(This story is the second in a series that HONOLULU Magazine is publishing about the impactful work of Hawaii contractors and how they are building for a better Hawai’i. The series is a partnership with the Pacific Resource Partnership (PRP).)
MIchael Young always knew he wanted to go into the construction industry. After studying engineering at MIT and Stanford University, he joined Albert C. Kobayashi Inc., one of Hawaii’s largest locally owned general contractors, as a project engineer, then rose to pre-construction manager, project executive and vice president. He was appointed president in 2020 after his father, Russell, retired from that role.
As a 100% employee-owned company, ACK prides itself on doing quality work and developing community relationships. “Representing the local guys, having a local DNA, that’s something that’s been part of our culture for many years and will continue to be part of our culture going forward,” says Young. “Hawai’i is a very small place and it’s important to maintain integrity, honesty and quality in everything you do.”
