Planning to build a home or start a home improvement project?
You might find some inspiration at the Building Industry Association of Hawai‘i's BIG Home Building & Remodeling Show. The annual three-day expo returns to Honolulu next month, taking place Aug. 8 to 10 at the Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall.
The home show offers a "comprehensive experience for anyone planning, starting or considering a home improvement project," Eric Baranda, marketing and events manager for BIA Hawai‘i, told Aloha State Daily in an email.
There will be booths from top local builders, remodelers, suppliers and designers; hands-on exhibits and live demonstrations; seminars; the "latest products and trends" in a number of areas; ideas for multi-generational design and aging in place; prize giveaways and more.
BIA Hawai‘i, a not-for-profit trade association chartered by the National Association of Home Builders in 1955, is the voice of Hawai‘i's construction industry.
Baranda says the home show is part of the organization's mission to connect the community with licensed, qualified professionals.
The expo "serves as a direct link between homeowners and builders, contractors, designers and suppliers. The goal is to promote safe, affordable and high-quality housing by providing attendees with guidance, education and access to trusted service providers," he says. "The show is also a platform to showcase innovation and sustainability in the building industry."
Thousands have attended past shows, and "strong interest" from homeowners, renters, industry professionals and the community continues each year, he noted. Attendance this year is expected to remain high.
"Hawai‘i continues to face significant housing challenges," Baranda says. "Families are looking for ways to age in place, renovate for multigenerational living or upgrade older homes. The BIA Hawai‘i Home Building & Remodeling Show is designed to help meet these needs. The event brings together resources, professionals and ideas to help local residents make informed decisions about improving their homes."
According to a recent announcement from BIA, a Keiki Zone will offer a dedicated space for kids to explore, play and learn. Honolulu City Council Vice Chair Andria Tupola will also lead a seminar discussion on how "local projects take shape through leadership and collaboration," the announcement noted. That will take place from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9.
Baranda says a major attraction, though, will be Paws & Pallets, where graduates from BIA's Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training program "will build a sustainable dog house live on the show floor using repurposed materials."
"It highlights both construction skills and creative reuse, while promoting workforce development and green practices," he noted. That also will take place that Saturday.
If you go
What: BIG Home Building & Remodeling Show
When: Aug. 8 to 10 at the Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall
Hours: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10.
Tickets: General admission is $8 and available at the Blaisdell Box office starting Monday, Aug. 4. It includes admission for all three days. Children under 16 get in free. You can save $3 by signing up for updates here. Seniors 60 and older get $3 off admission — with a valid ID — on Sunday, which is Kūpuna Day. Discounts cannot be combined.
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Stephanie Salmons can be reached at stephanie@alohastatedaily.com.
