Leadership

Aloha,

I want to first express my gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the President of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii. I want to thank Ka‘iu Kimura and the installation committee for welcoming the officers and directors to the 73^rd Annual Installation Dinner and Membership Meeting on June 19, 2023.

It has been a very busy start to the year, but it has been a smooth transition with the help I have received from our members. I want to especially mahalo our immediate past president Toby Taniguchi, who has provided us with a strong foundation moving forward and continues to offer his guidance as I take on this new role.

I also want to give a big mahalo to Mike Miyahira for hosting three strategic planning sessions for our membership over the past year, which resulted in our new strategic goals and objectives that will provide clear directions for our organization. One of the most exciting things to come out of our planning sessions is the implementation of a new Business Membership, which will provide value for small-to-medium-sized businesses who want to leverage our advertising network.

The Social and Cultural Committee, led by Renae Akau is planning a full slate of Goji-Kara events for 2023-2024, which will provide members with more opportunities to socialize and learn about members’ businesses. 

I couldn’t have asked for a better start to the year. Our members truly exhibit Kahiau and Okage Same De. I look forward to working with our chamber to make our community a better place.

Garth Yamanaka
President, 2023-2024
Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaiʻi

Executive Officers lead JCCIH efforts to advance local business interests. The Board of Directors is the principal governing and policymaking body of the Chamber. The Board is as diverse as its membership and local business community, with more than 30 corporate and small business leaders from various sectors.