Four Native Hawaiian chambers to partner

The state’s four Native Hawaiian chambers of commerce have entered into an alliance as part of an effort to broaden discussions about Hawaiian issues statewide, according to an announcement.

State Sen. Brickwood Galuteria announced the alliance Oct. 17 during the 12th annual Hui Holomua Business Fest, presented by the Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce in Waikapu.

The four chamber presidents spoke together publicly for the first time during a panel discussion about the Business of Food as part of the conference program.

“I’ve been encouraging them to join efforts for quite a while,” Galuteria said. “So to see them seated on the stage together is a truly historic moment.”

The chambers are on Maui, Oahu, Kauai and Hawaii island. Chamber officials have agreed to adopt the Aloha Spirit Law as their collective code of conduct.

During their Maui panel presentation, the four presidents discussed how their differences are actually strengths.

“Each Hawaiian chamber strives to assist Hawaiian-owned and managed businesses,” said Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce President Joseph Lapilio. “But as Hawaiians, we also care about the aina and the lahui as much as economic success.”

Kauai chamber President John Kaohehauli‘i agreed.

“Each island chamber has its own issues, but we all share the same desire: to make sure Hawaiians can afford to stay in Hawaii, not just to survive, but to thrive,” he said.

Maui chamber President Teri Freitas Gorman said: “The state’s political leadership and corporate offices are in Honolulu, so the Oahu folks can share that perspective with us. The Neighbor Island chambers bring deep relationships with educational, cultural and community organizations. Together, we can be a force for good for Native Hawaiians and everyone else who calls Hawaii home.”