Business View Magazine | May/June 2022

30 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 9, ISSUE 5 was that we were told not to dig deeper than three feet because there were bombs, etc. below that level – which we did occasionally expose but they didn’t, thankfully, explode!” The biggest challenge for the company today is obtaining material – what used to be available in 60 days now takes from four to six months. According to Leong, “The most disturbing fact is price protection, because as a contractor you have to prepare your bid and submit it to the owner for review, who then decides if they’re going to go ahead with the project. That might take 30 to 45 days and suppliers are now quoting that their prices are only good for 30 days. So when we get notified that we have a project and we go to order the material, we’re not guaranteed that the price we used in the bid is now valid, because they’re having the same problem with their suppliers on the mainland.” and halfway through, if they get their building permits, they’ll come onto the completed lots that have been graded while we’re still working on the roadway. That could save them a month or two in time to turn over the units. So I think they appreciate our willingness to work and to help them accelerate their schedule.” Based in Oahu, in the industrial area close to the airport, the Royal Contracting construction crew is comprised of 180 people in the field and a lean staff of about 15 in the office. Until about 20 years ago, they also did work on the Big Island, Maui, Kauai, Lanai, even on Kaho’olawe, which the military used as a target practice island. Leong explains, “About two decades ago, they decided to clean up the island and return it to the state so people could visit, campout, and enjoy the island. Fortunately, we were selected to be part of the team to do the construction. That was an interesting job. One of the unique things COMMERCIAL WATER, SEWER, IRRIGATION & DRAINAGE SUPPL IES Solutions + Service + Experience is our Difference 45 N King Street, Suite 601 Honolulu, HI 96817 1 (808) 356-4970 www.honuawaterworks.com