• Chamber Committees 

    The Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit member organization led by a Board of Directors. The Board relies on a strong set of committees that work to:

    • Identify issues in the community and provide solutions.
    • Develop Chamber initiatives and positions for board approval.
    • Oversee and evaluate Chamber programs, events, and fundraisers.
    • Provide expertise and guidance. 

     

    Chamber members are encouraged to join one or more of the groups below. This is a free member benefit. Virtual or in-person meetings are scheduled once a month, usually one hour. Involvement is an opportunity for Chamber members to work on topics of interest, build professional networks, and connect to the the community—all while helping the Chamber achieve its goals!

    For more information, please contact the Chamber at info@kona-kohala.com or 808-329-1758.

     

    Economic Development Committee 

    • Committee Goal: To create a beneficial economic environment for the West Hawai‘i business community.
    • Committee Activities: Hear from high-quality guest speakers on topics related to economic development and the Chamber's priorities. Provide priority and position statement recommendations to the Government Affairs Committee. Occasionally, participate in site visits. 
    • Committee Chair: Ross Wilson, Jr., Current Events.
    • Meetings: Virtually on Zoom the third Tuesday of the month from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
    • Sign Up: If you are interested in joining this committee, please contact info@kona-kohala.com.

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    Education and Workforce Development Committee 

    • Committee Goal: To facilitate connections to promote opportunities between the education and business communities for the development of Hawai‘i Island's existing and future workforce.
    • Committee Activities; Conduct the West Hawaii Needs Assessment. Provide priority and position statement recommendations.
    • Committee Chair: Dr. Farrah-Marie Gomes, University of Hawai‘i. 
    • Meetings: Virtually on Zoom on the second Wednesday of the month from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
    • Sign Up: If you are interested in joining this committee, please contact info@kona-kohala.com.

     

    Golf Committee

    • Committee Goal: To create a successful fundraiser for the Chamber.
    • Committee activity: Oversee the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament.
    • Meetings: No standing meetings. This group will convene in the months leading up to the tournament, typically scheduled in May.
    • Sign Up: If you are interested in joining this committee, please contact info@kona-kohala.com.

     

    Government Affairs Committee

    • Committee Goal: To provide input and assess legislative issues at the local, state and federal levels that affect the West Hawaiʻi business community.
    • Committee Activities: Draft the Chamber's annual Priorities & Position Statement recommendations for Board approval. Make recommendations for new or altered positions. Oversee, assist, or provide input for candidate forums, panel discussions, and meetings with government officials. 
    • Committee Chair: Jacqui Hoover, Executive Director & COO the Hawai‘i Island Economic Development Board and President of the Hawai‘i Leeward Planning Conference.
    • Meetings: Virtually on Zoom on the second Thursday of the month from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. 
    • Sign Up: If you are interested in joining this committee, please contact info@kona-kohala.com.

     

    Health & Wellness Committee

    • Committee Goal: To promote increased access to healthcare and wellness services in West Hawaiʻi.
    • Committee Activities: Oversee the Chamber's Health & Wellness Expo. Provide priority and position statement recommendations.
    • Meetings: Virtually on Zoom on the second Wednesday of each month from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. For 2025, this committee is working on a joint activity with the Education & Workforce Development Committee. 
    • Sign Up: If you are interested in joining this committee, please contact info@kona-kohala.com.

     

    Housing & Water Development Task Force

    • Committee Goal: Focuses on two of the Chamber's top priorities.
    • Committee Activities: Hear from subject matter experts and meet with government officials. Provide priority and position statement recommendations.
    • Task Force Chair: Bill McCowatt, Hale Hawaii Design.
    • Meetings: Virtually on Zoom the second Thursday of the month from 10 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 
    • Sign Up: Please contact info@kona-kohala.com if you are interested in joining this task force.

     

    Membership & Marketing Committee

    • Committee Goal: Works to effectively communicate with Chamber members and the community-at-large the mission, vision, and values of the Chamber along with promoting membership recruitment and retention.
    • Committee Activities: Oversee the Annual Membership Drive, Alii Circle Program and AfterHours Networking Program. Provide priority and position statement recommendations.
    • Committee Chair: Michelle Conrey, ALTRES.
    • Meetings: Virtually on Zoom on the second Tuesday of the month from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. 
    • Sign Up: If you are interested in joining this committee, please contact info@kona-kohala.com.

     

    Sustainability Committee

    • Committee Goal: To promote sustainable and environmentally responsible business practices and environmental stewardship.
    • Committee Activities: Oversee the Kuleana Green Business Program. Provide priority and position statement recommendations.
    • Committee Co-Chair: Teri Leicher, Jack's Diving Locker. Mikena Shay, Body Glove Cruises.
    • Meetings: Virtually on Zoom the second Tuesday of each month from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. 
    • Sign Up: If you are interested in joining this committee, please contact info@kona-kohala.com.

     

    Young Professionals Committee

    • Committee Goal: To inspire existing and future leaders to advance and grow within our community.
    • Committee Activity: Oversee the Chamber's Young Professionals (YP) Program , which includes networking opportunities, professional development, and community service. 
    • Committee Chair: Samantha Collins, Fairmont Orchid.
    • Meetings: Virtually on Zoom or in-person, typically the second Friday of each month from 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon.
    • Sign Up: If you are interested in joining this committee, please contact info@kona-kohala.com.