BIA Aims to Furnish Homebuilders with Increased Labor Pool of Entry-Level Workers

BIA Aims to Furnish Homebuilders with Increased Labor Pool of Entry-Level Workers

The Building Industry Association of Hawaii (BIA Hawaii) has been a driving force in the state’s construction industry for decades, providing advocacy, events, and education to its members. Recently, the organization has refocused its efforts on reviving its training program, which was put on hold during the pandemic. As part of this effort, BIA Hawaii aims to supply homebuilders with more entry-level workers, a crucial step in addressing the state’s persistent housing shortage.

A Bright Spot in a Challenging Market

In a recent interview, Roseann Freitas, CEO of BIA Hawaii, spoke candidly about the challenges facing the industry, including the high cost of living, labor shortages, tariffs, and regulatory hurdles. “Of course, the high cost of living is driving everything right now,” she said. “And the labor shortage keeps a lot of contractors up at night, because you can’t finish a project if you don’t have the bodies to do it.” Despite these challenges, Freitas remains optimistic about the industry’s potential, citing the demand for new and upgraded homes in Hawaii as a reason for enthusiasm.

Reviving the Training Program

BIA Hawaii’s training program, which provides pre-apprenticeship construction training for individuals with no prior experience, was put on hold during the pandemic. The program is now back in full swing, with courses taking place every month in 2025. The organization has partnered with the state to provide the curriculum, instructors, and location, and also helps students find 100-hour internships and connects them with local companies.

Increasing Diversity and Inclusivity

BIA Hawaii is also focused on increasing diversity and inclusivity within the construction industry. According to Freitas, only 10.8% of the U.S. construction workforce is female. The organization has established a Professional Women in Building Council to encourage more women to enter the industry and provide them with the support and resources they need to succeed. By increasing the number of women in the industry, BIA Hawaii hopes to address the housing shortage and provide affordable housing solutions.

Addressing Supply Shortages

The construction industry is grappling with supply shortages, particularly when it comes to lumber and electric transformers. BIA Hawaii is working with its members to address these shortages and provide solutions to help them complete projects on time and within budget. The organization is also promoting modular homes as an innovative solution to the housing shortage, particularly on the island of Maui.

Permitting and Regulation

Freitas emphasized the need for streamlined permitting and regulation processes to enable developers to create innovative solutions for existing spaces. “Adding too many roadblocks and costs makes it much harder to make affordable housing,” she said. By finding ways to reduce costs and simplify the permitting process, BIA Hawaii hopes to make it easier for developers to create affordable housing options.

Recommendations

By implementing the following recommendations, BIA Hawaii can help to supply homebuilders with more entry-level workers and drive innovation in the construction industry:

• Streamline permitting and regulation processes: Reduce costs and simplify the permitting process to enable developers to create affordable housing options.
• Increase diversity and inclusivity: Encourage more women to enter the construction industry and provide them with the support and resources they need to succeed.
• Promote modular homes: Modular homes can be an innovative solution to the housing shortage, particularly on the island of Maui.
• Address supply shortages: Work with members to address supply shortages, particularly when it comes to lumber and electric transformers.
• Invest in workforce development: Provide training programs and apprenticeships to equip entry-level workers with the skills they need to succeed in the construction industry.