PRP LAUNCHES NEW COMPLIANCE INITIATIVE TO ENSURE FAIR PRACTICES IN HAWAI‘I’S CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

News Release from PRP, July 7, 2025

HONOLULU, HI – Pacific Resource Partnership (PRP), in collaboration with the Hawai‘i Regional Council of Carpenters (HRCC), has launched a new compliance initiative to strengthen oversight of construction projects that utilize taxpayer funds. As part of this initiative PRP will issue letters to all contractors that are awarded public projects at the county, state, or federal level, notifying them that their work will be reviewed for compliance with all applicable laws, including prevailing wages, worker classification, certified payroll, and overtime pay.

This proactive strategy underscores PRP’s commitment to ensuring a level playing field in Hawai‘i’s construction industry, particularly during the current surge in construction activity that continues to underpin the state’s economy. With increased demand, some unscrupulous contractors may attempt to cut corners, undermining fair labor practices and jeopardizing worker protections. PRP’s compliance initiative aims to hold all contractors accountable to the highest standards of integrity and fairness. If violations are found or suspected, PRP will work closely with federal, state, and county partners to address issues promptly. Meanwhile, Workers can report suspected fraud anonymously by going to PlayFairInHawaii.com.

“Fairness and accountability are the cornerstones of a thriving construction industry,” said Nathaniel Kinney, PRP’s executive director. “Our new compliance initiative sends a clear message: every contractor working on public projects in Hawai‘i must follow the rules. By enforcing compliance, we’re protecting workers, supporting ethical businesses, and ensuring that our communities benefit from quality construction that meets the highest standards.”

The compliance initiative involves rigorous monitoring of public projects to verify adherence to labor laws and regulations. PRP’s team will review certified payroll records, verify proper worker classifications, and ensure that prevailing wages and overtime pay are correctly applied. This initiative not only safeguards workers’ rights but also promotes fair competition among contractors, fostering a construction industry that benefits all stakeholders.

“During construction booms, we often see attempts to skirt regulations, which can lead to worker exploitation and substandard project outcomes,” said Micah Kim, PRP Compliance Manager. “Our role as a watchdog is to ensure that every contractor plays by the rules. This initiative empowers us to identify and address violations swiftly, protecting the integrity of Hawai‘i’s construction industry and the workers who build our communities.”

PRP’s compliance initiative reflects its broader mission to strengthen Hawai‘i’s construction industry through accountability, workforce development, and community engagement. By serving as a vigilant watchdog, PRP is helping to shape a future where all contractors operate ethically, workers are treated fairly, and public projects deliver lasting value to the people of Hawai‘i.

QUICK FACTS:

• Pacific Resource Partnership (PRP) has launched a new compliance initiative to monitor public construction projects for adherence to labor laws, including prevailing wages, worker classification, certified payrolls, and overtime pay.
• PRP will issue letters to all contractors awarded public projects, notifying them of compliance reviews to ensure a level playing field.
• PRP will collaborate with federal, state, and county partners to address any violations or suspected non-compliance. Workers can report suspected fraud anonymously by going to PlayFairInHawaii.com
• The initiative addresses concerns about unscrupulous contractors cutting corners during Hawai‘i’s current construction surge.

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About Pacific Resource Partnership

Founded in 1987, Pacific Resource Partnership is a nonprofit organization that represents the Hawai‘i Regional Council of Carpenters, the largest construction union in the state with approximately 6,000 members, in addition to more than 250 diverse contractors ranging from mom-and-pop owned businesses to national companies. Pacific Resource Partnership is the backbone of Hawai‘i’s construction industry and you’ll find us on every island, building homes and businesses, creating neighborhoods, revitalizing communities, strengthening infrastructure, and shaping the face of things to come. In executing its vision for a better Hawai‘i, Pacific Resource Partnership lives by the ethos of “People, Relationships and Promise” – we are PRP.

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KHON: Fair practice initiative for Hawaii construction industry