The Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce held its annual meeting on Friday, marking the organization’s first in-person membership luncheon in three years due to COVID.
Highlighting the event at the Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii, was Gov. David Ige who presented updates on filling the state’s current employment gaps, including in health care, saying the recent legislative session allocated $6.7 million to expand the residency program at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine and that lawmakers are looking to increase physician residency and nursing programs on the neighbor islands.
“Regarding education, we’re also working to create teaching cohorts and expand internship opportunities for high school and college students,” he added. “We want to work with the university to graduate people with the skills we need to fill jobs.”
The governor, who is in his last year of office, added he was proud Hawaii’s COVID response was ranked best in the nation, earning first place in 56 criteria.
“We did great things during this COVID pandemic and we will be better for it,” he told the attendees.
The governor also touched on the pivot in the tourism sector to destination management “so our residents better welcome our visitors and we attract the visitor who cares about our community.” He mentioned the airport’s new federal inspection station was finished under budget and is ready to welcome travelers from Japan with new flights starting Aug. 1.
As it was Ige’s last talk to the chamber as governor, he also summarized his administration’s efforts for Hawaii Island, detailing significant investments during his two terms. He lauded Hawaii Island “for being ahead of the curve in achieving renewable energy at 60%.”
The meeting was sponsored by ALTRES, Goodfellow Bros., Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union, Hawai‘i Water Service, KTA Superstores and Waikoloa Plaza. The program included presentation of the chamber’s Pualu Awards and the return of the Business Expo. The event also featured dignitaries such as state Sen. Dru Kanuha and Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth.
After officially calling the annual meeting to order, following a welcome from KKCC President and CEO Wendy Laros, outgoing Board Chair Mark Leong delivered an annual update emphasizing the marked growth in the chamber’s Alii Circle enhanced member program and fundraising success with the annual golf tournament.
With business advocacy, Leong shared the chamber’s three top priorities for 2022: housing, water development and astronomy.
Adding that housing and water are new priorities, Leong noted, “Our position is to support housing projects at all inventory levels in West Hawai‘i. This includes the development of infrastructure to support more housing along with an emphasis on improvements in Hawai‘i County’s permitting processes.” Leong pointed out that the chamber’s Permitting Task Force added the housing priority to its objectives.
Regarding water, Leong stated, “Our position is to support new water resource development, maintenance and protection in West Hawaii.” He detailed that KKCC’s Economic Development Committee is taking the lead on learning more about water issues from the county and experts while the chamber’s Sustainability Committee will be addressing wastewater issues.
Leong reinforced chamber’s long standing commitment to astronomy and shared, “During the 2022 State Legislative session, we consistently voiced our support for the University of Hawaii to manage Maunakea.”
The 2022-23 Board of Directors and Officers are:
• Board Chair Dennis Boyd – West Hawaii Small Business Development Center
• Immediate Past Chair Mark Leong – Lex Brodie’s Fast Lube and Big Island Express Car Wash
• Vice Chair of Finance Hobbs Lowson – Bank of Hawaii
• North Kona Vice Chair Sharon Sakai – Communications Consultant
• South Kona Vice Chair Pam Latinis – Venture Sotheby’s International Realty
• North Kohala Vice Chair Jonathan Mitchell – Parker Ranch
• Jane Clement – Hawaii County, Mayor’s Office
• Samantha Collins – Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
• Vaughn Cook – Torkildson, Katz, Hetherington, Harris and Knorek – Attorneys at Law
• Mendy Dant – Fair Wind Cruises
• Tane Datta – Adaptations Inc.
• Farrah-Marie Gomes – University of Hawaii, Hilo
• Jen Johansen – Cyanotech
• Clayton McGhan – Kona Community Hospital
• Nancy Sakamoto – Kona Commons
• Doug Simons – UH Institute for Astronomy
Board leaders presented the KKCC Pualu Awards to five recipients. These prestigious awards recognize businesses, organizations and individuals that work together for West Hawaii in providing business leadership and community service.
2022 KKCC Pualu Award Winners:
• Keahole Center for Sustainability: Water Refill Stations – Business Innovation
• Center for Maunakea Stewardship: Native Plant Restoration – Community Education
• Hawai‘i Community College-Pālamanui: Campus Preserve – Culture and Heritage
• Cindi Punihaole, Kahalu‘u Bay Education Center – Environmental Awareness
• Jacqui Hoover: KKCC Government Affairs Committee – Chamber Member of the Year
The Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce exists to provide leadership and advocacy for a successful business environment in West Hawaii. Since 1968, this organization has worked to enhance the quality of life for the community through a strong, sustainable economy on Hawaii Island.
For more information, visit kona-kohala.com, email info@kona-kohala.com or call (808) 329-1758.
