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Status of SCD Residential Projects

• Cottages at Kehalani (Maui), single-family home community — wrapping up with just three units remaining
• The Villas at Kehalani, town homes — eight units currently are still under construction. Building 19 will be released shortly.
• Hoolea Terrace, affordable town homes at Kehalani — the model is set for public grand opening on June 19 to be followed by completion of the first buildings.
• The Bungalows at Kehalani, the newest community at the Maui development, will offer 174 three and four-bedroom homes with a variety of floor plans. No release dates at this time.
• On the Big Island, sitework is progressing at Kaloko Heights with SCD planning out the first phases of “entry-level for sale” town houses and workforce rentals serving 60 percent of the AMI (area median income).
• Sitework continues at Franciscan Vistas (Ewa), a 150-unit affordable rental project for low-income seniors, under the auspices of a division of St. Francis Healthcare System, with vertical construction to begin soon.
• Construction drawings for Halekauwila Place, a 204-unit high-rise rental project in Kakaako are 65 percent completed with groundbreaking estimated for the first quarter of 2011.

Castle & Cooke Homes’ Kealakai development is under construction in Kapolei.

Status of Castle & Cooke Projects

Current project offerings are located in the Villages of Kapolei, with all targeted at the 140 percent AMI and below. Barrett says they are projecting an increase in residential deliveries for 2010 of about 10 percent. Among the current projects in Kapolei:
• The first phase of Nohona town homes (158 units) is being completed, and phase two (93 units) is in full production.
• Phase one of Kealakai, a stack flat, two-story, multifamily condominium development (140 units), is under construction with first deliveries expected this month.
• The Maluohai affordable rental project (72 units) is expected to begin in July.
• Barrett reports that a final decision from the Land Use Commission (LUC) on the Koa Ridge development is expected by September. “The next step in the entitlement process,” he explains, “will be county zoning approval and then we can begin offsite construction.”

D.R. Horton - schuler division Project Status

Big Island:
• Pualani Estates’ single-family homes in Kona are selling at a rate of three per month.
• Lualai at Waimea, which held a grand re-opening in May, is starting phase three with Clark Realty as co-listing partner.

Maui:
• Of Na Hoku at Maui Lani’s total 161 single-family homes, just 36 remain to be sold.
• The “boutique community” of The Cottages at Kulamalu has 11 homes remaining to be sold out of 40 total.
• At the condominium community of Opukea in Lahaina, 60 of the total 114 residences have been released, with eight of the completed units left to sell. Four additional buildings are planned.
• The new community of Hoonanea, also in Lahaina, is starting up with 100 multifamily condominium homes.
Flood stresses that both Opukea and Hoonanea are aimed at fulfilling the housing needs of Lahaina’s local residents.

Oahu:
• Nanala at Mehana in Kapolei, a 100-unit condominium community, has just 13 residences left to sell. “It is anticipated that Nanala will be built out and sold out by this fall,” says Flood.
• Kahiwelo at Makakilo, a single-family community “offering substantial homes, some with Diamond Head views, is selling homes as fast as they can be built.”
• Makalae at Sea Country is part of a master-planned community encompassing 900-plus single-family and duplex homes on 3,500 to 5,000-square-foot lots. All but 282 are completed and will first be offered for sale this summer. The homes are not in a CPR (condominium property regime). A portion of Makalae will offer “affordable homes” in partnership with the City & County of Honolulu, fulfilling the developer’s requirement for affordable housing within the master plan.

Future developments include La Hiki, a 132-unit single-family home development in Mehana at Kapolei and Pulewa, a 120-unit condominium community, also
in Mehana.

Status of DHHL Projects

Oahu:
• At Kanehili (East Kapolei I), as of April 2010, 145 of the total 250 homes developed by Gentry, have been completed and are occupied. All turnkey homes are scheduled to be completed by November.
• At East Kapolei II, off-site sewer and drainage construction (Goodfellow Bros., Inc.) is being completed. The notice to proceed for construction of the East-West Road (Delta Construction) was issued in mid-May.
• Construction of infrastructure at Kumuhau, a 52-lot subdivision in Waimanalo recently was completed. Armstrong Builders LLC will construct 45 turnkey homes, with construction scheduled to begin this summer.
• Subdivision and construction plans for the 50-lot subdivision Kakaina in Waimanalo are being reviewed by the county. Site construction is scheduled to begin in late 2011.
• Sitework at Kaupuni in Waianae was completed in February 2010. House construction (Hunt Builders) is scheduled to begin this month and be completed by the end of 2010.

Maui:
• Phase one of the Keokea-Waiohuli development in Kula (98 lots and 66 farm lots) has been completed. A Request for Proposal (RFP) will be issued soon to develop, construct, finance and market 10 to 60 turnkey homes. Construction of site improvements for phase 2 (76 residential lots) is planned for early 2011. Plans are proceeding for phase 3 (77 residential lots) and phase 4 (80 residential lots) in 2013 and 2015, respectively.
• Development of the Villages of Leialii 1, phase 1B, in Lahaina, is dependent upon development of a new potable water source for the 250-unit single-family subdivision. Onsite subdivision designs and plans will be initiated in early 2011, subject to successful determination of a potable water source.

Hawaii Island:
• Completion is anticipated in July 2010 for roads and utilities (CTS Earthmoving, Inc.) at Lai Opua Village 5 in Kealakehe. Construction of between 45 and 113 homes (Armstrong Builders) is estimated to be authorized no earlier than July 2010.
A time frame for home construction at Village 4 has not been determined.
Further development of Village 2 will be determined after water commitments have been secured.

Kauai:
• At phase one of Piilani Mai Ke Kai in Anahola, construction of 26 turnkey units in increment one and 10 turnkey units in increment 2 (all by Coastal Construction Co.) was completed in April 2010. Plans for phase 2 are under review with the County of Kauai, with phase 3 to be determined.

Status of Gentry Homes’ Projects

• The Tides, Gentry’s entry level, most affordable community and winner of the
Grand Champion Award in the BIA
  (Building Industry Association of Hawaii) 2009 Parade of Homes, is sold out with three more phases to be released later this year. “This has been a great success,” says Hobson, “due to the pricing, the energy-saving features included in the price and the (recently ended) tax credit.”
• The first offering (approximately 90 homes) at Latitudes, a neighborhood targeted to first-time or move-up buyers, is sold out and occupied. Additional homes will be released later this year.
• Haleakea, Gentry’s luxury move-up product has been completed. Models are being constructed for a new line of Haleakea homes, which will be offered at a lower price than the original series.
• At Kanehili in Kapolei, a partnership with DHHL with Gentry as developer, the first phase of 111 affordable single-family homes
has been completed and occupied. Phase 2, with 139 homes, is
estimated for completion by the end of November.

Building Industry, June 2010

A Protech Roofing crew installs shingles on new houses at Actus Lend Lease’s Aliamanu Community.

BY LEE SCHALLER
The last two years have been particularly tough for residential development and construction. Last year at this time, our cover story titled “Anyone Home?” spoke in detail about the severely challenged marketplace with its many delayed, stalled or aborted plans — as well as those fortunate projects that still were continuing to move forward.

Where are we today? As you see from the title of this report, it seems that things truly are looking up!

Just about everyone we spoke with was more positive about the current position of residential development and construction and what lies ahead.

Some, granted, were “cautiously positive” and several still express concern about the big picture. But overall, the mood is lighter and hopes brighter as we finally move forward (despite the usual frustrations, governmental roadblocks and red tape) into a busier, more productive and profitable time.

Restart Your Engines

Let’s start with a developer and builder who expressed serious concern last year at this time, saying the news for residential construction was not good. Mark Richards, president and CEO of Maryl Group, Inc., which, in addition to work in other sectors, has been deeply involved with resort-residential projects, seems to be more upbeat this time around. “People in our markets (thinking about beginning construction) appear to be more comfortable with what they see in the future.” As to Maryl’s own projects, “Construction is proceeding on homes at Kukio (on Maui) in our partnership there.” Richards explains that the development operating entity at Kukio is under TDM LLC which is a partnership between Spring Capital of Eugene, Ore., and Maryl Group, Inc. Also on Maui, Maryl has a $10 million home in Mauna Lani due to be completed in December. And, “We have a number of bids and offers in play at this time.” What is Richards’ view of the residential construction picture statewide? “Cautiously moving forward.”

“I think 2010 will hold well for Oahu in the residential market,” says Stanford Carr of Stanford Carr Development, LLC (SCD). “In fact, in some of the neighborhoods there is very little inventory available. However, with unemployment at around 7.6 percent, I think Oahu will see the bottom this year and we can look forward to a slow recovery in the years to come. The neighbor islands are suffering a little more with higher unemployment and softer demand for second homes. As the REOs (real estate owned) and short sale inventory become absorbed, prices will stabilize and, hopefully, the conventional financing (Fannie Mae) will stabilize and stop changing the rules on loan product for the vacation/second home market — thus market recovery.”

Bruce Barrett, executive vice president, residential operations, for Castle & Cooke Homes, Hawaii, Inc., tells us, “Currently we have experienced strong demand for our affordable product offerings in the Village of Kapolei. This has been driven in part by the recently ended (April 30) federal tax credit program and the low mortgage interest rates.” In answer to how 2009 compared with 2008 for his company, Barrett says, “Deliveries decreased in 2009 versus 2008 — however, for Castle & Cooke, this was attributed more to delivering our last residential homes in Mililani than to overall market conditions. Although Oahu has been impacted by declining sale volume and prices, we have not seen the dramatic decreases experienced on the neighbor islands and in many mainland cities. Oahu actually has risen in the rank of most expensive housing markets. As a result, there still is a current need and demand for affordable and workforce housing.”

So Far, So Good

Mark Kennedy, project manager for Haseko’s Ka Makana

That is the concise description of the current year at this point in time, by Richard Dunn, vice president of residential sales and marketing for Haseko. “We continue to be cautiously optimistic about the improving economy and the marketplace overall,” he says. “Sales are steady so far. We sold fewer homes in 2009 than in the previous year but that was true for just about everyone in real estate. We’re hopeful that 2010 will be better and so far, so good. (Potential homebuyer) interest remains very high in our resort residences,” he explains. “I think that is due to a number of factors — relatively low interest rates, a slowly improving economy, a wide range of products in different price points, Haseko’s reputation for high quality homes and craftsmanship. Plus potential buyers can see the tremendous value that comes with buying in a burgeoning resort area. Where else on Oahu can you purchase a home that overlooks a private country club in a community that is planned to feature the largest private marina in the state and also enjoy resort amenities such as a hotel, spa and wellness center? There is nothing else out there quite like what we are offering at Ka Makana (at Hoakalei) today and certainly nothing that can compare to what is planned for Hoakalei in the years to come.”

“The market for new homes in Hawaii is seeing a mild uptick,” says Mary Flood, vice president, sales and marketing for D.R. Horton - Schuler Division. “The tax credit did put some buyers into the marketplace who may not have ventured out otherwise; just about 30 percent of April sales were influenced by the $8,000 federal tax credit. Most buyers were more interested in a floor plan that would fit their needs and some bought homes that would not be completed by June 30 (the tax credit deadline) because that was the home they wanted to live in. Oahu is stronger than either Maui or the Big Island, however, the Kona market has been consistent in the last quarter with more homes selling as they are released — mostly to local buyers. Maui has demonstrated that there is a price point (under $400,000) that appeals to buyers and allows payments in their comfort zone. D.R. Horton continues to offer lower than market interest rates at many of our communities. During the past year, USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), VA (Veterans’ Administration) and FHA (Federal Housing Administration) have been very popular financing tools since most buyers are struggling with accumulating a substantial down payment.”

Build Them and They Will Sell

Bob Kayser, left, vice president/director of construction for Gentry Homes, with project manager Ralph Kanoho at the Kanehili construction site

“This year so far has been surprisingly good,” says Richard “Rick” Hobson, vice president of sales and marketing for Gentry Homes. “I think the low interest rates, the tax credit and the more efficient and affordable product lines all have helped to bring this about. We are selling homes in our communities as fast as we can build them.” The overall residential picture in Hawaii? “Production of new homes is still down,” Hobson says, “but as the formation of families continues to expand, there will be a greater demand.” In speaking of the ever-growing Ewa area, Hobson emphasizes, “The improvement of Fort Weaver Road and the connection of Kapolei Parkway and North-South Road have made a tremendous difference. It’s an even greater and more convenient place in which to live now.” Bob Kayser, Gentry’s vice president and director of construction, underscores Hobson’s comments. “In addition to the now more convenient driving conditions, residents have access to everything right here at home — shopping, schools, entertainment, jobs. For example, 20 percent of the student body of Island Pacific Academy in Kapolei live in the Ewa area,” he says.

“We built our foundation from being known historically as a small, pocket, affordable housing developer to now being recognized as a master-planned community developer,” says Kaulana Park, chairman of the Hawaiian Homes Commission and director of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL). “Additionally, we focused on creating a financial pathway for our beneficiaries through HOAP (DHHL’s Home Ownership Assistance Program) and capitalized on keeping our homes affordable. Now, we are building on this foundation and moving toward developing prosperous communities — Ke Kaiaulu Hoowaiwai (‘the prospering community’), which will be energy-efficient, self-sustaining and a community of one through the aina. As we develop homes that use less energy and subsequently reduce our living costs, we began reflecting back to our ancestors and how they lived and worked together in the ahupuaa.” (Editor’s note: In old Hawaii, ahupuaa referred to the common division of the land.) “Kaupuni (an 18-home subdivision in Waianae Valley) will be the leader in understanding how to build a modern day ahupuaa using approximately 3.5 acres in Waianae Valley. Kaupuni is about using today’s technology and marrying it with our cultural Hawaiian lifestyle through the aina, that in time develops prosperity, utilizing a community educational area that will serve as a cultural, economical and self-sufficiency model.

“An example of a larger-scale project,” Park adds, “is Ka Pua Makaha in Makaha Valley, a partnership with the Kamehameha Schools. The lessons learned at Kaupuni will be carried over to Ka Pua Makaha to develop our next prosperous community, this one of approximately 300 acres in size.”
Regarding the current residential picture, Park says, “Our market is very defined and somewhat limited because we develop for Native Hawaiians who qualify under the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act. That being said, the reports of improvement in the visitor industry and what seems to be a stabilizing of our economy are good signs. The credit market is a little better but I think uncertainty in the job market (still) has a dampening effect on whether people are willing to take out a mortgage right now.”

Across the Board

We spoke with residential builders of all scope and sizes, from those involved with large residential developments to those who build one home at a time. Evan Fujimoto, president of Graham Builders, says, “Our volume was down about 30 percent in 2009 from 2008, which resulted in having to ‘right-size’ the company to cope with extraordinary economic conditions. In addition, we saw the size of each job decrease as we moved to a mix of 85 percent renovation and 15 percent new build, where previously our mix had been closer to 50-50. However, there was a silver lining. The tougher market conditions worked to shake out the weaker companies. Also, clients became more realistic regarding what they could afford to do and focused more on essentials.” As for 2010, Fujimoto says, “Despite a slow start, our sales volume at Graham Builders is increasing. People are becoming more optimistic in their outlook. They are beginning to plan again. They are more positive and more genuinely interested in moving forward with us for their new build or renovation project.”

Robert Bladet, CEO of Build Pacific General Contractor LLC, comes from a long line of builders. “My grandfather was William C. Harr, former owner of HARVIS Construction,” he explains. “They did a lot of commercial work in the islands. I joined the Carpenters Union here right after graduation and at first went to work for HARVIS but moved on to expand my construction knowledge and keep busy when times were slow. That took me to construction work on Oahu, Maui, Molokai, the Big Island and Kauai.” With a good overview of the industry statewide, Bladet started Build Pacific (previously Island Design & Construction) after his partner in the former company passed away. “We definitely saw a slowdown in 2009,” he says. “I had just finished a high-end residential project on Diamond Head Road and then it seemed like there was nothing to bid on, or if there was, other contractors also were going for the same job. I had to cut overhead substantially. In 2010, I’ve been blessed with a moderate amount of work and things seem to be picking up. I tend to aspire to high end residential work when it is available.” (Bladet also does commercial tenant improvements, which he calls the “meat and potatoes” of his work.) “I recently finished renovating a penthouse on Ala Wai Boulevard,” he reports, “and right now we’re renovating a home on Diamond Head Road, designed by famous architect Vladimir Ossipoff.” In basic philosophy, Bladet says, “This is a small island so if your motto is ‘keep the customer happy,’ even if you have to absorb some costs to do that, it’s worth it in the long run. Going the extra mile for a customer should be the ultimate goal for a contractor. There is no better feeling at the end of the job than to have a satisfied customer. And, they will come back if they have other work in the future.”


Diamond Head Hale, an Ossipoff-inspired home recently completed by Build Pacific General Contractor, LLC

Arming the Industry

Military housing continues to provide huge reinforcements to the residential building industry, good times or bad. One of the major developers in this area is Actus Lend Lease with its large long-term projects in the state. Ann M. Choo Wharton, regional communications director, Army Hawaii Family Housing LLC, updates us on projects:

Army Family Housing LLC (AHFH), an Actus Lend Lease Community:

• “As of March 31,” she reports, “more than 2,800 of the planned 5,388 new homes were completed since the project began in 2004. In 2010, nearly 900 new homes will be constructed at Fort Shafter, Aliamanu, Schofield and Wheeler.”

• The Wilikina Community Center at Wheeler Army Airfield is scheduled for completion in September 2010.
Hickam Community Housing LLC (HCH), an Actus Lend Lease Community:

• “Phase I of the Air Force’s residential development will wrap up in October 2010,” says Wharton. “Since new home construction began in 2005, 660 new homes have been completed and the remaining 156 new homes will be constructed through October 2010. Phase II, which began in 2007 and will continue through 2013, includes the planned construction of 118 new homes in 2010.”

• The former NCO (non-commissioned officers) club is being renovated into a new community center for residents living in Hickam community housing.

Below, FCMC’s Battle Ship Cove, Ford Island, a new 102-unit neighborhood.
Forest City Military Communities (FCMC), the development entity for Navy and Marine housing in Hawaii, also is a powerhouse provider of work for the local residential building industry. “Since Forest City entered into its 50-year privatization contract with the Department of the Navy in 2004, over 2,400 high-quality and energy-efficient homes have been constructed for Navy and Marine military families,” says Jim Ramirez, vice president, FCMC Hawaii. “The construction effort has spanned four phases, with three completed and the fourth to be completed in the third quarter of 2012. In recognizing the importance of supporting the local economy, Forest City in almost all of its phases, has awarded approximately 84 percent of its contracts to local Hawaii businesses and 70 percent to small businesses, exceeding government requirements of 30 percent in both categories. Upcoming in the first quarter of 2011 is the construction of another 218 units at Kaneohe Marine Corps Base‘s Ulupau neighborhood. Forest City is in the process of designing and planning this phase V with NAVFAC (Naval Facilities Engineering Command) and Marine housing and is soliciting proposals from contractors and vendors.

“In an effort to expand into other developments in the state,” Ramirez reports “in 2008, we were awarded the opportunity to team with the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) to develop Kamakana Villages, a compact, walk- able, transit-oriented development (TOD) project in north Kona.”

“The objective is to create an affordable mixed-use community derived from new urbanist planning and design principles as described in the Kona Community Development Plan (CDP),” says Race Randle, development manager for Forest City Hawaii. “The plan for the 272-acre site proposes 2,330 homes,” adds Ramirez, “with 50 percent sold at Hawaii County affordable levels. Also included are 197,000 square feet of retail space. Once completed, the community should generate approximately 930 new jobs.” Kamakana Villages is planned in three phases, with occupancy to begin as early as 2012 pending completion of state land use and county zoning approvals.

Everyone is Talking Green

No matter what plan or project we are discussing, sooner or later, the conversation turns to how it measures up in energy-efficiency.
This is true nationwide, of course, but here in Hawaii with our sky-high energy costs and fragile ecology, it is even more vital. How huge is the impact on residential building?

“Today’s homebuyers are looking for more green and sustainable homes,” says Castle & Cooke Homes’ Bruce Barrett. “However, with the high cost of housing in Hawaii, most buyers are making ‘green’ decisions on affordability and the cost benefit of the green feature.” Looking at upcoming developments, Barrett adds, “We believe that future communities should be more sustainable and have included in our Koa Ridge LUC petition, a sustainable plan. The plan incorporates the 10 major principles of smart growth and targets reductions in home energy costs.”

“We continue to offer Gentry’s energy value package with all of our homes,” says Gentry’s Rick Hobson. The package includes 16-SEER air conditioning, solar water heater, Icynene open cell foam insulation, dual-glaze low-E vinyl windows, dual flush toilets, compact fluorescent lighting and many other energy-saving features. “We are looking at including 24-SEER air conditioning in the new line of Haleakea Homes,” Hobson says, “which could result in up to 25 percent savings.”

“All of our homes are performance tested,” emphasizes Gentry’s Bob Kayser.

“We are seeing more people asking about green building or sustainable design,” says Graham Builders’ Fujimoto. “In an effort to further educate those thinking about building green, we developed a series of ‘Building for Comfort & Savings’ seminars. The first was on May 15 with upcoming seminars planned for July 17 and Dec. 18.”

DHHL’s Kaulana Park says, “We face the same challenges as any other developer, but we remain optimistic that the move to more green building and the reduction of energy consumption is a benefit, especially during the current economic climate.” Stressing the importance of teamwork in sustainable building, Park says, “Kaupuni is made up of a number of partners, but one of the major partners is Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO). Their expertise in the renewable energy field has been invaluable.”

In another innovative move, the Building Industry Association of Hawaii (BIA), in collaboration with DHHL, HECO, and the Hawaii Built Green Council, is creating a model “green demo” home to be completed in time for BIA’s annual Parade of Homes in mid-September. The goal of “A New Hawaiian Home,” being built to meet the National Green Building Standard, is to educate homeowners on using energy-efficient technology and help builders cut construction costs by incorporating green techniques and materials.

More Sustainable Stories

“Forest City added sustainability as a core value in 2003 and has improved in its sustainable best practices phase by phase,” says Jim Ramirez. “We have utilized dozens of environment-friendly practices in our homes including energy-efficient lighting systems, large-scale recycling programs, water management and much more. All homes are designed to exceed the local Energy Star home building standard adopted by the State of Hawaii and ‘green’ design is a standard feature in all our neighborhoods.

Sustainable attributes include solar water heating systems approved by HECO, exterior hardiplank siding, compact fluorescent lighting, dual glaze low-E windows, Energy Star appliances, low VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and 16-SEER air conditioning. After working closely with our LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) AP firm Rim Architects and contractor Hunt Builders, our 388-home Wailuku neighborhood at MCBH now is certified as a LEED for Neighborhood Development Certified Plan by the USGBC. It is the first major residential subdivision in Hawaii to gain this certification.” Forest City also is in the process of pursuing LEED-silver certification for its new residential management office at MCBH, and LEED gold for Homes for the 10 units at Camp Smith and the MCBH Mololani neighborhood.

“For the second year in a row, Actus has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for outstanding contributions in reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” reports AHFH’s Wharton, “receiving the 2010 Excellence in Energy Star Promotion Award. Here in Hawaii,” she says, “Actus and our Army and Air Force partners are focused on building the most sustainable housing and ensuring that our residents understand the importance of living a greener lifestyle.” Actus recently completed a new Hickam Community Housing office that was built to LEED for new construction standards, “The team anticipates LEED certification for the project,” Wharton says.

“Actus is fortunate to have great partners in Hawaii like the Air Force and Army, who share a common vision when it comes to building sustainable communities,” says Dick Hawes, executive vice president, Hawaii region, for Actus Lend Lease. “We hope that designing energy-efficient homes for our military families and providing them with awareness and educational programs surrounding energy conservation will help the state meet its conservation goals.”

The Importance of Education

DBEDT’s Gail Suzuki-Jones and Peter Stone of Pacific Sustainable Building Science at the recent Hawaii Build and Buy Green Conference and Expo


We asked Peter Stone, a principal with Pacific Sustainable Building Science, a RESNET (Residential Energy Services Network) approved HERS (Home Energy Rating System) firm, what services industry members most often seek from the company. “Our most sought after service is certification for Energy Star and LEED homes consulting,” he says. “We offer the ability to performance test a home which can help a builder avoid having to conform to many prescriptive measures in order to qualify. Sometimes, the home may not perform as the builder would like. With our consulting and energy-modeling services, we can provide a good idea of how the home would perform, based on the plans.” We also asked Stone about the average homebuyer’s level of green or sustainable building awareness. “My feeling,” he says, “is that when the average person thinks ‘green building’ he or she immediately thinks of photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, costly green materials — but much of what makes a building energy-efficient goes on ‘behind the walls’ so to speak. In a finished model home, no one can see what type of insulation is installed or how well the penetrations are sealed. Few people understand central air conditioning systems well enough to distinguish a good system from a poor one. I think people tend to focus on the exterior finish work at the expense of investigating what is under the roof.”

Underscoring the importance of “what goes on behind the walls,” in sustainable building, are comments by Drew Santos of Admor HVAC Products, Inc. in a cover story in B.I. on green trends in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) industry in Hawaii. “While most green products tend to cost a bit more, we have seen homebuilders, homeowners and the military switch to higher efficiency and green products to save energy in the long term,” he said. “Furthermore, as energy standards become higher, the overall tightness of the house increases.” And in its commitment “to bring energy-efficient and environmentally safe products to Hawaii,” the company recently added the Knauf EcoBatt Glasswool Insulation line, lauded for its highly sustainable qualities.
The technical aspects of sustainable building, the many new products in the marketplace, the requirements of LEED and other rating systems, all accentuate the need for more education — including at the industry level. This was the driving force behind DBEDT’s (Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism) recent 10th annual Hawaii Build and Buy Green Conference and Expo which included presentations on green innovations and green projects, seminars on renewable energy, a focus on LEED building projects, net zero energy and LEED homes, green communities and systems, and more areas of timely information.

It has been a far different and more positive experience researching and writing this year’s cover story on residential construction. The mood certainly is more upbeat and hopeful, although several of you still speak of “cautious optimism.” But overall, plans are moving forward and progress being made. And for now, that’s enough to build on.