Chamber Committees

The Chamber accomplishes most of its work through its standing and special committees. The committees are open to all members and it is on committees that Chamber members have the greatest input.

Generally, committees meet monthly to formulate policy, plan functions and conduct business. Policy recommendations are submitted to the Board of Directors for final approval.

The executive committee of the Board is made up of the officers of the board and standing committee chairs.

Standing Committees

Economic Development
Works to enhance the general business climate of Hawaii Island to promote a stable and healthy economy. This committee encourages development of new industries and expansion of existing businesses.

Education
Promotes and coordinates seminars and other educational activities by government agencies, the University of Hawaii or the Chamber, that would benefit or interest members and the business community.

Finance
Charged with the responsibility of coordinating the financial affairs of the Chamber so that it is stable and fiscally sound. The committee is to provide the Board with information pertaining to the financial condition at any time, and at least once every month is to submit a report. The Chair is appointed by the President, and the Treasurer serves on the committee, but is not required to chair it.

Government Affairs
Monitors legislation at all levels of government that may affect HICC, its members or the business community. It recommends action to the Board to further the objects of the Chamber and its membership.

Membership & Benefits
Responsible for increasing membership of the Chamber, the committee solicits new members as well as working on retaining existing members. Initiates and coordinates policy for member benefits.

Social
The social, athletic and “fun” activities of HICC are coordinated by the Social Committee that promotes fellowship and cooperation among members and other chambers of commerce.

Political Action
Through financial support for state and local political candidates and issues, this committee furthers the goals and objectives of the Chamber. Its members are appointed by the President for staggered terms, and approved by the Board of Directors.

Special Committees

Agriculture
Provides a voice in the business community for Hawaii Island’s diversified agriculture through special events that promote the agriculture industry.

Bylaws
Established at will by the President, the Bylaws committee reviews the governing document of the Chamber, making recommendations to the Board for changes when necessary.

Scholarship Auction
Since 1984, our Chamber has been raising money through a successful scholarship auction to endow scholarship funds for higher education. Our endowment fund today for the University of Hawaii at Hilo (UHH) is more than $120,000 and for the Hawaii Community College (HCC), $45,000. Over the years, we awarded more than $70,800 to UHH Students and $13,500 to HCC Students.

Tourism
Hawaii Island tourism is doing well. Our goal is to assure visitor expectations are met. While Big Island businesses in the heat of competition are generally providing excellent services, public infrastructure is lagging. The immediate objective is to swing the combined clout of the Chamber behind initiatives that will fast track repair or replacement of public facilities and install security cameras at all major tourist spots. Safety, security and sanitation are expected by our visitors, and we must deliver.

Website
This committee is overseeing the renovation of our website, improving and promoting it through advertising opportunities for members.