Builders’ convention
starts today
Representatives from Associated Builders and Contractors, Hawaii Chapter, expect 2,000 people at the national trade organization's annual convention today through Sunday at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.
"This is always the convention we get the biggest turn out for," said Gary Wiseman, state chapter president. Warmer locales tend to be a big draw for the winter event, he said.
This year, the convention was originally scheduled to take place at Waikoloa on the Big Island, Wiseman said. But one of the most popular events at the show, a craftsmanship contest, attracted more participants than originally planned for, so the convention was moved to Oahu, he said.
ABC, which has 80 chapters across the country, represents about 23,000 non-union construction and construction-related firms nationwide.
In Hawaii, 150 local companies belong to ABC, Wiseman said. This year's conference will feature educational workshops on topics such as construction safety management and improving project management. ABC also will present awards honoring the top U.S. construction project in 2003 and its most outstanding craft professionals.
But the highlight of the show will be Friday's craft championship event at the Hawaii Convention Center.
During the competition, apprentices from 10 trades will get to show off their skills.
The number of contestants has increased to more than 150, Wiseman said. "It used to be less than 100, so with all the power equipment being used, plenty of space and plenty of power will be needed," he said.
"These are the top apprentices within their respective fields. They are all at the upper levels of apprenticeship training and are representing either their state or their city."
