construction

Maui County has dropped all charges related to protests over construction on known historic burial grounds in Kaua’ula Valley. Five native Hawaiian women with familial ties to the area on Maui’s west end have been refunded their bail and are calling for a halt to the project after human remains were uncovered.

Tensions are rising on Maui’s west end over construction that’s begun on known historic burial grounds in Kauaʻula Valley. Lineal descendants of the area have flocked to the site in recent days to halt the project until archeological work can be done to ensure ancestral remains are protected.

The administrators for Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 9 talk coordinating efforts during the coronavirus pandemic, the Contractors Association of Hawaii on how the industry is keeping job sites open and workers safe, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau discusses the challenges ahead.

Honolulu councilmembers passed a measure Wednesday that opponents say favors labor unions and that supporters argue will gurantee jobs for local workers.

More than $300 million in funding for military construction projects in Hawaii could potentially be diverted to pay for a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. After declaring a national emergency, President Trump directed the Defense Department to identify projects from which funds could be repurposed.

The Honolulu City Council has given final approval to a bill that aims to streamline the process for getting a building permit. Lengthy delays in issuing permits have been frustrating builders and homeowners alike.

Members of Oahu’s residential construction industry have been lobbying the Council to address the months-long wait for permits they say is costing them millions of dollars. In an otherwise booming local economy, some contractors have been reducing hours or laying off workers entirely.

  2017 should be another positive year for Hawai‘i’s economy, despite slowing growth in the construction sector. That’s the view of a local economic forecast group—and we have details from Pacific Business News editor-in-chief A. Kam Napier.

Hawaii’s construction market is operating at a blistering pace. That has some contractors cutting corners — and the fines are piling up. We get more on that story from Pacific Business News editor in chief A. Kam Napier.

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What a Difference a Rate Makes, UHERO blog: Michael Roberts

With construction cranes popping up all over, you might think the entire construction industry is booming. But that’s not entirely the case. Here’s PBN editor in chief A. Kam Napier with more.

The construction industry isn’t growing as quickly as economists had expected. That’s according to a new report by the University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization. Despite a surge of activity on Oahu, the annual forecast says residential building permits actually fell last year. HPR’s Molly Solomon tells us why.

You can read UHERO's full Construction Forecast report here.

The state’s top economic driver, tourism, is on the verge of being overtaken by the construction industry.  That’s the prediction of two economists who spoke at the Hawai’i Economic Association luncheon today.  HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports.    

Construction on a 43-story luxury residential condominium in a prime downtown location commenced today with a traditional Hawaiian Blessing and Ground-Breaking.   HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports.  

Development plans for 8 high-rise towers in Kaka’ako have been approved, with at least 3 more in the pre-application process. Older warehouse-type buildings will be demolished to make way for the new 400-foot towers. But as HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports, one classic structure in the area has been spared from demolition and will serve as a headquarters for redevelopment.

Plans to build 2 more high-rise buildings in Kaka’ako   won unanimous approval today, bringing the total to eight 400-foot towers approved for construction in Honolulu’s so-called “Third City.” As HPR’s Wayne Yoshioka reports, the developer won major concessions or modifications to state building rules.

A long-awaited highway construction project in West Hawaii may be closer to to finally getting underway. The State Department of Transportation has provided no official updates since September, 2012. So HPR's Sherry Bracken talked with Governor Neil Abercrombie about the status of Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway.

One of the most dangerous roadways in the state is getting close to being completely revamped. That was a goal of the late Senator Daniel K. Inouye. One part of the reconstruction will be done in three months...and then there's only one section to go. From Hawaii Island, HPR's Sherry Bracken gives us an update.