Hawai‘i — The Pacific Resource Partnership (PRP) and the Hawai‘i Regional Council of Carpenters have launched a new compliance initiative aimed at tightening oversight on public construction projects across the islands.

“It’s been PRP’s experience that whenever there’s an uptick in construction projects, such as what is occurring with the rebuilding of Lahaina, unscrupulous contractors tend to become more active, whether bidding for taxpayer funded projects or those paid for with private capital,” said Nathaniel Kinney, PRP’s executive director. “By letting contractors know that PRP will be watching to make sure all federal, state, and county laws are followed during construction, we are ensuring that tax dollars don’t go to contractors who cut corners, depress wages and put workers’ safety at risk.”

Under the new program, PRP will send out letters to every contractor awarded public work funded by county, state or federal dollars, putting them on notice that their job sites will be scrutinized for compliance with wage laws, worker classification rules, certified payroll reporting and overtime pay standards.

“Fairness and accountability are the cornerstones of a thriving construction industry,” Kinney said. “Our new compliance initiative sends a clear message: every contractor working on public projects in Hawai‘i must follow the rules. By enforcing compliance, we’re protecting workers, supporting ethical businesses, and ensuring that our communities benefit from quality construction that meets the highest standards.”

According to PRP, the push is part of a proactive strategy to keep Hawai‘i’s construction industry fair and transparent — especially as the state experiences a surge in rebuilding efforts following wildfires and increased infrastructure investment.

The initiative means PRP’s team will monitor job sites, review certified payrolls, confirm that workers are properly classified, and ensure prevailing wages and overtime rules are met.

“PRP’s compliance initiative aims to hold all contractors accountable to the highest standards of integrity and fairness,” the announcement said. “If violations are found or suspected, PRP will work closely with federal, state and county partners to address issues promptly.”

Workers can also report suspected fraud anonymously through PlayFairInHawaii.com, an online resource that PRP says will be key to catching violations quickly.

“During construction booms, we often see attempts to skirt regulations, which can lead to worker exploitation and substandard project outcomes,” said Micah Kim, PRP’s compliance manager. “Our role as a watchdog is to ensure that every contractor plays by the rules. This initiative empowers us to identify and address violations swiftly, protecting the integrity of Hawai‘i’s construction industry and the workers who build our communities.”

The new effort comes at a time when billions in federal and state funding are expected to flow into major rebuilding and infrastructure upgrades statewide — from housing to transportation to disaster recovery.

Industry advocates say more aggressive oversight is essential to prevent wage theft and misclassification that can undercut responsible contractors.

PRP leaders also say the initiative could become a model for other states coping with rapid construction booms and rebuilding after natural disasters.

Community groups and labor unions have long called for stronger protections to ensure that public dollars support good-paying local jobs and safe working conditions.

Kinney added that the program’s success will rely on collaboration. “It’s not just about catching bad actors. It’s about raising the bar for the entire industry so our communities see the full benefit of these projects.”

Originally reported by MAUI Now.