Lifetime Achievement:

Dexter Kubota

Dexter Kubota’s career exemplifies visionary leadership, technical excellence, and an unwavering commitment to improving Hawai‘i’s infrastructure and community well-being. His contributions have shaped not only the engineering landscape of our islands but also the lives of countless individuals through his dedication to sustainability, employee wellness, and social responsibility. Dexter Kubota, P.E., is the co‑founder of Bowers + Kubota Consulting, a kamaʻāina architectural, engineering, and construction management firm that has successfully grown for more than 3 decades under his leadership. Drawing on over 40 years of experience, Dexter has serviced as a Principal in Charge on major initiatives across the pacific, including the Kãne‘ohe–Kailua Wastewater Conveyance & Treatment Facilities, South Ramp Fuel Line (first microtunneling project in HI), and Honolulu Rail Transit Project. Dexter helped the Department of Education establish the first statewide Facilities Asset Management program, guiding assessments and improvements for 263 schools. He also supported the launch of the Ready Keiki initiative to expand access to early learning facilities across the State. Following the 2023 Lahaina disaster, Dexter and his B+K team coordinated a rapid delivery of temporary classrooms within weeks and construction of a temporary school campus within months. Beyond project work, Dexter is a strong advocate for well-being, and social impact initiatives in our community. Under the vision of Duane Kurisu, he was also a key volunteer to Kahauiki Village, a plantation style housing community creating long-term housing for homeless families and is currently supporting Aunty Blanche McMillan and Hui Mahi’ai Organization in developing housing community for homeless and individuals. His broader community service includes leadership roles with Institute for Human Services, YMCA of Honolulu, and Move O‘ahu Forward. In partnership with the Hawaii Community Foundation, he has been a strong advocate and supporter in launching a Mental Behavorial and Health Initiative in 2025. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil and environmental engineering and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Hawai‘i.

Engineer of the Year:

Howard Lau

Coffman Engineers, Inc.

Since 1974, Howard K.C. Lau has been a driving force in Hawaiʻi’s structural engineering community. His distinguished career began after earning both his Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of Hawaiʻi, where he graduated with honors and served as a Graduate Assistant. Howard’s early career at a soils engineering firm and then at Shigemura, Lau, Sakanashi, Higuchi &; Associates (SLSH) laid the foundation for a lifetime of technical achievement and leadership. At SLSH, he rose from a junior engineer to Vice President within 7 years, and to President in 1998, a position he held for 24 years. In 2022, SLSH joined Coffman Engineers where Howard now serves as Principal Advisor, and continuing to mentor the next generation and guide complex projects with his trademark client care and attention to detail. Over his 51-year career, Howard has led the design and restoration of a diverse array of structures—from high-rise hotels to military facilities—across Hawaiʻi, Guam, Japan, Okinawa, the Philippines, and the Pacific. Known for “outside-the-box” problem solving, his technical expertise spans wood, steel, and reinforced concrete, with specialized mastery in post-tensioned and pre-tensioned pre-stressed concrete, and advanced building codes.

Technical Achievements & Impact:

• Pioneering Cold-Formed Steel in Hawaiʻi: During the 1980s, he was instrumental in advocating for cold-formed steel (CFS) construction as a superior option to wood-framed structures, particularly when termite infestations posed risks to the structural integrity of wood-framed buildings.

• Midway Fuel Pier: Howard’s innovative solution to salvage the Midway Fuel Pier originally slated for demolition. The restoration saved the government millions of dollars and extended the pier’s life for decades. The pier remains in active use today after the refurbishment in 1985.

• Rapid Defense Response: He led the seismic assessment of over 300 Buildings at Atsugi NAS and CFA in Yokosuka, Japan, helping the Department of Defense prioritize upgrades and investments for critical infrastructure within a quick five-week turnaround.

• Disaster Resilience: Howard played a key role in the Guam Typhoon Pongsana Assessment and evaluated all Naval facilities. He led the development of better design guidelines for hurricane- and typhoon-resistant construction.

• Essential Infrastructure: His work on the Minesweeper Ramp at Cubi Point, Subic Bay Naval Station in the Philippines during the Gulf War provided the U.S. Navy with essential infrastructure to protect valuable military assets.

• Iconic Landmarks: Howard’s portfolio includes the Chinatown Gateway Apartments, Waikiki Malia Hotel, Kingsgate Condominium, Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus Parking Structure, and numerous educational, commercial, and residential developments throughout Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.

• Historic Preservation: He has contributed to the restoration and improvement of historic sites, including the Nuuanu Shops in Chinatown Honolulu and Linekona School for the Academy of Arts.

Leadership

Howard’s commitment to advancing the profession is reflected in his service as President of the Structural Engineers Association of Hawaiʻi (SEAOH), National Vice President of the Cold-Formed Steel Engineers Institute (CFSEI), and Director and Past Chairman of the State of Hawaiʻi Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects. His leadership was particularly important after Hurricane Iniki, when he mobilized engineers to help Kauai rebuild stronger and safer, advocating for improved building codes and community education. At Coffman Engineers and previously at SLSH, Howard remains dedicated to fostering a collaborative and innovative company culture. He mentors young engineers, participates in advisory committees at the University of Hawaiʻi, and volunteers for mock interviews to prepare students for professional success. His contributions have been recognized with honors such as the Chi Epsilon Chapter Honor Member award, CFSEI Outstanding Contributions Award, and membership in Phi Eta Sigma and Chi Epsilon academic fraternities.

Community Service & Legacy

Howard’s enduring commitment to community service is as deep as his professional dedication. He served as Director and past President of the Mun Lun School Board, helping to guide the oldest continuously operating Chinese language school in the United States. In this role, Howard has supported educational programs, cultural preservation, and the school’s ongoing operations. He is also a Director of the See Dai Doo Society and active in the St. Louis Alumni Association and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

Howard’s civic engagement includes serving on the Property Improvement Committee of Hawaiʻi Loa Ridge, chairing the Course and Grounds Committee for the Mid-Pacific Country Club, and contributing to the Facilities Committee for St. Louis School. He has also been a member of the Lau Society and Lung Kong Society, reflecting his commitment to supporting Hawaiʻi’s diverse communities. In these roles, Howard has helped improve neighborhood infrastructure, support educational facilities, and strengthen community bonds. In his free time, Howard enjoys spending time with family, volunteering, and supporting educational and cultural organizations. His legacy is defined by technical mastery, innovative leadership, and a lifelong dedication to serving both the engineering profession and the broader Hawaiʻi community. Howard’s career exemplifies the highest standards of engineering excellence, integrity, and service, making him a truly deserving recipient of the Hawaiʻi Society of Professional Engineers’ 2026 Engineer of the Year Award.

Young Engineer of the Year:

Christine Mau

Christine Mau, PE, is a Project Engineer at HDR with more than five years of experience in wastewater engineering and infrastructure design. A proud Hawai‘i Kai native, Christine graduated from Mid-Pacific Institute before earning her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Saint Louis University in Missouri. She obtained her Professional Engineer license from the State of Hawai‘i in 2025. At HDR, Christine specializes in pump station design, pipeline replacement, and water quality testing. She has contributed to several highprofile projects across Hawai‘i, including the JBPHH Replace Water Line and Salt Water Line Tunnel C, the Mānoa Sewer System Improvements, and the Kīhei Wastewater Pump Station No. 7 Replacement. Christine is also closely involved in dry dock wastewater sampling at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and plays a key role in supporting Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam’s efforts to improve its Wastewater PreTreatment Program. Beyond her technical work, she serves on HDR’s Intern Interview Panel and is an active member of several internal committees, supporting office culture, engagement, and early-career development. Christine is deeply invested in advancing the engineering profession. She currently serves as Vice President of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Younger Member Forum (YMF) and previously led the YMF Awards Committee. She is also a CoChair of the Hawaii Water Environment Association and American Water Works Association’s Pacific Water Conference, where she formerly served as Social Chair. Within HDR, she previously served as CoChair of the Young Professionals Group, helping build community and professional growth for emerging engineers across the company. Outside of her professional commitments, Christine enjoys exploring new countries, discovering local and international cuisine, and spending quality time with her family, friends, and fiancée. She brings the same curiosity, commitment, and collaborative spirit to her personal life that she demonstrates in her engineering career and community leadership.

Student Engineer of the Year:

Matthew Fujioka

The 2026 HCES SEOY is Mr. Matthew Fujioka! The evaluation committee managed to select another incredible candidate with a near perfect 3.98 major GPA, and many of you may already know Matthew as he has been ‘involved’ in engineering since middle school with an environmental engineering project at the HSSEF (Hawai’i State Science & Engineering Fair), where he won 1 st place… He is completing his BSME this semester and on track for a MSME, through the BAM (Bachelor’s and Master’s) program, in spring 2027. He has been the UH Provost Achievement Scholarship recipient and has been on our Dean’s list since his matriculation to UHM. He is a very proud alumnus of Nuuanu ES, Kawananakoa MS, and Roosevelt HS! Currently, Matthew serves as the Vice President of the PTS (Pi Tau Sigma, mechanical engineering honor society) and a student board member for the UHM’s Student Activity Program Fee Board. He is still actively involved in several professional and academic organizations, namely ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air- Conditioning Engineers, where he was the treasurer, NHSEMP (Native Hawaiian Science & Engineering Mentorship Program, ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers), and the Manoa Scholars’ Club. Matthew has been very disciplined since his high school as he has been actively cultivating his leadership and breadth in interest by serving as an officer in the National Honor Society, captaining the tennis team, a section leader for the marching band, an officer for the Spanish Club, and being part of the Leo Club. His efforts have been paying off immensely! Matthew, embracing his love and desire to pursue interdisciplinary research, has been a researcher at the Dr. Tianlu Wang’s Soft Robotics and Intelligent Machine Laboratory (SAIL), where he helped develop a jellyfish-inspired soft robotic grippers for ocean waste collection. Then he was a researcher for Dr. Lloyd Hihara’s Hawai’i Corrosion Laboratory, where he has conducted research on corrosion properties of novel steels, and intends to continue his work towards in MSME degree. He continues to work at the College’s FabLab, where he has supported fellow students in 3D-printing and laser cutting technologies to help with capstone and course projects as well as produce instructional YouTube tutorials to expand access to fabrication resources. He also serves as the chief financial officer and is currently the chief engineer for the University of Hawai’i Drone Technologies Team’s VIP (vertically integrated project), helping secure $40K in funding and leading the team to a national 3 rd -place finish at the 2024 Student Unmanned Aerial Systems Competition, where simulated search-and-rescue operations were conducted. He also has very diverse hands-on experiences through internships at NIWC (Navy Information Warfare Center) for 5G engineering work and at W.M Keck Observatory atop Maunakea for environmental energy usage. All these experiences and knowledge manifests his adaptability and commitment to engineering excellence. As Matthew’s journey through academia was paved by excellent mentors and support, he hopes to give forward and be the mentor to whomever needs and seeks! Another humble, dedicated, disciplined, and competent student and, now a ‘soon-to-be’ mechanical engineer, is another ‘perfect’ graduating engineer student necessary to promote and inspire engineering to the youth of Hawai’i!!!