The Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce held its first Westside Business After Hours for 2009 at the beautiful Aston Waimea Plantation Cottages which had as its theme “Taste of Waimea — Celebrating Our Military in Hawai‘i.” The event was sponsored by the West Kaua‘i Business & Professional Association and partners Syngenta Seeds and Aston Waimea Plantation Cottages/Kikiaola Land Co. The event included several co-sponsors including: Akimeka Technologies LLC, BASF, Kaua‘i Coffee, Kaua‘i Realty, Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital, Mokulele Airlines, Pioneer Seed, Speedi Shuttle, The Parker Group, Waste Management of Hawaii and West Kaua‘i Rotary Club.
This event was historic for the Chamber since it was the largest in the Chamber’s history of any previously held Business After Hours. The purpose and benefit of the Business After Hours is to provide networking opportunities for members and non-members to make business contacts and renew or strengthen existing business relationships. While Vice President Carol Texeira is still processing the registrations, we estimate that there will be over 425 attendees. This would equal each of the Chamber’s 3rd and 4th Quarter General Membership meetings’ attendance.
An important aspect of this particular event was that it was an opportunity for the large and small businesses from throughout the Westside to partner and participate in an event that showcases Kaua‘i’s Westside businesses and their spirit of cooperation. Even more compelling was that the turnout comprised of more than 65% of attendees from throughout the Westside including Kalaheo, Eleele/Port Allen, Hanapepe, Kaumakani, Waimea, Kekaha and The Pacific Missile Range.” This event also was the closing event of several events marking the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce 2nd observance of Military Appreciation Month which honored active duty members of the armed forces, reserves and veterans. Furthermore, both Francisco and Aston Waimea Plantation Cottages General Manager Stephanie Iona who directed all aspects of this event look forward to this first Taste of Waimea as becoming an annual event held in May.
Throughout the warm afternoon and eventually the cool air in the evening under the coconut grove and blue Hawaiian skies, attendees were also entertained with Hawaiian music including a special musical presentation by award-winning Na Hoku Hanohano winner and Slack Key Guitarist Cyril Pahinui and the music and the music and mele of “Wailoa” including Charles Iona, Wes Kaui and Rocky Pau.
Upon arriving into Waimea town, the merchants raised the US and Hawaiian flags on the main street and throughout the town for all entering Waimea town. Additionally, a large welcome banner was posted for the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce members above the newly installed rockwall sign at Hofgaard Park built by the West Kaua‘i Business & Professional Association through a $20,000 grant from the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau/Hawaii Tourism Authority – Kaua‘i Outreach Program.
The evening’s program began with the singing of the National Anthem, The Star Spangled Banner by Mayor Bernard Carvalho, followed by Hawaii Ponoi by Nalani Brun, County of Kaua‘i, a Doxology by Evan Lewis and a presentation of the Color Guard by students of Waimea High School under the direction of Captain Aguilar. In also recognizing the importance of Hawaii as a host culture, a special Haka was presented by Alan Arquette and nearly 20 men who shared their Haka which is also presented prior to the start of UH Football games.
In recognition of the economic and workforce development contributions and the emphasis of technology and science in Kaua‘i’s Westside schools/complex, students from Waimea Canyon School presented their projects and displays including two students who were finalists in the State Science Fair.
At the end of the evening, Navy personnel from The Pacific Missile Range joined departing Commander Bruce Peck, Executive Officer and incoming Commander Jim Wusher, Executive Officer, in the closing song ‘Alohe Oe’ as the event came to a conclusion.
• Randall Francisco is president of the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce and can be reached at randall@kauaichamber.org.
