The Hui Kapili Accelerator program stands as a groundbreaking initiative aimed at revitalizing Hawaii’s construction industry. Launched in 2024, this program represents a collaborative effort between American Savings Bank and Hawaii Home + Remodeling magazine. A significant milestone in the program’s journey was marked by the graduation of its inaugural cohort, consisting of 16 leaders from 10 businesses, in November 2024.
Formation and Purpose
The Hui Kapili Accelerator was born out of a pressing need to address the post-COVID-19 slowdown in the remodeling sector. Industry stakeholders, including Cyd Rosa, publisher of Hawaii Home + Remodeling, recognized that many construction-related businesses had the technical expertise to build homes but frequently lacked the necessary acumen to sustain and grow their operations. This realization led to the formation of Hui Kapili, designed to equip contractors with vital skills to scale their companies effectively and ensure the long-term viability of the state’s construction industry.
The primary goal of the program is to bolster small and medium-sized construction businesses in Hawaii, providing them with tools to create more stable, good-paying jobs, enhance living standards, and ensure a steady pipeline of new businesses to replace those phasing out. In a state where labor shortages, out-migration, and a dearth of affordable housing are critical issues, this initiative becomes particularly crucial. Hui Kapili seeks to address these challenges head-on by fostering growth and sustainability among the local construction businesses.
Addressing Key Challenges
Hawaii’s construction industry faces several daunting challenges, including labor shortages, the high cost of living, and the scarcity of readily available contractors. These issues are interlinked, compounding the difficulty for businesses to find a foothold and thrive. Hui Kapili Accelerator aims to tackle these problems by empowering small and medium-sized businesses to grow, thus contributing to the overall economic stability in the state.
Billy Pieper, senior VP and director of strategic partnerships at American Savings Bank, underscores the significance of strengthening these businesses. By providing the necessary support and resources, the program aims to create stable employment opportunities and improve the state’s economic landscape. This effort simultaneously addresses the affordable housing crisis and ensures a continuous supply of skilled contractors to replace the retiring workforce.
Through a 10-week series of classroom sessions and practical team-building activities, the program provides a comprehensive learning experience. A notable project involved building planter boxes for vegetable gardening at Paepae o He‘eia fishpond. Such hands-on work not only fosters solidarity among participants but also offers direct engagement with the local community, reinforcing the program’s commitment to community betterment.
Learning and Development Structure
The Hui Kapili Accelerator’s curriculum is meticulously designed to deliver practical knowledge that participants can immediately apply to their businesses. Weekly classes encompass a wide array of topics, from marketing and employee safety to financial management and company culture building. The program leverages the expertise of seasoned professionals who share invaluable insights and experiences, ensuring that each session caters to the specific needs of Hawaii’s construction industry.
Prominent figures such as Nan Shin of Nan Inc. and Abe Lee contribute to the program by discussing their entrepreneurial journeys and effective strategies for business growth. Roseann Frietas, CEO of the Building Industry Association of Hawaii, leads enlightening discussions on markups and margins, while David Hijirida of ProService Hawaii covers other essential topics pivotal for business sustainability and expansion. The diversity and depth of these sessions equip participants with a holistic understanding of running a construction business.
Participants, such as Tiffanie Gardner, general manager of Top Priority, laud the program for its relevance and effectiveness. Gardner highlights the financial acumen gained through the program, including essential lessons on forecasting Work In Progress (WIP). Another significant benefit is the opportunity to learn from peers, fostering a collaborative spirit that extends beyond the classroom and into broader discussions on improving the local construction industry.
Impact and Feedback
The Hui Kapili Accelerator has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from its participants, with many acknowledging the tangible improvements in their businesses as a result of the program. The focus on practical, actionable knowledge has been instrumental in facilitating significant growth and enhanced financial stability for the businesses involved. The program stands as a testament to the transformative power of structured, targeted education and mentorship in the construction industry.
One of the key strengths of the program is its ability to cultivate a sense of community among participants. This camaraderie extends far beyond the classroom, leading to discussions on broader issues such as affordable housing, efficient permitting processes, and community development. The collaborative spirit among participants demonstrates a collective commitment to addressing these challenges and working towards common goals.
Cyd Rosa notes the willingness of participants to invest additional time and effort in working as a cohesive group, tackling various challenges, and sharing resources and networks. This sense of community and collaboration is a testament to the program’s success in fostering a supportive environment that encourages growth and development. The positive impact on both a personal and professional level for participants reflects the program’s holistic approach to transformation.
Future Prospects
Due to the success of the inaugural cohort, there is an accelerated timeline for the next cohort, planned for earlier in 2025. The program’s continued evolution and expanded reach reflect its critical role in fostering a sustainable, resilient local construction industry capable of meeting Hawaii’s unique economic and social challenges. Businesses interested in participating are encouraged to monitor Hawaii Home + Remodeling’s website for application details, ensuring they do not miss the opportunity to be part of this transformative initiative.
The Hui Kapili Accelerator is poised to make a lasting impact on Hawaii’s construction industry, equipping small and medium-sized businesses with the skills and knowledge needed to grow and thrive. As these businesses scale, they are better positioned to provide stable employment opportunities, enhance economic stability, and contribute to the availability of affordable housing. The overall positive feedback from participants and the tangible improvements witnessed underscore the program’s success and its potential for long-term impact, promising a brighter future for Hawaii’s building industry.
Conclusion
The Hui Kapili Accelerator program is a pioneering initiative aimed at revitalizing Hawaii’s construction industry. This forward-thinking program was officially launched in 2024, and it represents a collaborative effort between American Savings Bank and Hawaii Home + Remodeling magazine. The initiative is designed to provide support, resources, and mentorship to emerging leaders and businesses within the construction sector.
A significant milestone was achieved in November 2024 with the graduation of the program’s first cohort. This initial group included 16 leaders from 10 different businesses, all of whom benefited from the training and resources provided. The program equipped these leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to drive innovation and growth in Hawaii’s construction industry. By fostering a community of well-supported, forward-thinking professionals, the Hui Kapili Accelerator aims to ensure the construction industry thrives in Hawaii, leading to more efficient, sustainable, and innovative building practices.
