Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce
Voices Support for Senator Daniel K. Akaka for US Senate

The Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce??€™s Board of Directors on Oahu and Maui announced today their strong support of Senator Daniel Kahikina Akaka for another term in the U.S. Senate.

??€œThe Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce represents the voice of Hawaiian business in the state,??€ ? stated NHCC President Kaleo Paik. ??€œDuring his 30 years in Congress, Senator Daniel K. Akaka has done a great deal to support Native Hawaiian business people and businesses,??€ ? Paik said.

The Maui Chapter of NHCC is also backing Senator Akaka. ??€œThe board of the Maui Chapter of the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce joins with NHCC on Oahu in their support of returning Senator Akaka to the U.S. Senate,??€ ? said Judge Boyd Mossman, Past President of the Maui Chapter.

Senator Akaka has championed legislation in the areas of education, energy, the environment, and retention of the Jones Act. These issues directly impact business here in Hawaii, including Native Hawaiian businesses.

For example, as Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Management and a senior member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Senator Akaka has fought to make the contracting process fairer for small businesses, including Native Hawaiian businesses, so they can compete with larger contractors on federal projects.

Senator Akaka has and continues to secure defense funding for projects being conducted by minority owned businesses in Hawaii that will improve security measures for protecting our homeland and national interests and promote the use of alternative energy sources.

By providing access to education, health care and housing, Senator Akaka has helped create and protect federal programs that benefit Native Hawaiians. These vital programs help provide additional economic opportunities and improve the quality of life for participants.

Additionally, these programs help support and improve Hawaii??€™s infrastructure providing jobs for many residents and numerous Hawaii businesses.

For the past 31 years, the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce has promoted and encouraged programs and initiatives that benefit Native Hawaiians engaged in business and the professions. Statistics show that Native Hawaiians rank in the lowest indices of education, health and employment. ??€œWe need to change this; and we believe we are making a difference by helping our members become better business people,??€ ? Paik reported.

??€œThe Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce board has worked closely with Senator Akaka for many years. We have the utmost confidence in his ability to support not only Native Hawaiian businesses but Hawaii businesses as well,??€ ? stated NHCC Governmental Affairs Chair, H.K. Bruss Keppeler. ??€œIn recognition of his significant contributions to Hawaii and Native Hawaiians, NHCC bestowed on Senator Akaka in 1991 our highest honor, the `O`o award,??€ ? he said.

Founded in 1974, the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce strives to encourage and promote the interests of Native Hawaiians engaged in business and the professions. NHCC members participate in a variety of areas, including economic, social and public affairs.

NHCC??€™s mission is to strengthen Native Hawaiian businesses and professions by building on the foundations of relationships, resources and Hawaiian values: Aloha, Malama, Ho`okipa, Laulima, `Imi`ike, Lokomaika`i, Pono, Ho`omau, Ha`aha`a and Lokahi.

For more information about the NHCC, please visit our website at www.nativehawaiian.cc

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