The Asphalt Institute and HAPI held Hawai’i’s first Airfield Asphalt Pavement Inspector Course (AA-PIC) at The Daniel K. Inoyue Airport Conference Center. Director Danny Gierhart and Regional Engineer Jhony Habbouche led the training, allowing participants to earn national certification locally instead of making the long pilgrimage to A.I. HQ in Lexington, Kentucky. The class included active-duty military personnel and DoD staff from airbases in Japan, Guam, and Alaska, along with civilian participants from Hawai‘i, California, and Bangladesh.
With airfield paving activity on the rise across the Pacific, it was only a matter of time before the AA-PIC course arrived in Hawai‘i. Adapted from the original Paving Inspector Certification (PIC) program, AA-PIC is tailored to the requirements of UFGS 32 12 15.13. As part of the Airfield Asphalt Certification Program, the course equips participants with best practices in materials, production, placement, compaction, and the essential QC and acceptance standards that ensure project success.
Each attendee also received the newly updated edition of MS-22: Constructing Quality Asphalt Pavements. A key highlight of the program was its focus on fostering collaboration between inspectors and contractors’ construction teams to ensure specifications and industry standards are consistently met. The mix of perspectives from contractors, military personnel, and agency representatives enriched the dialogue, reinforcing the inspector’s vital role in upholding quality throughout every stage of construction.
Leading by Steadfast Example
On the final day of instruction, Director of Engineering and Training Danny Geirhart and Regional Engineer Johny Habbouche presented outgoing HAPI Executive Director Jon Young with the rare and prestigious Asphalt Institute Medallion, honoring his quiet yet significant contributions to the asphalt industry. Jon was both surprised and humbled by the recognition, as the room filled with heartfelt applause.
HAPI remains a committed partner in advancing the quality of asphalt pavements. The positive feedback from participants highlights the importance of local professional development, and we look forward to continuing to assist with offering these opportunities to Hawai‘i’s asphalt community and partners.
Learn more about the three AAPC Courses here.
Danny Gierhart 
Jhony Habbouche 
A full house for AAPIC 
Maki Sushi, Finger Sandwiches and Wraps 
Garlic Chicken and Teri Meatballs 
A full local breakfast to start the day
