With half of 2013 behind us, The Kauai Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce (KNHCC), looks forward to the second half of the year. But before we proceed with what’s ahead of us, we would be remiss if we did not
With half of 2013 behind us, The Kauai Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce (KNHCC), looks forward to the second half of the year. But before we proceed with what’s ahead of us, we would be remiss if we did not look back on some of the successes that have come Kauai’s way.
First, we need to extend our mahalo to State Sen. Ron Kouchi and Reps. Dee Morikawa, Jimmy Tokioka and Derek Kawakami for their tireless work during the Legislative session that ended in May. Their advocacy efforts in representing their Kauai and Niihau constituencies have brought much needed funds to support initiatives and programs that support economic development and community enrichment.
Locally, with a truly collaborative effort between Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.’s administration and the County Council, led by Chair Jay Furfaro, a progressively responsible budget has been finalized. As taxpayers, we can be proud of the energy and effort put forth by both sides to ensure that funds were allocated and administered for accountability.
At the Annual Governor’s Luncheon, sponsored by the Kauai Chamber of Commerce on May 19, several nonprofit agencies that benefit our community, including Big Brothers and Big Sisters, the Kauai Public Land Trust and the YWCA, received word from the governor that their funding requests had been approved. The KNHCC looks forward to working with the KPLT as it begins its process of developing a plan for utilization of the Coco Palms site.
Kudos must also be extended to Melissa Sugai, interim commissioner for the Kamehameha Day Celebration, for her excellent direction in coordinating a fantastic parade and hoolaulea last weekend. The crowd was at least six times greater than last year and the parade, participants, vendors and food booths made the event a success!
In looking forward, we want to remind everyone about the upcoming centennial celebration activities being planned by the Kauai Chamber of Commerce. Be on the lookout as many exciting events for not only members, but the community, are coming our way.
On the horizon for the KNHCC is our next networking event planned for early August and our first annual event to celebrate all that is good within our community. This event, scheduled for Sept. 10, will be held at Smith Family Luau and will an opportunity to acknowledge agencies and organizations that work hard to support, not only our Hawaiian community, but everyone in our island ohana.
Organizations and agencies wishing to participate and raise funds for their respective agencies and organizations in the event should contact the KNHCC at 652-6155.
For more information about the Kauai Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce, visit our website at knhcc.org or send us an email at knhcc@knhcc.org.
• Dirk Soma is the director of the Kauai Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce.
