The Hawaii Steel Alliance (HSA) is a nonprofit membership organization that has been operating in Hawaii for over 26 years. Its primary objective is to promote and defend the use of steel framing and metal roofing prod- ucts in construction across the Pacific region. The Hawaii Steel Alliance has made great strides in growing the cold- formed steel (CFS) framing and metal roofing markets in a short amount of time. Before the formation of HSA, the usage of steel framing in homes on Oahu was below 20 percent. However, today, over 70 percent of new homes on Oahu are framed with steel. This remarkable achievement highlights the effectiveness of this trade association in facilitating the growth of an emerg- ing market. The HSA has played a vital role in disseminating the latest informa- tion on steel framing technology. Even before the building codes established standards for steel framing, the HSA helped engineers and architects by providing the latest prescriptive meth- ods that have now become standard references in the building codes. In the past, when most carpenters were only familiar with wood framing, the HSA introduced Stud University to train journeymen carpenters in steel framing techniques. Additionally, the HSA developed a training curriculum and assisted with training programs to address the shortage of skilled steel carpenters. In the past, only a few design professionals were knowledgeable about designing with steel. However,
the HSA played a crucial role in developing a strong core of struc- tural engineers in Hawaii who are now proficient in designing CFS structures. The HSA also established a close relationship with the Cold Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI), formerly known as the Light Gauge Steel Engineers Association, and held many training workshops to introduce structural engineers to mid-rise steel framed build- ings such as assisted living centers and hotels. Additionally, the HSA conducted training programs for the Army Corps of Engineers and Naval Facilities Engineering Command for their steel-designed projects. The HSA played a crucial role in helping with plan reviews and jobsite inspections. They trained code offi- cials and even achieved standards acceptance for steel framing before it was referenced in building codes. The HSA’s team of trainers reached out to all four counties of Hawaii. The HSA funded research at the University of Hawaii to address concerns specific to Hawaii on areas that had not yet been explored on the mainland. The research covered topics such as corro- sion, load-bearing top plates, and other areas of concern. The HSA played a crucial role in improving the learning curve for carpenters in Hawaii. They brought mainland manufacturers to the island to use local jobsites as laboratories for testing and improving tools and construction methods such as screw guns, fasteners, bit tips, saw blades,
floor joists, connectors, and more. To educate local builders on the benefits of steel framing and metal roofing for the environment, the HSA hosted several dinner meetings and workshops with experts from various industries. Additionally, the HSA acted as an information resource and database, providing engineers, architects, and steel framers with the latest cost-effec- tive details. They actively helped solve field issues and responded to builder needs on the jobsite when steel framing was a new concept for everyone. Numerous meetings were held to bring together various companies, including manufacturers, suppliers, and contractors. All of them were involved in the construction food chain, which made it possible for them to network and generate more business for their respective companies. The HSA provided literature on steel framing and metal roofing to Hawaii Developers’ sales and marketing teams, which enabled them to communicate this information to potential homebuyers. The HSA made efforts to connect with the general public by participat- ing in trade shows across Hawaii, the mainland, and overseas. It also organized six top-notch international conferences in Hawaii, such as the Pacific Rim Steel Framing Conference, which drew attendees from as far as Australia, Japan, Germany, and Turkey. To support its membership and spread the latest information to the public, the HSA continues to publish an annual resource directory like the one you’re reading now.
S6 | HAWAII STEEL ALLIANCE 2023–2024 | WWW.HAWAIISTEEL.COM
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