• 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. 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 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.

      JOIN A COMMITTEE 

    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 that pertain to economic development and the Chamber's priorities. Provide priority and position statement recommendations to the Government Affairs Committee. Occasionally, participates in site visits. 
    • Committee Chair: Ross Wilson, Jr. with Current Events.
    • Meetings: Virtually on Zoom the third Tuesday of the month from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
    • Sign Up: This is a free member benefit. Please contact info@kona-kohala.com if you are interested in joining this committee.

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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 to the Government Affairs Committee. 
    • Committee Chair: Dr. Farrah-Marie Gomes, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, University of Hawai‘i. 
    • Meetings: Virtually on Zoom on the second Wednesday of the month from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
    • Sign Up: This is a free member benefit. Please contact info@kona-kohala.com if you are interested in joining this committee.

     

    Golf Committee

    • Committee Goal: To create a successful fundraiser for the Chamber.
    • Committee activity: Oversee the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament.
    • Committee Chair: Pam Latinis, Global Real Estate Advisor, Ventures Sotheby's International Realty
    • Meetings: No standing meetings. This group will convene in the months leading up to the tournament, typically scheduled in May.
    • Sign Up: This is a free member benefit. Please contact info@kona-kohala.com if you are interested in joining this committee.

     

    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: This is a free member benefit. Please contact info@kona-kohala.com if you are interested in joining this committee.

     

    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 to the Government Affairs Committee. 
    • Committee Chair: Judy Donovan, Regional Manager of Marketing & Strategic Planning - Kona Community Hospital
    • Meetings: Virtually on Zoom on the second Wednesday of each month from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. 
    • Sign Up: This is a free member benefit. Please contact info@kona-kohala.com if you are interested in joining this committee.

     

    Housing & Water Development Task Force

    • Committee Goal: Focuses on two of the Chamber's top priorities.
    • Committee Activities: Hear from subject matter experts, meet with government officials. Provide priority and position statement recommendations to the Government Affairs Committee. 
    • Task Force Chair: Bill McCowatt, Planner with Hale Hawaii Design.
    • Meetings: Virtually on Zoom the second Thursday of the month from 10 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 
    • Sign Up: This is a free member benefit. 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 to the Government Affairs Committee. 
    • Committee Chair: Michelle Conrey, ALTRES, Regional Manager
    • Meetings: Virtually on Zoom on the second Tuesday of the month from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. 
    • Sign Up: This is a free member benefit. Please contact info@kona-kohala.com if you are interested in joining this committee.

     

    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 to the Government Affairs Committee. 
    • Committee Chair: Teri Leicher, Managing Partner of Jack's Diving Locker 
    • Meetings: Virtually on Zoom the second Tuesday of each month from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. 
    • Sign Up: This is a free member benefit. Please contact info@kona-kohala.com if you are interested in joining this committee.

     

    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 consists of networking opportunities, professional development, and community service. 
    • Committee Chair: Samantha Collins, Area Leisure Sales Manager with 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: This is a free member benefit. Please contact Shyla Victor at shyla@kona-kohala.com if you are interested in joining this committee.