Celebrating Excellence: 2025 BIA Hawaii Builder of the Year — Chad Hilweh
This year, BIA Hawaii awarded Builder of the Year 2025 to Chad Hilweh of Hilweh Builders. This recognition celebrates not just Chad’s craftsmanship and leadership, but also the broader accomplishments of the builders, associates, and partners who help shape Hawaii’s construction industry.
We were honored to celebrate alongside our peers at the annual BIA Installation and Awards Banquet — a day full of excitement, gratitude, and industry pride.
Who Is Chad Hilweh — Builder, Mentor, Community Leader
Rooted in Hawaii’s construction community. Chad is the owner of Hilweh Builders, a licensed, bonded, and insured general contracting company specializing in residential remodeling, design-build, and deck construction across the Honolulu and Windward Oahu area.
Skilled craftsman and problem-solver. His expertise spans full home renovations, additions, kitchens, bathrooms, and custom outdoor living spaces.
Committed to community impact. Chad volunteers with BIA Hawaii’s workforce programs, including PACT, helping train and inspire the next generation of skilled tradespeople.
This award highlights Chad’s dedication not just to building homes — but to elevating the building community in Hawaii.
2025 BIA Hawaii Award Winners — Honoring Industry Leaders
This year’s honorees represent the very best of Hawaii’s builders, contractors, developers, suppliers, and partners.
Award Recipients:
Lifetime Achievement Award: Karen Nakamura
Builder of the Year: Chad Hilweh, Hilweh Builders
Associate of the Year: Kamuela Potter, Inspired Closets Hawaii
Developer of the Year: Marc Rinker, Gentry Homes, Ltd.
Specialty Contractor of the Year: Clifton Crawford, Pacific AquaScapes
Supplier of the Year: Kevin Murray, PHAD Home Appliance
Affiliate of the Year: Jacob Karasik, Gentry Homes, Ltd.
Presidents Choice: Geena Thielen, Complete Construction Services Corp.
Kokua Nui Award: Ramona Mullahey, U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development
Together, these leaders strengthen the foundation of Hawaii’s construction industry, raising standards of excellence, safety, quality, and professionalism.
What This Award Means for Homeowners and Our Community
Trust and confidence. Being recognized by BIA Hawaii reinforces our commitment to delivering high-quality work with integrity and professionalism.
Strengthening workforce development. Chad’s involvement in BIA’s training initiatives helps ensure that Hawaii continues to grow a strong, skilled local workforce.
Raising industry standards. Recognizing excellence across all categories encourages higher-quality building practices statewide.
This award is a reflection of our team’s dedication and the trust our clients place in us.
BIA Hawaii — Supporting the Future of Building in Hawaii
For 70 years, BIA Hawaii has served as a central resource for builders, developers, suppliers, Realtors, and related professionals. The organization advocates for housing, provides education, and supports the building industry with the long-term goal of strengthening Hawaii’s communities.
The 2025 leadership team and award winners represent a new chapter of growth and innovation within the association.
Highlights From the 2025 Installation and Awards Banquet
The banquet brought together industry leaders from across the state to celebrate achievements and welcome new leadership. For Hilweh Builders, it was moment of joy and gratitude as Chad received the Builder of the Year award.
This event was a reminder of how much our industry can accomplish when we support one another and work toward shared values.
Marc Rinker (Gentry Homes), Chad Hilweh (Hilweh Builders LLC) and Roseann Frietas (BIA Hawaii)
Chad Hilweh of Hilweh Builders LLC
Chad and Liana Hilweh of Hilweh Builders LLC
A Message of Gratitude From Hilweh Builders
We extend our heartfelt thanks to BIA Hawaii, our industry partners, our clients, and our community. Being recognized as Builder of the Year is an honor we share with everyone who has supported us, collaborated with us, and trusted us with their homes.
This achievement reflects the dedication of our entire team. From leadership to the field, every person plays a vital role in the quality of work we deliver.
A special mahalo to our team: Noah, Tama, Tiger, Tim, and Graham, whose craftsmanship, professionalism, and hard work bring our projects to life each day.
We are incredibly proud of our team and grateful for the passion they bring to serving homeowners across Oahu.
We will continue to build with quality, intention, and aloha — and we are excited for the year ahead.
Planning a Remodel or Outdoor Living Project on Oahu?
Hilweh Builders provides high-quality residential remodeling, additions, and deck construction throughout Honolulu and Windward Oahu. If you are planning a project and want to work with an award-winning team, we would be honored to help.
Contact us anytime for a consultation.
View the Official Press Release
