the community newspaper for east oahu since 1987
photo by TISHA WOYTENKO

Hawaii Kai Chamber of Commerce Brings Community Together

by TISHA WOYTENKO
Sun Correspondent
Archived September 2007 article

"Together we achieve so much more."

Their slogan says it all. The Hawaii Kai Chamber of Commerce started with a few good entrepreneurs wanting to bring together a community and its businesses. From a live 4th of July fireworks to supporting existing local events at schools, the HKCOC is all about the community. It is their mission to provide as many events for networking and community action through their monthly and weekly meetings, social events, business luncheons and dinners. Their active promotion of their members and events include a website and directory of Hawaii Kai businesses. A preliminary plan to develop their website includes the youth from Kaiser High School. Providing young people with business opportunities allows them to see their own potential in this community and build our economic vitality.

Businesses are excited for the possibilities with the HKCOC and are rapidly joining. Their newest members include Corporate Sponsor, SeaBreeze with prospective applicant, Costco, considering a Corporate Sponsorship as well. "It's a surprise there wasn't one already. Kailua has one. Hawaii Kai really needs this," says Vice President Dave Shope of All Pool and Spa. Their previous connections to each other made the creation of the COC a great collaboration and they credit the footwork to their Secretary, Lisa van den Heuvel, Realtor Associate (RA). In addition, President Noble Turner (Noble Turner Realty International), Public Relations Representative Delorese Gregoire (founder of the Winners' Camp Foundation, Hawaii Leadership Academy), Bill McDonald (Owner of Makapu'u Pool Service) and Leo Hura (owner of Mediate with KH) are the initial members and founders of this great commission.

Their inaugural event, "The Hawaii Kai Chamber of Commerce First Annual Dinner" is being held at Roy's Hawaii Kai Restaurant on Friday, November 9th at 6:00 P.M. The members and invited guests may purchase tickets for $75 per person or $700 for a table of 10. Exciting door prizes, active networking, and the latest inside news on the HKCOC are planned. This is a great opportunity to network with the most successful business owners in Hawaii while being proactive for Hawaii Kai.

The Hawaii Kai Chamber of Commerce extends from Aina Haina to Kalama districts. If you qualify, four levels of annual membership are available: Corporate Sponsorship at $2500; Corporate Booster at $1000; Small Business at $500; and Individual Membership at $250. Each fee is tax deductible and membership is open for 501(c)3 groups also. For more information, tickets and/or an application, contact President Noble Turner at (808) 223-2001 or email him at NobleTurner@gmail.com.