Building Better Together
Industry entrepreneurs get a boost with the new Hui Kapili business accelerator program.
A statewide labor shortage, outward migration, and a shrinking population due to Hawaii’s high cost of living have taken a toll on our local building industry. To address the challenges of finding quality talent and developing new leaders in construction, American Savings Bank and Hawaii Home + Remodeling have partnered to launch “Hui Kapili Accelerator: Building a Better Hawaii Together,” a new initiative supporting small and mid-sized construction-related companies in Hawaii.
Hui Kapili is a free, 10-week business accelerator program dedicated to empowering builders and industry entrepreneurs with the essential skills, financial acumen, and relationships required to thrive in Hawaii’s competitive market. By bridging the gap between the current local talent shortage and future industry demand, Hui Kapili aims to bolster the capacity of construction businesses and foster sustainable growth.
“American Savings Bank is proud to collaborate with Hawaii Home + Remodeling to ensure that our local businesses and talent in the state’s construction industry continue to thrive,” says Ann Teranishi, president and CEO of American Savings Bank. “This program will help ensure that local construction businesses succeed as they create affordable homes for our community, improve our infrastructure and build a stronger Hawaii.”
American Savings Bank president and CEO Ann Teranishi (center) supports the Hui Kapili program and community initiatives that strengthen local businesses and help families thrive. Teranishi is shown here on the grounds of Halewaiolu, an affordable housing project for seniors.
“Hui Kapili will uplift the next generation of local businesses, helping them grow and thrive. By doing so, we’re not just building more homes and creating jobs, we’re making sure that local families continue to flourish in Hawaii,” says Billy Pieper, senior vice president and director of strategic partnerships at American Savings Bank. Photos: Courtesy of American Savings Bank
Participants were chosen through an application and interview process conducted by a discerning committee of industry leaders and executives. The selected cohort will receive personalized mentorship and collaborate on community-driven initiatives exploring the needs of Hawaii’s diverse communities. Educational sessions will be led by seasoned industry experts, who will also provide cohort members with key networking opportunities to grow their businesses.
“The construction industry plays a crucial role in our economy, but many companies are facing the challenges of an aging workforce,” says Billy Pieper, senior vice president and director of strategic partnerships at American Savings Bank. “Hui Kapili will uplift the next generation of local businesses, helping them grow and thrive. By doing so, we’re not just building more homes and creating jobs; we’re ensuring that local families continue to flourish in Hawaii.”
Chad and Liana Hilweh, founders of Hilweh Builders, are members of the inaugural Hui Kapili cohort. Photo: Courtesy of Hilweh Builders
Hilweh Builders is one of the companies selected to participate in the inaugural Hui Kapili cohort. Chad Hilweh, who has years of experience working for various local construction companies, recently launched his own enterprise with the support of his wife, Liana, an accountant. “As a small family-owned business, it’s often just the two of us brainstorming on how to grow and manage Hilweh Builders,” they note. Hui Kapili provides the chance “to learn from others, bringing in a diversity of ideas that can truly propel our business forward.”
“The support we will receive from Hawaii Home + Remodeling magazine, American Savings Bank, and the BIA through this program is invaluable. It’s helping us not only to grow our business but also to solidify our place in the community, ensuring that we can continue to contribute meaningfully and provide for our family for years to come.”
Photo: Michael B. Hardie
Community Effort
Richie Breaux, co-founder of general contracting firm All Things New Hawaii, shares his support for Hui Kapili. “As a business owner of over 12 years, I feel like I’ve seen it all,” he says. “It has taken me years to gain the insight and experience to be able to navigate this journey. Programs like Hui Kapili give business owners the chance to find common ground so we can address the issues that we face as an industry together, and work toward solutions that will make our industry stronger.”
Editor’s Note: This article has been slightly modified from the original print version for optimal online reading. To view the full print story, pick up your copy of Hawaii Home + Remodeling at one of our partner locations.
