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BETTER CALL DOUG!

“Better Call Doug” represents our commitment to being your trusted local engineering expert in Honolulu, Hawaii and beyond. With 200+ years of combined experience among our engineers and designers who have a passion for excellence, “Doug” embodies the expertise and dedication that define Douglas Engineering Pacific.

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ORGANIZATIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

OVER 3 DECADES OF EXPERIENCE

We’ve been your local go-to engineering consulting firm since 1992!

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Combined years of experience among our licensed professional engineers and designers.
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Condos, hotels, restaurants, schools, churches, airlines, parks, hospitals, museums, residential, commercial, industrial, government, military, and other projects successfully completed!
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Years in business with a proven track record!
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OUR SERVICES

Discover our range of services at Douglas Engineering Pacific, where we specialize in mechanical and electrical engineering, from design to construction administration. Our experienced team is committed to delivering innovative and efficient solutions tailored to your project’s needs.

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Fire Protection

We use science and engineering to design systems and strategies to prevent, control, and mitigate the impact of fires in buildings and other structures.

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Electrical

We design, develop, test, and manage electrical systems, components, and equipment including power generation, transmission, distribution, and more.

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Plumbing & HVAC

We plan and design building systems, including equipment sizing and selection, related to plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

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Engineering Studies

We conduct systematic investigations and analysis to gather information, evaluate options, solve problems, and make informed decisions.

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WHAT “BETTER CALL DOUG” MEANS FOR YOU

Personalized Solutions

When you call Doug, you’re connecting with a dedicated partner who understands your challenges and is ready to find the best solutions.

Reliability

Doug is synonymous with dependability. When you “Better Call Doug,” you can trust that your concerns will be addressed promptly and effectively.

Expert Guidance

Doug brings a wealth of knowledge to the table that you can rely on for insightful advice and innovative solutions.

FEATURED PROJECTS

Explore our Projects Showcase, where we highlight our excellence in mechanical and electrical engineering. Our portfolio showcases innovative solutions and expert construction administration across a range of projects, demonstrating our commitment to meeting our clients’ unique needs.

Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Federal Building, 2015

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Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Federal Office Building, 2015

Problem
This was the complete renovation and modernization of a 9-story U.S. Federal Office Building, to be a high-performance green facility, certified LEED Silver. Construction had to be strategically phased and conducted so that the building would remain fully occupied and operational. Phasing was to include temporary swing spaces to host personnel during remodel of their permanent spaces. As Part II of an ongoing project, this was to continue the implementation of the new 1000kw emergency power system, and include a separate branch of emergency power for the US Coast Guard Command Center. 

Solution
We extended the new power distribution system utilizing bus duct risers from the new service switchboard up through the building. We extended the new essential and non-essential emergency power systems and, for the US Coast Guard, designed a Critical Operations Power System (COPS) as a dedicated branch. Since a COPS includes unique building resilience requirements that we were familiar with, we provided guidance to the rest of the design team regarding them.

As in Part I, the power systems included an imbedded electrical power monitoring system to provide detailed power quality and usage analysis. And as before we designed these systems to conform with the phasing requirements of the project; new systems were built alongside existing ones and switchovers occurred during unoccupied hours.

We designed three new roof-mounted photovoltaic power systems: 108kw, 85kw and 60kw.

We designed new lighting and a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) control system which provides very precise local control, and which is easily modified through programming and without re-wiring.

We designed a new UL Master lighting protection system.

We extended the new fire alarm and emergency communications system and designed a new Fire Command Center on the ground floor.

Results
The project as executed met the stated goals. The building was fully renovated as a state-of-the-art, high-performance facility, while occupied. It received LEED Silver Accreditation, and the project won 5 Awards, in 2015.

Bishop Museum, 2005-2007

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Bishop Museum Hawaiian Hall, 2005-2007

Problem
This project was the renovation of a Hawaiian history museum set in a historic building.  Our work included the design of lighting, power, and infrastructure for communications systems to support the exhibits and displays.  The challenge was to incorporate the systems into the building’s existing structure while retaining its historic integrity and protecting the artifacts from UV radiation.   

Solution
We collaborated with the Architect and Contractor to discreetly route the conduit and boxes to difficult-to-reach areas.  The existing skylight which had been covered up was restored and opened up.  The skylight remained closed off to natural sunlight and we designed lighting with filters to simulate the natural sunlight while reducing UV light.

Results
Our attention to detail and collaboration with the design and construction team helped to preserve the integrity and characteristics of a historic setting.

American Savings Bank Tower, 2015-2018

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American Savings Bank, 2015-2018

Problem
This project was an 11-story bank headquarters building, designed and built in two separate construction contracts. The scopes were divided into Core and Shell, and Tenant Interior (TI) work. There were separate project Architects leading these efforts, effectively leading two separate design teams. The challenge was to develop the Core and Shell portion – complete structure with all major infrastructure and utilities in place – on a schedule ahead of the TI, yet designed to support the specific requirements of the TI portion. 

Solution
We developed system designs with as much detail as possible for each project individually, with special focus on equipment spaces, arrangement of equipment spaces within the building, and pathways between them for utilities. This we shared on a running basis with the design team for each project. Beyond that, we shared the information for each of the projects with the other project’s design team, also on a running basis. This was done to prevent one team taking a direction which would conflict with the work of the other team, and to dovetail the two designs as completely as possible. For example, we designed a cable management system for exterior window controls with the TI team, based on their plans, for inclusion into the Core and Shell project. It was necessary to continue this level of coordination through both design efforts to the end of each.

Results
Our proactive approach to coordination helped avoid conflicts between contracts during construction, which would have resulted in additional time and expense.

Moanalua Hillside Apartments Master Plan Phase 1, 2013-2014

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Moanalua Hillside Apartments Master Plan Phase 1, 2013-2014

Problem
This was a multi-building project involving four new high-rise multi-family apartment buildings, two new common area facilities, one new service building, and system upgrades to six existing multi-family buildings. The entire site included twenty-eight additional apartment buildings and service buildings, and was on a single primary metered power service. The new and renovated buildings were to be provided with individually metered HECO power utility services. Services had to be maintained in operation for the other buildings and facilities on site during construction.

Solution
For the new buildings we designed hvac systems, plumbing systems, fire sprinkler systems, electrical services and distribution systems, communications services and wiring systems, lighting systems and fire alarm systems. For the four new high-rise buildings this included emergency standby power systems.

For the six renovated buildings we designed ventilation and plumbing systems, electrical services and distribution systems, communications services and wiring systems, lighting systems, and fire alarm systems.

To keep the remaining buildings in service, and to meet phasing requirements for new construction, we designed all new underground utilities into the site to take over the role of serving the site prior to demolition of the existing utilities in the main project area. This involved some new primary utility power equipment to serve as the connecting and stopping-off point between Phase 1 (new construction and remodel) and Phase 2 (all the remaining buildings). This included provisions for future primary metering by the utility, and a new medium voltage transformer and primary metered power to the new service building which was too remote from the main project to receive a HECO service. 

Results
We were able to assign many qualified staff to work on the multiple building projects and meet the project schedule while delivering complete designs. We drew on our extensive experience in utility system design, and made use of solid working relationships with utility personnel and the civil Engineer, to address the complex site and phasing issues.

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TESTIMONIALS

Mr. Buhr [of Douglas Engineering Pacific] is very knowledgeable on the fire code, as well as the Life Safety Evaluation.

Reid Yoshida | Battalion Chief
Honolulu Fire Department

Douglas Engineering Pacific is an exceptional consultant, providing experience, service, and reliability across MEP [Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing] disciplines and project support from concept to completion.

Christopher Brown | Principal
Arkitek:Design&Architecture

Douglas Engineering Pacific helped our building pass the fire and life safety evaluation and saved our building from installing sprinklers! The project went smoothly and I would recommend them.

Vlad Rapoport
Imua Associates LLC

I can’t say enough good things about Douglas Engineering Pacific. Working with them was a game-changer for our project. Doug and his team have this incredible knack for finding solutions to every problem we threw their way. Their service is top-notch, and their ability to think outside the box saved us time and again.

Chris Kiriakos
Homeowner

Douglas Engineering Pacific has been working closely with our firm for more than two decades. We designed affordable housing, restaurants, offices, and many other commercial project types together. Douglas Engineering Pacific works very diligently to meet our design requirements and deadlines. Instead of just blindly following the owner’s requirements, Doug’s team makes recommendations that enhance the quality of the projects effectively. In a restaurant project, Douglas Engineering Pacific tactically met the power outlet requirements from the owner without upgrading the existing electrical panel. It was a cost savings that pleased my client. Their professionalism and good ethics have been very much appreciated.

Hannah Wong | Principal
Pacific Atelier

Doug and his crew were fantastic to work with in designing EV charging infrastructure for our 351-unit condo. Doug is a no-nonsense get-it-done engineer. Because he helped us figure out the steps beforehand, we were able to move ahead. I doubt we could have done it without him.

Michael Richards
Project Lead

Doug Buhr offers clear, direct advice on Mechanical, Electrical, and Safety issues. He has a team that delivers responsive designs which meet customer needs without overkill. We have used Douglas Engineering Pacific for our Life Safety Evaluation, Fire Alarm Design, Drain / Waste Replacement, Electrical Upgrade, and Roof Replacement. Next is the Fire Sprinklers design and evaluation. We have been very pleased with the quality and timeliness of Douglas Engineering Pacific’s advice and work product.

John A. Lacy | President
C.S. Apartments “The Coral Strand”

NEWS & EVENTS

Stay updated with the latest happenings at Douglas Engineering Pacific. Here, we share exciting developments, project milestones, industry insights, and upcoming events that showcase our commitment to excellence in engineering.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about our services and how we can assist you.