Chamber of Commerce Hawaii

Chamber Weeks 2025: From Hawaii to the Hill: Legislative 201 & Federal Policy Update presented by Zippy's

Chamber of Commerce Hawaii’s Events unite the business community to enhance the state’s economic climate by fostering success for businesses and business leaders alike. Attend or sponsor a Chamber event to promote your company, build brand awareness, market to your target demographics, expand your network and invest in your local community.

Chamber Weeks presented by Alaska Airlines x Hawaiian Airlines is a multi-week series of events and programming that coincides with the opening of the Hawaii State Legislature to connect members and the business community with legislators and engage them in the legislative process.

Hear from experts on 2025 legislation that will impact the business community including Jennings Imel, Executive Director, Western Region, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Tonga Hopoi, Vice President, Economic Development, Government and Community Relations, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, and other special guests.

This informative session will kick-off with a Legislative 201 presentation by Tonga Hopoi. Learn how the local legislative process works, important deadlines, how to submit testimony and information on the Chamber's legislative packet for 2025.

Followed by Jennings Imel for a Federal Outlook update on topics including trade, infrastructure, immigration and other key issues.

Complimentary for Chamber members. Registration includes coffee and pastries.

Jennings Imel
Executive Director
U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Before joining the U.S. Chamber staff in 2013, Jennings worked in Washington, DC at the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress and at the public affairs firm of Mercury, Clark & Weinstock. Prior to moving to DC, Jennings worked in the California State Assembly; he also managed and worked on several successful congressional and state legislative campaigns, mostly in the Southern California region.

Jennings received a master's degree in international affairs from The George Washington University and bachelor's degrees in political science and German from the University of California, Riverside.

Tonga Hopoi
Vice President, Economic Development, Government and Community Relations
Chamber of Commerce Hawaii

Tonga began her career in public policy as a White House policy intern in the Office of the First Lady Mrs. Michelle Obama working on initiatives such as “Reach Higher” and “Let Girls Learn”. Beyond her work in the Office of the First Lady, Tonga was the first Tongan to hold a position in the White House and is recognized in the White House Records.

In August of 2017, Tonga moved to Hawai’i and served as Committee Clerk for the Chair of the Senate Committee(s) on Transportation and Energy, and in 2018, she served as the Chief of Staff for the Senate Majority Leader in the Hawai’i State Senate. In 2019, Tonga presented workshops on parliamentary practice, and legislative procedure at the United Nations Development Program Regional Conference on Parliamentary Oversight in Auckland, New Zealand. In 2021, Tonga was selected in the Oregon State University (OSU) Orange & Black Awards for the Don & Shirley Young Alumni Award. In February of 2022, she organized the Senate’s donation and relief efforts for the Kingdom of Tonga after the catastrophic flooding from the eruption of a nearby underground volcano. After Tonga’s tenure in the Hawai’i State Senate, she worked at the Honolulu City Council and Kamehameha Schools.

Tonga was raised with her two sisters by her mother and late stepfather in Portland, OR. She studied Philosophy and English at OSU and served as OSU Student Body Madam President 2011-2012.

Want to get involved? Marketing opportunities are available to promote your company during Chamber Week. Please click here for more information.

Event Sponsors

Date and Time

Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM HST

9:00 AM Registration
9:30 AM Leg 201
10:00 AM Federal Update

Location

Central Pacific Bank
Main Branch
20th Floor, Waimea Room

Parking: Not included in registration. Parking available at Alii Place on Alakea Street.
1099 Alakea St., Ste. 2440, Honolulu, HI 96813. $3 flat rate for 2-hours.

220 S King St Honolulu HI 96813

Fees/Admission

YP Members: Complimentary
Chamber Members: Complimentary
HTDC: Complimentary
Non-members/Legislators: $15
Supporting Sponsor: $595
~~Presenting Sponsor: $2,000~~
Other Sponsorship Available: Click Here

Refund policy:
5 or more business days prior to event - full refund
2-4 business days before event - 50% refund
0-1 business day before event - no refund

In consideration for participating as a guest in any Chamber of Commerce Hawaii event, I agree to hold the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii harmless and release it from any liability arising from any lost, missing stolen or damaged personal property at any of its events. Please keep all personal property under observation or secured.

This event is being photographed and videoed. By entering, you agree to the use of recordings of you in connection with editorial, promotional, and/or advertising materials relating to this event or our other events in any media. Please inform our photographer if you do not want your image used in this manner.

Contact Information

Marisa Escalante
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