In this March 9, 2016 edition:

President's Message

Aloha Chamber members:

The 2016 Legislature is at its halfway point. Tomorrow is First Crossover, when bills that are still alive cross over to the opposite Chamber. All bills originating in the House of Representatives will cross over to the Senate for more hearings and vice versa.
 
At the start of the session, the Chamber reviewed more than 3,000 bills. Out of the 3,000, over the last couple of months, the Chamber tracked more than 300 bills that could positively or negatively impact business, including those that are included in our Business Package.
 
Through our advocacy efforts and with the help of your voice, we were able to stop many bills early on that would have significantly increased the cost of doing business, including the GET increase and mandatory sick leave bills. The work is not over, however. While many bills have been deferred, they can always be resurrected, so your Chamber is keeping a watchful eye on the process.
 
As we move forward, we encourage you to stay the course and have your voice heard. When you receive Action Alerts, please respond so that we can collectively make a positive difference for our business climate. You can sign up here to receive Action Alerts.

Laulima & mahalo,
 
Sherry Menor-McNamara
President & CEO

Join Our Manufacturing Events - Tour, Workshop & Awareness Day

We have some exciting and productive manufacturing events coming up.

First is the Manufacturing Tour on Friday, March 18 at FujiFilm North America Corp, during which participants can learn about the interesting history of FujiFilm in Hawaii and network with other local manufacturers.

Next is the Energy Efficiency Workshop on Kauai, Thursday, March 24 at Courtyard Marriott. Learn about the different programs and resources that are available to help lower your energy costs and run your operations more smoothly.

Lastly, Manufacturing Awareness Day is on March 30 at the State Capitol. Join us from 10am-1pm to learn more about what companies are manufacturing in Hawaii!

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Military Training Advisory

In an ongoing effort to keep the greater public informed about increased noise related to military training, the Chamber’s Military Affairs Council (MAC) is providing the following advisory for the month of March, in cooperation with U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii’s Public Affairs Office.

·         March 1-11:  Army Artillery Training
·         March 8-13: Army Mortar Training, Artillery and Aerial Gunnery Training
·         March 14-18: Marine Corps Mortar and Artillery Training
·         March 16-17: Army Demolitions Training
·         March 28-31: Marine Corps Mortar and Artillery Training

The listed training exercises will occur in the Schofield Barracks area and are likely to be heard by the surrounding communities. Weather conditions may result in increased noise and vibrations.

To report concerns related to noise or training, members of the community can call the U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii’s noise concern line at (808) 656-3487, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm.

Click here to learn more about the Military Affairs Council (MAC) and MAC members.

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Future of Farming: Network with Next Gen Ag Leaders

The Chamber and Young Professionals program will be hosting a discussion and networking event, The Future of Farming, on Wednesday, March 30, at The Kahala Hotel and Resort.

Hawaii’s next generation of agriculture leaders, including Shin Ho, Operations Manager of Ho Farms, and Makani Christensen, an active member of the Hunting, Farming and Fishing Association, will share their point of view about the future of modern farming, agriculture trends and what they envision for Hawaii’s food industry. The discussion will be followed by networking.
 
Early-bird pricing is $25 for Young Professionals and Society of Young Leaders members, $35 for Chamber members and $45 for non-members. After March 14, pricing will increase by $5 for all ticket levels. Registration includes one beverage ticket, pupus and complimentary validated parking. Registration deadline is Wednesday, March 23.
 
For more information and to register, please click here.

Check out our Member Spotlights and special Member-to-Member discount offers.