Lawrence Ramirez

South Pacific Concrete 🇺🇸

Po Box 4610

Hawaii 96745 

Southpacificconcrete@gmail.com

March 3, 2026  

Dear Fellow Excavation, Concrete, and Masonry Contractors, of Hawaii.

This letter is for anyone with Class C Contractors Licenses in Excavation, Concrete, and Masonry work. As someone who deeply invested time and energy in our industry, I am reaching out to you and other professionals in our field to discuss a growing concern that affects us all: the prevalence of unlicensed contracting practices in Hawaii.

Over the past few years, there has been an increase in unlawful handyman work, unlicensed individuals and companies offering excavation, concrete, and masonry services without the proper credentials, insurance, or adherence to the state regulations we are all made to follow and pay for.

This addresses jobs being done which cost tens of thousands of dollars not just handyman small 1500.00 a day stuff. 

We’ve all seen the major excavations for septic, pools and foundations done by the non-licensed.

Septic Installs costing from 30k to 60k, Custom Pools costing 100k plus, Major Custom Foundations in the 70k to 120k cost range, 200 to 300 foot driveways costing 70k plus and Retaining Walls ranging from 60 to 120k being excavated, formed, ironed up and poured by unlicensed guys, not paying tax on it, not paying the licensing fees or insurances we are being made to pay every year costing us 30 to 50k a year in tax and fees.

This not only undermines the integrity of our profession but also poses significant risks to clients, workers, and the community at large. Issues such as substandard workmanship, safety hazards, and unfair competition are becoming more common, and I believe it’s time for us to come together to address this. The public also needs the protection from these fly by night guys taking cash and leaving the unsuspecting homeowner calling us back to fix the mistakes usually costing thousands.

I would greatly appreciate your insight whatever it may be, experiences, and suggestions on this matter. Have you encountered unlicensed contractors in your time? What impacts have you seen on your business or projects? Do you have ideas on how we can collectively advocate for stronger enforcement of permit inspections, licensing requirements through organizations like the Hawaii Contractors License Board or local trade associations?

Please feel free to reply to this letter via email at southpacificconcrete@gmail.com or by mail at Po Box 4610 Kailua Kona, Hawaii 96745.

Please share your thoughts as a group of us are taking it to the County and State Level representatives now. Your input could help us send a strong message, protecting the companies we all built with our own hard work, the right way, and ensuring fair practices for all licensed professionals.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you and working together to uphold the standards of our trade.

Best regards,  

Lawrence Ramirez

South Pacific Concrete 🇺🇸   

Hawaii  

southpacificconcrete@gmail.com