The Maui News

KAHULUI–The local AIA Maui and AIA Honolulu chapters, including AIA Maui President and Principal Architect at Hawaii Off Grid, David Sellers, proudly welcomed American Institute of Architects (AIA) National President Kimberly Dowdell and AIA National CEO Lakisha Ann Woods to Hawaii. This historic visit in June was the first scheduled visit to the AIA Hawaii chapters in over 20 years.

While on Maui, Dowdell and Woods met with key local figures, including Maui City Council members, AIA Maui Board members, Mayor Richard Bissen, Planning Director and Director of Public Works. One of the notable stops on their visit was the Lahaina burn zone, where they got to see first-hand the devastation the fires caused last summer. They also visited Ohana Hope Village, an off-grid, midterm housing solution for families and kupuna who lost their homes in the Maui wildfires, spearheaded by Family Life Center and designed by Hawaii Off Grid.

During her visits with Maui Mayor Bissen and Honolulu Mayor Blangiardi’s staff, Dowdell emphasized the importance of local mayors hiring a chief architect, a nationwide effort she is advocating. “If AIA can help spur this movement, we can help mayors solve some of our most pressing issues,” Dowdell said earlier this year to AIA Architect. “Having a chief architect advise mayors on climate action, affordable housing, and health equity could be invaluable. I’m excited to have a platform to speak to our national leaders and to represent the value that architects can bring to our communities.”

David Sellers expressed his gratitude for the support shown by AIA leaders. “We are so grateful for the show of support from our AIA leaders to come to Maui, to see firsthand, and to listen and learn from our AIA members, local officials, and community members,” says Sellers. “President Kimberly Dowdell’s initiative to encourage local governments to have a Chief Architect is a great fit for Maui, especially considering the work we have to do regarding housing and rebuilding Lahaina.”

Dowdell and Woods also toured significant landmarks and sites across Oahu including a ride on the newly completed HART Skyline, a tour of the iconic Liljestrand house, and a gathering of wahine architects and friends to encourage and inspire continued diversity in the profession.

We would like to thank Julia Fink from AIA Hawaii for helping to organize their visit to Hawaii and thank AIA National for their donation of $2,500 worth of Target gift cards for the residents of Ohana Hope Village.