Monday, December 22, 2008

Waialua Little League

The final opportunity to register for the 2009 Waialua Little League season will be this weekend.

Waialua Little League will have tryouts for the Minor League this Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to noon, at Puuiki Park in Waialua. This will al so be the last opportunity for children ages 5 to 12 to register to play in the upcoming season. Teams will be established in the next couple weeks and practice will begin in early January for Tee-Ball, Coach Pitch and Minors. Opening Day will be February 7, 2009. The Majors season will begin in April, but registration for this division will remain open until the end of March.

Please contact Gil Riviere for direct questions at 220-2280 or gilorama@hawaii.rr.com.

Thank you.

Gil Riviere
Waialua Little League
65-137 Hukilau Loop
Waialua, HI 96791

Friday, December 19, 2008

Chamber North Shore Map is Online

Aloha and Merry Christmas!

1. The North Shore Map. This is YOUR map. This is designed to support you folks and drive business to you. Dole Plantation has a coupon on their ad and they find that it works! So don’t miss out on signing up again. Last time I checked, our map cost much less and we print every 6 months instead of 9 mos. like the Map Guys.

2. I received quite a few calls about the enforcement of the Sign regulations and other issues that’s been going on recently. And, no, the Chamber did not make the complaint! We support our members and definitely try to educate you all about the sign and other regulations, but we would not complain. The City’s enforcement is complaint driven; they don’t make routine sweeps. We are working to have the City wait until after Christmas to proceed. Keep your fingers crossed.

3. For those of you who have not paid your dues yet this year, we now have the option of paying in 4 installments of $40 or you can still pay the whole $150 at one time and save $10. Membership dues are the main way we survive and we appreciate all your support. Remember, we are a 501 c 3 so dues and donations are tax deductible. I know most of you don’t need tax deductions this year, but it doesn’t hurt that they’re deductible. Contact Wendy at our office if you would like to do the installments.

4. Finally, on behalf of the Board of Directors and myself, I would like to wish all of you a wonderful Christmas. Most of all, we wish you a prosperous New Year’s. Thank you for all your support over the past year. We’ve made some real progress this past year and I look forward to working with all of you this next year to make even more.

Aloha nui,
Antya

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

North Shore Disaster Assistance and Recovery Centers

Disaster Assistance and Recovery Centers (DARCs) will be established on Oahu to provide services and information to people whose property was damaged by the recent high winds, heavy rains and flooding.

Assistance and recovery centers will be open at the following locations and times:

Wednesday, December 17, 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

HaleiwaHaleiwa Gym (Waialua Community Assoc.) 66-434 Kamehameha Hwy.
Laie – Brigham Young University Hawaii, Aloha Center, Rooms 155 and 156, 55-220 Kulanui Street

Thursday, December 18, 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

HaleiwaHaleiwa Gym (Waialua Community Assoc.) 66-434 Kamehameha Hwy.

Saturday, December 20, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

• Windward - Kualoa Ranch, 49-560 Kamehameha Highway
Laie - Brigham Young University Hawaii, Aloha Center, Rooms 155 and 156, 55-220 Kulanui Street

State and city agencies and nongovernmental organizations, such as the Red Cross, will provide information about available services and assistance.

State Civil Defense is asking Oahu businesses, community groups, service clubs, and faith based organizations to join in this recovery effort. Please Contact Havinne Okamura at 733-4300 ext. 556 or email: hokamura@scd.hawaii.gov

Monday, December 15, 2008

Mayor to inspect storm damage

Mayor Hannemann and other top City officials tomorrow will personally inspect areas damaged hardest by yesterday’s storm.

“It is very important that we have a clear understanding of the scope and magnitude of the damage as we transition from response to recovery operations,” Mayor Hannemann said. “We also want to reassure people affected by the storm that this situation is a top priority.”

Accompanying Mayor Hannemann for the “Windshield Damage Assessment” will be City Managing Director Wayne Hashiro and Department of Emergency Management Director Mel Kaku.

The team will depart from Honolulu Hale at 9 a.m.

The City has al ready initiated damage assessment operations in conjunction with State Civil Defense and the American Red Cross, and is requesting that residents assist in identifying types of damage and assistance needed.

The City has al so established a speci al hotline for residents to report damage and assistance needs following yesterday’s storm.

The hotline number is 768-4385. The hotline will be staffed at the following times:

• Friday evening to 9:00PM

• Saturday and Sunday from 8:00AM to 4:00PM

• Monday thru Friday from 7:45AM to 4:30PM

Media Contact:

Bill Brennan, 527-6928

Thursday, December 04, 2008

Chamber Christmas Party

Aloha Members,

If you are attending the Christmas Party and Auction tomorrow, remember that it has been changed to the Turtle Bay Resort’s Kuilima Ballroom. A big mahalo to Bob Boyle, his staff and the Party Committee who have all worked very hard to make this event happen. I expect that it will be a great night with all the art, artist demonstrations and great auction items. Thank you so much to all of you who have given the Chamber your wonderful support.

Antya

PS. Remember there will be $3 for validated parking

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Christmas Party Venue Changed to Turtle Bay Resort

Aloha Members and Friends,

Christmas Party:
The deadline to get your payments and guest lists in has been extended to this coming Saturday the 29th at the end of the day. Our final head count is due first thing Monday. There are still tables and individual places available to honor Gary Anderson, Joan Gossett and the Haleiwa Arts Festival as well as others who have made a difference in our community.

As most of you know, there was a rock slide in Waimea Valley Park that shut the park down. So, Turtle Bay has graciously agreed to have the party there and they have been extremely accommodating to us in the process! We’re very excited about having it there. The one change is that there will be $3.00 charged for validated parking. Please spread the word to all your guests if you bought a corporate table. We apologize for any inconvenience, but we had no control over this.

Auction Donations:
We have all kinds of great items that will make wonderful Christmas presents donated already. Special items include: Turtle Bay packages, a Giclee by Gonzalez from Tabora Gallery Outrigger, a signed 2006 Kokua Festival framed (Koa) poster by Ilona Hemperly, Koa framed Wyland posters, a custom Mike Casey Strong Current surfboard (raffle), and a place next to Santa in the Haleiwa Town Parade. However, we still need more items and would love to have a donation from you.

Thank you again for all your support and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Aloha,

Antya Miller and
Bob Boyle, Christmas Party Chair

Friday, November 21, 2008

Christmas Party RSVP

Aloha Members and Friends,

Just a kindly reminder to, please get your RSVP card with guest names and payment to us as soon as possible, preferably by Monday. It will be a great time for all since everyone enjoys visiting with one another so much. This is our main fundraiser for the year and we are working hard as your Chamber to serve you and make our community a better place to business. This past year we have accomplished much with your help and support!

A big Mahalo to our 2008 Christmas Party Sponsors: Kamehameha Schools, John McLellan, CPA, Shark’s Cove Grill, Strong Current, Team Real Estate, and Turtle Bay Resort. There’s still time to be a sponsor! Remember, if you are a Bronze member and purchase a Corporate Table, you will be listed as a Christmas Party Sponsor also on the Program etc. Please see attached flyer.

We have some great auction items, such as the Turtle Bay Resort package, a Full Year’s Subscription to North Shore Farms Community Supported Agriculture Program where a box of farm products will be delivered to you every month, J Moss Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 wine and a deluxe golf gift package from Pyramid Insurance, a ride with Santa Claus in the Christmas Parade, a Strong Current custom surfboard for the raffle, etc. This is a great place to do your Christmas shopping and get great deals.

In addition, North Shore artists will be exhibiting their artwork for everyone’s enjoyment and it will also be available for purchase that night with 10% going to the Chamber.

Come and be merry and support your Chamber in the process!

Mahalo and Mele Kalikimaka,

Antya

* * * * *

Christmas Party Sponsorship - $1000

Advertise your Business
Recognition & Display at Christmas Dinner
And Throughout the Year
Includes:
• Sponsor’s Corporate Table for eight (8)
• Signage at the Christmas Party
• Acknowledgment of Sponsor from the podium
• Company name & logo on all flyers, emails, and website for the Christmas Party
• Opportunity to distribute company information (pamphlets, etc.) to at least 200 people

Bronze Membership valued at $500
• Membership for 1
• 50% off General Membership Meetings ($40 total value) for 1
• 2 complimentary guest passes to any Quarterly General Membership meeting ($20 total value)
• Text Recognition on Newsletters
• Text Recognition on Notices
• Recognition & Display at 1 General Membership Meeting

• Support restoration of the historic Telephone Exchange Building to be the permanent home of the Chamber and cultural display
• Support Chamber’s other numerous efforts

Christmas Parade is December 12th

Please put up lights for November 29th Haleiwa Art Walk!

Aloha All,

Christmas is just around the corner and we’re busy getting ready for it with our Christmas Party and the Haleiwa Town Parade. We hope that you will work with us to make the town look really festive and drive those customers into your store.

Mahalo for your support and keeping the Aloha and Christmas spirit alive in our town. I’m optimistic that we will have a really good Christmas season!

Antya

* * * * *

The North Shore Chamber of Commerce’s annual “Christmas in Historic Haleiwa” event is on Friday, December 12th. It will consist of the Christmas parade starting at 6 PM, Photos with Santa at the North Shore Marketplace from 4:30 to 5:30 PM and after the parade until 8 PM. The parade will include at least 40 units. We also encourage the merchants to offer specials, sidewalk sales/events and demonstrations and stay open until 9:00 PM especially that night.

The purpose of this event is to bring shoppers to your business! We want to encourage locals to shop here while inviting
the rest of the island to enjoy doing their Christmas shopping in Haleiwa also. Support our “Buy Local” campaign by buying your Christmas gifts from neighbor North Shore merchants and save on your carbon footprint too! If we all support one another during this economic slump, we will make it through with flying colors.

HOW MERCHANTS CAN PARTICIPATE:

• Dress your store up in lights by November 29th for the Haleiwa Art Walk right after Thanksgiving. The lighting is getting better and better every year. The town really looks so festive every year! We still strive for 100% participation and there will be prizes again. If the whole town is lit up, people will come out to see it and bring business with them. We will be listed in the Honolulu Advertiser’s Drive Guide for Christmas Lights list again this year.

• Have extended holiday store hours. We would like to see the stores stay open until 9 PM the night of the 29th and
the last two weeks before Christmas from December 10th to the 24th. If we want to encourage locals to shop at our stores, we need to stay open at least an hour or two after they get back from work from Honolulu, which is often not until 6 PM when our stores are closing.

• Be a donor. We need monetary donations of any size to help defray the costs of insurance, printing, and candy for
Santa to give out, etc. We also need prizes for the lighting contest. Donations to the Chamber are completely tax deductible and are much needed to support our many efforts. Make your check out to the “NSCOC” and mail to the above address.

• Have a sidewalk sale and/or demonstrations/events the day of the event. This was chosen by the merchants as the
best way to advertise the town. If you plan to have an in-store special or event, please let us know about it so that we may include it in our press releases. Send us your information by email or fax by November 30th.

• Advise customers to arrive and park in Haleiwa by 5:30 pm and that the parade will be over around 7:00 pm
to avoid not being able to get to or from your place of business due to the street closure for the parade.

For more information or to participate, call the Chamber at 637-4558 or contact the following coordinators:
Parade: Antya Miller 342-8557
Town Lighting & Contest: Layne Larson 637-1780
Visit with Santa: Marianne Abrigo 637-3511

Support Local Agriculture and Help Keep the Country Country! Experience a Taste of Waialua

Island X Hawaii and Coffea Consulting will host a gourmet tasting event at the Old Sugar Mill in Waialua on November 22, 2008.

Shawn Steiman, author of The Hawai‘i Coffee Book: A Gourmet’s Guide from Kona to Kaua‘i and owner of Coffee Consulting will lead a coffee cupping (professional tasting), followed by a book signing. Together with Bill Martin of Island X Hawaii, Steiman has also arranged for a gourmet sampling of food items produced in Waialua.

The coffee cupping kicks off at 10:30AM, the tasting event at 11:30AM. Tickets to each event are $10, or purchase admission to both for $15. Seating is limited, so reservations are a must. The cupping event can accommodate 15 people, and the tasting seats 30. Tickets are available through Island X Hawaii, (808) 637-2624 or islandxhawaii@msn.com.

The event will feature:

-Waialua coffee
-Waialua-grown chocolate
-Waialua chocolate-covered macadamia nuts
-Waialua Soda Works sodas
-Hawaii’s Special Papaya Seed salad dressing
-North Shore Naturals organic snacks
-Francis’ Huli-Huli Kiawe BBQ chicken
-Kai’s Thai “Karma Free” green papaya salad
-Waialua Farmers’ Market fresh fruit & veggies
-Waialua-grown mango and coffee shave ices

Island X Hawaii is a family-owned and operated business with a storefront in the historic Waialua Sugar Mill, offering clothing, furniture and Hawai‘i-made food products. Shawn Steiman is a coffee scientist whose business, Coffea Consulting, provides consulting services to coffee farmers and individuals seeking to learn more about coffee. Steiman’s book, The Hawai‘i Coffee Book, includes information about all of Hawai‘i’s coffees, listings of farms, cafés and roaster-retailers and 20 recipes incorporating coffee, ranging from appetizers and entrées to desserts and drinks. It is available at Island X, local bookstores or at online retailers.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Event offers tours of North Shore artists' studios

The quiet communities stretching from Pupukea to Mokuleia will be transformed into a giant art colony as thousands of people gather to participate in the The 5th Annual North Shore Artists Studio Tour, Nov. 15-16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m...

Artists participating in the event, include Jerome Heck,

Jeff and Carol Lee, Margo Goodwill, Jay Marr, Bill Braden, J Forest Ocean Bennett and Bernie Moriaz.

For more information, call 637-8934 or 779-8608. Maps of the studio locations, are available at: www.hawaiinorthshoreartist.com.

More information at the Honolulu Advertiser

Slammin'!

The biggest swell to hit the North Shore so far this season dazzled spectators and gave surfers a warm-up yesterday for what they hope will be more surf to come.

Honolulu lifeguards said waves hit about 30-foot face heights at Waimea Bay in the morning and 23-foot heights at Sunset Beach.

More at the Honolulu Star Bulletin
Photo by Dennis Oda

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Annual Christmas Party and Auction

Dear Business Owners,

The North Shore Chamber of Commerce will be holding its Annual Christmas Party and Auction Thursday, December 4th, 2008. The funds raised will go toward supporting the many programs of the Chamber.

As part of this event, there will be a silent and live auction, for which we are asking donations. We hope that you will support this worthy cause by donating goods or services to the Chamber. Attached is a donation form, which must be filled out and accompany the donation to accurately describe and price the item.

You can fax the form to the office at 637-4556 and then we will arrange to pick up the item(s). If you need more information or have questions, please call Antya at 637-4558.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Save the Date for the Christmas Party

Aloha Members and Friends,

Please save the date on December 4th for the Annual Christmas Party and Auction. This year we are honoring Gary Anderson, Joan Gossett and the Haleiwa Arts Festival for their contribution to the North Shore . The Arts Festival is now the premier arts festival in the islands and highlights Haleiwa as an art center in the state. These two individuals and the Festival organization have made a lasting contribution to our North Shore community through the event itself and the financial support they have provided to the schools.

Please also start thinking about what you will be able to donate to the Auction this year. As you know, this is the Chamber’s main fundraiser of the year and we couldn’t continue to operate without your support of this very important event. Volunteers will soon be approaching you for donations.

Mahalo and see you Thursday!

Antya

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Mayor Confirmed to be Keynote Speaker at Business Expo

Aloha Members,

We just confirmed with the Mayor’s office that he will be the keynote speaker next Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at the Business Expo hosted by the Turtle Bay Resort. This is a great opportunity for members to hear what the Mayor has to say and learn from expert speakers on 9 topics that will help you take your business to the next level. This is all for the nominal fee of $20 for the whole day and it includes breakfast, lunch and cocktail reception as well as all the seminars.

I know it’s a stretch for many of you to leave your business for a whole day or send one or more employees, but you’ll be glad you did it!

So please get your registration and seminar sign-up forms in right away, but no later than Friday, October 17, 2008.

Mahalo,
Antya

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Big waves rolling in for Oahu's already busy North Shore

From his lifeguard tower at Waimea Bay, Kerry Atwood looked out over an ocean that was as calm as a bathtub this week but will begin pounding the North Shore as early as this afternoon with the first big waves of the winter — drawing even more crowds to an area that has stayed busy despite a sluggish economy.

More at the Honolulu Advertiser

Friday, October 10, 2008

Inaugural Business Expo by First Hawaiian Bank Deadline Approaching! Sign up today!

Aloha Members and Friends,

The deadline for signing up to attend the Inaugural Business Expo is approaching FAST. So if you have not done so already, please send in your Registration and Seminar Sign-up forms TODAY. As a member you can attend for only $20 which includes breakfast, lunch and cocktail reception! PLUS, you can attend 9 different educational seminars, hear the Mayor give the keynote address and Peter Apo, an Hawaiian Hospitality consultant, the luncheon talk. This is a great value! If you want to have a booth, which includes entrance for 2 people, it is $200. Partner with another business to share the booth fees and staffing!

Link to forms is: http://www.gonorthshore.org/business_press_080916_business_expo_fhb.htm

The benefits of attending are many: Network with other North Shore businesses to promote your business and create partnerships, invigorate yourself and employees, and learn ways to take your business to the next level. It will be a fun and exciting event!

We are thankful to our sponsors: First Hawaiian Bank, Kamehameha Schools, North Shore News and Turtle Bay Resort for helping make this event such a deal for our members.

Mahalo,
Antya

Friday, September 26, 2008

North Shore Chamber of Commerce's Inaugural Business Expo Sponsored by First Hawaiian Bank

Aloha Members and Friends,

I hope that all of you will participate in our inaugural Business Expo. It should be great. We have wonderful seminars and speakers lined up, there will be a dynamite keynote speaker (Mayor is invited), a great luncheon speaker, and exciting exhibitors making North Shore businesses and residents aware of their products. NOT to mention, that the food and company will be great too! For members, you can get an exhibitor booth for $180 if you pay by October 1st. If the fee is a little too much for you, look for someone you can partner with on the booth. It will make staffing easier too. If you "just" want to attend, members only pay $20!! $20 will pay for a continental breakfast, lunch, entrance to Exhibitor Booths and the Cocktail Reception/Business After Hours.

This event will help businesses in many, many ways. So, please sign up today! Registration form, event flyer, and seminar signup form are all available on the chamber website.

Mahalo,

Antya Miller, Executive Director
North Shore Chamber of Commerce

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Green Drinks Haleiwa

WHEN: Every THIRD THURSDAY of the month...so come down this Thursday, September 18th~ 6:00-8:00 pm

WHERE: BREAKERS in Haleiwa (North Shore Marketplace) Oahu.

WHO: This month is hosted by the North Shore Chamber of Commerce: www.GoNorthShore.org

WHAT: A very casual after work happy hour (or two)!

WHY: Come enjoy your friends, neighbors and community over drinks & pupus....

*More info on GREEN DRINKS around the world at: www.GreenDrinks.org*

Thursday, September 11, 2008

September 20th Dinner Dance

Aloha,
Please join us on Saturday, September 20th at Waimea Valley, Pikake Pavilion, for A Night of Dancing with Sea Ray Jazz Quartet featuring Gabe Baltazar. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., with music at 8:00 p.m.

Presale tickets are $10.00 and available at Grasss Skirt Grill, Kai Ku Hale and Surf N Sea. $15.00 at the door.

Full bar and food available for purchase by Waimea Valley Grill.

Mahalo!

Antya Miller, Executive Director
North Shore Chamber of Commerce

Monday, September 08, 2008

Development, housing key issues in District 46

Experienced foes pose big primary challenge for incumbent Magaoay

The race for House District 46 (Kahuku, North Shore, Schofield) is a five-candidate contest that could ultimately end up pitting two longtime political foes against each other for a fourth time: incumbent Democrat Michael Magaoay and his perennial Republican opponent, Carol Philips.

But before Philips or Magaoay can square off against each other in the Nov. 4 general election, they must first overcome what could be formidable opposition in their own party primaries.

More at the Honolulu Advertiser

Friday, July 18, 2008

First Haleiwa Art Walk - Saturday, July 26th

The North Shore Chamber of Commerce is assisting with the start of a monthly event that we are calling "Haleiwa Art Walk" that will be held the last Saturday of every month. It is similar to "First Friday" events which are great events that many Main Streets across the country use to promote the arts in their towns. Patty Golden of Scoop of Paradise is the spark plug for getting the event started. The first event will be held Saturday the 26th from 6 to 9pm. We encourage the merchants to offer specials, sidewalk sales/events and demonstrations and stay open until 9:00 PM that night.

The purpose of this event is to bring shoppers to your business! We want North Shore and Oahu locals, as well as visitors, to enjoy discovering art in Haleiwa. Support our "Buy Local" campaign by buying from our North Shore merchants!

HOW MERCHANTS CAN PARTICIPATE:
. Dress your store up the last Saturday of each month! We hope that this event will grow to the point that there will be 100% participation in staying open until 9pm.
. Have a sidewalk sale and/or demonstrations/music the evening of the Art Walk. Merchants feel this is the best way to advertise the town.
. Advise customers to park in Haleiwa and walk the town. Parking is available at Haleiwa Shopping Plaza, North Shore Market Place and Waialua Community Association.
. Let us know if you want to participate in this monthly event by calling or emailing us.

For more information or to participate, call the Chamber at 637-4558 or contact Patty Golden at 637-2284.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

North Shore restaurants featured in Honolulu Weekly

The annual Honolulu Food & Drink edition of the Honolulu Weekly newspaper features many on the North Shore for their excellence. The June 4, 2008 edition picks some of the favorites of Honolulu restaurants, bars, wagons, food, farms, drinks and markets as a "mele of taste."

Here's some of the North Shore businesses featured:

Romy's Kahuku Prawns & Shrimp, Inc.
The little truck that could. The Aguinaldo family is proving that vision, hard work and family support can manifest in a thriving aquaculture business.

El Palenque
Buen sabor. Serving handmade foods, Armida Duarte's family creates feisty and faithful Mexican dishes at El Palenque.

Turtle Bay Resort
Kua 'aina breakfast. Going North Shore is all about getting outdoors, swimming in the misty rain, hiking in the hills. The Palm Terrace at Turtle Bay offers the fresh fruits you love and some you've never seen before.

Kahuku Superette
No limit poke. "Kahuku Superette 'ahi poke bowl... to die for," says Mark Cunningham, resident of nearby Kawela Bay and member of Defend Oahu Coalition.

Kahuku Corn Stand
Stand no deliver. Drive north along Kamehameha Highway 2.2 miles past Sunset Beach and you'll see the Kahuku Corn Stand on the mauka side of the road.

For the full list and story, visit the Honolulu Weekly website.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Release of funding for Disaster Preparedness Grant-in-Aid

Aloha Members,

Attached for your information is a letter to the Governor to release the $100,000 grant-in aid funds for North Shore Disaster Preparedness and Training. The funds need to be released by the end of the month or funding will lapse. Please write, fax, or call the Governor by the end of day on Tuesday the 24th to release the funding. Please download the attached sample letter for your use.




Governor's Office:
Phone: 586-0034
Fax: 586-0006

We really appreciate your taking the time to help out on this.

Mahalo,
Antya

Antya Miller, Executive Director
North Shore Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 878, Haleiwa, HI 96712
Historic Haleiwa Gym, 66-434 Kamehameha Hwy.
Phone: (808) 637-4558 Fax: (808) 637-4556
Email: info@GoNorthShore.org
Website: www.GoNorthShore.org

Thursday, June 05, 2008

Governor signs bill to acquire Turtle Bay

With North Shore business and environmental leaders looking on in approval, Gov. Linda Lingle last night signed a bill into law authorizing the state to acquire the Turtle Bay Resort and keep some of the undeveloped land in preservation.
Advertisement

The bill signing at a North Shore Chamber of Commerce banquet in Waimea Valley was a ceremonial yet important moment for an idea that began as a surprise in the governor's State of the State speech in January.

More at the Honolulu Advertiser

Friday, May 09, 2008

Reserve the Date! Governor Lingle Confirmed for Installation Dinner on June 4th!

Aloha Members,
We've just confirmed that Governor Lingle will attend our annual Installation Dinner Wednesday, June 4th 2008. The theme will be “A Sustainable Future for the North Shore .” One hears the word “sustainable” all the time now, but what would a sustainable future look like? A 21st century economy and jobs, “Being Green” and “Buying Locally” with food grown on the North Shore would all be a part of that future.

The children of today will determine what happens tomorrow. Well-educated, innovative young people will be needed to make a sustainable future happen….young people like the Kahuku High and Intermediate School ’s “We the People” team that just took the state championship and represented Hawaii at the national competition in Washington D.C. This team has been state champions 14 out of 15 years and will be honored at the dinner.

This event is a time when you can see old friends, make new ones, network and have a great time. Please join us.

When: Wednesday June 4th from 6:00 to 9:30pm; 6:00pm: no-host cocktails and displays. 7pm dinner and program

Where: Waimea Valley Pikake Pavilion

Who: The Honorable Governor Linda Lingle will be the keynote speaker and the Kahuku High and Intermediate School's “We the People Team” will be honored. The new Board of Directors will be installed: Marianne Abrigo, Bob Boyle, Karen Campbell, Ed D’Ascoli, Jane Duncan, Kalani Fronda, Norman Fujioka, Josh Heimowitz, Susan Lau, Mike Lyons, Susan Matsushima, Michael Moon, Johnny Moore, Chet Naylor, and Paul Saccoccio.

Prices: Individual tickets: $50 each for members; $60 each for non-members. Corporate Tables $500 and Sponsor Tables $1000. Tables seat eight people

Invitations will be mailed soon. Call me at 637-4558 if you have any questions.

Aloha,
Antya

Monday, May 05, 2008

We Need Your Support Now to Preserve the Telephone Exchange Building to Help Your Business

Aloha Members and Friends,

Your help is needed now! We are getting close to having all the permits we need to move the Telephone Exchange Building. It will be the new home of the Chamber, an information center with a historical display, and it will have your promotional materials available to people/visitors requesting information. The Ace Hardware owners need to have the building moved as soon as possible, but at the most within six weeks. We have been going through the permitting process for over a year now and they want to be able to get their store expansion project under way.

However, we still need an additional $15,000 to cover the cost of building a new foundation and getting the building moved to the new site. While this is a large amount, we are confident we can raise the necessary funds in the next few weeks. We have just received two very generous matching fund donations. One is from an anonymous donor of $7500. The second a $4500 donation from Jack Tyrrell, Rainee Barkhorn Foundation's President. So with an additional $3000, we will have enough money to receive both of these matching gifts and have the $15,000 needed to get the building to the new site!

Once the building is moved, we will head into our final stage of fundraising to get the building operational. One great way to participate in this fundraising campaign is to Donate $100 for a Brick! We will be building a red brick walkway to the front porch of the relocated building with engraved bricks with your own personal message on it. Please use the attached forms to make a donation by May 31st!

I would also like to recognize other major donors that have previously donated to this effort: Atherton Foundation, Bob Fox of Fox Hawaii, Kamehameha Schools, Lee Bryant of North Shore Equipment Rentals, South Pacific Design Center, and Joe Green from Surf and Sea for cash and in-kind donations.

Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions. Thank you for your support of this important project that will provide a much-needed, valuable service to you and our community!

Mahalo,

Antya

Friday, April 18, 2008

Free Kidney Screening

"On Saturday, May 3rd, Representative Michael Magaoay, 46th District, will be sponsoring a free kidney screening in conjunction with the National Kidney Foundation, at Lili'uokalani Church in Haleiwa, from 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon. Kidney disease is of critical concern in our state; this particular screening is very inclusive and would normally run an individual over $400.00. The National Kidney Foundation does an excellent job; people should take advantage of the program and early detection may delay or prevent the onset of kidney disease. If you would like to sign-up for the kidney screening, please call Representative Magaoay's office, 586-6380, to schedule a time on Saturday, May 3rd.

Monday, April 14, 2008

'Card Check' Bill: Are you impacted?

Dear Chamber Member,

You are receiving this e-mail either because you may be directly impacted by this bill or if the bill passes, it sets a precedence and provides momentum towards the national movement which will have far-reaching implications and change the scope of how business is done, which in turn, will affect your business and your employees’ free choice in determining labor representation.

HB 2974 denies employees the right to a secret ballot election when deciding whether or not to have a union representation in the workplace and forces arbitration if the employer and union cannot come to an agreement with a certain time period. This bill currently applies to some small businesses, non-profits and agricultural workers.

If vetoed, the Legislature can still override the bill during session. We’ve been sending “Action Alerts” and e-newsletters on this bill, however, we cannot stress enough how important it is for you to take action and send letters to your legislators.

We are running out of time. Please take action via one of the following ways by this Wednesday:

"do not override the veto" letter to your legislators (pre-written message provided) – preferable action

"give permission" to list your company on the Chamber letter to the legislators requesting them not to override the veto

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your time and support.

Sincerely,
Sherry Menor-McNamara

PARTICIPATE: ENHANCE YOUR STANCE!

Tuesday, April 08, 2008

URGENT ACTION NEEDED on Bill Eliminating Secret Ballot for Union Elections

Aloha Members,
I am forwarding an Action Alert from the main Chamber that requires your immediate action. Please read below and contact the Governor to veto HB 2974. I've also written a summary of the bill with contact info for legislators. Please act today!

Mahalo,
Antya


MONDAY REPORT - From Chamber President Jim Tollefson – April 7, 2008

Card Check Bill Action Alert!

Last Friday we had a very successful “Walk Around the State Capitol” with over 20 business leaders and chamber representatives meeting legislators and voicing their concerns. Through many of the conversations it became apparent that legislators are looking to hear from the business community and were in need of input from business leaders and their constituents. With only 18 days left (not including weekends) in the session, the time is now.

One bill, HB2974 HD2 regarding labor, also known as the card check bill is in need of your URGENT attention. This bill denies employees the right to a secret ballot election in determining whether or not to have union representation in the workplace and additionally forces arbitration if the parties cannot come to an agreement within a certain time period.

We believe it is the employee’s fundamental right to cast their vote privately, without the undue pressure from management and labor. Secret balloting is part of the democratic process which ensures fairness and the freedom of choice. In fact, the US Chamber of Commerce stated in testimony a poll by Zogby International, where 84% of union members expressed that employees should have the right to specifically vote on whether to join a union. They themselves recognize that secret ballot elections are the fairest solution. Despite this, the card check process continues to be a top issue.

Although the Card Check Bill currently applies to limited categories, such as agricultural employers, and small businesses and non-profits with less than $500,000 in gross annual revenues and not involved in interstate commerce (click here to see additional categories), if passed, it will set a negative precedence impacting both employees and employers. Also, it will provide momentum towards the national movement which will have far-reaching implications for business and change the scope of how business is done.

It is important to take action and ask Governor Lingle to VETO HB2974. The Governor has until April 14th to veto this bill. It is also important to contact your legislators, because if Governor Lingle vetoes the bill, legislators can still override the veto during session. This bill could potentially become law within the next couple of weeks, so take action now. Click here to send a veto letter to the Governor AND click here to send a letter to your legislators to sustain the veto. Visit the Legislative Action Center for more information.

You vote for your legislators, so make sure they hear from you. The more voices, the more attention we bring to the issues impacting our businesses. We look forward to hearing your voice at the Capitol. Inaction will cost us if we as business leaders do not take action and use our voice.



Work Readiness

As Chairman of the Oahu Workforce Investment Board, I wanted to share the following event regarding employee work readiness.

On April 25, 2008 from 9:00am to 11:00am at the Mission Memorial Auditorium the Oahu Workforce Investment Board will be holding an event to preview a state of the art assessment tool customized for Hawaii employers that tests Work Readiness. The assessment provides employers the ability to have greater accuracy in hiring, reduced recruitment costs, minimized employee turnover, and improved employee performance.

The event is Free but space is limited. So sign up today. RSVP by April 22, 2008 at 768-7759 or email amachida@honolulu.gov.

Final Decking “Walk Around the Capitol” Friday April 25, 2008 10:00a.m. to 12:00p.m. RSVP to Courtney at cmenard@cochawaii.org by April 24th .

Jim Tollefson
President & CEO
The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii
The Voice of Business in Hawaii
1132 Bishop Street, Suite 402,
Honolulu, Hi. 96813
Ph: 808-545-4300 ext 383
Fax 808-545-4369
www.cochawaii.org

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Preservation Awareness Day

March 5, 2008

Historic Hawaii Foundation (HHF) sponsored a recent event to bring awareness to the legislature of the importance of Historic Preservation and preserving our heritage. Haleiwa Main Street had a table displaying some of the North Shore's historic buildings including four that are on the National and State Registers.

Kiersten Faulkner, Executive Director of Historic Hawaii Foundation, Antya Miller, Chamber Executive Director and Sen. Bob Bunda at Preservation Awareness Day at Capitol.
Tonia Moy, a director of HHF and a past employee of the State Historic Preservation Division, stands in front of HMS's table at Preservation Awareness Day Event at Capitol

Friday, March 07, 2008

USDA Rural Development Invites Applications for Renewable Energy Loans and Grants

* Only rural small businesses (http://www.sba.gov/size/index.html) or farmers/ranchers are eligible to apply.
* Non-profits, units of government, and institutions of higher education are not eligible.
* Everyplace, except the Honolulu CDP (Red Hill to Makapuu Point, S and W of the crest of the Koolau Mts.) is considered "rural" for this program.
* Residential use is not allowed.
* Funds can be used to purchase and install a renewable energy system (Biomass, Anaerobic Digester, Geothermal (electric generation and direct use), Hydrogen, Wind, Solar (photovoltaic and thermal) and/or make Energy Efficiency Improvements.

USDA will issue one grant solicitation for two separate competitions in FY 2008. For the first competitive window, grant-only applications must be submitted no later than April 15, 2008. (All submissions must be received at the applicable office by 4:30 p.m. local time on the deadline date.)

For the second competitive window, grant-only applications must be submitted no earlier than April 16, 2008, and no later than June 16, 2008. Applications for loan guarantees, as well as those for loan/grant combinations must be completed and submitted to the appropriate USDA Rural Development State Office no later than June 16, 2008.

Guaranteed loan applications will be received and processed, on a rolling basis, until June 16, 2008, or funds are exhausted, whichever occurs first.

Combination packages will also be received and processed on a rolling basis until June 16, 2008. However, due to the grant component, competitive scoring of combination packages will take place on a bi-weekly basis.

To ensure equitable competition, and high quality projects, the grant portion of any combination package must score at least 70 percent of the available points (minimum of 84 points), of which at least 24 points must be for technical merit.

FY08 Funding:

Grants: $15,888,000
Guaranteed Loans: $204,953,560.

http://frwebgate3.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/waisgate.cgi?WAISdocID=84357326689+0+0+0&WAISaction=retrieve

Eligible applicants may seek loan guarantees to cover up to 50 percent of a project’s cost, not to exceed $10 million. Grants are available for up to 25 percent of a project’s cost, not to exceed $250,000 for energy efficiency improvements and $500,000 for renewable energy systems.

Fifty percent of the appropriated grant funding ($7.944M) will be reserved for the first grant-only competition. Any unused grant only funds from the first competition will be made available for the second grant-only competition.

Application Tips:

* Read the directions in the funding notice.
* Follow the directions.
* Ask for help, clarity.
* Don’t wait until the last minute.
* If you don’t at first succeed, try, try again.

Resources
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/farmbill/index.html
USDA/Rural Development

http://hawaii.gov/dbedt/info/energy
DBEDT—Strategic Industries Division

http://www.eere.energy.gov/
DOE/Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

http://www.hawaiisenergyfuture.com/
Hawaii’ Energy Future

* Template for completing the Technical Reports (under $200K in total project costs).
* Application guides--grant only; guaranteed loan; combination loan/grant

Saturday, March 01, 2008

Chamber's Position on Turtle Bay Resort's Proposed Expansion

Aloha Members,

I am writing to inform you of a motion that was passed at our February Board of Directors Meeting and share some of the general feelings of the board. The motion that I am referring to is as follows:

"The Board of Directors of the NSCOC previously decided to NOT take a position on the proposed Turtle Bay Resort expansion. However at the recent January membership meeting, a motion was presented and passed which does not reflect the position of the board nor its entire membership."

As stated in the motion, the board had previously discussed the proposed expansion of the Turtle Bay Resort and felt that as a Chamber of Commerce it would be inappropriate to take a position in this situation. The Chamber's key role is to support business and educate members regarding issues.

Here are the circumstances that led to the above action. At the general membership meeting on Jan 31st a motion was made, in accordance with our Bylaws, to amend our meeting agenda to include a discussion about Turtle Bay . The motion was seconded and we allotted 5 minutes on our agenda to discuss this item. When we reached this item on the agenda the following motion was made and passed:

"The North Shore Chamber supports the existing Turtle Bay Hotel and Operations and opposes the full expansion plan as proposed.”

As I have already stated above, the board does not feel it appropriate to take a position in this situation. Furthermore, I feel while the motions made at the membership meeting were within the guidelines of our bylaws, it was not a fair and open way to deal with this issue. If the Chamber is going to take positions of this nature, I would expect that we would provide a forum to hear from both sides and make our entire membership aware that we would be having this type of discussion. I am not suggesting we do this, rather pointing out that this motion was made and passed without due diligence.

Please feel free to contact me or any of our board members should you want to comment on this issue.

Mahalo,

Josh D. Heimowitz
Chairman
North Shore Chamber of Commerce
Phone: 637-4615 Ext. 32

Friday, February 29, 2008

California Container Tax is Back

The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii - The Voice of Business in Hawaii, is actively asking for businesses in Hawaii to call upon Governor Lingle to ask Governor Swartzenegger not to pass the California Container Tax bill.

Last year, The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii advocated against a bill that was going through the California State Legislature. SB 974, also known as the California Container Tax bill, imposed a $30 fee on each 20 ft. equivalent unit. This came out to approximately $68 million in additional costs on consumers in Hawaii.

At the last minute, the author of the bill, Senator Lowenthal shelved the bill. We were recently informed that the bill has been removed from the inactive list Because the bill has gone through the process with unanimous support, the bill will soon go for a full Assembly vote. If passed, the bill will be sent to the Governor, who has indicated that he intends to sign the bill into law.

The estimated $68 million, however, is in addition to other fees that have already been approved and will take effect beginning in October and onward. So, Hawaii could face over $100 million in additional fees to ship goods to and from our state.

Please see the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii website for more information.

Saturday, February 16, 2008

USDA Solar Grant presentation

Dear Members an Friends,
This is an announcement pertaining to a grant program for renewable energy
systems (including solar). If you are interested in converting your
business to solar, this informational session may be helpful to you. The
meeting at the Haleiwa Gym is Wednesday the 20th at 7 pm in Cottage #2.

Mahalo,
Antya

Tim Oconnell of the USDA Rural Development Hilo Office Will be presenting an informational talk on the upcoming USDA Rural Development Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Guaranteed Loan and Grant Program.Topics will include eligibility requirements, project parameters, and tips for submitting a successful application. The session is interactive and questions are encouraged.

USDA Rural Development
Federal Building, Rm. 311
154 Waianuenue Ave.
Hilo, HI 96720
Phone: (808) 933-8313
tim.oconnell@hi.usda.gov

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Dave Matthews joins Jack Johnson at the fifth annual Kokua Festival

Hawaii's own Jack Johnson is proud to share the stage with Dave Matthews at the Fifth Annual Kokua Festival on Earth Day weekend – April 19th and 20th, 2008 – at the Waikiki Shell in Honolulu, Hawaii. For his first Hawaii appearance ever, Dave Matthews will be performing an acoustic set with guitar master Tim Reynolds. The festival's incredible music line-up will be rounded out with local island favorites Paula Fuga and Go Jimmy Go, and Brushfire Records' latest addition, the Hawaii-born, Minneapolis-based Mason Jennings.

North Shore Membership Meeting - January 2008













Photos from our January 31st membership meeting. Dr. Watson is one of the consultants for the Disaster Preparedness State Grant in Aid; Ray Lovell and Dave Curtis are from the State Civil Defense; Candice is from Muscular Dystrophy Association of Hawaii; and Katie Pere and Kim Johnson from Kokua Hawaii Foundation and Plastic Free Haleiwa.

Saturday, January 19, 2008

North Shore January 2008 Meeting

Aloha Members and Friends,
Please see below the announcement for the upcoming meeting:

Chamber Meeting to Address Disaster Preparedness

The North Shore Chamber of Commerce will hold its quarterly General Membership meeting on Thursday January 31st at Haleiwa Joe's at 8:00AM.

The keynote speaker will be Dr. Leon Watson, consultant for Disaster Preparedness Planning. He will describe what the North Shore Hoomakaukau Emergency Preparedness grant will do, how you can begin to prepare yourself and family, and how you can become involved in this community project. This community-based effort to prepare the North Shore for disasters such as tsunami and hurricanes will hopefully become a blueprint for other communities in Hawaii. Dave Curtis and Ray Lovell from the State Civil Defense will also be speaking regarding their role in the process and how they will be working with our community on this project.

Also on the agenda will be a brief business meeting for the Chamber, an update by our elected officials, and how you can help Haleiwa become "green" presented by the Kokua Foundation.

Everyone is welcome to participate. A continental breakfast will be served: $5.00 for members and $10 for non-members. Please call the Chamber at 637-4558 for more information.

Hope to see you all there! This is a very important issue for all of us.

Aloha,
Antya