Building a Legacy: Women in Hawaii’s Construction Industry
March marks Women in Construction Month, a time to celebrate the perseverance, skill, and innovation that women bring to the industry. While construction has historically been a male-dominated field, women have always been builders – of homes, communities, and legacies. Their presence in the industry continues to grow, and here in Hawaii, women in construction are making an undeniable impact, paving the way for future generations.
Breaking Barriers, Building Futures
For decades, women have played essential yet often overlooked roles in construction. Nationally, efforts to support women in the trades took shape in the 1950s when a group of 16 women founded the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) to foster mentorship and advocacy in the industry. In Hawaii, similar efforts have taken root, with organizations like NAWIC Hawaii and the Hawaii Carpenters Apprenticeship & Training Fund (HCATF) providing training, resources, and opportunities for women to thrive in the trades.
At HCATF, we’ve seen firsthand how critical it is to create a welcoming and supportive environment for women entering the field. Whether through apprenticeship opportunities, mentorship programs, or contractor partnerships, we continue to champion a more inclusive workforce.
“Women bring a different perspective, a different skill set, and a different level of attention to detail that makes them an asset in the field,” said Edmund Aczon, HCATF Executive Director. “More than that, they bring resilience – because for many, this isn’t just a job, it’s a statement that they belong here.”
Women in Hawaii’s Trades: Strength in Numbers
Today, more women than ever are stepping into careers in construction. In Hawaii, there are nearly 100 women in the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters, reflecting a steady increase in participation. But while the numbers continue to grow, it’s not just about statistics – it’s about impact.
One such example is Leanne Tacadena, who began her journey through HCATF’s apprenticeship program straight out of high school – a decision that was met with unwavering support from her family.
“My dad would bring me on side jobs, and I’d always watch him work,” she shared. “He’s a hard worker. People are always calling him to fix their AC or electrical, and he’s just always on it. I love that about him.” Inspired by his dedication and drawn to hands-on work, she knew early on that carpentry was the right path for her.
Though many of her peers were planning to attend four-year colleges, Leanne took a different route – one that offered financial stability without the burden of student debt.
“I thought my family would be scared that I didn’t want to go to college, but once I told them, they supported me 100 percent,” she said. “I’ve been telling them about the benefits of the Carpenters Union and how good it is.”
Her passion for the trade was sparked in high school, where she spent three years in building and construction classes before participating in HCATF’s Career Connections Summer Internship Program which set her up for an apprenticeship. Now, she’s fully immersed in hands-on learning and credits her journeymen mentors for making her feel both safe and welcomed on the job site.
“I ask a lot of questions, and my journeymen always answer them. They make sure I feel safe, and I think that’s what I love most about carpentry – it’s that feeling of satisfaction, of accomplishment,” she explained. “Building something that people will use for 10, maybe even more, years. Just being able to look at your work – especially high-rises – and say, ‘I did that.’ That’s an amazing feeling.”
For Leanne, the apprenticeship is more than just a career; it’s a pathway to long-term financial security and personal goals. She’s already making smart financial decisions, investing her earnings, and saving toward her dream of owning a farm.
Contractors & Organizations Making a Difference
Signatory contractors and organizations play a critical role in fostering inclusivity in Hawaii’s construction industry. Companies like Hensel Phelps and Swinerton have taken meaningful steps to recruit, train, and retain women in the workforce.
Hensel Phelps, for instance, has made notable progress in promoting gender diversity. The company has a women’s network, W-Net, dedicated to recruiting, developing, and retaining female employees. Over the past five years, Hensel Phelps improved its female-to-male employee ratio from 1:11 to 1:6 and promoted its district’s first female project superintendent. Additionally, in 2024, the company hosted Women’s Leadership Seminars across nine regions, expanding on a legacy that began in 2002 with just 20 women.
Swinerton has been a longtime advocate for gender inclusion through its involvement in programs such as Honolulu Habitat for Humanity’s Wahine Build initiative. Swinerton and Hensel Phelps have both provided mentorship, training, and skilled volunteers for Wahine Build projects, reinforcing their commitment to supporting women in construction. By participating in these initiatives, they help bridge the gap between aspiring tradeswomen and industry professionals, fostering a broader network of support for women in the field.
Wahine Build itself has mobilized over 200 women in past years, providing hands-on experience while breaking down stereotypes surrounding women’s roles in construction. These efforts expose women to construction skills in both professional and volunteer settings, fostering confidence and interest in the field.
Beyond individual contractors, HCATF continues to strengthen its efforts to support women in the trades through the “Sisters in the Brotherhood” (SIB) program – a nationwide United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) initiative aimed at increasing the retention and advancement of women in the union. Locally, HCATF has expanded outreach and mentorship programs, ensuring that Hawaii’s female apprentices and journeyworkers have access to resources, training opportunities, and a strong support network.
“For women entering the trades, representation and mentorship are key,” said Mereane Hamatake, HCATF Training Coordinator. “When women see other women thriving in the field, they’re more likely to see a future for themselves in construction.”
These collaborative efforts – from contractor-led recruitment programs to volunteer-driven builds and structured mentorship through HCATF – demonstrate a growing commitment to fostering an inclusive industry. Through mentorship, leadership development, targeted recruitment, and on-the-job training, Hawaii’s construction sector is actively working toward greater gender diversity, ensuring that women have the support and opportunities they need to thrive.
The Road Ahead
Women are changing the face of construction, and the industry is still working to break these barriers. By continuing to advocate for equal opportunities, providing training and mentorship, and fostering inclusive job sites, we can ensure that women in construction are not just welcomed – but valued, supported, and empowered to lead.
As we celebrate Women in Construction Month, we honor the women who build Hawaii – today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.
For the most current information on events like Wahine Build 2025, and Women in Construction Week please visit the official Honolulu Habitat for Humanity and NAWIC websites.
