Building Industry Magazine - May 2014 - (Page 16)

Subcontractors Association of Hawaii (SAH) Standing Up for Subcontractors The nine trade associations forming SAH benefit from keeping current BY DAVID PUTNAM E ver vigilant, the Subcontractors Association of Hawaii (SAH) has someone posted at the state capitol every day of the ongoing January-to-May legislative session, says Executive Director Tim Lyons, "to monitor and lobby for bills that will help the construction industry, especially subcontractors." The SAH represents nine trade associations in Hawaii, from electricians, plumbers and painters to roofers and wall, ceiling, flooring and insulation installers to sheet metal and tile workers. "We exist for the benefit of all subs. ... We will work on issues common to all subcontractors," Lyons says. Being the subs' watchdog over the Legislature, however, is a primary focus for the SAH and for Lyons. "Over the years, and particularly the last few, the attempts by general contractors to gain the upper hand on subcontractors has been very aggressive," Lyons says. "Routinely, 16 | BUILDING INDUSTRY | MAY 2014 proposals are put in that do certain things for generals but not for subcontractors, bills that eliminate the subcontractor listing requirement on state and county jobs, and others that dilute the bidding process and give them too much room to play games. "We are typically in defense mode trying to protect the rights of subs and make the process more even-handed." Lyons points to the SAH's seat on the Procurement Task Force, a working group to support legislators on construction-related issues. Currently, he says, the group "is discussing the procurement code and its problems. It is to have suggested legislation ready for consideration by the 2015 session. Also moving along is a bill to clarify the state building code and how it will operate. SAH also will have a seat on that body as it enters into those deliberations." Lyons' involvement in the business affairs of the community began Tim Lyons almost immediately after he arrived in Hawaii in the mid-1970s. He had earned a degree in political science from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif., in 1971 and then did graduate work at George Washington University. In 1974 he visited the Islands and soon formed The Legislative Center, Inc. (TLC), a legislative management firm. By 1976 Lyons was working with the Hawaii Business League; currently he's president of the nonprofit HBL, which represents the interests of more than 1,200 small local businesses. His influence-as a legislative liaison, labor negotiator, administrator, industry trouble-shooter and newsletter editor-also resonates throughout the construction trades. In addition to his role with the

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Building Industry Magazine - May 2014

SUBCONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION OF HAWAII
SUSTAINABILITY
MILITARY TRIBUTE
LEARNING THE CRAFT
NEWS BEAT Island Insurance Offers Contractors E&O Coverage
Goodfellow Bros. Launches Viaduct Repairs
HDCC to Construct Waikiki Landing
Black Construction Wins Eagle Award
Kiewit to Construct Kapolei School
Construction Begins on Salt at Our Kakaako
Gateside Completes Pali Momi Wellness Station
RGS Energy Acquires Elemental Energy
Watts-Healy Tibbitts Lands NAVFAC Pacific Job
DEPARTMENTS Datebook
Spotlight On Success: Kaiser Koolau Clinic
Contracts Awarded
Low Bids
New Products
News Makers
Faces
Best Practices

Building Industry Magazine - May 2014