-From all of us at the Hawai'i Kai Chamber of Commerce

 Hawai'i Kai Chamber of Commerce 3rd Annual Gala

 From left to right n the photo: PFC Marks, Nickolas Abbott, Janayhe Self, Zahava Czara, Lisa van den Heuvel, Lolly Elliott, Delorese Gregoire & gunnery Sgt. Jason Surratt.

News Source: East Oahu Sun
Article Written by: Hawkins Biggins

On Friday December 11th, 2009 the Hawai’I Kai Chamber of Commerce (HIKAICOC) held their 3rd annual Gala. It was a beautiful setting as people spread their holiday spirit while they mingled amidst sparkling holiday lights, Champagne, pupus, music by Kaleo and an auction by Howard at the Hawai'i Kai Retirement & Assisted Living Community on Kawaihae Street. This holiday season, the HIKAICOC wants to wish everyone “Mele Kalikimaka & Hou’oli Makahiki Hou!”

Delorese Gregoire, one of the founding members of the HIKAICOC and the founding director of Winners' Camp for Teenagers at Hawai'i Leadership Academy, enthusiastically greeted guests as they arrived. She noted that, “I am happy to see the HIKAICOC flourish, after a rough start the organization keeps getting better and better.” Partially due to her dedication and hard work. Delorese wanted to remind people that being a member will strengthen your business. She is especially proud of the role that the HIKAICOC gives in supporting the Independence Day at Maunalua Bay Fireworks event, a fantastic showcase of the festivities!

A new member, Janayhe Self (Senior Account Executive of The Pacific Edge magazine) exclaimed, “I was floored by the HIKAICOC’s amount of energy, networking and willingness to help the community.” She especially loves the HIKAICOC’s devotion to others, “It is so inspirational to just give a moment of your time and realize the amount of respect that earns you.” When asked why someone should join, she said, “I realize how many people in this community need direction, medium and a voice and the HIKAICOC is able to give that!”

Lolly Elliott, a member of the board of the HIKAICOC and the Manager of the Hawai'i Kai Retirement Assisted Living Community said, “I joined because of the July 4th fireworks, my residents love watching them!” She emphasized that it is important as local business owners to be a part of the community. Proof of that is the continued growth of the HIKAICOC into over 70 members. Lolly was in the spirit of the event as she reiterated the theme of the Gala: “Together We Achieve So Much More!” She is looking forward to an exciting year ahead.

Some of the activities that the HIKAICOC are involved in are: four networking luncheons at Outback Steakhouse, two educational seminars, a fundraising event for Kaiser High School, Independence Day at Maunalua Bay Fireworks and the End-Of-Year Gala event. Be inspired and join the HIKAICOC! For more information on upcoming events or how to become a member, click on the JOIN NOW link at the top of this page.

Join the Hawai'i Kai Chamber of Commerce, and receive membership benefits such as:

• Networking Events
• Directory Listing (with links to your company website!)
• Sponsorship Opportunities
• Chamber Window Decal
• Annual Gala Dinner

To join the Chamber of Commerce, simply enter your information and online payment through our secure Paypal website:

Membership Options

Corporate Booster $500.00 Small Business $250.00 Individual $125.00

Business Name (as it will appear in website listing)

Website Address (optional)

To join the Chamber of Commerce by mail: Download the .pdf application form HERE.  Mail your completed application to: PO Box 25934, Honolulu, Hawai'i 96825.

Please contact Nick Abbott (808) 271-5276 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it with any questions you may have about membership. We look forward to welcoming you!

The Hawaii Kai Chamber of Commerce exists through its members to support businesses in our community with Special Meetings, Seminars, Networking Events, Training Sessions, Social Gatherings, Website Presence and much, much more.

The Hawaii Kai Chamber of Commerce is quickly becoming a terrific marketing tool for business owners of this gorgeous ocean-side town. Established in 2007, the Chamber is adding members and creating a networking system that will enhance each business involved. The HKCC is a non-profit organization, managed by an elected board of directors, consisting of businesses and professionals who have joined together to work towards solutions to the mutual concerns of the business and the community. Chamber dues supplement the costs of operating the chamber and may be deductible as an ordinary and necessary business expense. The Hawaii Kai Chamber of Commerce is not part of city, county, or state government. The Mission of the Chamber of Commerce is to promote, perpetuate, and make prosperous the business and civic interests of  Hawaii Kai, which helps to make it a beautiful and better place in which to live and do business.

"Together We Can Acheive So Much More"  is our slogan and our goal is to pull together all of the business owners in a supportive, cohesive organization that benefits all involved. It is our hope that this sharing and caring for one another will spread to the community and create an oceanside haven that we will all be proud of.