For two days in September, HCATF’s Kapolei training center became a gathering place for a big conversation about the future of building in Hawaii.
More than 200 industry professionals came together Sept. 15 and 16 for the inaugural 2026 Hawaii Mass Timber Conference: “Stronger By Design – The Workforce Behind Mass Timber,” hosted by HCATF. Developers, architects, engineers, contractors, government officials, and agencies connected with manufacturers and workforce leaders to explore what it takes to expand the utilization of mass timber in the islands. Experts from Hawaii and across the country shared experience and explored a common question: What could mass timber mean for Hawaii?
Mass timber uses engineered, large-scale structural wood components for elements such as floors, walls, beams and columns. The building system has attracted growing interest in the industry because of opportunities related to prefabrication, construction efficiency, design flexibility and reduced embodied carbon.
But bringing any new building system to Hawaii requires understanding more than the material itself. That is why the conference looked at mass timber from nearly every angle, including design, procurement, cost, construction, sustainability, installation and workforce development. Discussions also focused on challenges especially relevant in the islands, from shipping and supply chains to termite mitigation, material protection and coordination among the many teams involved in delivering a project.
Governor Josh Green, M.D., delivered a keynote address focused on building Hawaii’s future through innovation and sustainable construction, while contractors with firsthand mass timber experience shared practical lessons from projects on the mainland.
Preparing the Workforce Alongside the Industry
Construction innovation and workforce development must advance together. New materials and construction systems only deliver their full potential when skilled people are prepared to work with them safely and efficiently.
“The goal is to make sure Hawaii is adopting and implementing these processes and systems that will help us continue to build the much-needed infrastructure,” said Edmund Aczon, HCATF executive director. “We want our developers, designers, contractors and craftspeople to have the knowledge and training to evaluate these systems and, where they make sense, successfully put them to work here.”
The conference represented an important first step toward building that knowledge locally and creating connections among the people who will ultimately determine how mass timber fits into Hawaii’s construction landscape.
“We could not have successfully executed this event without the help of our key partners, Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters, Pacific Resource Partnership and Woodworks. Mahalo for your support!” – Edmund Aczon, HCATF executive director
