Shaping the Future
In honor of Women’s History Month in March, we check in with Hawaii’s Professional Women in Building council.
The National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) Professional Women in Building (PWB) council celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2025. With more than 70 chartered councils and thousands of members nationwide, PWB has made a significant impact in advancing opportunities for women in residential construction careers. Last year, BIA Hawaii launched the first PWB council in the Islands, creating a supportive network for industry wahine under the leadership of a dynamic committee.
“Eighty years ago, even 70 years ago, there was a much different environment for women in construction,” says Hinano Nahinu, PWB Hawaii council chair. “Today, women are allowed to do a lot of things that we couldn’t do in the past. We want to celebrate what we’ve been able to establish over time in both the building industry and PWB.”
Nahinu, an award-winning interior designer who also specializes in kitchen and bath design at Pacific Source, was first introduced to PWB during her tenure as BIA Hawaii president. In 2023, she was selected to be part of the NAHB Emerging Leadership Program and attended a leadership meeting in Palm Springs, where she met PWB members from other states. Inspired by their fellowship, advocacy and connections, Nahinu felt a strong calling to bring PWB to Hawaii, complementing the growing local movement of women’s empowerment initiatives.
From left to right: BIA Hawaii leaders celebrate the PWB charter — Kamuela Potter (president-elect), Roseann Freitas (CEO), Hinano Nahinu (immediate past president and PWB council chair), Sarah Love (Hawaii delegate), and Lili Shintani (vice president).
“Whether it’s helping women launch their businesses or get their contractor’s license, we want to be a resource for women and help them find what they’re passionate about,” says Hinano Nahinu, PWB Hawaii council chair.
“Getting a charter from PWB national is huge,” says Nahinu. “PWB Hawaii isn’t even a year old and we are boots-on-the-ground running. Whether it’s helping women launch their businesses or get their contractor’s license, we want to be a resource for women and help them find what they’re passionate about.”
According to Nahinu, the three “legs” that anchor PWB Hawaii’s membership benefits are networking events, educational seminars and community outreach. The council’s mission is to advocate for ongoing learning, workforce development and relationship-building to increase representation of women in the traditionally male-dominated residential construction field.
“For me personally, the biggest impact I’ve seen as an example of PWB in Hawaii was meeting a young, aspiring Native Hawaiian handywoman entrepreneur at the Wahine Forum event last October,” says Nahinu. “She came up to me wanting to learn more about PWB, and we invited her to join BIA Hawaii. She recently graduated from our Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training (PACT) program and is now working in our industry.”
Workshops designed for networking and sharing experiences bring PWB members together for camaraderie, learning and mutual support.
Connecting and exchanging ideas with industry peers is a key benefit of PWB Hawaii membership.
The PWB Hawaii leadership committee is planning a full slate of events for 2025. Members can look forward to panel discussions, educational classes and networking events over coffee or pau hana. PWB also continues its community outreach with visits to elementary schools, where they promote the book “The House That She Built.”
Nahinu also aims to expand PWB’s reach to include activities on the Neighbor Islands. Collaborations with other local women’s organizations are in the works, too. PWB Hawaii appreciates the support of its sponsors, which make these initiatives possible, and the council is actively seeking new partnerships to move its mission forward.
“We want to create based on what our membership needs are,” says Nahinu. “This is a never-ending industry of learning, and there’s something in PWB for everyone.”
BIA Hawaii membership is required to join PWB. PWB membership is an additional $125 after BIA Hawaii membership approval. Learn more and sign up at biahawaii.org or visit PWB Hawaii on Instagram at @pwbhawaii.
The House that She Built
To raise awareness of PWB, Hawaii council members are hosting reading sessions of “The House That She Built” at local elementary schools. Written by Mollie Elkman and beautifully illustrated, the book introduces children to a team of women in various trades and the vital skills they contribute to building a home. Young readers will be inspired by powerful role models — including an architect, farmer, roofer and others — showcasing the diverse careers they can pursue. Elkman, who grew up surrounded by home builders, dedicated the book to skilled tradeswomen everywhere who serve as groundbreakers and industry pioneers. Learn more about the book and order your copy at builderbooks.com.
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.
