Hawaii Lumber Products Association
Honolulu, Hawaii — After a 20-year run, the Hawaii Lumber Products Association has announced it is dissolving the organization as of December 31. Founded during a time of uncertainty in Hawaii’s lumber industry, when lumber professionals were struggling to compete with other building material businesses, the Hawaii Lumber Products Association was established in 2003. According to the association, competitors were actively campaigning against the use of wood for Hawaii structures and false information was being spread to consumers and contractors, the organization says, causing the need for an industry association to combat these efforts, and reinforce the bonds throughout the lumber products industry.
“Our mission has been to promote the use of lumber as Hawaii’s preferred construction material, increase demand for lumber products by designers, engineers, and consumers, as well as to support the lumber industry and its professionals,” the group announced in a press release.
HLPA has devoted the past 20 years to this mission by connecting local lumber businesses and those in the industry with the most up to date resources, guides, and educational and networking opportunities. Over the years, the association has been able to provide over $35 million worth of educational PR and advertising, promoting the benefits of building with wood and wood products. In 2022 alone, HLPA provided over $1 million in promotions of our members and industry.
However, Hawaii’s lumber businesses have made major strides in the construction industry and amidst this building boom, lumber has retaken its spot as Hawaii’s #1 preferred construction material and the local lumber economy is once again thriving.
“We now see that the initial driving need for the association is no longer present. With our mission considered fulfilled, the HLPA association board has determined that our 20th anniversary is the right time to dissolve the organization,” the group announced.
In a press release, the group said, “As HLPA comes to a close, we want to make it clear that we couldn’t have done this without the wonderful help of our members and stakeholders, and we want to give a huge mahalo to those who have supported us over the years. Our work was continually propelled by our drive to do right by our members and those in the lumber industry that rely on the support and empowerment of organizations like ours. As much as our members and the community we have built along the way will be missed, we know they will continue to flourish in Hawaii’s construction industry, and we are certain they will carry on the work we have done to uplift local lumber professionals in their field.”
“Although the closing of this organization is bittersweet, I believe Hawaii Lumber Products Association has been an integral part of Hawaii’s lumber industry and I am proud of the work we have done and the impact we have made on local businesses. To this, I feel confident that our work is done, and we can close the organization with peace of mind” states HLPA’s president and HPM Building Supply’s Regional Manager for the Island of Oahu, Mark Schwinn. “I will remember my time with HLPA fondly and I am honored to have served as the organization’s president in their final year.”