Business Details
31 Years
experience
Trusted Structural Engineering Services in Hawaii
Founded in 1995 by Ken Hayashida, KAI Hawaii is an employee-owned structural engineering firm dedicated to technical excellence and community resilience. Our team combines over 40 years of collective experience with innovative methodologies to deliver cost-effective, high-quality solutions for structural design, forensic evaluation, and construction management. We specialize in addressing the unique challenges of island environments while maintaining strict adherence to safety, sustainability, and regulatory standards. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive project oversight from initial planning to final execution. With a track record of completing over 4,000 projects, we serve both public and private sector clients across Hawaii and the Pacific region.Our commitment to precision and craftsmanship has established us as a trusted partner in infrastructure development. We leverage advanced technologies like drone inspections and non-destructive testing to enhance project outcomes. Our leadership team brings decades of technical expertise and operational experience from diverse engineering disciplines. Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, we prioritize long-term value creation for every project. This combination of technical rigor and client-focused service delivery positions us as industry leaders in structural engineering.
Services
Project Management
Forensic Assessment
Construction Inspection
Structural Design
Non-Destructive Testing
Drone Inspections
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We offer 30 years of structural engineering expertise across the Pacific region
- Our employee-owned structure ensures accountability and shared commitment
- We utilize advanced drone inspection technology for inaccessible structures
- We have completed over 4,000 projects including complex infrastructure repairs
- Our multidisciplinary team holds multiple professional engineering certifications
Services
Structural Design
Our structural design services balance safety, economy, and functionality for buildings and infrastructure projects. We create customized solutions that meet regulatory standards while optimizing material efficiency. Our engineers utilize advanced modeling software to ensure structural integrity across diverse environmental conditions.
Forensic Assessment
We conduct comprehensive evaluations of structural failures and material defects using multidisciplinary approaches. Our team identifies root causes and develops repair strategies for damaged infrastructure. This includes detailed damage assessments and retrofit recommendations for long-term structural performance.
Non-Destructive Testing
Our non-destructive testing employs advanced equipment to evaluate structural components without compromising integrity. We perform comprehensive inspections of buildings and bridges while minimizing operational disruption. This service provides critical data for maintenance planning and safety assessments.
Construction Inspection
We ensure structural compliance through detailed inspections of concrete, steel, and masonry components during construction. Our engineers verify adherence to design specifications and building codes. This includes special inspections for critical structural elements and systems.
Drone Inspections
Our drone inspection services access hard-to-reach structures using specialized unmanned aircraft systems. We capture high-resolution data for condition assessments of bridges and elevated infrastructure. This technology enhances safety and reduces inspection timeframes.
People
Ryan Tanaka
President & CEO
President & CEO with 20+ years in acquisitions and management. Leads strategic growth initiatives and oversees real estate investments. Active community leader supporting local business organizations and university athletes.
Ken Hayashida
Chairman & Founder
Founder with 40+ years of structural engineering experience. Holds Masters in Civil Engineering from Stanford. Specializes in complex projects across Pacific regions. Formerly worked with U.S. military and government agencies on infrastructure development.
Michael Hunnemann
Vice President
Vice President with 40+ years in infrastructure design and marine facility inspections. Former Navy deep sea diver with expertise in underwater structural repairs. Holds Masters in Civil Engineering from Villanova University.
Jerry Fujita
Principal Engineer
Principal engineer with extensive experience in structural analysis and design. Licensed professional engineer specializing in commercial and infrastructure projects across multiple states.
Saeid Pourjalali
Principal Engineer
Principal engineer providing expert structural solutions for complex construction projects. Specializes in forensic evaluations and repair design for damaged infrastructure systems.
Questions
What engineering services does KAI Hawaii specialize in?
We specialize in structural design, forensic assessment, construction inspection, non-destructive testing, and drone-based inspections for buildings and infrastructure.
How long has KAI Hawaii been in business?
We've been providing engineering services since 1995, with over 30 years of combined leadership experience across our management team.
What makes KAI Hawaii different from other engineering firms?
Our employee-owned structure, Pacific region expertise, and advanced inspection technologies including drone-based systems set us apart in structural engineering services.
Do you handle both public and private sector projects?
Yes, we work with government agencies and private developers on infrastructure, commercial buildings, and marine facility projects across the Pacific region.
What geographic areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Hawaii and the Pacific region including Guam, Palau, and American Samoa, with project experience across multiple U.S. states.
How do you ensure project quality and compliance?
Through rigorous inspections, licensed professional engineers, and adherence to building codes. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive quality assurance.
