Aloha Hawai‘i Island Chamber of Commerce Members,
As your new president, I’m proud to step into this role at a time when there’s great Chamber momentum. Our outlook is optimistic and we’re here to support and shop local.
When you support local businesses, you’re fueling Hawai‘i’s economy. You’re helping provide jobs to local families, retaining talent, and creating opportunities for the next generation of workers. Many of our members are the very businesses that support our community through events, partnerships, and everyday services that make our island thrive.
We’ll be keeping our focus on workforce development—especially trade skills that are cultivated here and stay here. In today’s economy, consumers have more options than ever. Behind every product, service, or shipment is a network of support businesses—bankers, infrastructure specialists, distributors, and transportation experts—all working together to keep our island connected and growing.
Hawai‘i Island is home to unique natural and cultural attractions that draw visitors from around the world—Hula festivals, water sports in Hilo Bay, and geological wonders in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The redevelopment of Banyan Drive is a critical part of supporting East Hawai‘i’s travel and hospitality sector, along with the many local businesses that rely on its vitality. Let’s continue to work together to keep our business districts vibrant and sustainable.
The Chamber serves as the backbone of business support on Hawai‘i Island—through professional networking, advocacy, marketing, special events, and more. We stand for economic opportunity, affordable housing, reduced homelessness, responsible energy, agriculture, astronomy, and infrastructure development.
If you’re looking for a way to get more involved, consider joining one of our committees:
- Government Affairs – Chair Dennis Lin & Co-Chair Joy Dillon
- Economic Development – Chair Bonnie Irwin & Co-Chair Kapono Pa
- Finance – Chair Josh Vierra
- Membership – Chair Jase Takeya
- Social – Chair Vanessa Carlson
- Military Affairs – Chair Mary Begier
- Whitey Rose President’s Cup Golf – Co-Chairs Randy Kurohara & Toby Taniguchi
- Young Professionals Program – Co-Chairs Taylor Escalona & Kelsey Nakamura
I have one year—that already started July 1—to serve and support you in this role. Let’s make it count. Please reach out to the Chamber office at (808) 935-7178 or info@hicc.biz if you’d like to join a committee, collaborate on a project, or just reconnect with fellow members.
Let’s continue to grow stronger, together.
Mahalo,
David Kurohara
2025-2026 President, Hawai‘i Island Chamber of Commerce
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