Description

Join us for a gathering of GCA members at the upcoming General Membership Meeting, where we’ll cover important updates and foster collaboration among Hawaii’s construction leaders.

The agenda will include:

• Voting on Proposed By-Laws Updates 

• National Economic Update with Ken Simonson, Chief Economist at the AGC of America - Drastic and sudden changes in a host of federal policies in the first half of 2025 have clouded the outlook for construction projects, materials costs, and labor availability. Ken Simonson will cover the latest economic and policy developments and provide his fearless forecast for what they imply for the Aloha State going forward. 

• State Legislative Review with Ryan Sakuda, Government Relations Director at GCA of Hawaii - Find out which new laws from the most recent Legislative Session could impact your business and the broader construction industry in Hawaii. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and engaged with both national and local developments that influence our industry.

PRESENTERS:

Kenneth D. Simonson
Chief Economist
Associated General Contractors of America

Ken Simonson has been Chief Economist for the Associated General Contractors of America, the leading construction trade association, since 2001. He provides insight into the economy and what it implies for construction and related industries through frequent media interviews, presentations, and the Data DIGest, his weekly one-page e-newsletter that goes to more than 20,000 subscribers.

Ken has over 40 years of experience analyzing, advocating, and communicating about economic and tax issues. He currently serves as an advisor to the Census Bureau’s construction data re-engineering initiative. He is a Fellow and past president of the National Association for Business Economics, and he is co-director of the Tax Economists Forum, a professional meeting group he co-founded in 1982.

Ken has a BA in economics from the University of Chicago, and an MA in economics from Northwestern University.

Ryan Sakuda
Government Relations Director
General Contractors Association of Hawaii

Ryan Sakuda is responsible for working with GCA’s Legislative Committee to guide public policy and regulations at the federal, state and county levels; monitor, analyze, and evaluate initiatives by boards and commissions that may affect the construction industry; and develop strategies for GCA members to engage in advocacy and shaping policy.

Sakuda has nearly a decade of experience working in the Hawaii State Legislature. Prior to joining GCA, he had been deputy chief of staff to House Speaker Scott Saiki and also served as a legislative attorney for the Hawaii State House of Representatives from 2011 to 2016. His experience also includes working for state agencies.

Sakuda is an Iolani graduate and received a bachelor of arts degree in history from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and a law degree from the University of Hawaii. The East Honolulu resident volunteers for Hawaii Public Radio’s Generation Listen events sub-committee.