Nearly 20 years ago, the Kaua‘i Business Council was established with a goal to advocate on legislation at the state level in order to support the continuing recovery efforts of the island after the devastation of Hurricane ‘Iniki. Two
Nearly 20 years ago, the Kaua‘i Business Council was established with a goal to advocate on legislation at the state level in order to support the continuing recovery efforts of the island after the devastation of Hurricane ‘Iniki.
Two decades later, the KBC continues its advocacy role.
The KBC recently met with Kaua‘i legislators to discuss issues still important and evolving in the “Great Recession,” which began with the financial collapse of several financial institutions which had global implications.
The council has since grown besides its current members to include Hawai‘i Tourism & Lodging Association — Kaua‘i Chapter, Kapa‘a Business & Professional Association, Kaua‘i Board of Realtors, Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce, Kaua‘i County Farm Bureau, Lihu‘e Business Association, Po‘ipu Beach Resort Association, West Kaua‘i Business Association and other organizations such as ex-officios Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau and County of Kaua‘i, along with newcomer, the Kaua‘i Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce.
Sandi Kato-Klutke has been with the KBC for several years and serves as its champion/steward.
At the council’s November meeting, Kato-Klutke said that the KBC’s primary role is to “lobby for its members at the legislature in support of funding and other legislation on behalf of Kaua‘i’s people and economy.”
This includes lobbying on behalf of jobs, education/training, taxes, and capital improvement projects to name a few.
Sherry Menor-McNamara is the senior vice president and chief operating officer of the Chamber of Commerce of Hawai‘i, also spoke at the meeting.
Menor-McNamara spoke on behalf of the Hawai‘i Business Alliance, a group which has a statewide role in incorporating legislative priorities. The HBA will advocate for businesses during the 2013 Legislative session.
Prior to the opening of the legislature, the KBC will join the county administration and county council at an annual budget presentation before the joint meeting of the House of Representatives Finance Committee and Senate Ways & Means Committee.
Each islands’ mayor and county council is also part of their own respective statewide association.
Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., represents Kaua‘i on the Hawaii Conference of Mayors, while Councilman Mel Rapozo represents the county on the Hawai‘i State Association of Counties.
Prior to the opening of the Hawai‘i State Legislature, KBC and HBA members will have meetings with members of the Legislature and Gov. Neil Abercrombie.
For those interested, a fundraiser will also be held in downtown Honolulu on behalf of Kaua‘i legislators on the evening of Jan. 14, coordinated by the Chamber of Commerce of Hawai‘i.
In addition, around 100 participants of the Alliance and Chambers will participate in the annual Legislative Walk Around of the Capitol the morning of Jan. 16 and conclude with a Meet & Greet of Legislators later that evening hosted by COCH, where the Alliance’s Annual Legislative Priorities will be presented.
Visit www.COCHawaii.org to learn more about these events during the opening week of the 2013 Legislature.
Also visit the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce at www.KauaiChamber.org to participate with legislative members in connection with The Chamber of Commerce of Hawai‘i as we continue our partnership at the county and statewide level.
Best wishes to members of the Hawai‘i State Legislature including Vice President of the Senate, Sen. Ron Kouchi and Reps. Dee Morikawa, Jimmy Tokioka and Derek Kawakami.
A follow-up and update will be forthcoming in February on bills introduced in the session as well as a bills update.
