In addition to the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce, there are several business and community-based groups that represent their locale from West Kaua‘i to the North Shore. As we move forward to 2012, I would like to take a time out
In addition to the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce, there are several business and community-based groups that represent their locale from West Kaua‘i to the North Shore. As we move forward to 2012, I would like to take a time out to remind readers about their locally based groups that serve their communities in many, many capacities and serve as a voice, springboard and, most of all, advocate on behalf of their towns and communities.
The West Kaua‘i Business and Professional Association represents the towns located on the sunny and west side of Kaua‘i. The WKBPA (wkbpa.org) is known for its two large events including the annual Waimea Town Celebration held in February, as well as the recently held Waimea Lighted Christmas Parade. The business groups’ diverse sectors include small business retail, food service, grocery and manufacturing, as well as agriculture, visitor industry, defense and health. Recently, the organization is in the midst of completing the clearing of trees, shrubs and other vegetation in the area where the Russian Fort is located.
In the South Shore, where Po‘ipu Beach was rated as the best beach, the Po‘ipu Beach Resort Association (poipubeach.org) supports its members and community primarily in the promotion of lodging, food service, retail and recreation activities. The Koloa Plantation Days summer events are one of the many area activities the association supports. PBRA is currently working on the Po‘ipu Beach Sand Nourishment Project
The Lihu‘e Business Association (lba96766@yahoo.com) includes the geographic area from Maluhia to just before Wailua. The LBA sponsors a free monthly Business Breakfast and Forum hosted at Duke’s Canoe Club on the fourth Thursday of each month from 7:30 to 9 a.m. The forum previously included Kaua‘i legislators, Mayor Carvalho, directors of county and state government agencies, as well as panel sessions for Kaua‘i farmer’s markets to Kaua‘i’s retail landscape. “Making Lihu‘e our Business” is the motto of this fourth volunteer organization, which also has an ongoing program, “Lihu‘e Tomorrow,” that has helped to spearhead discussions about Lihu‘e as the island’s central core for business, government and other services as the town serves as the crossroads between the island’s east and west regions.
Further eastward, Kapa‘a Business Association continues to focus its attention on transportation and the changing demographics that communities in the east face, from population and business growth in an area that encompasses Wailua, Kapa‘a and Kealia towns. Issues like education, crime and support services are some of the agenda items that the KBA seeks to address, in addition to the organization’s annual cultural event, which is the Coconut Festival held in October.
The Kaua‘i North Shore Business Council (knsbc.org) is the final organization and it hosts quarterly networking events that bring together businesses and area residents from Kilauea and surrounding neighborhoods to Princeville, Hanalei and to the far end of the North Shore. Throughout the year, KNSBC sponsors workshops and seminars in support of its members and their guests, as do the five other community and business-based organizations.
The Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce (kauaichamber.org) is also a member of the statewide Chambers of Commerce and Business Alliance that includes nearly 30 business and trade organizations from across the state that collectively advocate for the interests of its members from Kaua‘i to Hawai‘i. The group recently held its annual meeting to discuss the upcoming 2012 legislative package and will be participating in several events in Honolulu in conjunction with the Hawai‘i State Chamber of Commerce (cochawaii.org).
The public is invited to attend these events, including a “Meet and Greet with Lawmakers” from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 19, and a “Walk Around — Hawai‘i State Capitol” from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Jan 20. Hawai‘i State Legislature opens on Jan. 18 and convenes at 10 a.m.
• Randall Francisco is president of the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce. Visit www.kauaichamber.org for more information.
