Eleven Local Construction Companies Selected for Third Business Accelerator Cohort

aio and American Savings Bank (ASB) are pleased to announce the selection of 11 businesses for the third cohort of the Hui Kapili Accelerator, a program designed to provide local construction companies with business skills and support. Since launching in 2024, Hui Kapili has completed two cohorts and graduated 22 businesses representing a diverse cross-section of Hawaii’s construction industry.

The 11 companies selected for the third cohort represent a range of construction-related specialties across Hawaii.

• TC Campbell, PDG Hawaii
• Lito Coloma, Cutting Edge Builders
• Elise Cudiamat, JC Construction
• Cheriese Flores, CKF Industrial Contractors
• Vanessa McMoore, HI State Construction
• Pono Nauka, Pacific Audio Communications
• Richard Orlando, Orlando Construction Island Builders
• Alyssa Palimoo, Showtyme Concrete Services
• Tony Shi, CAA Construction
• Uakea Street, Trades Construction Company
• David Tuipulotu, Mana Mechanical
   

“American Savings Bank is committed to strengthening Hawaii’s construction industry and supporting the local businesses that help our communities thrive,” said Ann Teranishi, president and CEO of American Savings Bank. “We’re proud to once again partner with aio through Hui Kapili to help construction businesses navigate the challenges of doing business in Hawaii and continue creating local jobs, building much-needed homes, and strengthening our state’s infrastructure. By investing in their success, we’re investing in a stronger, more resilient Hawaii.”

The 10-week program, facilitated by aio and American Savings Bank (ASB), covers strategic business planning and development, financial management and budget optimization, marketing and lead generation, workforce management and development, community engagement, and long-term business sustainability. The 2026 cohort will run from Sept. 15 through Nov. 19, bringing participants together with subject-matter experts, construction-industry veterans, and business leaders from across the state.

“We saw how impactful this program was for our first two cohorts, where participants not only learned from our presenters and each other, but helped one another generate leads and opportunities,” said Susan Eichor, aio CEO. “Having now graduated 22 businesses, we are excited to welcome our third cohort and continue supporting Hawaii’s small business community and the critical construction industry that is building a better future for us all.”

In lieu of a program fee, participants will engage in a meaningful community project that aims to make Hawaii stronger and more resilient for future generations. On September 15, cohort members gathered at ASB’s Campus for a kickoff event.

For more information about the Hui Kapili Accelerator or to inquire about future cohorts, please visit huikapili.com.

About Hui Kapili Accelerator

Co-sponsored by American Savings Bank and aio, Hui Kapili Accelerator aims to address Hawaii's construction labor shortage and foster sustainable growth within the industry. Since launching in 2025, the program has completed two cohorts and graduated 22 businesses.