Building Industry Magazine - November 2011 - (Page 48)

INSIDE THE BIA: Reaching Out Through Education and Advocacy BY JUDITH SHINSATO “BIA has passion. We believe we are doing something good in everything that we do and we’d like everybody to join us and make a positive difference in the building industry. At the same time, there’s a warmth to the BIA. The staff is very easy to work with and it’s a place where you can go to talk and find support.” — Dean Asahina, 2011 BIA president-elect Karen Nakamura explains the different environmentally friendly techniques and materials used in the construction of the New Hawaiian Home during open house tours in June. BIA’s net-zero energy New Hawaiian Home, which was completed this summer, is intended to serve as a prototype for residential green building. An Overview The Building Industry Association of Hawaii (BIA) channels this passion and warmth to build on and advance the mission upon which it originally was founded: to take “a leadership role in unifying and promoting the interests of the industry to enhance the quality of life for the people of Hawaii.” Originally chartered in the mid-1950s as an affiliate of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) by 10 visionary men, the BIA now stands 400 members strong consisting of a diverse spectrum of businesses, from bankers, Realtors and suppliers to small residential contractors and developers of master-planned communities. “Associations are organized to do things that no one entity or individual can accomplish alone,” says Karen Nakamura, the BIA’s executive vice president for the past 13 years and also CEO since 2002. “Our members are loyal, focused, diverse and step up to do what needs to be done. Our greatest asset is our membership and they know it. We would not be able to do what we do without our members.” Nakamura continues, “Our greatest challenge is to implement ways to keep the BIA relevant to our membership. How do we deliver services to meet 48 | BUILDING INDUSTRY | NOVEMBER 2011 their needs? What services do they need? How can we better serve to keep them competitive and successful?” Though much has changed since its inception, the BIA, originally named the Home Builders Association of Hawaii, continues to pave the way for residential development in the state – doing so through a number of venues and activities throughout the year. The Pursuit of Knowledge BIA’s educational endeavors are two-fold, consisting of community outreach to raise public awareness of innovations in the industry as well as keeping the industry itself and its members up to date on the latest developments affecting their businesses. “BIA continues to seek opportunities

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Building Industry Magazine - November 2011

Cover
Contents
Datebook
Kapolei Low-Income Housing Poised to Start
Construction Starts for Habitat Project
Kahi Mohala Renovation Blessed
AIA Hosts Sixth Canstruction Competition
Best Practices
East Oahu Residential Project Breaks Ground
Contracts Awarded
Maui FEATURE
Concept to Completion: CVS/Longs Kapolei Distribution Center
Construction Equipment - FEATURE
Inside the BIA FEATURE
Continued Success for PBTE
Spotlight on Success: CACTF, Kahuku Training Area
Low Bids
Steel FEATURE
News MakerS
New Products

Building Industry Magazine - November 2011