Congratulations to the 2026 Kukulu Hale Award Winners and Special Honorees!
NAIOP Hawaii announced the winners of the 29th Kukulu Hale Awards on May 1st at the Royal Hawaiian Monarch Room. This year’s sold-out event, themed “Lei Day at the Royal,” recognized excellence in seven project categories. Five special recognition awards also were announced.
Mahalo to our Kukulu Hale planning committee, jurors, and generous sponsors, including Ilima Sponsors: Alaka‘i Development, American Savings Bank, Bank of Hawai‘i, hi-arch-y, Honblue, and Prospac Holdings; Maile Sponsors: First Hawaiian Bank, Goodsill, and Layton Construction Hawaii‘; and Pikake Sponsors: Kapili Roofing & Painting, Old Republic Title, and Title Guaranty Hawaii
Special Recognition Awards
2026 Developer of the Year: Alaka‘i Development
For decades, Hawai‘i went without meaningful development of market-rate rental housing at scale. The barriers were simply too high, and many believed it couldn’t be done. Alakaʻi Development is proving otherwise through the persistence, vision, and leadership of co-owners Jon Wallenstrom and Cayenne Pe‘a. Since its founding in 2016, the company has delivered 817 rental homes in West O‘ahu, including The Element, a 318-unit community developed at the entrance to the rapidly maturing Ho‘opili master plan and adjacent to Skyline’s UH West Oahu rail stop. The firm recently completed the 240-key Hyatt Place/ Hyatt House adjacent to The Element. The Hyatt will provide an important community amenity while strengthening Skyline’s ridership.
LIFEtimE ACHIeVement: Vernon Inoshita, Chairman of the Board, Design Partners Incorporated
Vernon Inoshita is a distinguished architect, visionary leader, and the founding force behind Design Partners Incorporated (DPI), a firm he established in 1979 that has since become one of Hawai‘i’s most respected architectural practices. Over the course of his career, Inoshita has helped shape the built environment of Hawai‘i and the broader Pacific region, leading landmark projects that span affordable housing, high-rise residential communities, and resort developments. His legacy is found not only in the buildings he has helped bring to life, but in the generations of architects and industry professionals he has mentored and inspired.
Outstanding Service Award: Craig K. Nakamoto, Executive Director, Hawai‘i Community Development Authority
Craig Nakamoto was appointed to lead the Hawai‘i Community Development Authority in 2022, taking the helm of the state agency established in 1976 to revitalize underutilized and deteriorating urban areas, starting with the Kaka‘ako community development district and now including the Kalaeloa and Heeia community development districts on Oahu; the Pulehunui community development district on Maui; a transit-oriented infrastructure improvement program; and a 99-year leasehold pilot program. Leading by example, Nakamoto has brought a fresh approach and a “can do” attitude to the administration of much needed infrastructure and housing development in the state.
COMMErciAL BROKER of the Year: Jackson Nakasone, President, NAI CBI, Hawai‘i
Jackson Nakasone’s commercial real estate career began in 1978 when he joined the Grubb & Ellis Hawai‘i office. Four years later he formed his own real estate company, CBI, which stands for “Client’s Best Interest.” Now known as NAI CBI Hawai‘i after joining forces with NAI Global, the company handles sales, purchases, and leases for raw land and improved office and building space. It also manages a portfolio of commercial properties, and more than 1,500 residential units in apartment buildings and homes, including 300 HUD units.
Nakasone himself has handled over $200 million in commercial real estate sales in Hawai‘i.
NAIOP HAWAII MAHALO AWARD: Larry Heim, Senior Consultant, Honblue
NAIOP Hawaii extends a special Mahalo to Larry Heim whose enthusiasm and enduring support over the years – both personally and through Honblue – has had a direct and lasting impact on our chapter. From 2014 through 2025 Larry served on the NAIOP Hawaii board, including positions as Chapter President, Membership Chair, and Sponsorship Chair, and he has provided insight and invaluable contributions to many of our committees. Honblue has been a loyal NAIOP Hawaii Corporate Sponsor since 2010 and has contributed to the success of many chapter events. From flyers and programs to signage, banners, photo backdrops, and wacky props, Honblue has been NAIOP Hawaii’s go-to, can-do printing partner through the years.
2026 Project Winners: Kukulu Hale Awards of Excellence
NEW PROJECT AWARD – COMMERCIAL/OTHER OVER 40,000
The Park on Ke‘eaumoku
Submitted by: American Savings Bank & Design Partners Incorporated
Developer/Owner: Keeaumoku Development Owners LLC
Lead Design Firm: Design Partners Incorporated
General Contractor: Nan, Inc.
NEW PROJECT AWARD – COMMERCIAL/OTHER 40,000 SF OR LESS
Central Pacific Bank Kahului
Submitted by: Nordic PCL Construction, Inc. and Next Design
Developer/Owner: Central Pacific Bank
Lead Design Firm: Next Design
General Contractor: Nordic PCL Construction, Inc.
RENOVATION AWARD – COMMERCIAL/OTHER OVER 40,000 SF
Marriott Vacation Club King Kalakaua Plaza, Waikīkī
Submitted by: Nordic PCL Construction, Inc. & G70
Developer/Owner: Marriott Vacations Worldwide
Lead Design Firm: G70
General Contractor: Nordic PCL Construction, Inc.
RENOVATION AWARD – COMMERCIAL/OTHER 40,000 SF OR LESS
Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana / Outrigger Theater
Submitted by: G70
Developer/Owner: Outrigger Hospitality Group
Lead Design Firm: G70
General Contractor: Swinerton
PUBLIC/GOVERNMENT PROJECT AWARD
Kūlanihāko‘i High School
Submitted by: G70
Developer/Owner: Hawai‘i State Department of Education
Lead Design Firm: G70
General Contractor: Nordic PCL Construction, Inc.
NONPROFIT PROJECT AWARDS (2 awards)
Kaiāulu o Kūku’ia
Submitted by: Design Partners Incorporated
Developer/Owner: Ikaika Ohana
Lead Design Firms: Design Partners Incorporated & D&T Designs
General Contractors: Goodfellow Bros. & Maryl Group Construction Inc.
Lili‘uokalani Center
Submitted by: Kiewit Building Group, Inc.
Developer/Owner: Lili‘uokalani Trust
Lead Design Firm: Flansburgh Architects
General Contractor: Kiewit Building Group, Inc.
GREEN BUILDING AWARD
Kūpono Solar
Submitted by: Moss & Associates
Developer/Owner: Ameresco, Inc. / Kupono Solar LLC
Lead Design Firm: G70
General Contractor: Moss & Associates
