2026 PRIORITIES

2026 Position Statements

Based on members’ expertise and input, this comprehensive list of more than 100 position statements enables the Chamber to respond effectively to issues affecting our members and the business community. This pre-approved list significantly supports our advocacy efforts, including delivering testimony, meeting with government officials, and drafting letters of support or opposition. Position Statements are generated through a process that includes committee input and board approval. 

Click here for more information about our BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

Click here for more information about COMMITTEES. 

(Alphabetical order by category)

AGRICULTURE & AQUACULTURE

• Support initiatives that promote, protect, and provide for the local agriculture industry.
• Support West Hawaiʻi’s aquaculture industry, including algae and fish production.
• Support financing opportunities for agriculture and aquaculture.
• Support federal designations to create more opportunities.
• Support ‘Buy Local’ and other initiatives that boost local agriculture businesses.
• Support Kona coffee, cattle, and other diversified agriculture in West Hawaiʻi.
• Support programs for disease and pest prevention for farmers.

ASTRONOMY & MAUNAKEA

• Support astronomy on Hawaiʻi Island as a formally established policy of the State of Hawaiʻi.
• Recognize Hawaiʻi’s astronomy sector for its global leadership in scientific discovery, deep commitment to education, and development of a locally focused workforce pipeline.
• Acknowledge the astronomy sector’s significant economic impact, including direct observatory employment, and connection to a broad network of local contractors and service providers.
• Support the State of Hawaiʻi lease renewal and observatory lease renewals on Maunakea.
• Support the development and future operations of the Thirty Meter Telescope.
• Support the rule of law to keep Mauna Kea Access Road open and allow access.
• Support a concept of sharing Maunakea for all.
• Honor Maunakea’s cultural significance.
• Support responsible stewardship of Maunakea’s natural resources.

EDUCATION & WORKFORCE

• Support the growth of Hawai‘i Community College-Pālamanui campus. 
• Support the University Center, located at the Hawai‘i Community College-Pālamanui campus, in providing expanded access to four-year and graduate degree programs.
• Support and promote research and collaborative opportunities with the University of Hawai‘i Hilo in West Hawai‘i.
• Support the Department of Education and Career and Technical Education and their relationship to local businesses and workforce development.
• Support educational programs that feed directly into the region’s key industries.
• Support educational initiatives that promote workforce skills.
• Support workforce development, training, mentoring, internship, and entrepreneurship programs.
• Support increased and expanded childcare programs and services.

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

• Recognize the impacts of the climate crisis and support measures addressing climate resilience. This crisis is increasingly evident on Hawaiʻi Island. These changes affect every facet of our community—from human health and natural resources to infrastructure, emergency response, and the local economy.
• Monitor the State of Hawaiʻi Green Fee fund distributions, and overall results to address the intersection of the environment, the climate crisis, and visitor impacts.
• Support the County of Hawaiʻi’s initiatives to address sustainability, climate, equity, and resilience.
• Support programs that reduce, reuse, and recycle.
• Support energy efficiency measures.
• Support renewable, reliable, and affordable energy solutions, including geothermal.
• Support the State of Hawai‘i’s Clean Energy goals - 100% clean energy by 2045.
• Support expansion of electric transportation – stations and vehicles.
• Support improvements and expansion for Hawai‘i County’s mass transit system.
• Support improvements to Hawai‘i Island’s waste management system.
• Support initiatives that address and manage invasive species.
• Support initiatives that encourage indigenous reforestation.
• Support initiatives promoting clean coastlines, coral reef health, and ocean conservation.
• Support the preservation and responsible management of Hawaiʻi’s Marine Life Conservation Districts and Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, recognizing their importance to biodiversity, cultural heritage, and sustainable ocean ecosystems.

GOVERNMENT

• Government Efficiency: The Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce calls for accountable, efficient, and transparent government systems that deliver timely decisions and predictable processes. We strongly support strengthening home rule on Hawaiʻi Island so that local decision-making, permitting, and regulatory authority reflect the needs of our communities and businesses. The Chamber urges state and county leaders to take decisive action to eliminate delays, modernize systems, and uphold clear performance standards.

• Fees and Tracking: The Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce calls for strict accountability in the assessment, collection, tracking, and use of government fees. We expect full transparency in how fees are set, how revenues are used, and whether funds are spent for their intended purpose. The Chamber insists that government agencies provide timely reporting, clear documentation, and measurable outcomes before creating or increasing any fees that impact businesses and residents.

• Military: The Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce strongly supports the U.S. military’s mission and presence on Hawaiʻi Island, recognizing its essential role in national defense, regional stability, workforce development, and economic impact. We support ongoing training operations and land retention at Pōhakuloa Training Area, and we value the military's partnerships with local businesses, schools, and community organizations.

Additional Government Position Statements:

• Support streamlining government regulations to provide predictability for planning, investment, and development across West Hawaiʻi.

• Support efforts to improve federal government local impacts, including increased funding for environmental stewardship, scientific research, cultural resource protection, infrastructure improvements, and job growth

• Examine minimum wage legislation to determine potential impacts on West Hawaiʻi businesses—especially small businesses—to ensure policies balance livable wages with economic sustainability.

• Support a state requirement for commercial marine tour guides to maintain lifeguard-level training or an equivalent standard to ensure passenger safety. Support improvements to State Parks and Trail Systems to enhance resident and visitor experiences, preserve natural resources, and strengthen Hawaiʻi Island’s recreational infrastructure.

• Monitor the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) for decisions affecting Honokōhau Harbor, Kawaihae Harbor, and marine management areas in West Hawaiʻi, ensuring policies reflect both environmental stewardship and the needs of commercial and recreational users.

• Support the U.S. military’s training mission and land retention at Pōhakuloa Training Area, recognizing its importance for national security and its substantial benefit to Hawaiʻi Island’s economy.

• Challenge increases to business taxes and regulations that create unnecessary burdens, hinder investment, or threaten economic growth.

• Support strong oversight of government processes to ensure accountability, efficiency, transparency, and responsible management of fees, funds collected, and public resources.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

• Support innovative rural health solutions, including new models of care, infrastructure improvements, and technology that increase access for remote communities.
• Advocate for solutions to Hawai‘i’s workers’ compensation challenges, including cost drivers and delays that affect both providers and employers.
• Support healthcare improvements and initiatives in West Hawai‘i.
• Support increased and expanded healthcare services for West Hawai‘i.
• Advocate for a new hospital in North Kona.
• Support healthcare improvements in long-term care services and facilities.
• Support fee schedules and reimbursement rates commensurate with the state's cost of living and healthcare needs.
• Encourage programs and incentives to attract more providers and collaborate with community entities.
• Support increased prevention and stabilization services for substance use disorder, behavioral health, and recovery in West Hawaiʻi.
• Support a consistent and effective approach to public health crises.
• Support healthcare industry workforce development initiatives.

HOMELESSNESS

• Support homelessness initiatives, including shelter and transitional housing with substance use disorder and behavior health support. 
• Solicit federal, state, county, and community support that provides relief to homelessness.
• Support building all phases of Kukuiola Emergency Shelter in West Hawaiʻi, concentrating services in one place.
• Advocate for sunsetting The Friendly Place Resource Center, located on Pawai Place in Kailua Village, at the appropriate time. 

HOUSING

• Support housing projects at all inventory levels and associated infrastructure.
• Support improvements and efficiency in Hawai‘i County’s permitting, planning, and regulatory processes.
• Demand better communications to changes, updates, or revisions that impact the permit process, including the EPIC portal.
• Advocate for administrative rules in county departments related to housing & permitting. 
• Support improvements in permitting, regulation, and enforcement of Short-Term Vacation Rentals.
• Support innovative housing methodologies.

INFRASTRUCTURE

• Support improvements of Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole.
• Support the Saddle Road Extension to Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway.
• Finish the last section of the Ane Keohokālole Highway from Hina Lani to Kaiminani.
• Support the growth of Hawaiʻi Community College – Pālamanui facilities and campus.
• Support the growth of the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaiʻi Authority facilities.  
• Support the planning, designing, and construction of a new State office building in West Hawai‘i to provide better government services, accessibility, and jobs.
• Support hardening infrastructure to prevent fires or other hazards.
• Support redesignation of agricultural land where applicable and appropriate. 
• Support digital equity and increased broadband infrastructure development.
• Support funding and improvements for Honokōhau and Kawaihae Harbors.
• Support walk and bicycle paths for all roads.

INNOVATION & ECONOMIC DIVERSITY

• Support initiatives and policies that promote business innovation and economic diversity.
• Encourage entrepreneurial endeavors and small business development.
• Support and recognize that the visitor industry was created to diversify the economy and foster the development of large and small businesses and local entre
• Support the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawai‘i Authority in promoting innovative business development and providing unique resources for existing businesses in its Hawai‘i Ocean Science and Technology Park.
• Support the growth of Hawai‘i’s technology industry to foster innovation, diversify the island’s economy, and provide quality, high-paying jobs. 
• Recognize and support innovation and the economic impact of the arts and creative industries.                 

VISITOR INDUSTRY

• Challenge proposed user fees for visitors.
• Support Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority.
• Support Hawai‘i Island’s Destination Management Action Plans.
• Support the Island of Hawaiʻi’s Visitors Bureau and destination marketing.
• Promote Hawai‘i Island’s Pono Pledge.

WATER DEVELOPMENT

• Actively monitor the Commission on Water Resource Management to ensure its actions support responsible water development on Hawaiʻi Island.
• Support Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply's safe and sustainable water development.
• Support more innovative access to water for irrigation and agriculture, including reclaimed water.
• Support scientifically-based decision-making processes for water development.
• Call for clarification in the water credit system.
• Support new freshwater development in West Hawai‘i.
• Support freshwater resource development, distribution, preservation, maintenance, and protection in West Hawaiʻi.
• Support wastewater development, reclamation, and recycling in West Hawaiʻi.
• Support improvements to the Kealakehe Waste Water Treatment Plant.
• Support the development of a water governance structure that considers the water system as a whole.