About HKCC
Since 1940, the Hawaii Korean Chamber of Commerce (HKCC) has worked to fulfill the goals and purposes of supporting the Korean-Americans in Hawaii and its business community. HKCC continues its mission to perpetuate goodwill among the Korean community and make life better for Koreans in Hawaii and abroad. HKCC is a member of the Affiliated Chambers and Business Organizations Council of Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii; Korean-American Chamber of Commerce, USA; and has sister chamber relations with Incheon Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Kyoto Korean Chamber of Commerce.
Our History
The Hawaii Korean Chamber of Commerce was started in November of 1940 by 15 immigrants from Korea who came to Hawaii during the period of 1903-1905.
These Korean businessmen and professionals submitted a Petition For Charter of Incorporation on October 10, 1940 with the objective and purpose of improving the welfare of the Korean community within the City and County of Honolulu, granting scholarships and financial aid to needy and deserving students of Korean ancestry and promoting the business interest of the Korean Community. On November 15, 1940, Governor J. B. Poindexter granted the charter.
After the founding fathers retired from their service to the Chamber, the Chamber's major activities consisted primarily of awarding of scholarship to needy and deserving students of Korean ancestry and hosting annual banquets in honor of graduating Korean high school students.
In the mid-1960's, a new wave of Korean immigrants came to Hawaii. From this, a newly emerging group of businessmen and professionals formed an organization called the Korean Business Council. In 1977, the Korean Business Council merged with the Chamber, thereby helping to reinvigorate the Chamber.
In 1979, due to generational differences, the Chamber split into two separate Chambers; Korean Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaii, led by the first generation, and Hawaii Korean Chamber of Commerce of Honolulu, led by the second generation.
After 9 years of separation, in 1988 the two Chambers merged to form the current Hawaii Korean Chamber of Commerce. Since the merger, the Chamber has worked to promote business development and trade between Hawaii and Korea through events such as Business Seminars and Trade Missions to Korea. The Chamber also continues its tradition of providing scholarship awards.
Recently the Chamber has been involved in furthering the Korean community interest through events such as the 9-11 Economic Seminar, Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Scholarship Awards, and the Korean Festival.
The Korean Chamber of Commerce has grown and prospered throughout the years. Despite many obstacles the Chamber has strived to fulfill the goals and purposes of supporting the Korean people and their business community. Since the unification of the first and second generation Chambers, it has grown in size and influence. It is the hope that the Chamber will continue to grow and improve in its efforts to perpetuate goodwill amongst the Korean community and make life better for Koreans in Hawaii and abroad.
Join Us!
Both individuals and corporations can register as HKCC members.
