HONOLULU — Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Hawaii outlined upcoming infrastructure work during PBX Hawaii Oct. 21, a trade show for the design and construction industry.
Aaron Darley, NAVFAC Hawaii chief engineer and director of the Planning, Design and Construction Directorate, described a growing workload involving utilities, waterfront facilities, shipyard modernization, airfields and bachelor quarters. He shared the session with Tristin Suetsugu, chief of contracting for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Honolulu District.
“Our workload is growing significantly, and our architecture and engineering partners are essential to helping us meet that demand,” Darley said. “Their expertise and capacity will help us deliver the infrastructure our installations need.”
Darley highlighted potable water and wastewater improvements, upgrades to aging piers and wharves, and a new dry dock as part of broader shipyard modernization. Other priorities include aviation facilities, ammunition storage, command centers, and the repairs and construction of Navy and Marine Corps bachelor quarters.
“New platforms bring new infrastructure requirements,” Darley said. “We need to upgrade aging piers, wharves and utilities so they can support the capabilities coming to our installations.”
John Fullmer, chair of the PBX Hawaii 2026 Management Committee, said the event connects architects, engineers and contractors with major government clients and provides opportunities to learn about industry developments.
“Presentations from NAVFAC and the Army Corps of Engineers help industry understand what work is coming and how the agencies plan to deliver it,” Fullmer said. “PBX also gives government employees an opportunity to learn about the products, practices and issues shaping our local industry.”
To meet growing demand, Darley discussed accelerated design-build, modular construction and grouping related projects for execution. He described opportunities to advance design before construction funding is appropriated.
Darley also said NAVFAC Hawaii is working toward sharing clearer project planning information through its public website.
“We want to give industry a clearer picture of upcoming work, including anticipated project value ranges and acquisition strategies,” Darley said. “Those details may change, but sharing our current plans helps our partners understand where we are headed.”
NAVFAC Hawaii delivers construction, engineering and contracting capabilities to enhance U.S. Navy and Marine Corps warfighting lethality and fulfill its role as the Department of War’s construction agent.
