Editor’s Notes: March 2024

Family matters.

I received one of my favorite birthday gifts just after becoming editor of Hawaii Home + Remodeling in 2022. It was a small keychain bearing the words, “Home is not a place, but you are home.”

That keychain hangs by my desk at work, and I look at it often for inspiration. The message is short but deep: It’s a reminder for me to think of the people who make our homes what they truly are.

Builders, contractors, subcontractors, architects, designers, home-goods vendors — there is honor in these vocations and enterprises that construct and curate the places where we reside. And then, of course, there are our relatives, friends, neighbors and others whose presence and visits transform houses into vibrant spaces bursting with stories, memories and life.

With that, I welcome you to our “Ohana Issue.” It’s a special one. And while it seems like I might say that with each new magazine, this one is different. I got a little more “chicken skin” and teary-eyed while editing during this production cycle than I normally do. If you’ve ever wanted to understand how interconnected we all are, and the many parts we play in making the Islands a place we’re proud to call home, the Ohana Issue is one to read.

Our creative director and I were meeting at Morning Brew café one day, when we decided to strike up a conversation with the folks sitting next to us: Kris Powers of Powers Design Studio and Chad Hilweh of Hilweh Builders. Their stories reminded me of Krystle Werk, whom I had met last year at the AIA Honolulu Design Awards Gala, and her husband, Barret, of Werk Arts, both rising industry entrepreneurs who are balancing new businesses and young families. We asked Kris, Chad, Krystle and their ohana to share photos and reflections about their journeys.

And this month’s cover story spotlights the awesome Homeworks Construction ohana. Celebrating 30 years in business in 2024, the company has long been one of our go-to sources for industry insights and project features that are perennially popular with our readers. Congratulations to Homeworks owners Jim Byxbee, Sylvio Boucher and Marshall Hickox, and their talented staff, on reaching this milestone.

And we’re grateful to call you, dear reader, part of our Hawaii Home + Remodeling family. Enjoy this issue, and thanks for reading!

Aloha,

Darlene Dela Cruz, Editor