HOUSING 101 THROUGH ADVOCACY, EDUCATION EFFORTS AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT The association, serving as a critical advocate, functions through three primary pillars: legislative advocacy, community engagement through events, and robust education and training initiatives. “Our mission remains unwavering in supporting home builders and ensuring Hawaii’s workforce can afford to live here,” shares the association’s spokesperson. Over the past seven years, while the core mission has remained consistent, the association has adeptly adapted to shifting economic landscapes, technological advancements, and unforeseen events such as the recession of 2009 and the global pandemic of 2020. Legislatively, the association actively participates in both federal and state policy advocacy. They collaborate closely with the National Association of Home Builders for federal-level influence while maintaining a strong local presence through dedicated lobbying efforts. A significant recent achievement was the successful passing of House Bill 420, aimed at mitigating unjust class-action lawsuits against developers, ensuring genuine consumer protection without burdening developments with frivolous litigation. “House Bill 420 marked a huge win,” notes the spokesperson, elaborating on how prior class-action loopholes led to significant financial strain on developers and homeowners alike. This legislative victory exemplifies the association’s proactive stance on protecting both the housing market and consumer rights. OPEN DIALOGUE WITH THE INDUSTRY Communication is another essential aspect of the association’s strategy. In an era of digital overwhelm, they’ve streamlined their outreach, reducing email frequency while enhancing relevance. Creative social media campaigns have captured attention, particularly humorous, educational videos that resonate across generational divides. Additionally, the association emphasizes personal interaction 41 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 08 BUILDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF HAWAII
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