SIOP is a 20-year, $21 billion effort to modernize infrastructure at the four naval shipyards through critical dry dock repairs, restoring and optimally placing shipyard facilities and replacing aging and deteriorating capital equipment.

The work to be performed provides for 17 advanced studies and project management for Site 1, PHNSY & IMF. Work is expected to be completed by September 2021.

Rosendin’s Hawaii team was honored with two NECA Safety Excellence Awards in May. The team includes (front, from left) Kara Bunn, Ayche McClung, Jodi Watanabe, Alissa Bautista, Nancy Alexander, Candy Rodriguez, (back, from left) Jason Valentine, Ryan Chun, Tony Lambert, Kevin Buchholz, Tim O’Reilly, Michael Hiu, Ken Kaneshiro and Chris Spencer.

Rosendin Earns Two Safety Awards

Rosendin Electric Inc. of Aiea has been selected for two awards from the National Electrical Contractors Association in May for its safety performance.

The Hawaii office was one of three Rosendin affiliates honored with the NECA’s 2020 Safety Achievement of Zero Injury for working a full calendar year without any recordable incidents.

The others were Sacramento and San

Francisco.

The Aiea team is one of nine Rosendin offices receiving the NECA’s 2020 Achievement in Safety Excellence in recognition of the highest level of safety performance. Others include Pflugerville, Texas; Tempe, Ariz.; Hillsboro and Prineville, Ore.; and Sacramento, San Francisco, Anaheim and San Jose in California.

“We are grateful to NECA for

acknowledging our efforts and are especially proud of our employees who trust our guidance and embrace new safety protocols that keep people working,” says Marty Rouse, Rosendin’s national vice president, safety.

Rosendin, which is headquartered in San Jose, is an employee-owned electrical contractor and employs over 6,500 people in the U.S.

www.tradepublishing.com/building-industry-hawaii | 107

WORLD BEAT ITALY

Bridge Replaced in 10 Months

The Salini Impregilo and Ficantieri Infrastructure joint venture has completed work to replace the Morandi Bridge in Genoa, according to reports.

The bridge, built in 10 months, is scheduled to reopen this month.

The Morandi collapsed in August 2018, killing 43 people and cutting off a major trade route between Italy and France.

Workers installed the final span, measuring 144 feet long and weighing 900 metric tons, to complete the bridge in late April.

Salini said the steel and concrete structure took advantage of prefabrication for some of the elements. The new bridge is comprised of a 3,500-foot continuous steel deck with 19 spans, supported by 18 elliptical reinforced concrete piers. The steel portion of the deck is made of three transversal segments, which Salini said sped up construction and assembly of several spans in sequence.

TEXAS Construction on Chase Tower Tops Out

JPMorgan Chase’s 12-story office tower in Plano topped out in late April, with construction expected to be completed next May. The second phase of the financial giant’s big corporate campus in Plano, developed by KDC, has reached its halfway point.

Workers install the last span to complete the new Morandi bridge.

PHOTO COURTESY SALINI IMPREGILO

Balfour Beatty is the general contractor for the second phase.

The 540,000-square-foot high-rise is being built as part of the $3 billion Legacy West development on the west side of the Dallas North Tollway.

The first phase of the 49-acre campus was finished in 2017. HKS designed Chase’s buildings.

When completed, Chase plans to expand its workforce by an additional 4,000 employees at the Plano campus.

The banking firm already has more than 6,000 workers at the project.

CHINA Soccer Stadium to be World’s Largest

Construction on a $1.7 billion soccer stadium in Guangzhou has begun, with completion of the 100,000-seat facility expected in 2022.

When it opens, the stadium for the owner of the Guangzhou Evergrande, a member of the Chinese Football Association’s Chinese Super League, will be the largest soccer-specific stadium in the world.

Construction began shortly after China lifted social distancing restrictions, according to constructiondive. com. The stadium is intended to host events for the 2023 Asian Cup. The Atlanta United FC’s Mercedes-

The Chase tower has been under construction since early last year.

PHOTO COURTESY DALLASNEWS.COM 108 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

Benz Stadium in Atlanta, with a maximum capacity of 71,000, is the largest home to a pro soccer team in the U.S. The stadium also is home to the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons.

A stadium currently under construction in the U.S. will exceed the China facility seat-wise: SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles at 100,240. Camp Nou in Barcelona, the current largest socceronly stadium in the world, was built in 1957 and holds 99,354.

DENMARK Underwater Tunnel Gets Green Light

Denmark reportedly has announced that construction of the world’s longest submerged tunnel to Germany has been rescheduled to begin on Jan. 1.

Rendering of the Denmark-to-Germany tunnel.

The project was originally set to break ground in mid-2020 before the COVID-19 outbreak closed down construction.

The underwater tunnel, which will be almost 11.2 miles long, will link the Danish region of LollandFalster with Schleswig-Holstein in Germany. According to republicworld. com, the Ministry of Transport and Housing said that the work on the Fehmarnbelt, a link of 10 minutes or less for cars and trains, would begin on the Danish island of Lolland.

FIND JOBS THE DAY THEY GO PUBLIC

BidService Weekly – The State’s Most Complete Construction Bid Listings

Jobs • schedules • Permits contracts awarded • bid results UPDATED DAILY to give you the best knowledge you need to win jobs and increase business • View and Download Plans, Specs • Includes all Federal, State, and County Projects • Receive the Print Version FREE Each Week

BIDServiceHawaii.com • 808-738-4935

NEWS MAKERS

Pavlicek Returns to Commercial Roofing David Pavlicek rejoins Commercial Roofing & Waterproofing Hawaii Inc. as director of its service and repairs division.

Pavlicek brings over 46 years of roofing experience to Commercial Roofing, where he had worked in 2003-2004. In his new role, he leads all sales and operational aspects of Commercial Roofing’s service and repairs division and will provide additional support to the estimating and operations divisions.

Previously, he was an independent material representative for roofing manufacturers, including Sarnafil, Soprema, Atlas, Pacific Allied, Royal Adhesives and Carlisle Residential.

He also served as vice president and general manager for RSI Roofing Supply. After RSI was acquired by Allied Building Products, Pavlicek assumed responsibility for the company statewide. He opened his own company, Innovative Resources, in 2009.

public and private sector clients; and representing the company and clients at public meetings.

Prior to joining BCH, he was permitting manager for Mobilitie LLC. He is a graduate of the Rutgers School of Law and earned his bachelor’s in environmental design from the University of Massachusetts in 1994.

David Pavlicek

B+K Adds Nine

Bowers + Kubota, a Hawaii-based architectural/engineering firm that specializes in architecture, construction management, program management and project development, has added nine new staff members.

Brock Asato joins as project manager on various firm projects at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

Jassen Rodrigues joins as industrial facilities construction inspector for the firm’s Honouliuli Wastewater project.

Belt Collins Hawaii Promotes Kam

Allen Kam has been promoted to director of planning at Honolulu-based planning, engineerAllen Kam ing and landscape architecture firm Belt Collins Hawaii.

Kam, previously a senior planning project manager with BCH since 2019, succeeds Joanne Hiramatsu, who has served as director of planning since 2013, and will remain in an advisory role and continue working and managing various planning projects for the firm.

In his new role, Kam will oversee the firm’s planning department, including leading all planning personnel; managing the firm’s planning functions such as master development plans, land use and resort development studies, urban and regional plans, entitlement processing, and site planning for 110 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

Brock Asato

Jassen Rodrigues

Andrea Simpliciano joins as lead engineer on the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) project.

Arjay Franczyk joins as lead engineer on the HART project.

Michael Bean

Justine Medeiros joins as project specialist on various projects at Tripler Army Medical Center.

Meghan Anderson joins as project administrator on the Waianae Wastewater Treatment Plant project.

Christine Im joins as designer, level I, on the firm’s Architect team.

Justine Medeiros

Meghan Anderson

Andrea Simpliciano

Arjay Franczyk

Michael Bean joins as lead field monitor on the HART project.

Jennifer Edwards joins as IT support technician.

Jennifer Edwards

Christine Im

Hirota Appointed Coffman Principal

Coffman Engineers Inc., a national multidiscipline engineering firm, in April appointed Jamisen “Jami” Hirota as a principal of the firm.

Hirota, who has more than 20 years of civil engineering experience, has been with Coffman for two years and manages the civil engiJami Hirota neering group in Honolulu. She will continue to focus on building and maintaining long-term client relationships, as well as oversee site development design for projects in the private sector, state and local government and several sectors of the federal government. Recent projects include the Dillingham Ranch 70 Lot Subdivision and the Diamond Head Theatre.

Also leading the Honolulu office are John Thielst, vice president and managing principal; Ben Momblow, civil/structural principal; William Lee, mechanical principal; and Sam Dannaway, Robert Bigtas and Jay Higashi, fire protection principals.

Full Service Sky Stage Assembly, Frame & System Scaffold and Permanent Installations for Building Exterior Façade Maintenance.

WE OFFER

EQUIPMENT

• Rental • Service • Sales

• Swing Stage • Roof top anchors • Davit arms • System Scaffold • Shoring

• Competitive Pricing • Permanent Installation • Engineering & Project Support

1629 Kahai Street Honolulu, HI 96819

sch@skyclimberhawaii.com www.skyclimberhawaii.com (808) 845-1777

License #C30493

Satterfield Leads Atlas Insurance Business Development

Sean Satterfield has been hired as business development director in the client consulting unit of Atlas Insurance Agency Inc., a Hawaii insurer.

Satterfield will lead the agency team that develops new Sean Satterfield client relationships with local business, including Hawaii’s building industry. He will also guide the development of longterm growth strategies for Property & Casualty, Benefit Consulting, AOAO and Risk Control & Claims Management.

Satterfield’s 24 years of financial industry expertise includes senior management roles with three Fortune 100 financial institutions. He holds a bachelor’s from Wabash College in Indiana, and is a member of the Young Presidents Organization-Hawaii Chapter. www.tradepublishing.com/building-industry-hawaii | 111

NEW PRODUCT PROFILE

THE EVOLUTION OF DUCT TAPE T-Rex, vying with a toolbox mainstay, boasts high-bond strength PRISCILLA PÉREZ BILLIG

From do-it-yourselfers and craftsmen to tradesmen and professional contractors, an old, familiar toolbox mainstay has emerged as a modern, next-generation technology. T-Rex, available at most Walmarts and Ace Hardwares, touts its Brute Force high-performance duct tape as the strongest on the market.

T-Rex Brute Force secures quickly, fastens and holds heavy loads. One 36-inch loop of this new duct tape holds more than 700 pounds of weight and offers superior adhesion.

The high-bond, double-thick adhesive allows the tape to stick to rougher, dirtier surfaces and offers a durable waterproof backing suitable for all-weather performance. For contractors and installers, when they encounter jobsite tasks that require intense strength and durability, Brute Force represents the next generation of high-performance duct tapes with 112 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

patent-pending Forge-Link Technology.

“The unmatched holding power and strength of T-Rex Brute Force fundamentally changes what you can do with a duct tape,” says Stephen Wagner, product marketer for ShurTech Brands, manufacturer of the T-Rex brand. “Where regular duct

tape is good for regular fixes, Brute Force is truly an engineering solution.

The unique technology of Brute Force forges the way for the next generation of high-performance tapes.”

T-Rex Brute Force is sold in 25-yard rolls and is available at national mass and hardware retailers.

www.T-RexTape.com

NEW PRODUCTS

Suck It Up

The iQ426HEPA Cyclonic Dust Extractor offers multistage cyclonic filtration technology able to intercept largesized dust particles. A clean filter means it continues to run strong with powerful suction. It is equipped with a power supply selector allowing a choice between 15 AMP and 20 AMP power sources depending on the work environment. The iQ426HEPA is designed so that the total amount of power being drawn should not exceed the amperage set by the power supply selector. Having the iQ426HEPA regulate the maximum power drawn will minimize tripped circuit breakers and maximize work performance. The dust extractor is OSHAcompliant for 7-inch grinders and includes a heavy-duty cart and accessory rack with a 14-foot anti-static locking hose. www.iqpowertools.com

Smarty Specs

Hilti introduces the Tracefast Smart Concrete Fasteners, its first cordless breaker with a smart fastener system. Its Connect app reads the unique digital matrix code on each fastener end so the worker knows where it is installed. Bring up the specs to see exactly how much torque to apply and report with certainty that it’s correct. Imagine a system where you spec everything in BIM, fastening with a tool that dials in the torque and that tool communicating with the system through your phone to complete reports and track progress. Hilti claims this new smart fastener system gets the worker closer to that system. www.hilti.com/stores/honolulu

Cut It

DeWalt offers its 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless Cable Cutting Tool, available at Home Depot in Honolulu, Pearl City and Kapolei. Designed to cut aluminum or copper cable, this tool’s cutting capacity is 750 MCM copper and 1,000 MCM aluminum. With a bright LED light, the tool is field serviceable with a replaceable cutting blade and an inline forward/reverse button. It runs on a 20V Li-ion battery that allows carrying the tool to just about any work site. DeWalt’s cutter is backed by a three-year limited warranty and one year of free service; battery and charger sold separately. www.grainger.com

Mapper Rapper

Topcon’s Positioning Group Thermal Mapper system is designed to monitor temperature segregation in asphalt paving. It also is used to measure performance and to provide accurate compliance reporting—all with real-time kinematic positioning accuracy. The mapper records temperature readings behind the paver and provides a visualization to operators, indicating whether the mix falls within a pre-defined temperature range and if any segregation is limited within specifications. The system also creates data reporting files to download for applications such as DOT compliance through an interactive Pavelink module, the Topcon cloud-based logistics application for asphalt paving. www.topconpositioning.com

www.tradepublishing.com/building-industry-hawaii | 113

CONSTRUCTION TRENDS | GARRETT J. SULLIVAN

How Do You Rate?

The best project managers all have the top traits

T

here has been an increased use of construction management (CM) companies to oversee projects. Do you occasionally become frustrated and wonder why this added layer of supervision has been added to the process?

Do you find yourself complaining about increased paperwork or payment delays due to CM companies? If so, perhaps it’s time to look inward to assess whether you possess the traits of the best project managers (PM).

Consider the role of a CM company.

Often the CM firm is involved in the project during the pre-design, design, procurement, construction and postconstruction phase. They can play a very major role in the contractor’s success. Therefore, it is imperative a PM be aware of the CM’s perspective and responsibilities to the owner.

These responsibilities include cost management, time management, quality management, contract administration as well as safety management.

In many ways, the CM obligations are often congruent with the contractor. Most times, the CM’s objectives are similar in nature and scope to the contractor’s staff and goals for the project.

Recently, I facilitated a Hawaii construction leadership class, where we discussed the best traits of PMs. One of the participants was a CM company which shared these practices: 1. Know your contract and follow it.

2. Take responsibility for yourself and your subcontractors.

3. Be fair.

4. Communicate early and often.

5. Look ahead as the schedule is very important.

6. Be safe.

7. Be organized.

8. Be responsive.

9. Be cooperative.

10. Bring solutions to the table, not just problems.

The participating Hawaii construction executives were broken up into

114 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2020

late to improve your communication skills and, by doing so, you may Team 1 well find that you improve the quality • Be intelligent and have the experi- of your life. ence to complete the work.

Third, the ability to get along well • Communicate well. with everyone is important. A PM is • Know what to make a priority. not on the job to make friends but • Deliver on your promises. rather to complete the job on time and • Always back the play of the team. under budget. Notwithstanding, treat• Positive can-do attitude. ing everyone fairly and with respect will result in lifelong relationships and Team 2 repeat business.

• Strong communication skills and Fourth, always deliver on your shows empathy. promises. Nothing is more frustrating • Knows the plans for each project than to be told work is ready, only to and the proper construction sequence. find out the work is not even close to • Is fair in all matters and is being ready. Sometimes promises are teamwork-oriented. made and events occur which make it • Skilled at conflict resolution. challenging due to the unforeseen costs of keeping promises. A great PM says Team 3 what they mean and means what they • Possesses great knowledge and say and always keeps their promises. project coordination.

Last, follow the admonition of • Maintains good foresight. a friend who describes his relation• Excellent work ethic. ships as a subcontractor to the general • Great communication skills. contractor: “We are all about the solu• Likeable personality and easy to tion and nothing about the problem.” work with.

Be a PM who is all about the solutions and not the problems.

Team 4 When you focus on the problems, • Great communicator. those around perceive you as a whiner • Understands the importance of and not a leader. superior quality control.

The PM in a construction company • Impeccable integrity. plays an important role in ensuring the • Solution-oriented and always profitability of a job. It makes great understands the big picture. sense to assess your traits and determine if they are in alignment with the To recap the top five traits, it is traits mentioned above. If not, now critical to know and understand the is the time to change your paradigm. contract and plans. So often, additional It will surely result in less frustration, work is undertaken without realizincreased responsibility, higher pay and ing a change order is warranted which greater respect within the construction should have been discussed before the community in Hawaii. work was started to avoid possible animosity. This is important not just Garrett Sullivan is president of Sullivan for the PM but also for each fore& Associates Inc., a management coach man who must understand what the who helps contractors clarify, simplify company has agreed to complete. to achieve their goals and vision with Second, the ability to communicate reduced stress and great profitability. information accurately, clearly and Contact him at GSullivan@SullivanHi. as intended is a vital skill and should com or 478-2564. never be overlooked. It is never too teams and identified the following traits of the best PMs:

•

Building Hawaii

insolid.com

Built-In Hawaii

®

It’s as good as there!

We Are Your Mid-Pacific Shipping Experts Project Transport is your specialist for shipping all of your construction equipment and materials between the U.S. Mainland and Hawaii. We provide turn-key solutions for all types of shipments, from single cartons to the most ambitious, demanding project shipments.

Call us today for a quote!

Competitive Rates, Superior Service • Less Than Container & Full Container Loads • Break-Bulk & Oversized Cargo • Flatracks and Specialized Equipment • Crane / Heavy Lift Service • Roll-On, Roll-Off • Vessel Charters

• Professional Export Packing & Crating • Expert Project Logistics Management • Complete, Door-To-Jobsite Service

HAWAII • GUAM • PACIFIC ISLANDS • ALASKA Phone: (626) 303-4500 • Fax: (626) 303-4550 Email: Quote@Project-Transport.us • Web: www.Project-Transport.us