Aloha!

The holiday season is upon us once again.  We all have a lot going on this month, whether it's last minute Christmas shopping, family gatherings, or wrapping up loose ends before the end of the year.  With all the hustle and bustle, it's easy to get caught up in the things you think you need to do.  However, you only really need to do one thing, embrace the spirit of Christmas.  I think the following quote best expresses this thought.

"The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree is the presence of a happy family wrapped up in each other."
 Burton Hillis

I would like to take the time to wish all of you and your families a very safe and joyful holiday season!

October has historically been an eventful month for the chamber.  This year was no different.  In fact, it was even busier than usual as the Hawaii Island was fortunate to be visited by the Japan Training Squadron.  Naval ships made a stop at Hilo Harbor for the first time in over 47 years.  In addition, the chamber was active with other events including our Goji-Kara events, actively addressing major community issues such as the NextEra merger and Thirty Meter Telescope construction, exploring the possibility of restarting the Big Island Business Council to promote the general well-being of our Community and Businesses and of course, our annual event, Taste of Hilo XVII.

On October 7, 2015, my wife Nira and I, had the privilege to travel to Japan and visit our sister chamber, the Higashi-Hiroshima Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HHCCI).  It was an honor to represent the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaii (JCCIH).  The hospitality provided to us was extraordinary.  We truly had a wonderful experience as we had the pleasure of experiencing the annual sake festival, feast upon the fine cuisine, partake in the culture of Japan and view the beautiful Miyajima Island and the historic Peace Memorial.  1st VP Russell Arikawa and his wife Carol accompanied us on this trip.  We were honored to meet with Yoshio Kurata, Mayor of Higashi-Hiroshima and his cabinet.  We shared greetings, exchanged omiyage and had a discussion on fostering personal, business and cultural relationships.  The next day we were fortunate to experience the infamous Saijo Sake Matsuri, what is considered to be the largest sake festival held in Japan.  This year over 250,000 people attended this event and over 1100 different sake was available for tasting.  It was an exciting and fun experience.

On October 10, 2015, the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force Training Squadron made a visit to the Hawaii Island.  This was the first visit by the squadron in forty-seven years.  The squadron consisted of three ships; the JS Kashima, the JS Shimayuki and the JS Yamagiri.  The training squadron is commanded by Rear Admiral Yasuki Nakahata.  The purpose of the overseas training cruise is to develop seamanship of the newly commissioned officers.  However, the entire crew, approximately 710 in total, also hope to strengthen relationships with countries who have ties back to immigrants from Japan as well as promote goodwill with the countries they visited.  The town of Hilo was provided a real treat as the training squadron's own Taiko Group and Military Band gave free performances for the public at the Civic Auditorium on October 11, 2015.  Honorary Consul General of Japan, Art Taniguchi, played a vital role in taking the lead on this event through his involvement with early site visits, preliminary planning and overall coordination of the squadron's visit with local organizations and the government.  2nd VP Audrey Takamine represented the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaii during the squadrons visit.  Audrey and many of our fellow JCCIH members did a terrific job to help make this historic visit a success.  Domo Arigato Gozaimasu! 

Our annual event, Taste of Hilo XVII took place on October 18, 2015.  What can you say, except great food, great drink and great fellowship!  Chairpersons Russell Arikawa, Ryan Kajikawa, Craig Shiroma and the entire Taste of Hilo Committee worked really hard and did an awesome job in putting on yet another sold out event.  This year's featured dish was abalone prepared by Sushi Chef Donald Nakamura and Executive Chef Scott Lutey from Sansei Seafood Steak & Sushi Bar.  The abalone was provided by CEO Hiroshi Arai and his team, Kayo Arai, Mike Foley and Chiha Sakamoto, from Big Island Abalone.  It was ono-licious!  A sincere Thank You to all of the vendors, sponsors, volunteers and participants for their hard work and continued support.  I can hardly wait for next year's event and hope to see all of you there!

On November 5, 2015, your chamber hosted a "talk Story" session with Chair Suzanne Case of the State of Hawaii Department of Land Natural Resources (DLNR).  Ms. Case provided an update on the Community Engagement Process for the Kanoelehua Industrial Area, future plans for Banyan Drive and various land issues ranging from lease renewals to hunting and game management.  Overall, it was a good educational session regarding local affairs overseen by the DLNR.  Thank you goes out to our Economic Development Chair Carol Van Camp and Education Chairs Charlene Iboshi and Yu Yok Pearing as well as their committees for their continuing efforts to provide our chamber with informative events such as this one. 

Your chamber continues to work hard and put together worthwhile events for your benefit and enjoyment.  I thank all of you for your dedication to each other and the chamber.  Once again, have a safe and happy holiday season!

 
Joni Onishi is currently the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Hawai'i CC. She has been employed at Hawaiʻi CC since 1988 and is a tenured faculty member in business education. She has a bachelor's degree in business administration from UH Hilo and master's degree in education from UH Mānoa.

Before becoming Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Ms. Onishi was Interim Dean for Career and Technical Education from 2007 to 2010.

Vice President for Community Colleges John Morton said, "I am grateful to Joni for assuming this additional responsibility and look forward to working with her as we continue working to move Hawai'i CC forward. Our goal is to have a new chancellor by July 1, 2016."

During Ms. Onishi's interim appointment, Joyce Hamasaki, the Dean of Career and Technical Education, will serve as Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

Hawai'i CC has already begun searching for a permanent chancellor. A 19-member screening and interview committee has been appointed that includes faculty, staff and administrators, as well as community members. The chancellor position will be prominently advertised nationwide.

The committee will conduct the screening and interview process and submit a list of finalists to Mr. Morton.

After a series of campus interviews and public forums with the finalists, the vice president will conduct his own review of candidates and present his recommendation to the Board of Regents.

I am retiring at the end of this year, and it has been a pleasure working with the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaii during my time at Hawai'i CC. JCCIH's efforts make Hawai'i Island a stronger community and a better place to live.