HAWAI‘I
Quarterly Newsletter | May 2026
ALOHA! ALOHA!
Over the past several months, our Hawai‘i Division has gone through some meaningful leadership changes. That comes with questions and adjustments, but also an opportunity to take a step back and be intentional about how we move forward. Change can be positive or challenging depending on how it is managed and embraced. What matters is how we respond. The first step has already begun through understanding how we got here and aligning on how we move forward together.
What hasn’t changed is who we are. Our commitment to our people, our clients, and our partners remains the same. Across the division, our teams are continuing to deliver strong work, support each other, and uphold the standards that define us. That consistency is what gives us stability, even when things around us shift.
This is also a moment to reset where needed. Not in a dramatic way—but in the day-to-day: how we communicate, how we collaborate, and how we show up for each other and our partners. Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about behavior. And each of us plays a role in shaping the kind of team and culture we want to be part of.
Looking ahead, there’s a lot to be confident in. We have the right people, a strong pipeline, and the experience to navigate change well. Things may feel different, but our direction is clear. We move forward together, focused on doing the work the right way and continuing to build something we’re proud of.
Aaron Yamasaki
President & Division Manager
Heat Illness: Don’t Get Caught Off Guard by Weather Shifts SAFETY MOMENT SAFETY MOMENT
Over the past few months, we’ve experienced consistent rain, cloud cover, and cooler conditions across our jobsites. As we transition into sunnier days, it’s easy to underestimate how much these weather changes can impact our bodies.
With all the recent rain, moisture in the ground quickly turns into humidity once temperatures rise. Even without extreme heat, high humidity makes it harder for the body to cool itself, increasing the risk of heat-related illness. In Hawai‘i, humidity can be just as dangerous as high temperatures.
Another important factor is how quickly conditions can change throughout the day. Moving between air-conditioned offices, vehicles, or break areas and stepping directly onto warm, humid jobsites places additional stress on the body — especially when we are not properly hydrated.
Heat illness can range from mild symptoms like fatigue and dizziness to serious conditions such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Recognizing early warning signs and taking action early is critical.
One of the most overlooked factors is preparation the night before. Showing up already dehydrated puts you at a disadvantage before the workday even begins. Staying hydrated starts well before arriving onsite.
STAY AHEAD OF IT: HYDRATE, ACCLIMATE, RECOGNIZE
• Drink water consistently throughout the day — don’t wait until you feel thirsty
• Start hydrating the night before
• Take breaks as needed, especially in direct sun or high humidity
• Be mindful when transitioning from airconditioned spaces to outdoor work
• Watch for warning signs like dizziness, fatigue, or muscle cramping
For our field leaders, this is an opportunity to reinforce good habits with crews. Simple reminders during pre-task plans or throughout the day can make a meaningful difference. Creating a culture where hydration and self-care are part of the conversation helps prevent incidents before they happen.
As we move into the warmer months, let’s continue looking out for one another and staying ahead of changing conditions. If something doesn’t feel right, stop work and speak up — early action helps prevent serious incidents.
Rallying for the Storm QUALITY MOMENT QUALITY MOMENT
Gratitude in abundance for our project teams & their efforts to protect our projects during the recent Kona Low storms. A few highlights displaying our proactiveness & prompt responses:
PREPARATION
Our teams spent the week prior to the initial storm by preparing their projects with:
• Additional protection such as plywood walls, water diversions, plastic covers, and pump systems
• Cleaning and securing loose materials
• Schedule rotations for 24 hour presence on the jobsite
RESPONSE
• During & after the storms, our teams diligently responded to any leaks, debris, and materials that were needed to contain water infiltration.
• As a bonus, we also discovered that many of our efforts to prepare our jobsites are reimbursable through our Builder’s Risk insurance.
• For the locations that did indeed take in water, the leaks were managed with minimal damage.
• Damaged drywall was removed, the spaces were dried out, and 3rd parties were engaged to assess any potential sources of contamination in accordance with Swinerton’s EH&S policies.
In addition, thank you to everyone who participated in the company’s efforts to reach out the community to those whose homes were affected by the storms.
DAVE’S CORNER DAVE’S CORNER
Slump Tests and Circle Tests for Concrete
WHAT IS A SLUMP TEST?
The slump test is the industry standard for measuring the workability and consistency of fresh concrete before placement. It helps crews verify that the mix can be properly placed, compacted, and finished in the field.
Slump Test Basics
Using a slump cone, concrete is placed in layers, tamped, and then released to measure how much the concrete “slumps.”
Typical Results:
• 0”–2” Slump (Low): Stiff mix, difficult to place
• 3”–6” Slump (Medium): Ideal workability for most applications
• 7”–10” Slump (High): Very fluid mix with increased risk of segregation
WHAT IS A CIRCLE TEST?
The Circle Test is used for very wet or high-slump concrete mixes where a standard slump test may not provide reliable results.
In this test, concrete is placed into a circular mold and measured based on how far the material spreads once the mold is removed.
Why It Matters
• The circle test is especially useful for:
• Self-Consolidating Concrete (SCC)
• Very fluid concrete mixes
• Evaluating flowability and cohesion
WHY THESE TESTS ARE IMPORTANT
Both tests help teams:
• Verify mix consistency before placement
• Identify changes in water content
• Improve placement and finishing quality
• Ensure compliance with project specifications
• Maintain stronger field quality control
Using the appropriate test helps ensure concrete performs as intended and supports better overall project quality.
Mass Timber Momentum MARKET OUTLOOK MARKET OUTLOOK
As we move through 2026, Hawaii’s construction market continues to demonstrate steady underlying strength, supported by long-term demand drivers such as housing supply needs and infrastructure investment. While broader macroeconomic conditions remain mixed, the local market remains active, with owners and developers continuing to advance projects despite a more disciplined and selective environment.
We continue to see activity in the residential sector, supported by statewide initiatives to increase housing supply. Financing constraints and cost pressures are still influencing project pacing, but developers remain engaged and are cautiously moving projects into preconstruction. This sustained activity reinforces the importance of early contractor involvement, where Swinerton continues to add value through strong cost forecasting, constructability expertise, and schedule certainty.
A notable and accelerating trend this quarter is the growing interest in mass timber and hybrid construction solutions across Hawaii. Attendance from local developers, architects, and industry partners at this year’s Mass Timber Conference reflects a meaningful increase in awareness and engagement in this space. We are currently pricing
two large affordable housing projects on Oahu and Maui that utilize hybrid mass timber systems, underscoring both the viability of this approach and the growing interest surrounding it. Mass timber presents a compelling opportunity in Hawaii, offering potential advantages in speed, sustainability, and prefabrication, and Swinerton is uniquely positioned to capture this work.
With our deep local presence, strong preconstruction capabilities, and ability to deliver complex, high-quality projects, Swinerton is well-positioned to capitalize on these opportunities. We remain focused on aligning with forward-thinking clients and project types that leverage our strengths.
RECENT WINS RECENT WINS
On March 14, Target Store 2660 in Kahului, Maui experienced severe flooding, with 4–6 inches of muddy water impacting the 142,500 SF store. Due to Swinerton’s existing relationship with Target, our team was engaged immediately and joined recovery coordination calls the next day. By March 18, Swinerton had been formally awarded the project, provided pricing, developed a recovery schedule, and mobilized crews to begin work.
Working two shifts, 16 hours a day, 7 days a week, Swinerton coordinated Maui and O’ahu labor forces alongside Self-Perform teams and trade partners to complete a 2-foot flood cut and replacement throughout the store. Despite unforeseen conditions and added owner-requested scope—including repainting the sales floor and offices, demolition, and electrical troubleshooting totaling an additional $203,000—the team met every phased turnover milestone. The store reopened to the Maui community at 7 a.m. on March 30, just 15 days after the flooding event.
Typical recovery timelines for mainland Target stores of similar size range from 4–6 weeks. Through strong collaboration and planning between Target, remediation vendors, Swinerton, and trade partners, this island-based project was completed in record time. The initial $350,000 emergency recovery effort expanded into a $1.084 million recovery and store refresh project, with additional scope still under discussion.
This project showcased Swinerton’s rapid response capabilities, commitment to client service, and ability to deliver under challenging conditions, further strengthening our partnership with a valued national client.
PROJECT UPDATES
WINS
• Target Kahului emergency repairs
• Rainbow Tower Bali Deck Renovation
• Rainbow Tower Bali Restaurant Roof
• MVC Ko Olina Various Small Projects
• United Airlines Back of House Renovation
• Gucci
• Confidential client retail at 2220 Kalakaua
MILESTONES
• Finished up the renovations at Ka La’i
Staying Strong CURRENT BACKLOG CURRENT BACKLOG
Swinerton Hawai‘i is moving through 2026 with a strong backlog of $756M, which puts us in a good position. You’ll see our revenue burn outpace new starts through mid-2027—that’s expected. It reflects how our business is structured, not a gap we need to chase.
Our model is built to keep a steady flow of SPD and FS work going, while we position for the next larger ground-up start in the late 2027 to early 2028 timeframe. That balance is what allows us to stay consistent and avoid the peaks and valleys that can impact our teams.
As a self-performing contractor, our focus in the near term is simple: keep our crews working. The new starts we’re pursuing in 2026 are targeted to fill gaps and maintain steady, predictable work for our core craft teams.
OUR ‘OHANA OUR ‘OHANA
Celebrating Moments That Bring Our Teams Together
From learning and industry events to team gatherings and birthdays, these shared ‘ohana moments reflect the connection and community across our Hawai‘i Division.
Upcoming Events
Jun 4 — Shareholders Pinning Event + Dinner
Jun 5 — Employee Ownership Celebration
Jun 26 — Executive Review + Town Hall
Jun 27 — Summer Picnic
May Birthdays
May 1 — Logan Creedon
May 5 — Erika Mori
May 19 — Josh Zavala
May 26 — Joey Segundo
June Birthdays
Jun 2 — Jason Pang
Jun 6 — John Schaible
Jun 7 — Calvin King
Jun 8 — Brandt Haapala
Jun 8 — John Enos
Jun 9 — Austin Goltiao
Jun 9 — Kellie Kauha‘aha‘a
Jun 13 — Geoff Chen
Jun 13 — Tim Nelson
Jun 15 — Randal Larkin
Jun 16 — Bailey Stover
Jun 17 — Michael Svrcina
Jun 17 — Manoa Latu
Jun 17 — Joey Sickels
Jun 21 — Krishen Desai
Jun 24 — Gabe Shimizu
Jun 28 — Kyle Liang
July Birthdays
Jul 1 — Ariana Duque-Winchester
Jul 5 — James Yamasaki
Jul 7 — Tehani Tanabe
Jul 8 — Tyler Bach
Jul 13 — Mary Stanford
Jul 21 — Wren Weber
Jul 22 — Brian Callahan
Jul 24 — Michelle Hirano
Jul 30 — Reece Arakawa
Leading Through the Kona Storm EMPLOYEE EXCELLENCE EMPLOYEE EXCELLENCE
We are proud to recognize John Schaible, Halana Genest, and Alan Anduha for their outstanding leadership and dedication during the recent Kona Storm weather events. Through proactive planning, strong coordination, and a steadfast commitment to safety, the team successfully navigated rapidly changing conditions while maintaining project continuity at the Hawai‘i Convention Center project. Their efforts reflect the resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving mindset that define our Hawai‘i Division.
PROJECT EXCELLENCE
John Schaible, Halana Genest, and Alan Anduha demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout the Kona Storm response, ensuring the project team remained prepared, informed, and aligned during rapidly evolving weather conditions. Their innovative approach—including the installation of a site-specific weather station—helped minimize downtime, improve communication, and strengthen confidence among key project partners.
Working extended hours and adapting quickly to changing conditions, the team maintained a calm, solution-oriented focus while prioritizing safety and operational continuity. Their willingness to step up during a critical time exemplifies Swinerton’s commitment to excellence, collaboration, and care for both our people and partners.
Their leadership reinforced the strength of teamwork under pressure and the impact of people coming together with purpose.
John Halana
Alan
When Community Shines Brightest COMMUNITY IN ACTION COMMUNITY IN ACTION
Community is action. At Swinerton, it’s how we show up when it matters most. In the wake of the recent Kona Low storms and North Shore flooding, our teams quickly mobilized to support cleanup and rebuilding efforts across impacted communities. What followed was an incredible display of teamwork, compassion, and the true spirit of kōkua.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Over the past several weeks, employee volunteers and partners have worked side by side to help restore homes for families in need, completing drywall, insulation, and finishing work throughout impacted areas. Many of the homeowners supported were elderly or without flood insurance, making these efforts especially impactful.
SAFETY WEEK REFLECTION
Safety Week, which kicked off on Monday, May 4, served as a meaningful reminder of our shared responsibility to build safer jobsites and a stronger industry. Centered around this year’s theme, “All In Together: Recognize, Respond, Respect,” teams across our jobsites and offices came together to reinforce the importance of awareness, accountability, and action.
SAFETY IN ACTION
These rebuild efforts were made possible through partnerships with organizations including Samaritan’s Purse, R&L Insulation, Group Builders, J&B Materials, and many others, alongside volunteers who generously gave their time and energy to support local families.
A special mahalo to Ocean Kim for his leadership and coordination throughout these efforts. Through his initiative, he helped bring together resources, materials, and teams while strengthening key community partnerships along the way.
Together, these efforts demonstrate the strength of our community when we come together in support of one another.
This year, project teams created engaging Safety Week activities that included hands-on demonstrations, vendor showcases, roadshows, and thoughtful discussions that brought safety to life in practical and impactful ways. Each activity reflected a shared commitment to learning, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
The week concluded with a team appreciation event recognizing everyone who supported the Kona Low Storm response efforts and the ongoing work to keep our communities safe and supported.
Safety Week reminded us that while it is important to intentionally pause and focus on safety, our commitment extends far beyond a single week. It is something we carry forward every day—because when it comes to safety, we are truly all in this together.
STAY TUNED
for our next quarterly update in Q3 2026.
LOOKING AHEAD
As we move through the second half of 2026, the Hawai‘i Division continues to build forward through strong partnerships, resilient teams, and a shared commitment to our communities. We look forward to sharing more project milestones, team highlights, and stories that showcase the people and projects shaping our Hawai‘i Division in the months ahead.
Mahalo for your continued dedication across Honolulu and Maui. We’re excited to share more in our Q3 newsletter.