Building Industry Magazine - November 2013 - (Page 8)

MAUI: TOMORROW'S VISION, TODAY'S PLANS BY LEE SCHALLER Maui was turning a corner last year at this time. There was an atmosphere of increased confidence. The county administration was viewed as supportive in "moving things forward" and attempting to remove impediments to progress. Today, with continued improvements to the overall economy, what is the mood on Maui? To find out, we literally covered the island, visiting and talking with owners, developers, on-site crews, the mayor, the building chief and others. Here is what we discovered: Economic Indicators-and Forecasts "Maui's tourism-dependent economy has benefited from the ongoing visitor boom," says Jack Suyderhoud, economics advisor for First Hawaiian Bank. Speaking at the financial institution's annual Maui Business Outlook forum, Suyderhoud emphasized that the recent benefits from tourism have spread to other sectors of the island's economy, including construction, retailing-"and most importantly, jobs." Maui's tourism boom will slow down, he believes, "but its continued strength will support the rest of the economy." As to what lies ahead, he says, "The business outlook for Maui is positive next year." In specific reference to development and construction on Maui, "Insiders are saying that the mix of work has changed, with more opportunities coming from infrastructure and commercial construction and less from residential and timeshare," Suyderhoud says. He mentions large commercial developments such as the Puunene Shopping Center (including Target) and the Village 8 | BUILDING INDUSTRY | NOVEMBER 2013 Center at Maui Lani, as having propelled construction during the last few years. Also helping the commercial/retail sector's growth are the Queen Kaahumanu Shopping Center's plans for new bigname brands as well as the new T.J. Maxx store planned for Maui Mall. Carl Bonham, executive director of UHERO (University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization) also shared upbeat comments at the Maui Small Business Awards luncheon earlier this year, saying, "Overall, it's a fairly optimistic forecast."

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Building Industry Magazine - November 2013

MAUI How upbeat is the current situation on Maui?
PACIFIC BUILDING TRADE EXPO PROGRAM the entire event program
HAWAII’S LEADERS IN SOLAR a special advertising section features
NEWS BEAT Kinsella Heads Pacific Region
Late Senator Honored for Work on Rail
CRW Hawaii Celebrates 20 Years
Solar Power World’s 10 Best in Hawaii
DPP Wins Innovation Award for Online ePlans
Allied Builders Oversees Haleiwa Store Lots
Southland Mole JV Wins Sewer Tunnel Contract
PAMCA Installs New Board
HART Back on Track
dck Presents Capital Solutions
DEPARTMENTS Editor’s Corner & Datebook
Contracts Awarded
Low Bids
Best Practices Partnering: The Way to Build It Right from Ground Zero
Spotlight on Success: Ward Village Shops–Phase II
Concept to Completion: Kapalama Shopping Center Renovation
New Products
Newsmakers

Building Industry Magazine - November 2013