About the Workshops
The Hawaiʻi Industrial Hemp Building Workshops are a multi-island, in-person
learning series focused on practical education and real-world application
of industrial hemp in construction.
Participants will gain:
- A foundational understanding of industrial hemp for building materials.
- Hands-on experience with hempcrete mixing and installation.
- Insight into material sourcing, processing, and applications relevant to Hawaiʻi.
- Context for how hemp-based building materials support resilient, low-carbon construction.
These workshops emphasize doing, not just theory.
What You’ll Learn
This workshop will delve into the fundamental concepts surrounding industrial hemp, providing you with a solid understanding of its various components, including the plant itself, the fiber it produces, the valuable core known as hurd, and the wide range of end uses for these materials in different industries.
You will also explore the essential principles of hempcrete, a remarkable building material that combines hemp fibers and lime. We will cover the key materials involved in its production and the effective techniques for applying hempcrete in construction settings.
Through practical, hands-on experience, you will learn the processes of mixing and applying hempcrete specifically for wall systems, allowing you to gain confidence in using this innovative material. Additionally, we will discuss the construction considerations that are unique to Hawaiʻi’s diverse climate.
Lastly, we will examine the crucial role that hemp plays in promoting regenerative building practices, with a focus on how it can contribute positively to local supply chains. By the end of this experience, you will emerge with an understanding of the benefits and applications of hemp and hempcrete in modern construction and sustainable living.
Our Featured Guest
Danny Desjarlais
Industrial Hemp Construction Project Manager
Lower Sioux Indian Community
Danny brings a wealth of extensive hands-on experience in the field of industrial hemp construction projects, making him a highly valuable resource for anyone looking to explore this innovative building material. With a profound understanding of the unique properties and advantages that hempcrete offers, he will guide participants through both the practical and applied aspects of hempcrete building. This includes a comprehensive overview of the construction process, from selecting the right materials to the actual application techniques, ensuring that participants not only learn the theory behind hempcrete but also gain invaluable practical skills. Through interactive demonstrations and detailed discussions, Danny aims to empower participants with the knowledge they need to effectively utilize hempcrete in their own projects, fostering a deeper appreciation for sustainable building practices and the potential of industrial hemp in the construction industry.
Registration
Register to Join Us
If you’re interested in joining us for this exciting opportunity, we would love to have you!
Please take a moment to select the island where you would like to attend the workshop. Once you have made your choice, complete the registration on Eventbrite using the links below.
We look forward to seeing you there! You are welcome to join as many workshops as you like.
Please note that the registration fees must be paid through the payment link to confirm your registration. Space is limited for each event, so register today!
Workshop Dates
- Oʻahu – January 21 and 22, 2026 (Wednesday and Thursday)
- Maui – January 24, 25, and 26, 2026 (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday)
- Hawaiʻi Island – January 28 and 29, 2026 (Wednesday and Thursday)
General Schedule
* Note: Schedule shown is a general overview. The schedule for each island may vary slightly. Please see the Eventbrite page for each island for island‑specific schedules.
Day 1
- 8:30 am – Check‑In / Registration
- 9:00 am – 10:00 am: Introductions and intentions; history of hemp/lime; building science; benefits; lessons learned.
- 10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Site orientation; tools; materials; construction procedures; safety protocols; start mixing.
- 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Lunch, Q&A, networking.
- 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Afternoon – Install batter boards, hands‑on practicum.
- 4:00 pm: Clean up, Q&A, end of Day 1.
Day 2
- 8:30 am – Check‑In / Registration
- 9:00 am – 10:00 am: Hempcrete building systems and construction details; foundations, walls, roofs, electrical, plumbing.
- 10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Hands‑on practicum.
- 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Lunch, Q&A, networking.
- 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Hands‑on practicum.
- 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Clean up, Q&A, end of Day 2.
Day 3 (Maui Only)
- 8:30 am – Check‑In / Registration
- 9:00 am – 10:00 am: Hemp/lime building codes, materials, pricing, and scheduling projects.
- 10:30 am – 12:00 pm: Hands‑on practicum.
- 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Lunch, Q&A, networking.
- 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Hands‑on practicum.
- 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Clean up, closing with Danny, end of workshop.
Evening Welcome Function (Hawaiʻi Island)
Cultural Exchange and Hemp Building Evening Tuesday, January 27, 2026 5:00 pm – 7:00 pmPayment
Costs and Payments
All payments made to support our initiatives are handled through a secure and reliable process managed by Friends of Waimānalo, which serves as our nonprofit fiscal sponsor. Friends of Waimānalo is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.Workshop Costs
- Oʻahu – $75 per day; $150 for two days
- Maui – $75 per day; $150 for three days (special deal!)
- Hawaiʻi Island – $75 per day; $150 for two days
What’s Included
Workshops run from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm and include refreshments, lunch, and supplies.What to Bring
Required: Long-sleeved shirt and covered shoes. Recommended: Hat, water, and long pants. Optional: Goggles, gloves, folding chair.Mahalo to Our Sponsors
We extend our sincere mahalo to our sponsors and partners whose support makes these workshops possible. Their investment in education, workforce development, and regenerative building helps advance industrial hemp as a local, climate-positive solution for Hawaiʻi.
