Fire Alarm System Upgrades and Related Modifications

Native Technologies provides full-service construction project management for condominium associations and commercial properties across Hawaii. We plan and deliver NFPA 72 fire alarm upgrades and related life-safety modifications in occupied high-rise buildings, coordinating design, procurement, resident logistics, and construction while keeping the property secure and operational.

Why fire alarm upgrades matter in Hawaii

Honolulu’s life-safety framework allows high-rise residential buildings without full sprinklers to meet compliance through documented improvements such as modernized fire alarm systems, corridor smoke detection, in-unit notification devices, and other targeted measures. Clear, code-based planning protects residents and positions the AOAO to satisfy ordinance and Authority Having Jurisdiction expectations.

Our approach

We manage the entire effort, from early planning through warranty, so boards, managers, and residents have a single accountable partner.

  1. Assessment and scope definition
    Review prior reports and existing conditions, define an upgrade scope with the design team, and confirm early decisions such as FACP location, device layout, interfaces with elevators/firefighter service, conduit routing, and power/battery strategy.
  2. Budgeting and financing coordination
    Provide an opinion of probable cost, cash-flow modeling, and lender coordination. We align AOAO approvals with design milestones so borrowing and voting timelines support the construction window.
  3. Independent owner’s agent
    We remain independent from the designer, manufacturers, and installers to preserve competition and keep recommendations focused on the association’s best interests.
  4. Team assembly and design management
    We assist in selection of the design team (electrical engineer and, when needed, architect), then coordinate schematic design and construction documents, submittal requirements, mockups where appropriate, and an acceptance-testing plan that fits Honolulu DPP and HFD processes.
  5. Bidding and contracting
    Run a transparent, competitive RFP to qualified contractors, conduct pre-bid walks, level proposals, interview bidders, and prepare a board-ready award memo with negotiated terms.
  6. Resident logistics and phased execution
    Plan access by stack and floor, coordinate temporary protection and security, manage noise/dust windows, and sequence in-unit work to minimize downtime. Clear notices set expectations for entry and short utility interruptions.
  7. Construction management with regular site visits
    Lead OAC meetings; control submittals, RFIs, and change orders; track schedule; and issue photo-rich progress reports. We observe installation quality, coordinate courtesy reviews, and manage acceptance testing with the contractor and engineer.
  8. Turnover, restoration, and warranty
    Close out punch lists, organize as-builts and training, confirm monitoring connections, and track warranty obligations. For life-safety compliance, we support the engineer’s documentation to the AHJ through final acceptance.

Owner and resident education

We begin with a project overview and a town hall, then provide plain-language bulletins and scheduled notices that explain scope, access needs, and short-term impacts. During construction, we keep communication focused and predictable so residents know what’s happening and boards see decisions and risks early.

Permitting Strategy

We align the permit set, inspection plan, and acceptance testing with Honolulu DPP and HFD expectations, staging documentation so approvals, testing, and closeout proceed with fewer surprises.

What we handle (so you don’t have to)

  • Scope, budget, and schedule development built for occupied buildings
  • Financing coordination and lender presentations tied to a realistic budget
  • Attorney coordination on access, consents, and resident policies
  • Assist in selection of the design team and manage deliverables
  • Acceptance-testing plan, permits, inspections, and AHJ coordination
  • Competitive bidding, leveling, and contract negotiation
  • Resident communications: town halls and written bulletins
  • Quality control: submittals, field observations, testing oversight, documentation
  • Risk management: security and weather protection during openings; unit-specific tracking of extras when applicable

Project highlights

Mount Terrace_Homepage

Ala Moana Tower — Fire Alarm System Replacement (Ala Moana)

AOAO through scope definition, design-team procurement, and contractor selection for a code-compliant system replacement. Coordinated owner and resident education alongside schematic design and construction documents, prepared a structured RFP and leveled bids, and managed construction administration including progress photography, OAC meetings, payment application and change-order reviews, and closeout documentation.

Recognition

Native Technologies has been recognized by Building Management Hawaii as Project Management Vendor of the Year (2025), runner-up (2024), and winner (2023).

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