Meet Your Local Committees
Standing Committee
STANDING COMMITTEES
This committee works to enhance the general business climate on Hawai‘i Island and to support a stable and healthy economy. The Committee also organizes informative presentations for members which focus on issues that affect businesses.
Chair:
HICC Vice President Dennis Lin, HPM Building Supply
Jan 2024 Meeting with Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (Video)
Meetings:
2nd Thursday of each month, 12:00noon
(Dates and times subject to change)
The arrival of Southwest Airlines’ Imua One at Hilo Airport
Shop Big Island & Marketing Workshop
Government Affairs Committee (GAC)
Government Affairs Committee (GAC)
The Government Affairs Committee (GAC) monitors legislative measures at all levels of government that may affect the Hawai‘i Island Chamber of Commerce, its members, or the business community in general. It works closely with the State chamber, The Chamber of Commerce HAWAII, and its alliance of Chambers of Commerce and trade business organizations to speak with one voice on issues of similar concern to legislators. The GAC recommends a course of action to the Board of Directors, so the Board can make decisions that further the purpose and objectives of the Chamber.
HICC, with support from the GAC has also developed partnerships with other local Chambers of Commerce and business organizations to present a variety of moderated forums featuring election candidates and those addressing issues which affect our community. The purpose of these events is to educate our members and community about those issues which affect us.
Click here to view our Areas of Specific Interest 2024
Chair:
HICC President-Elect David Kurohara, Hawaiian Electric
Meetings:
3rd Thursday of each month, 12:00pm
(Dates and times subject to change)
Chamber Walkaround at the State Capitol
Finance Committee
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee manages the financial affairs of the Chamber so that it remains stable and fiscally sound. The committee ensures that Chamber funds are well-spent and are in the members’ best interest. Additionally, the Finance Committee provides the Board with information pertaining to the financial condition and submits a report at least once a month to the Board for review.
Chair:
HICC Treasurer Joshua Vierra, First Hawaiian Bank
Meetings:
2nd Monday of each month, 10:30am
(Dates and times subject to change)
Membership Committee
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee is responsible for developing marketing strategies to increase Chamber membership and support member retention. This committee works with Chamber members to ensure that they are getting the best value from their membership. Additional member benefits or improvements are handled by the Membership Committee. The Membership Committee offers quarterly New Member Orientation luncheons, where new members are introduced to the Chamber leadership and learn more about the benefits of Chamber membership.
Chair:
HICC Director Jase Takeya, Eclipse Effects Events
Meetings:
2nd Tuesdays of each month, 12pm
(Dates and times subject to change)
New Member Orientation sponsored by Hawaii Science and Technology Museum and SMART Plumbing
New Member Orientation sponsored by Cupcakes BOOM
Business After Hours at Lyman Museum
Business Afer Hours at Kaleo’s
The social and “fun” activities of HICC are coordinated by the Social Committee which promotes fellowship and networking among members and other Chambers of Commerce. The Social Committee plans the Chamber’s near-monthly Business After Hours (pau hana) events and other member get-togethers.
Chair:
HICC Director Vanessa Carlson
Meetings:
3rd Thursday of each month at 5:00 pm
(Dates and times subject to change)
Social Committee
SPECIAL COMMITTEES
Military Affairs Committee
Military Affairs Committee (MAC)
Our military is an integral part of our community and supports Hawaii’s economy and national security in significant ways. The military is Hawaii’s second largest source of economic activity, contributing about $8-$10 billion annually and providing over 100,000 jobs across our State. The Military Affairs Committee (MAC) was formed in 2016 and serves as Hawaii Island’s partner for the Military Affairs Council of the state Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii. The Military Affairs Committee’s mission is aligned with that of the Military Affairs Council in focusing its priorities on the 3C’s—Commerce, Communications and Culture.
Chair:
Ex-Officio Board Member Mary Begier, Mary Begier Realty
Meetings:
2nd Wednesday of each month, 12:00pm
(Dates and times subject to change)
Pōhakuloa Training Area Visit
Pōhakuloa Training Area Officers and their Families
Administrative Professionals’Day Luncheon
Administrative Professionals’ Day Luncheon
Going Home Hawaii administrative professionals and friends celebrate with their giveaway prize.
2019 Administrative Professionals Day Luncheon
This committee organizes and hosts the Chamber’s Administrative Professionals’ Day Luncheon held in April. This popular event celebrates and honors the hardworking administrative professionals in our community with exciting giveaways, lucky number drawings, a delicious luncheon and outstanding entertainment. Entertainment at a recent AP Day event featured Hilo favorites Mark Yamanaka and Brittni Paiva.
Whitey Rose Memorial President’s Cup Golf Tournament
Whitey Rose Memorial President’s Cup Golf Tournament
The Golf Tournament Committee is responsible for planning and carrying out the Chamber’s Whitey Rose Memorial President’s Cup Golf Tournament held during the President’s Day weekend in February each year. Named after past Chamber president and committee member Whitey Rose, the tournament is held as a fundraiser to support the Chamber and its endeavors. Additionally, this event allows Chamber members and professionals to network and socialize with one another while supporting a good cause. Many corporate sponsors donate goods or services as prizes or as auction items for the tournament.
Chair:
Newton Chu, Torkildson Katz – A Law Corporation
2022 Whitey Rose Memorial President’s Cup Golf Tournament
Chamber Young Professionals Program
Chamber Young Professionals Program
Young Professionals Business After Hours at Big Island Climbing
Young Professionals Paint & Sip Social
This energetic committee of young professionals organizes and hosts events for our younger members and their employees. Focusing on networking events and topics relevant to the 21-45 year-old age demographic, this group looks to develop other young business leaders through their Lunch & Learn Survival Skill Series, and popular pau hana networking events. The Young Professionals recently started the Young Professionals Recognition Program, where YP’s are recognized for excellence in their workplace, industry or profession, demonstrate strong community service, and advocate for business.
Co-Chairs:
Taylor Escalona, KTA Super Stores, and Kelsey Nakamura, HFS Federal Credit Union
Meetings:
2nd Thursday of each month, 4:00pm
(Dates and times subject to change)
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Social Committee
Social Committee