City Grill

Ken Hayashida 
President, Principal Structural Engineer
KAI Hawaii Inc.

Because Hawaii’s top industry—tourism—has been significantly impacted due to COVID-19, KAI has seen a transition from hotel and retail construction to housing, infrastructure and federal work, Hayashida says.

“Tourism has returned; however, we do not have our high-spending international tourists returning till next year some time,” he says. “We do not expect to see any retail growth, except for some repositing of tenants. Hotel renovations at select properties may start proceeding for owners with deeper pockets.”

Hayashida says current projects in design and construction reflect this shift. KAI, founded in 1995 and now with 40 employees, is working on the $2-billion Koa Ridge Community, a 3,500-unit, 576-acre residential development; the $120-million affordable rental project HPHA School Street Redevelopment Phase 1; and Hawaii State Veterans Home, a 120-bed, long-term care facility, which will cost  $80 million. KAI is also working on several wastewater treatment plants.