Our Story: Gindi French – Kamaʻaina Handyman & Oʻahu Home Inspections

At BIA Hawaii, we celebrate the people who bring passion, knowledge, and diverse experience into the construction industry. Gindi French is one such individual—a trailblazer whose journey from rocket science to residential trades is as inspiring as it is impactful.

Building the Future: Mentorship & Community Impact

Gindi’s story begins in Southern California, where she launched her career at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory—while still in high school. Her early work in spacecraft and instrumentation engineering led her to study mechanical engineering with a minor in ocean engineering at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Over the next decade, she brought her engineering talents to both outer space and the deep sea, contributing to spacecraft design and subsea instrumentation—realizing a lifelong dream of exploring extreme environments.

When life brought her to Hawaii, Gindi shifted gears. She became a consultant for the University of Hawaii’s School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology and the Hawaii Space Flight Laboratory, while also teaching Technical Communication at UH Mānoa. But after the Hawaii Space Flight Laboratory closed, Gindi found herself drawn to the world of construction—and quickly discovered a natural aptitude for hands-on tradework and construction management. She honed her skills working with general, electrical, and plumbing contractors before charting her own course.

Today, Gindi is the proud owner of Kamaʻāina Handyman and Oʻahu Home Inspections, bringing precision, reliability, and care to every project. She’s not just a business owner—she’s a mentor, educator, and role model who empowers others by sharing her diverse knowledge across fields.

Why We Support BIA-Hawaii

Gindi’s commitment to workforce development and lifelong learning aligns perfectly with BIA Hawaii’s mission. As a member of Professional Women in Building (PWB), HEA (Hawaii Energy Association), and BIA Hawaii, Gindi is a vocal advocate for supporting women and underrepresented voices in the trades.

She also teaches at BIA, offering courses that reflect both her technical rigor and her hands-on experience. Her background in aerospace and ocean engineering allows her to bring a unique perspective to the classroom, while her work in the trades ensures her lessons are grounded in real-world application. Students walk away from her sessions not only more knowledgeable, but inspired by what’s possible.

Through her teaching, mentorship, and leadership, Gindi French embodies the spirit of innovation, resilience, and service that BIA Hawaii values. Her contributions are shaping a smarter, more inclusive construction industry—one where science, skill, and heart work together to build Hawaii’s future.

We are proud to recognize and thank Gindi French for her dedication to education, craftsmanship, and empowering the next generation of construction professionals.