Instructors
BIA Hawaii instructors are proven industry professionals with real-world experience. They include licensed contractors, certified safety trainers, business owners, project managers, and trade experts who work with many of Hawaii’s leading construction companies. Every instructor brings hands-on knowledge and up-to-date industry insight to the classroom, ensuring our courses are practical, relevant, and aligned with current standards. When you take a class at BIA Hawaii, you’re learning from experts who do this work every day—and who are committed to helping you succeed.
Our Story: Scott Knowles – Alan Shintani, Inc. At BIA Hawaii, we celebrate professionals who bring not only decades of experience but also a lifelong dedication to protecting and uplifting the people they work with. As Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO) for Alan Shintani, Inc., this safety leader has spent more than three decades…
Our Story: Evan K. Fujimoto – Graham Builders At BIA Hawaii, we proudly highlight leaders who blend technical excellence with heart, purpose, and community service. Evan K. Fujimoto, President of Graham Builders, is a shining example of that balance. With over 35 years of experience in construction and more than three decades at Graham Builders,…
Our Story: Malcolm Mamac – DR Horton At BIA Hawaii, we proudly honor the builders who have not only shaped skylines but also shaped careers through mentorship, leadership, and lived experience. With 46 years in the construction industry, Project Superintendent Malcolm Mamac and proud member of Carpenters Union Local 745 stands as a pillar of…
Our Story: Gwen Navarrete Klapperich – Klapperich International Training Associates (KITA) LLC At BIA Hawaii, we value educators who empower others through knowledge, inclusion, and professional growth. Gwen Navarrete Klapperich, M.Ed., CPTD®, CPACC is one of those educators-a nationally certified talent development expert who has dedicated her career to helping professionals grow, thrive, and succeed.…
Our Story: Lex – Solid Built Construction, Inc. At BIA Hawaii, we celebrate builders who bring skill, precision, and heart to every project. Lex, founder of Solid Built Construction, Inc., is one of those builders-a professional with over 20 years of hands-on experience in residential and commercial construction, known for his commitment to quality, client…
Our Story: Geena Thielen – Complete Construction Services At BIA Hawaii, we are proud to spotlight the leaders whose expertise, integrity, and community spirit continue to shape the future of Hawaii’s building industry. Geena Thielen is one such leader-an accomplished general contractor, developer, and advocate whose decades of work have left a lasting mark on…
Our Story: Tristan Aldeguer – Hensel Phelps & Aldeguer Safety Consulting, LLC At BIA Hawaii, we’re proud to highlight professionals who elevate the construction industry through leadership, experience, and a deep-rooted commitment to safety. Tristan Aldeguer, a seasoned safety manager and military veteran, brings all of that-and more-to every classroom and jobsite he supports. Building…
Our Story: Gindi French – KamaÊ»aina Handyman & OÊ»ahu 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…
Our Story: Darryle T. Matsumiya – Business Safety Solutions At BIA Hawaii, our mission is to support and grow a strong, skilled construction workforce-one that values safety, leadership, and continuous learning. We’re honored to highlight Darryle T. Matsumiya, a safety expert whose work exemplifies this mission through deep industry experience and an unwavering commitment to…
Our Story: Joel Frenzel – Simpson Strong-Tie At Simpson Strong-Tie, we understand that a strong industry is built on a foundation of skilled professionals. That’s why we invest in mentorship, training, and workforce development. One of the individuals leading this effort in Hawaii is Joel Frenzel, a seasoned construction expert and passionate educator dedicated to…