Mahalo to Laʻi Loa’s local workforce

Mahalo to Laʻi Loa's

Local Workforce

Laʻi Loa, the recently completed condominium project in Wailea, was built thanks to many local trades and workers. Throughout the course of construction, over 200 workers had their boots on the ground and hands hard at work creating this beautiful community.

Groundwork by local civil company PB Sullivan began in 2021 and with a crew of 42 employees over the course of multiple years on this project. Āina Archaeology was the archaeological monitoring company for Laʻi Loa, with 4 – 6 employees who were involved in the on-site monitoring and archaeological review at various stages. Armstrong Builders LLC constructed the buildings at Laʻi Loa and directly employed over 40 locals as well as managed a number of sub-trades, many of whom are based on Maui, along with a few specialty trade companies from Oahu.

A few of these hardworking individuals were asked about their experience building the Laʻi Loa project and this what they had to say:

“What I like most about my job is seeing the finished product of high-end carpentry. Most people in other trades don’t get to see this” says Vernon ʻNalu’ Vasquez, Armstrong Builders employee and member of the Carpenters Union Local 745, born and raised on Maui.

“I’ve been living on Maui on and off for about 10 years. Our company works throughout the Hawaiian islands. On this project, what stands out is how everybody worked together and the ups and downs after the Lahaina fires. There were challenges that could have derailed us but we all worked together and got through them” Jeffery Bryce, Central Air Systems, resides part time on Maui and part time on Oahu.

“What I enjoyed most is meeting all different kind people but the most special part was working with my daughter” says Dominic Kaine, Armstrong Builders, born and raised on the West side of Maui.

“In order to go forward in life, you got to work.”

“The most rewarding part of my job is being able to deliver the products to our clients and making their dream of having a home on Maui come true,” Lauren Kaleleiki, Armstrong Builders, born and raised in Palehua, Oahu and Maui resident for the last 8 years. “As part of the general contractor team we work with both the clients and sub trades to bring a project to life and you make connections with so many different people – that is really gratifying.”

“There is nothing more satisfying then when you are done with a project to sit back and look at what you built,” Daniel Adams, Armstrong Builders, lived on Maui for 20 years. “One of the biggest challenges on this project was going through the fires. About 10% of the workers were affected. When you work with new people on a jobsite over many years, such as on this jobsite, you make lifetime friendships which is really great.”

The Ledcor Maui team extends a huge mahalo and hand to everyone who played a part in building this new community. Their hard work and dedication was paramount to the project’s success – we couldn’t have done it without you!