Building Industry Magazine - July 2014 - (Page 86)

A Reorganization to Connect West Oahu Communities BY PAULA BENDER WOEDA is 'about everyone who lives, works and plays on the west side' W ise planning and optimism have made Kapolei a beacon of hope for Oahu's west side. Dubbed Oahu's Second City, Kapolei is the catalyst for economic, social and educational stimulus from Ewa Beach to the northern-most pockets of the Waianae Coast, according to the West Oahu Economic Development Association (WOEDA). "The west side is so much bigger than Kapolei. It's also Makaha, Waianae, Ewa Beach and Waipahu," says WOEDA President Lee Hopkinson. "For the west side to really prosper and grow, you have to talk about all of the people, all of the activity and what's on Lee Hopkinson line for the future." Nearly 100 businesses are members of WOEDA, with its newly revised mission "to connect communities by providing valuable resources for businesses to succeed." And by communities, Hopkinson emphasizes that WOEDA means not only the business community, but also the cultures, ambitions and goals of the people who live there. WOEDA says it's important to cultivate the west side's smaller businesses while enjoying the economical benefits generated by the massive rail 86 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | JULY 2014 construction project, the educational economic growth, WOEDA also benefits from the newly opened wants to become one of the facilitacampus of the University of Hawaiitors to trigger conversations that West Oahu and the experience of a would lead to creative partnerships first-rate resort destination at Disney's that strengthen business alliances and Aulani-all credible assets that stand emphasize social benefits and educafor solid development and a sustaintional opportunities. able future. "We want our support to help To stay relevant and on point, West Oahu focus on what it needs," WOEDA took a look at its Hopkinson says. "We want to help mission and goals to become determine opportunities to provide more inclusive while streamjobs and education for the people of lining its vision. Hopkinson the west side." says that not many people Hopkinson, who is the regional in the area were even aware manager for Pankow Builders, says of WOEDA or what it stood that WOEDA is eager to pursue for. To be more effective, partnerships with the media and the WOEDA created a strategy Kapolei Chamber of Commerce to genthat would empower small erate interest and energy in the region. businesses to prosper as a "The days of waiting for the 5 result of the growing hum of o'clock news is gone," Hopkinson says. new housing developments, "We've become a social community, an and commercial and governengaging community, and we interact ment construction projects. with each other based on common "After 11 years, not only interests. WOEDA was it time to refresh what doesn't need to be in WOEDA was all about, but the leading role, but we it was also time to change want to be part of the external perceptions," leading team." Hopkinson says. "We didn't WOEDA'S want WOEDA to be about President-Elect WOEDA, but about everyone When she takes who lives, works and plays over as president from on the west side." Hopkinson in early While it's definitely an 2015, Kristi Hirotaorganization determined Schmidt, senior vice to assist with the area's Kristi Hirota-Schmidt

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

TOP 25 CONTRACTORS
HIGH-RISES: NEW DESIGNS, OLD TRADITIONS
FRANK HAINES: MASTER ARCHITECT
WOEDA CULTIVATES WEST-SIDE SUCCESS
NEWS BEAT
Datebook
Contracts Awarded
Low Bids
Spotlight On Success: The Senior Residence at Iwilei
News Makers
New Products
Faces
Best Practices

Building Industry Magazine - July 2014