Aloha Members,
As you read this month’s message, I want you to ponder whether or not this was written with assistance of AI. At May’s General Membership Meeting, members were informed about all the fun, freaky, and amazing things associated with AI. Presented by Ian Kitajima of the Pacific International Center for High Technology Research, members in attendance were enlightened by the history, advancement, and future of artificial intelligence. If you missed Ian’s presentation on AI, a copy of his slides is available here.
This year, a small party of Hawai‘i members made their way to Washington DC for the 2024 ACEC Annual Convention & Legislative Summit at the Grand Hyatt Washington DC. The Summit featured speakers such as Migueal Cervantes of the Broadway hit “Hamilton”, national political correspondent, Mara Liasson of NPR’s program “All Things Considered” and “Morning Edition”, and humanitarian/MMA fighter Justin Wren. Hot topics of discussion were workforce issues and artificial intelligence. It was apparent that the challenges and interests facing Hawai’i firms are echoed throughout the nation. The leading message was that AI is here to stay and is forecasted to play a large role in the business of consulting engineering. AI is also viewed as one the main ways our industry will work itself through the workforce shortage issue that many are currently facing.
On the legislative front, ACEC National continues to focus on IIJA, R&D Amortization, and workforce. A handful of ACEC members made their way to Capital Hill and met with three Congressional Delegates from Hawai’i. We were happy to learn that our congressional delegates are in support of ACEC’s national issues and are working tirelessly with members across the aisle to help see the bipartisan bills pass through Congress.
All members are invited to the Final General Membership Meeting of our fiscal year. Caine Nakata of the Foundation for Financial Education (F3E) will present on Business Transition, Retirement, and the Stock Market. Join us on June 5 at 8:30am for a breakfast event at the Pacific Club. Visit our June General Membership Meeting announcement to register and for more information.
Lastly, I’m excited to announce and welcome the newest member to our ACEC Hawai‘i ‘ohana. Pioneer Design Group – Hawai‘i, LLC., a native Hawaiian owned and operated consulting firm, provides land use planning, civil engineering design, and construction management services. With the addition of Pioneer Design Group, ACEC Hawai‘i is 73 member firms strong representing over 2230 employees.
Pictures from 2024 ACEC Annual Convention & Legislative Summit in Washington D.C.