• Marni Herkes’ Legacy Continues with Kona-Kohala Chamber

    November 30, 2018
    Marni Herkes was the Executive Director of the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce (KKCC) from 1990-2001. On November 21, 2018, Mrs. Herkes passed away in Kona after a long illness.

    As a strong and committed leader, she was connected to community through advisory councils, business associations and civic clubs. During her tenure as the KKCC Executive Director, she carried out the policies of the organization’s board of directors including membership services, public relations and government affairs. She provided a strong voice for business advocacy in the legislative process and promoted community and quality of life in West Hawaiʻi.

    Current KKCC Executive Director Wendy Laros states, “The result of her efforts are known to us each and every day through improved infrastructure, a new college campus in West Hawaiʻi and direct flights into Kona." Laros continues, “Marni’s legacy will continue with the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce as she is an integral part of our organization’s history.”
     
    Marni
    The inaugural visit of the cruise ship Infinity to Kailua-Kona was commemorated by the ship's officer and Marni Herkes, the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce Executive Director from 1990-2001.
     
    In 2015, Mrs. Herkes received the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Service Award. This KKCC Pualu Award recognizes individuals, businesses, and/or non-profit organizations that exemplify a commitment to the improvement and advancement of the community. The recipients of this award are individuals who have made a lifelong commitment to the community exemplified by their personal and/or business achievements.

    Marni Pualu Award
    June 2015 at the KKCC Membership and Installation Luncheon at the Four Seasons Hualalai Resort: Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kirstin Kahaloa, Lifetime Service Awardee Marni Herkes and KKCC Board Chair Dale Suezaki.

    For more information about Marni Herkes, please see this West Hawaiʻi Today article:  “True Island Advocate Says Goodbye.”