Building a Stronger Hawaii: Hui Kapili Business Accelerator Announces Applications for Third Cohort

aio and American Savings Bank (ASB) are pleased to announce that applications are open now through July 24 for the third Hui Kapili Accelerator, a business development program designed to support and build capacity for Hawaii’s construction industry. The 2026 cohort runs on Oahu from Sept.15 to Nov. 19.

As Hawaii works to address critical housing and infrastructure needs, Hui Kapili aims to strengthen the local construction industry by providing small- and mid-sized businesses with the business skills, industry connections, and resources needed to grow sustainably and successfully.

Since launching in 2025, the Hui Kapili Accelerator has successfully completed two cohorts and graduated 22 businesses representing a diverse cross-section of Hawaii's construction industry, including home builders and renovators, pool and spa specialists, interior design professionals, countertop fabricators, and more. Participants have included Native Hawaiian-owned and women-owned businesses from across all four counties across the state.

“The Hui Kapili program is one of the many ways American Savings Bank is helping to address Hawaii’s affordable housing challenges,” said Ann Teranishi, president and CEO of American Savings Bank. “We are proud to invest in the leaders and companies that are working hard to provide local jobs, create affordable housing and improve infrastructure, enabling more kamaaina to remain right here at home.”

The Department of Business Economic Development & Tourism reported Hawaii still needs more than 64,000 additional units statewide to meet housing demand, while the state's aging infrastructure continues to earn a D+ grade from the American Society of Civil Engineers. At the same time, construction businesses must navigate one of the nation's most challenging business environments, marked by high operating costs, workforce shortages, and complex regulatory requirements.

About Hui Kapili

Program sessions will focus on 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. ASB and aio will facilitate sessions and bring together subject matter experts, construction industry veterans, and business leaders from across the state to impart their knowledge and experience.

“We established this program in partnership with American Savings Bank to uplift local construction businesses and help them succeed in Hawaii’s competitive market,” said Brandon Kurisu, aio president. “There’s a tremendous need for housing and improved infrastructure across the state, and this program will help to sustain and build a pipeline of construction workers and businesses. Hui Kapili is designed to help construction companies build not only better businesses, but ultimately a stronger Hawaii.”

“The Hui Kapili program really transformed the way we do business,” said Ramona Lariosa of Haloa Construction and a graduate of Hui Kapili’s first cohort. “Not only did we cover and learn so much through the cohort itself, but we were also able to build strong relationships with other cohort members and others within the industry. We’ve been able to grow our business and have started to work on state and federal projects, too.”

In lieu of a program fee, participants will collaborate on a meaningful community-impact project that helps strengthen Hawaii and supports future generations.

How to Apply

Applications for the 2026 Hui Kapili Accelerator are being accepted through July 24. Participants will be selected in August, with the program beginning in September and concluding in late November.

Interested applicants can go to huikapili.com to apply or find more details about the program and requirements.

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.