Overwhelming sales and a backlog in building have led to nine entries from three developers — a major decline from the 18 to 39 model homes entered in each of the past six years for the industry's premier new-home showcase in its 47th year.

The project turnout — the lowest in 40 or so years — lacks Neighbor Island participants and custom homes. There also was just one multifamily entry, and no entries for time-share, one of the market's hottest segments.

Entering the contest are: Castle & Cooke Hawaii with four entries, Schuler Homes with three, and Haseko (Hawaii) Inc. with two.

Other developers, including Gentry Homes and Stanford Carr Development, said they have no inventory to show, haven't completed new models recently or have too much traffic through model homes already.

Still, organizers said the event — themed "Surprises Through Every Door" — will be filled with many examples of innovative materials, building techniques, design and amenities useful to home buyers and people who just like to gather ideas for their homes.

Developers also offer "added-value" incentives exclusively at the Parade of Homes, according to event host Building Industry Association of Hawai'i.