Hawaii Construction Bidding Guide 2025: State & County Contracts
Complete guide to finding construction bids in Hawaii. Learn about HIePRO system, county procurement, bonding requirements, and how to win public works contracts.
Hawaii Construction Market at a Glance
Hawaii's construction market is driven by tourism infrastructure, military installations, and the constant need to maintain facilities in a challenging tropical environment. The state's isolation creates unique logistical challenges but also steady demand for local contractors.
Understanding Hawaii's Construction Industry
Hawaii's construction industry is characterized by high costs due to material shipping, strong union presence, and significant government investment. Key sectors include:
- Military Construction: Pearl Harbor, Schofield Barracks, and other installations
- Tourism Infrastructure: Hotels, airports, harbors, and attractions
- Educational Facilities: University of Hawaii system and K-12 schools
- Transportation: Highways, bridges, Honolulu Rail Transit
- Affordable Housing: State and county housing projects
Key Procurement Portals
HIePRO (Hawaii Electronic Procurement)
The State of Hawaii's official procurement system for all state agency contracts.
- • URL: hiepro.ehawaii.gov
- • Registration: Required for bid submission
- • Cost: Free registration
- • Coverage: All state departments and agencies
County Procurement Systems
City & County of Honolulu
- • Largest municipal market
- • Uses own bidding portal
- • Major rail transit project
County of Maui
- • Includes Molokai and Lanai
- • Significant rebuilding after 2023 fires
- • Online bid portal
County of Hawaii (Big Island)
- • Largest county by area
- • Road and infrastructure focus
- • Department of Public Works bids
County of Kauai
- • Smaller project volume
- • Flood recovery projects
- • County purchasing division
Contractor Licensing
Hawaii Contractor License Requirements
Hawaii has strict licensing requirements administered by the Contractors License Board under the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA).
License Classifications:
- • A - General Engineering
- • B - General Building
- • C - Specialty Contractor (35+ types)
Requirements:
- • 4 years journeyman experience
- • Pass trade and law exams
- • Financial statement
- • Workers' comp insurance
Out-of-State Contractors
Out-of-state contractors must obtain a Hawaii license before bidding. There is no reciprocity with other states. Plan 2-3 months for the licensing process including exam scheduling.
Major Contracting Agencies
| Agency | Project Types | Est. Annual Value |
|---|---|---|
| Dept. of Transportation | Highways, airports, harbors | $1B+ |
| HART (Rail Authority) | Honolulu rail transit | $500M+ |
| Dept. of Education | School construction/renovation | $300M+ |
| University of Hawaii | Campus facilities | $200M+ |
| US Navy (Pearl Harbor) | Military construction | $800M+ |
Bonding Requirements
State Bonding Thresholds
Hawaii requires bid bonds, performance bonds, and payment bonds for public works:
Bonds must be from sureties authorized to do business in Hawaii. The state maintains a list of approved sureties.
Prevailing Wage Rules
Hawaii Prevailing Wage Requirements
Hawaii requires prevailing wages on all public works projects regardless of dollar amount.
Key Points:
- • Wage rates set by Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations
- • No minimum threshold—applies to all public works
- • Strong union influence on wage rates
- • Certified payroll required weekly
Hawaii's prevailing wages are among the highest in the nation, reflecting the strong union presence and high cost of living.
Tips for Winning Hawaii Contracts
1. Account for Shipping Costs
All materials must be shipped by sea or air. Lead times are longer and costs are 30-50% higher than mainland. Factor these into your estimates accurately.
2. Understand Union Requirements
Many public projects require union labor through Project Labor Agreements. Build relationships with local unions and understand their hiring hall procedures.
3. Establish Local Presence
Having a local office, equipment yard, and workforce relationships significantly improves your competitiveness. Consider partnering with established local contractors.
4. Monitor Federal Opportunities
Military construction in Hawaii is substantial. Register in SAM.gov and pursue federal opportunities alongside state and county work.
5. Get Your License Early
The Hawaii licensing process takes months. Start early so you're ready when opportunities arise. Don't wait until you see a bid you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can mainland contractors work in Hawaii?
Yes, but you must obtain a Hawaii contractor license first. There is no reciprocity with other states. You'll need to pass Hawaii-specific exams and meet all requirements.
What is the Hawaii preference for local contractors?
Hawaii has a preference program that provides 5% bid preference for Hawaii products and contractors. Projects may also have hiring preferences for local workers.
How do I find neighbor island projects?
County procurement offices for Maui, Hawaii (Big Island), and Kauai post opportunities separately from Oahu/Honolulu. Monitor each county's portal and HIePRO for state projects.
Are there small business set-asides in Hawaii?
Yes, Hawaii has programs for small businesses and disadvantaged business enterprises. Federal projects may have HUBZone, 8(a), SDVOSB, and WOSB set-asides.
Find Hawaii Construction Bids
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