JCCIH Advocacy Priorities & Focus Areas
The Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaiʻi fights for its members every day. We’re focused on protecting local business interests, finding creative ways to boosting our economy, supporting innovative industries, increasing employment opportunities, and contributing to a thriving Hawai‘i Island community. With your help, we can do it. Each year, the Government Affairs Committee (GAC) reviews issues, focus, and recommends updates to our Executive Committee and Board of Directors.
WHERE WE STAND
Apart from our top priorities (**), we also take a stand and show our support to these additional following priorities and focus areas listed below. (Listed in alphabetical order)
AGRICULTURE – SUPPORT
We support local farms, farmers, and diversified crops to help our island, and state, achieve greater food security.
AIRPORT CORPORATION – SUPPORT
We support establishing an independent airport authority to manage operations of the 15 airports spread through the islands. Updates to infrastructure and facilities are critical. We support more efficiency and order without government interference.
**ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT** – SUPPORT
We support efforts to grow new and existing industries on Hawaiʻi Island, especially in areas that make our community more competitive and secure.
**EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT** – SUPPORT
We support funding for University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Hawaiʻi Community College, and Palamanui because we recognize the positive economic impact of having a skilled, educated workforce.
ENERGY – SUPPORT
We support renewable and alternate energy to increase our island’s energy security. We recognize the need for stable, reliable electricity, and support efforts to modernize our electric grid to incorporate more renewables as well as meet the demands of our growing population.
HEALTH CARE – SUPPORT
We support improving health care infrastructure, improving access to quality care, providing preventive health care, and initiatives aimed at attracting and retaining health care professionals.
**HOMELESSNESS & HOUSING** – SUPPORT
We support development of affordable housing for both ownership and rentals, and initiatives to help address homeless issues.
**HOSPITALS & HEALTHCARE** – SUPPORT
We support improving health care infrastructure, improving access to quality care, providing preventive health care, and initiatives aimed at attracting and retaining health care professionals.
**LAND USE REFORM** – SUPPORT
We support home rule for counties relating to land use issues. We support land use reform and extensions for state land leases, especially for KIAA.
PUBLIC LAND LEASE REFORM – SUPPORT
We support efforts and legislation geared towards state land lease reform. With more than 70 local businesses located on public lands in East Hawaiʻi, it is critical to improve state land leases to encourage much needed infrastructure investment and economic redevelopment.
REGULATE SHORT TERM RENTALS – SUPPORT
We recognize short-term rentals decrease options for long-term housing. We support creating a level playing field and call for regulations to ensure short-term rentals are in compliance with existing laws.
STREAMLINE REGULATIONS – SUPPORT
We support reducing and streamlining government regulations as much as possible to enhance the free market to thrive.
SOLUTIONS FOR SOLID WASTE – SUPPORT
We support a permanent solution for solid waste disposal on Hawaiʻi Island. The closure of the Hilo landfill is on the horizon. Our political leaders must deal with issues and consider waste-to-energy and other alternatives.
TAXATION – DEPENDS
While we support the lowest level of taxation to allow business and the free market to thrive, we recognize the need to sometimes increase taxes in order to finance critical infrastructure to meet the needs of our growing island population.
**TECHNOLOGY & ASTRONOMY** – SUPPORT
We support the expansion of new technologies on our island, while being mindful of cultural and environmental issues. We support the Thirty Meter Telescope and efforts to keep Maunakea as the center of science and astronomy.
TOURISM – SUPPORT
Tourism is key to the vitality of our economy. We support initiatives to incentivize business development aimed at making Hawaiʻi Island a vibrant destination. We support efforts to enhance a visitor’s experience as well as ensure personal safety while being mindful of cultural and environmental issues.
WATER MANAGEMENT – SUPPORT
We support responsible management and development of our island’s water resources.
Contact Your Legislator
Civic engagement is critical to the legislative process. Our elected officials want and need to hear from their constituents. Contact your representative today.
