Hawaiʻi Lumber Products Association to dissolve after 20-year run

After an impactful 20-year run, the Hawaiʻi Lumber Products Association is dissolving on Dec. 31, 2022.

The association was founded in 2003 during a time of uncertainty in Hawaiʻi’s lumber industry, when lumber professionals were struggling to compete with other building material businesses.

Competitors were actively campaigning against the use of wood for Hawaiʻi structures and false information was being spread to consumers and contractors, causing the need for an industry hui to combat these efforts, and reinforce the bonds throughout the lumber products industry, according to a press release from the association.

“Our mission has been to promote the use of lumber as Hawaiʻi’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 press release said. 

The association 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 more than $35 million worth of educational public relations and advertising, promoting the benefits of building with wood and wood products. In 2022, the association provided more than $1 million in promotions of its members and the industry.

Hawaiʻi’s lumber businesses have made major strides in the construction industry and amidst the current building boom, lumber has retaken its spot as Hawaiʻi’s preferred construction material.

“The local lumber economy is once again thriving,” the press release said. “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.”

Mark Schwinn, the Hawaiʻi Lumber Products Association’s president, said: “Although the closing of this organization is bittersweet, I believe Hawaiʻi Lumber Products Association has been an integral part of Hawaiʻi’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.”