×
×
homepage logo

Lokelani Construction committed to excellence for 35 years

By Staff | Jan 20, 2011

Lokelani Construction is run by Bill Salawich (right), pictured with his son, Eric.

LAHAINA — Bill Salawich, president and owner of Lokelani Construction, moved to Maui in 1970 from California, where he was a cabinet maker for 25 years.

Upon arriving in Maui, Bill and a partner worked as carpenters primarily on Front Street and in Whalers Village. In 1975, Jim Luckey, former executive director of Lahaina Restoration Foundation, saw Bill’s work and asked him to build his new house in upper Wailuku. Bill took the test, obtained his Contractor’s License and built Jim’s custom home. More custom homes followed, including homes in Hana for Richard Pryor and Jim Neighbors.

Citing the time and expense in driving the longer distances every day, Bill began concentrating on serving the West Side, where he is based and has built many custom homes in Lahaina, as well as in The Golf Estates and Kaanapali Hillside. The company also performs remodeling work and has done extensive remodels in over 80 Puamana units.

In addition to custom homes and residential renovation and remodeling, Lokelani Construction also performs commercial work for all varieties of businesses. Past clients include the Lahaina Inn, Ba-Le Restaurant, Lahaina Yacht Club, Lahaina Methodist Church and many others.

Wherever possible, Lokelani Construction has always been committed to performing “Green Remodeling.” In performing demolition work, metals such as copper pipes and aluminum window frames are recycled. All salvageable appliances, plumbing fixtures, doors, cabinets, as well as any other reusable materials are donated to people or organizations that can use them, thereby decreasing the amount of waste and reducing demand upon our already overburdened landfills and precious resources.

Bill acknowledges the assistance of his dedicated and capable staff, most of whom are longtime employees, in the smooth and successful operation of the company. Foreman Chris Long has been with the company for 25 years; he is in charge of overseeing all phases of construction and ensuring the high quality of work performed by Lokelani. Running the office and performing all clerical and accounting duties is Penny Garrett, who has kept the company administratively on track for 19 years.

“They are irreplaceable and important members of the Lokelani family,” says Bill.

With 12 years’ experience working for the company, Bill’s son, Eric, took the test and earned his Contractor’s License. In 2009, Eric was promoted to vice president of the company and works closely with his father, both in the office and in the field.

“I’m very proud of Eric,” says Bill, “and I look forward to some day passing the reins on to him and watching as he guides the company through another 35 years, leading it with the same ideals, principles and dedication to excellence that I have instilled in the company.”

Lokelani Construction is a General Contractor firm serving Maui since 1975 (License #BC-10663). Our office is located at 808 Wainee St., Suite 202, in Lahaina. Call (808) 661-3711, fax (808) 661-4321 or e-mail lokelaniconstruction@hotmail.com.