• Kona-Kohala Chamber Awards

    The Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce proudly presents annual awards to honor outstanding contributions to the community.

    The Pualu Awards recognize businesses, organizations, and individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and collaboration in advancing West Hawaiʻi’s economic and community well-being. Rooted in the Hawaiian word pualu, meaning "all together, in unison, and cooperative," these awards celebrate the power of working together for a stronger future.

    In addition to the Pualu Awards, the Chamber also honors the Chamber Member of the Year and presents the Lifetime Service Award, recognizing individuals who have made a lasting impact through their dedication and service.

     

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  • 2023 KKCC Pualu Award recipients 

    • Jim Hussey - 2023 Chamber Member of the Year
    • Kona Community Hospital - Surgical Technology Program
    • Hawaiʻi Community College–Pālamanui Culinary Program and Laʻiʻōpua 2020 - Hoʻokahua Culinary Program 
    • Hawaiʻi Community Federal Credit Union - Financial Literacy Program
    • Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa - Ho’okupu Initiative: Cultivating Native Plants
    • The Food Basket - Da Bux Double Up Food Bucks
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  • 2022 KKCC Pualu Award recipients 

    • Jacqui Hoover - 2022 Chamber Member of the Year
    • Keāhole Center for Sustainability- Business Innovation 
    • Center for Maunakea Stewardship - Community Education
    • Hawaiʻi Community College – Pālamanui - Culture and Heritage
    • Cindi Punihaole, Kahaluʻu Bay Education Center  - Environmental Awareness
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  • 2021 KKCC Pualu Award recipients 

    • Ross Wilson, Jr. - 2021 Chamber Member of the Year
    • Aliʻi Health Center - Community Health
    • IRONMAN - Kahiau Together - Local Food Distribution
    • Hawaiʻi Community Federal Credit Union - Financial Leadership
    • Jack’s Diving Locker - Community Education
    • Kona Commons - Business Innovation
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  • 2020 KKCC Pualu Award recipient ​

    • Dennis Boyd - 2020 Chamber Member of the Year
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  • 2019 KKCC Pualu Award recipient ​

    • Michelle Conrey - 2019 Chamber Member of the Year
    • Lisa Freudenberger - 2019 Chamber Member of the Year
    • Blue Zones Project - Community Education
    • Mary Beth Laychak, Mauna Kea Scholars - Community Education
    • Barbara Nobriga - Culture and Heritage
    • Fairmont Orchid - Environmental Awareness
    • Mary Villaverde - Lifetime Service
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  • 2018 KKCC Pualu Award recipient ​

    • Elizabeth Elkjer - 2018 Chamber Member of the Year
    • Greenwell Farms - Business Innovation
    • Thirty Meter Telescope - Community Education
    • Dr. Momi Naughton - Culture and Heritage
    • Tina Clothier - Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawaii (PATH)  - Environmental Awareness
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  • 2017 KKCC Pualu Award recipients 

    • Pam Latinis - 2017 Chamber Member of the Year
    • Dr. Gerald Cysewski, Cyanotech - Business Innovation 
    • Hospice of Kona - Community Education
    • Office of Mauna Kea Management - Culture and Heritage
    • Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative  - Environmental Awareness
    • Hawaii Forest & Trail - Visitor Industry Marketing 
    • Ron Aronson - Lifetime Service