Sixty Years, and Counting
2024 marked ACECH’s 60th anniversary; it seems appropriate to reflect on the incredible ways engineers have made and continue to make a difference. From building the roads we travel and enhancing cars, trains, and planes, to finding ways to make sure communities have access to basic necessities like clean, safe water and food – engineering innovations touch lives every day!
Engineering Then and Now: A 60-Year Journey
Remember when we did drafting by hand? Or called people on the phone instead of emailing? Over the last 60 years, technology has transformed how engineers work. The introduction of computer-aided design (CAD) in the 1960s revolutionized drafting, and now tools like drones, 3D printing, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) are making projects faster, safer, and more precise.
Today, we’re tackling challenges like climate change and urban growth with the help of artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies. It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come—and exciting to imagine what’s next as we continue building a smarter, more connected world!
Hawaii’s Engineering Legacy
Here in Hawaii, engineers have risen to the unique challenges of our remote island state with creativity and care. From designing sustainable tourism projects and protecting us from earthquakes and tsunamis to reviving ancient Hawaiian fishponds, we’re finding ways to honor our culture and protect our environment while moving us forward into the future.
As we celebrate ACECH’s 60 years, let’s take a moment to appreciate our fellow engineers who have poured their passion and talent into making the world a better place. They’re not just shaping landscapes – they’re improving lives. Here’s to 60 years of incredible engineering and all the exciting innovations still to come!
Shannon Holman
2024-2025 ACECH President