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 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.

Economic Development Committee (EDC)

• Goal: To create a beneficial economic environment for the West Hawai‘i business community.
• 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.

​Permitting & Housing Task Force: The goal of this group is to support improvements and efficiency in the permitting process, especially as it pertains to the County of Hawai‘i procedures. In 2022, the group took on the Chamber priority of Housing while following though with the permitting objectives. This task force reports to the Chamber's Economic Development Committee.

• Task Force Chair: Dennis Boyd, Director of the West Hawai‘i Small Business Development Center
• 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 committee.

Education and Workforce Development Committee (ED & WFD)

• 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 Chair: Dr. Farrah-Marie Gomes, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, UH Hilo.
• 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.

Government Affairs Committee

• Goal: To be aware of legislative issues at county, state and federal levels that affect West Hawaiʻi and to advocate positions that foster improvements in the business community.
• 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

• Goal: The goal of the Health & Wellness Committee is to promote increased access to healthcare and wellness services in West Hawaiʻi. 
• 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.

Membership & Marketing 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 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

• Goal: Promotes sustainable and environmentally responsible business practices and environmental stewardship. 
• 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.