About us

Ralph S. Inouye Co. Ltd., a Hawaii corporation, was founded in 1962. For decades we have played an integral role in the growth and development of Hawaii, working on a diverse range of commercial building, renovation, and engineering projects for Federal, State and City agencies, as well as private entities. Through our sustainability and good business practices, we have the capability of undertaking projects of various sizes with bonding capacity in excess of $100 million per project.

The trusted Ralph S. Inouye name has become synonymous with quality, responsibility and integrity. For our clients, this means they will have a General Contractor who is attentive to their need, as well as the assurance that their project will be built according to sound construction methodology by skilled craftsmen. The end result is a lasting project, built to withstand the test of time. From the Rainbow Place Condominium erected in the 70’s to projects currently under construction, Ralph Inouye projects are a testament to the level of pride and detail we put into our work.

We believe the key to achieving a high level of quality and customer satisfaction is our employees and work experience. Our friendly work environment, as well as our well-established family values and culture, helps us to maintain a strong sense of loyalty and high employee retention. Our project managers, teamed with our veteran field crews, make a cohesive team whose goal is to complete projects on time, as specified and within the budget.

Our Founder

Mr. Ralph Inouye, 1915-2018

Mr. Ralph Inouye founded Ralph S. Inouye Co., Ltd. (RSI) in 1962 and built up the company over several decades to become one of the leading contractors in the State of Hawaii. In addition to founding RSI, Mr. Inouye filled his extensive engineering career by serving as president of the General Contractors Association and building superintendent for the City and County of Honolulu. Mr. Inouye also generously contributed to non-profit organizations, such as the Junior Achievement of Hawaii, while becoming a well-respected figure in the local business community.

Prior to founding RSI, Mr. Inouye came from a humble background and graduated from Leilehua High School in 1933. As the first from his family to attend college, Mr. Inouye earned an engineering degree from the University of Hawaii in 1937 and went on to earn a law degree from Boston College in 1950.

Mr. Inouye passed away at age 103 in September 2018. The company remains under family leadership under the guidance of Mr. Inouye's son, Mr. Lance Inouye, the current CEO and president of RSI.

Our Vision:

To be Hawaii's perennial leader in quality-based construction.

Our Mission:

Achieving construction excellence and building relationships as strong and enduring as our projects.

Our Values:

People, Quality, Trust, Honesty and Reliability.

Our Leadership

Lance Inouye, Chairman of the Board

Following his father's founding of Ralph S. Inouye in 1962, Lance joined the company in 1981 as an estimator. He then worked as RSI's chief estimator and vice president before becoming president and CEO in 2002. Prior to working at RSI, Lance was a nuclear engineer for the U.S. Navy and a deputy attorney general for the state of Hawaii.

Lance's projects at RSI include the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and Shriner's Hospital for Children. He has also served as the president and director of the General Contractors Association of Hawaii while supporting organizations such as Easter Seals Hawaii and the Hawaii Community Foundation. In 2020, Lance was named the Outstanding Union Builder of the Year by the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters in recognition of his contributions to Hawaii's construction industry and the community.

Blake Inouye, President & CEO

Blake joined Ralph S. Inouye in 2016 as a project manager before becoming vice president of engineering in 2018. Prior to working at RSI, Blake gained experience in structural engineering while working as an associate for KPFF Consulting Engineers in San Francisco, California.

Blake's management and design experience has helped him to successfully and efficiently manage the company's larger and more complex construction projects. Moreover, Blake's structural engineering background has made him an excellent resource for new construction and structurally heavy jobs. Blake's past projects include the First Hawaiian Bank Manoa Branch, Phase III of the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, and the 1936 Citron Street Renovation.

Mike Inouye, Vice President of Pre-Construction Services

Mike joined Ralph S. Inouye in 1999 as a project engineer before becoming vice president of pre-construction services in 2010. Prior to working at RSI, Mike worked as a civil engineer as Calvin Kim & Associates, Inc., during which time he gained experience in designing utility, infrastructure, site development, and water/wastewater projects. Mike also previously served as an assistant project engineer for Sachs Civil, Inc. in Chesterfield, Missouri.

Mike's twenty plus years of experience in civil engineering and construction project management allows him to successfully assist the A/E and Owner Team with all of their preconstruction services needs. Mike's past projects include the Kapolei Village Center, Hawaii Federal Credit Union, and the Pacific Buddhist Academy Weinberg Building.

Wesley Mikuni, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Wesley joined Ralph S. Inouye in 2001 and has over twenty-five years of accounting and financial management experience. Prior to joining RSI, he worked as a senior auditor for Price Waterhouse and a controller for SAP Japan.

As vice president and chief financial officer, Wesley manages the company's finance and accounting. He also manages the general and administrative departments covering construction contracts, human resources, information technology, and risk management.

Mark Tagami, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

Mark joined Ralph S. Inouye in 2007 as a project manager before becoming vice president of field operations and chief operating officer in 2014. Prior to working at RSI, Mark worked for Kim & Shiroma Engineers, Inc. as vice president, overseeing the design of utility infrastructure, site development, water/wastewater, commercial, and government projects.

Mark's twenty-five years of civil engineering and construction project experience allows him to successfully oversee all of the company's field operations and assist with quality control reviews and plans. Mark also uses his management and design experience to review management plans for compliance with local codes and regulations. Mark's past projects include Phase I of Central Union Preschool, Hawaii Baptist Academy's New Building D and Library Renovation, and the State's 1506 Piikoi Street affordable housing rental complex.