Staff - Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, HI

President and CEO Wendy Laros is motivated by the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce's mission to provide leadership and advocacy for a successful business environment in West Hawaiʻi. Before joining the chamber staff, Wendy worked in Hawaii's ocean tourism industry for 30 years, which included small business involvement in a locally owned and operated company. She understands the issues and finds purpose in voicing the business community’s views.

Laros was an active Kona-Kohala chamber member for several years and served as the chair of the Education and Workforce Development Committee. She holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Hawaiʻi Hilo and a graduate degree in education from the University of Hawaiʻi Manoa.

Service and Associations
- Western Association of Chamber Executives Board of Directors
- Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi Board of Directors
- Island of Hawaiʻi Chamber Hui Founding Member
- UH Hilo Community Advisory Board
- Hawaiʻi Community College Advisory Council
- Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority Hawaiʻi Island Destination Management Action Plan Steering Committee
- U.S. Army Pōhakuloa Training Area (PTA) Advisory Council
- Hawaiʻi Island Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Advisory Committee
- Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Member
- Hawaiʻi Economic Association Member

Lydia Hoeppner joined the Chamber staff in 2017 with a friendly smile and welcoming nature. As our Membership Manager, Lydia is in the perfect position to help our members get the most from their membership.

Her past experience with information systems at Toyota Racing Development (TRD) translates well to her Chamber administrative details. Look to Lydia to update your member profile, pay dues, or register for events.

Lydia is a strong advocate for dog rescue and volunteers with KARES – Kohala Animal Relocation Education Services – to foster and take dogs to adoption events.

Chamber Staff