Hawaii Home Builders Get a Boost Through the Hui Kapili Accelerator Program
- Apr 6
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
The Hui Kapili Accelerator Program is a free 10-week business accelerator designed specifically for small to mid-size construction companies in Hawaii.
Co-created by American Savings Bank (ASB), it addresses a real gap: Hawaii's building industry is booming with need, yet many local contractors lack the business tools to scale.
Here's what the program is, who it serves, and why it matters for Hawaii's housing future.
📹 Watch the program overview: youtube.com/watch?v=bIcFqRbKOhI
Key Takeaways
• Hui Kapili is a FREE 10-week accelerator for Hawaii construction businesses
• Launched in partnership with American Savings Bank (ASB)
• Covers accounting, marketing, networking & banking
• Aims to grow housing inventory and local employment in Hawaii
Table of Contents
↪️ Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Hui Kapili Accelerator Program?
The Hui Kapili Accelerator Program is a free, structured 10-week course built for small to medium-size construction companies in Hawaii. It was created by American Savings Bank (ASB) to tackle two pressing issues at once: strengthening local businesses and helping solve the state's housing shortage.
The program brings together contractors, builders, and trade specialists under one roof — giving them education, mentorship, and a powerful professional network they often can't access on their own.
"It's a free 10-week program put together with American Savings Bank to really help elevate small to medium size construction companies here in Hawaii." — Julie Kaneko, Program Manager, Hui Kapili
Who's Behind It? Key People & Organizations
The program is a collaborative effort between nonprofit leadership and Hawaii's banking sector.
Name | Organization | Role / Notes |
Julie Kaneko Program Manager | Hui Kapili | Co-creator of the accelerator; leads program design and cohort development. |
Billy Pieper Program Manager | Hui Kapili / ASB | ASB liaison who connected the bank's housing expertise to the accelerator's mission. |
Tony Mizuno EVP, Commercial Markets | American Savings Bank | Executive sponsor from ASB; sees the program as a direct investment in Hawaii's housing supply and workforce. |
🌐 Program website: huikapili.com
"We could not only help to equip businesses that are helping build inventory... but also equip companies to then be able to hire people and grow." — Billy Pieper, Program Manager, Hui Kapili / ASB
Meet the Participants: Real Hawaii Home Builders
The program's second cohort included a diverse mix of Hawaii construction professionals — each with a different specialty, and each walking away with something valuable.
Derek Kalai — Boom Hawaii Builders, LLC
Role: Owner | Location: Big Island of Hawaii
Derek leads a small residential home construction business rooted in family tradition — his whole family was involved in the Carpenters Union. The program helped him see the broader scope of Hawaii's housing crisis and connect with CEOs, nonprofit leaders, and community stakeholders.
"I have a deep vested interest in this industry" — Derek Kalai, Boom Hawaii Builders, LLC
Brieanna Thomson — Sunrise Asphalt Services, LLC
Role: Owner (with husband Hunter Thompson)
Specialty: Asphalt paving, maintenance, repair & sport court resurfacing
For Brieanna and Hunter, the biggest win was having dedicated time — away from day-to-day operations — to work on their business together. The program created structured space they simply didn't have otherwise.
"This program basically took us out of our regular schedule and provided a space for us to flourish and really dig into the roots of our business." — Brieanna Thomson, Sunrise Asphalt Services, LLC
Kekoa Kamalani — IKEYA Construction
Role: President
Specialty: Kitchen & bath remodels, commercial construction, design-build
Kekoa is an education-first thinker who especially valued learning accounting, marketing, and banking concepts — and building personal relationships with ASB team members.
"I'm always big on education. That's where I found a lot of value — learning things I'm not too familiar with." — Kekoa Kamalani, IKEYA Construction
Jeremy Imai — Foundation Support of Hawaii
Role: System Design Specialist
Specialty: Foundation and concrete repair
Jeremy highlighted a gap the program fills: there's never been anything like this for the construction trade. He now leaves jobsites with a trusted referral network to send clients to for work outside his own scope.
"There really hasn't been anything for the construction industry... to have Hui Kapili bring all these resources together helps tremendously." — Jeremy Imai, Foundation Support of Hawaii
What the Program Covers
Over 10 weeks, participants receive hands-on education and mentorship across core business disciplines:
Accounting & Finance — Building financial literacy to run a profitable construction business
Marketing — How to attract clients and build a recognizable brand
Banking & Lending — Direct access to ASB experts on financing and growth capital
Networking — Cohort community, cross-referral opportunities, and access to Hawaii's business leadership
Strategic Business Development — Stepping back from daily operations to work on the business, not just in it
The program runs in cohorts, and past and present cohort members remain connected — creating an ongoing professional community for Hawaii's construction sector.
Why This Matters for Hawaii's Housing Crisis
Hawaii is facing a well-documented housing shortage. Building more homes requires not just labor — it requires well-run, financially healthy construction businesses that can hire staff, take on larger projects, and grow sustainably.
Hui Kapili targets exactly that gap.
By strengthening the business side of small Hawaii home builders, the program creates a ripple effect: better-equipped builders → more homes built → more local workers hired → higher wages paid.
"If the end result is they may build more homes, they may hire more local talent, they may pay higher wages — it'll just make Hawaii a better place." — Tony Mizuno, EVP Commercial Markets, American Savings Bank
Julie Kaneko confirmed the program will expand: "We look forward to future years and continuing to make this program bigger and better so we can help more small construction businesses in Hawaii."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Hui Kapili Accelerator really free?
Yes. The program is offered at no cost to participants, made possible through the partnership with American Savings Bank.
Who can apply to the program?
Small to medium-size construction companies based in Hawaii. This includes general contractors, specialty trade contractors, remodelers, and related construction service businesses.
How long is the program?
Ten weeks, delivered in a cohort format. Past cohort members remain connected to the network after the program ends.
Where can I apply or learn more?
Visit huikapili.com for information on upcoming cohorts and how to apply.
What is American Savings Bank's role?
ASB co-created the program through its involvement in Hawaii's housing space. Tony Mizuno, EVP of Commercial Markets at ASB, serves as an executive sponsor and speaks to participants about banking, growth capital, and the broader housing ecosystem.
Does the program only serve Oahu-based builders?
No. Participants have included builders from the Big Island and other Hawaiian islands, such as Derek Kalai of Boom Hawaii Builders, LLC on the Big Island.
Sources & References
All quotes and facts in this article are sourced directly from the official Hui Kapili program video: youtube.com/watch?v=bIcFqRbKOhI
Program website: huikapili.com
American Savings Bank: asbhawaii.com
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