The breadth of our practice allows our professionals to address a variety of challenges to Hawaii’s built and natural environments. SSFM FOCUS explores issues, activities, initiatives, and the people that drive our practice.
The breadth of our practice allows our professionals to address a variety of challenges to Hawaii’s built and natural environments. SSFM FOCUS explores issues, activities, initiatives, and the people that drive our practice.
Happy Lunar New Year
SSFM took time to enjoy the firm’s long tradition of honoring the Lunar New Year.
GREETINGS 2024!
Taste The Rainbow, the theme of SSFM’s year end celebration inspired a colorful transformation of the company garage, along with equally imaginative gastronomic creations.
Honolulu Office Receives LEED Gold Certification
We’re especially proud of the renewal of our LEED Gold Certification for our Honolulu office.
SSFM Projects Receive Four American Planning Association 2023 Awards
The American Planning Association has recognized SSFM International for one of only four National Awards for Planning Excellence, and for three of the ten APA Hawai’i Chapter 2023 honors.
SSFM on Yap?
SSFM continues to expand its presence throughout the Pacific Region. We have boots on the ground on Yap, a small island in the Federated States of Micronesia.
Puna Community Development Plan
SSFM's people have continually demonstrated our unwavering commitment to the communities where we live and work.
The Succulent Challenge
In August, the Honolulu Office launched a 6-week pilot program: The Succulent Challenge! The program is aimed at greening up the office space and creating a natural connection between the space and its people.
Managing Managed Retreat
Shifting shorelines due to coastal erosion, storm surges, and other factors is nothing new in Hawai‘i. However, sea level rise is greatly accelerating these processes.
Supporting the Ronald McDonald House
Each year, SSFM takes the opportunity to honor and support the work of Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Maui Relief
On Wednesday, September 6, 14 employees from SSFM's Honolulu Office used their community PTO hours to sort and organize donations at the Maui Relief Storage Warehouse.
SSFM and Tiny Houses
The annual competition challenges island wide high schools and colleges to plan, program, design and model or build a home that can be constructed for a fictional $100,000 budget.
SSFM Goes for a Ride
The Strategic Services Group took time to celebrate National Bike Month in May. The entire group jumped on Biki bike shares and rode downtown for lunch.
Cleaning Up on Earth Day
Invest in Our Planet was the theme for this year’s World Earth Day. Seems a very appropriate description of SSFM’s commitment to sustainability.
Commitment to Education
Members from UH Manoa’s Chi Epsilon paid a visit to our Honolulu office for a learning session and pizza. The gathering was part of SSFM’s ongoing commitment to education and to strengthening our relationship with UH’s engineering program.
Pacific Southwest Student Symposium
The American Society of Civil Engineers recently held their 2023 Pacific Southwest Symposium at California State University, Northridge. SSFM was a sponsor for the University of Hawaii, Manoa Chapter.
Focus on Guam
SSFM International opened its Guam office in 2005 in response to the Pacific region's
ever-expanding needs for professional expertise in comprehensive planning, management and engineering.
Did You Know?
Look for Roney Rodrigues any weekend and you’ll most likely find him under water.
Girls in Stem
While the ranks of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math have attracted an increasing number of females, our professional disciplines still suffer from a scarcity of women.
SSFM CELEBRATES
Over our 6-decades of practice, the relationships among our staff have been paramount to our continuing success.
Zumba at SSFM
We can learn much from our colleagues in our other offices. On the last day of a visit to the Honolulu office from Manila, Sandro Amano took time to lead us in a 30-minute Zumba class.
Project Management 101
Project Management is a core service that cuts across all of our disciplines. PM101, was developed by our Senior Managers as a crash course in how to be a great SSFM project manager.
Beyond Hazard and Vulnerability Planning: Weighing the Costs, Benefits and Challenges of Climate Adaptation
The webinar brought together national experts to share best practices and recent case studies around the development of climate adaptation solutions.
Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Adopts 2022 General Plan Update
The Plan establishes a new statewide land use framework and guides management of Hawaiian Home Lands through 2040.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Despite the disruptions of the last three years, SSFM has successfully adapted.
SSFM’s On-Going Support for Ronald McDonald House
SSFM has been a longtime supporter of Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Addressing Coastal Erosion on O‘ahu’s North Shore
A collaboration with Surfrider Foundation and Hawai‘i Sea Grant convened the state’s first working group around coastal resilience issues on the North Shore of O‘ahu.
Keaukaha Hawaiian Homestead Quick Build Project Beautifies and Enhances Neighborhood Safety
A community collaboration to improve safety and health.
Landmark Climate Change Adaptation Bill for Kaua’i
New zoning district regulations will control development in areas vulnerable to sea rise.
Peace Poles on the Big Island
Each September 21st the world observes the International Day of Peace. Established in 1981 by a United Nations resolution, Peace Day...
Reflections in Stone and Bronze
“Reflections in Stone and Bronze can serve as a field guide to visit and revisit old friends (or rivals) and new acquaintances embodied in these...
Craft Fairs at SSFM
While working remotely, Wendy McLain, Senior Project Engineer, embraced an activity that addressed the challenges of the pandemic. She took to hand...
Appointment to the Planning Commission
Melissa May, SSFM Senior Planner, Associate and the firm’s Resilience Practice Leader has been confirmed as a Planning Commissioner for the City and County...
SSFM Inspects 57 Bridges in 11 Days
SSFM recently executed an extensive inspection program of 57 bridges. Drawn from the firm’s professionals in Guam and Hawaii, the 14-member team...
Our Food Basket Program
The covid pandemic changed much about how we think about how we care for our employees during these trying times. “I appreciate the time and effort SSFM...
SSFM Receives Three APA, Hawai‘i Chapter Awards
SSFM International is honored to have received three of the eleven 2021 awards bestowed by American Planning Association, Hawai‘i Chapter. SSFM Receives...
Papa Avenue – Māʻalo Street Quick Build Demonstration Project
SSFM had the privilege of participating in one of Maui’s first quick-build street projects. Quick build installations make roadways safer for pedestrians...
Getting Healthy While Making a Difference
SSFM joined more than a million Heart Walk Heroes across the county for the American Heart Association Heart Challenge. The traditional walk day was...
2021 Tiny House Design Challenge Winner
SSFM announces the winners of the 2021 Tiny House Design Challenge. Submissions were judged in two categories – People’s Choice through social media voting...
2021 Tiny House Design Challenge
Tiny House Design Challenge is a yearly competition, supported by SSFM, for Hawaiian high schools schools to design and build a tiny house. Last year’s...
Melissa May Inducted in LAI
Melissa May AICP, Senior Planner and Resilience Practice Leader at SSFM International has been inducted as a member of Lambda Alpha International (LAI),...
Commitment to Education
SSFM International has always prioritized quality of education. A long time relationship in support of the engineering program at the University of Hawaii...
Urban Gardens Take Root at City Housing for Vulnerable Kama’aina
SSFM and City agencies, local businesses, and nonprofits create foodscaping project. A public-private partnership sprouted in late 2020 between SSFM and...
SSFM, Rooted in Resilience
SSFM is in a unique position to help mitigate the effects of climate change. As a local company with more than 60 years of experience and expertise in...
Enhancing Our Skills
Furthering our professional growth during covid through online training and certification. SSFM has had the good fortune of providing services that are...
Recognizing SSFM’s Core Values
Each month, SSFM’s staff nominates their co-workers who best exemplify our core values - integrity, progressiveness, customer focus and nurturing. In the...
SSFM Hires Community Leader to Manage Pacific Area Office
Joseph W. Duenas has joined SSFM International as its Pacific Area Manager. Duenas comes to SSFM from his recent position as Chief of Staff to former Lt....
Covid-19 Impact on Construction and Hawaii’s Housing Industry
Predictions of what the new normal will look like abound. Covid-19 has thrown the world into a state of the unknown. Predictions of what the new normal...
2020 Tiny House Design Challenge
An annual competition for local high schools to design and build a tiny house. The students were encouraged to keep working on the projects, but the houses...
Full-Tuition Scholarship for the University of Guam
SSFM International has endowed a new scholarship for civil engineering students at the University of Guam. The firm’s $31,300 contribution will fund the...
SSFM on Guam
SSFM’s has long embraced its Pacific heritage. Over six decades, the firm has continually expanded its capabilities to best respond to the needs of the...
The Po’okela Award – Living Our Core Values
Each month, our staff nominates their co-workers who best exemplify SSFM's core values – integrity, progressiveness, customer focus and nurturing. They are...
Working Remotely Results in Less Time in Cars
Covid has dramatically changed the our daily routines. While most thoughts go to the negative impacts this has had on people’s health, jobs, and the...
Tales of Working Remotely
Tales of working remotely. Social distancing, sheltering in place and lock down are all part of the new norm. As SSFM goes remote, have a glimpse of a day...
Roundabouts on the Rise
Roundabout use has increased across Hawaii over the past decade as FHWA, ITE, and other professional organizations have included it in best practices and...
SSFM’s Commitment to Resilience
As a local company with more than 60 years of experience and expertise in planning, engineering, and other services that impact the built environment, SSFM...
SSFM’s Donation Drive for Taal Volcano Disaster Relief
As in the aftermath of Kilauea’s eruption, as an engineering practice, SSFM has the opportunity to provide our professional capabilities when natural...
The Best and Worst U.S. Places to Live Car-Free
Honolulu ties for first place as car friendly city. SSFM applauds Honolulu for its efforts in encouraging reduced auto use while we look forward to...
60 Minutes Puts Sea Level Rise Front and Center
The impact of climate change and sea level rise is nowhere more evident than in Venice. "This past November, a sudden storm surge overwhelmed nearly 90% of...
Bennett Fung’s Visit to the Vessel in New York City
Observations on New York’s amazing construction projects. SSFM’s Bennett Fung, recently visited New York City. In his role as a senior structural engineer,...
SSFM is Proud to Support Ronald McDonald Charities
SSFM is proud to continue in our support of the Ronald McDonald Charities. SSFM team members Darilyn Lum (HR Assistant), Julie Jepsen (Public Outreach...
Oahu Voters Want Action On Climate Change
Citizens overwhelmingly think climate change is a serious problem. A new poll shows 68% of Oahu voters favor installing more safe bike lanes throughout the...
SSFM Studies Big Island Traffic Fatalities
SSFM creates crash maps identifying the most problematic areas for cyclists. The study indicates that the deaths are disproportionately high when...
Hawaii at Risk from Coastal Flooding linked to Climate Change
A new research study from Climate Central finds hundreds of millions more people than previously identified are now at risk from coastal flooding linked to...
Celebrating National Community Planning Month
SSFM is honored to be part of the team that received APA’s prestigious Daniel Burnham Award for the General Plan Update for the County of Kauai. Throughout...
SSFM Receives 2 American Planning Association, Hawai‘i Chapter Awards
The American Planning Associations awards recognize work and projects that exemplify the planning profession’s highest goals and ideals. Eighteen...
Hawaii’s Coastal Communities at Risk
Hawaii’s coastal communities are at great risk in the absence of action to prevent further climate change damage to the surf. “In May 2019, carbon dioxide...
Pacific Islands Seek Help and Unity in their Fight against Climate Change
Pacific Island government officials are among those making the strongest calls for action and lobbying for changes that will stave off the effects of...
SSFM Supports Ronald McDonald House with $5,000 Donation
Through the years, SSFM has continually supported the important work of Ronald McDonald House. Michael Matsumoto, President of SSFM International presents...
APA’s Prestigious Daniel Burnham Awarded to the Kauai General Plan
SSFM served as the prime consultant with the Kauai Planning Department for the General Plan which establishes island wide vision, policies, and goals.
SSFM’s Corey Matsuoka Reflects on His Experience as the Chair of CASE
Corey describes his opportunity with the American Council of Structural Engineers, CASE to help evolve risk management and business practices for Structural Engineers...
SSFM’s Melissa May Hosts APBP Micromobility Panel Discussion
Melissa May conducts a panel on Going Macro with Micromobility for the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals, Inc...
SSFM’s Team Volunteers at Honolulu Habitat for Humanity‘s Waite build
Participants had a wonderful time supporting Habitat for Humanity, in their mission to create affordable and accessible housing opportunities...
Waikiki Beaches Get Money to Address Erosion and Seawalls
The funds will help Waikiki beaches address beach erosion problems and the damage caused to seawall structures...
Bike Lanes Are Good for Business: The Multiple Benefits of Urban Bike Lanes
Love them or hate them, research offers a strong financial case for urban bike lanes. A cycling infrastructure has many environmental benefits...
Locating Affordable Housing near Jobs Lessens Urban Congestion
SSFM addresses solutions that will help Hawaii navigate the obstacles to mobility and accessible housing in our cities...
Vision Zero… towards Eliminating All Traffic Fatalities and Injuries
Vision Zero Maui is an initiative to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries caused by traffic crashes on Maui, by 2040...
SSFM’s Team Takes Biki Bikeshare System for a Test Drive
The Biki bikeshare system is now the sixth most used bikeshare system in the nation. Hawaii Complete Streets advocates safe pathways for pedestrians...
Local High Schools Get Grants from SSFM for Their Tiny Houses
Local high school students receive grants from SSFM for creativity in their design of tiny house solutions...
View How Your Area Will Be Affected by Global Warming
A dramatic interactive map that shows how areas of Hawaii will be affected by global warming by the end of the century...
SSFM’s Response to the Big Island’s Dual Disasters
The entire SSFM team was on call 24/7 throughout both the volcano eruption and subsequent hurricane. Beginning with the sudden eruption...
Q&A with Melissa May on Bike-Friendly, Walkable Places
Q&A with Melissa May on how to re-imagine neighborhoods as bike-friendly, walkable places. “Sometimes it just takes a different angle...
SSFM Mentors Kids to 1st Place in Civil Engineering Club Competition
SSFM supports STEM education by mentoring Roosevelt High to 1st place in Civil Engineering Club Competition...
The Many Ways SSFM is Supporting the Educational Community
The SSFM family has long been engaged in wide ranging volunteer efforts in support of education. The SSFM family has long been engaged in...
SSFM Stewards Process for Chinatown Improvement Plans
SSFM orchestrates the design and review process for solutions to the Chinatown improvement plans...
SSFM Funds University of Hawaii Scholarships and Fellowships
SSFM funds 4 full 4 year undergraduate scholarships in Civil and Environmental Engineering. “Supporting the next generation of engineers and planners...