The Construction Industry of Maui is continuing its efforts to support Valley Isle students.
A trade council of the Maui Chamber of Commerce that operates as an independent association, CIM recently donated $44,000 to the University of Hawai‘i Maui College, which will fund 12 scholarships for students enrolled in the school’s construction vocational program.
“CIM supports students pursuing careers in construction and the skilled trades by helping reduce financial barriers and providing access to education, certifications and hands-on training,” a recent announcement from the organization noted. “These scholarships are awarded to students with demonstrated need who are committed to building careers in the construction industry.”
The UH Maui vocational program provides students with “hands-on learning, technical training, and industry-recognized certifications designed to prepare graduates for careers in construction, project management and the skilled trades,” CIM says. “The program plays a critical role in developing local talent and strengthening Maui’s construction workforce.”
“Supporting the construction trades on Maui is essential because our workforce and resources are limited and the demand for skilled labor continues to grow,” CIM Secretary Kevin Keller, with WMC, told Aloha State Daily in an emailed response to questions. “With ongoing housing needs, infrastructure improvements and disaster recovery efforts, the industry is under constant pressure to deliver projects efficiently and safely with a limited labor pool. Long-term, supporting the trades is about building local capacity — ensuring Maui has a stable, qualified workforce that can meet demand without relying heavily on outside labor, while also creating sustainable career opportunities for residents.”
Keller says that across Maui and the state, the construction industry is facing a “significant workforce gap,” driven by sustained demand and a limited pipeline of new workers entering the trades.
“Many experienced tradespeople are staying in the workforce longer and delaying retirement, which is helping to maintain current capacity — but it also highlights the lack of younger generations coming in to replace them,” he says. “To meet ongoing and future construction needs — especially with housing, infrastructure, and recovery efforts — there is a critical need to grow the local workforce. This includes expanding trade education, increasing apprenticeship opportunities, and creating clear career pathways that attract and retain the next generation of skilled workers in Hawai‘i.”
Funding for the UHMC scholarships came from proceeds raised at a golf fundraiser last year. CIM says those wanting to support or participate in the 2026 Golf Tournament — planned for Sept. 19 at The Dunes Maui Lani — should contact Jennifer Girard at constructionindustryofmaui@gmail.com.
In addition to the UH Maui College scholarship, CIM also supports vocational programs in Maui County high schools. That support includes helping cover the costs of traveling off-island for construction-related competitions as well as expenses for industry certifications, the announcement notes.
CIM also offers its annual Bob Poulson CIM Scholarships.
Scholarship applications are open until April 27 for Maui County high school seniors who graduate this spring. CIM says the scholarship aims to support Maui students who plan to seek degrees in construction- and design-related fields outside of Maui, with the goal of returning home with their skills.
Winners, who will each receive a minimum of $10,000 this year, will be selected by the CIM Advisory Board and recognized at a banquet in May.
Find more details and requirements here.
Donations and proceeds from the auction at the CIM holiday party fund these scholarships, the CIM website notes.
To date, more than $350,000 in scholarship funds have been awarded to 15 Maui high school students, a representative for the organization told ASD.
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Stephanie Salmons can be reached at stephanie@alohastatedaily.com.
