Maui Developers Face Increased Material Costs and Project Delays as HC&D Closes Quarry
This briefing outlines the implications of HC&D's decision to close its Maui quarry this summer, impacting construction material availability and costs. Real Estate Owners and Entrepreneurs & Startups on Maui need to adjust project planning and budgets accordingly.
The Change
Hawaii-based concrete contractor HC&D announced its decision to close its Maui quarry operations by Summer 2026. This closure marks a significant reduction in local aggregate supply on the island, a key component in concrete production. While HC&D has stated it will continue to supply concrete from its Oahu facilities, the logistics of increased inter-island transport for raw materials are expected to drive up costs and potentially extend delivery times.
Who's Affected
Real Estate Owners and Developers:
- Increased Material Costs: Expect concrete prices to rise by an estimated 5-15% due to increased transportation costs from Oahu and potential reliance on less efficient, smaller local suppliers if available. This directly impacts the profitability of new developments and the cost of renovations.
- Project Delays: Reduced local supply and longer shipping times could lead to project timelines extending by an additional 1-2 months, particularly for large-scale projects requiring significant concrete volumes. This delay can incur additional financing costs and postpone revenue generation.
- Permitting and Zoning: While not a direct impact of the quarry closure, the increased cost and timeline for construction may lead some developers to re-evaluate project feasibility, potentially impacting zoning applications or permit renewals if projects stall.
Entrepreneurs & Startups:
- Higher Overhead: For startups or growing businesses on Maui that require physical space, new construction, or significant renovations, the increased cost of concrete will directly impact startup capital requirements and operating expenses.
- Scaling Challenges: Businesses planning to expand or build new facilities on Maui may face financial hurdles and extended timelines, potentially slowing down their growth trajectory or forcing a reconsideration of expansion plans.
- Infrastructure Dependency: Startups reliant on local infrastructure development (e.g., co-working spaces, manufacturing facilities) may experience indirect impacts if broader construction projects face similar cost and delay pressures.
Second-Order Effects
The closure of a major local aggregate source like the HC&D quarry on Maui creates a ripple effect through the island's economy. Reduced local construction material supply necessitates increased reliance on inter-island or international shipping for aggregates. Higher transportation costs translate directly to increased cost of concrete, driving up overall construction expenses. This escalates the cost of new housing and commercial properties, potentially exacerbating Maui's existing housing shortage and increasing rental rates. For businesses, higher construction and operational costs can lead to price increases for goods and services, impacting consumer spending and potentially reducing demand, which in turn can slow job creation and wage growth in sectors not directly involved in construction.
What to Do
Real Estate Owners and Developers:
- Secure Material Contracts Now: Engage with concrete suppliers immediately to understand their revised pricing and delivery schedules. Negotiate terms for ongoing projects and consider securing bulk material contracts for future developments to lock in current pricing where possible.
- Re-evaluate Project Timelines and Budgets: Update project schedules and financial models to account for potential 1-2 month delays and a 5-15% increase in concrete material costs. Identify contingency plans for extended delays or escalating material prices.
- Explore Alternative Suppliers: Investigate other local or regional sources for aggregates and concrete, even if less established. Assess their capacity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness to diversify supply chains.
Entrepreneurs & Startups:
- Factor Increased Costs into Planning: If your business plan involves physical expansion or new construction on Maui, revise your financial projections to include higher material and construction costs. Secure additional funding or reassess the scale of your planned build-out.
- Explore Pre-fabricated or Alternative Construction Methods: Research building methods that may be less reliant on traditional concrete pouring or explore leasing existing, ready-to-occupy spaces to circumvent lengthy construction timelines and high material costs.
- Monitor Local Economic Indicators: Keep an eye on broader economic stability and consumer demand on Maui. Align your expansion or investment timelines with assessed market conditions, considering the potential impact of higher living costs driven by increased construction expenses.
Sources
- Pacific Business News - Reporting on HC&D's quarry closure announcement.
- Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) - Provides economic data and trends for Hawaii, useful for understanding broader market impacts.
- Maui County Planning Department - Information on local development regulations and construction trends on Maui.



