Chamber of Commerce Hawaii

YP Cost of Living Summit presented by Tradewind Group: Speakers

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.

SPEAKERS

Derek Kawakami
Mayor
County of Kauai

Mayor Kawakami's government service began as a council member with Kauai County Council from 2008 to 2011 and also served on the Kauai County Council from 2016 to 2018. During his tenure as a Kauai County Council member, Mayor Kawakami chaired the Intergovernmental Relations Committee and vice chaired the Committee of the Whole.

Mayor Kawakami was a gubernatorial appointee to the Hawaii State Legislature, representing District 14 from 2011 to 2015. As a State Representative, Mayor Kawakami served as the Assistant Majority Leader; chaired the Committee on Economic Development and Business; vice chaired the Committee on Energy and Environmental Protection; and vice chaired the Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection. Since 2004, Mayor Kawakami volunteered his time, service, and experience to community organizations that includes the Kauai Economic Development Board, Kauai Police Activities League, Lihue Business Association, serving as Second Vice Chair for Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, Committee Chair for Strategic Planning for Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, Chair for the Nominating Committee for Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, Kiwanis Club, and Catholic Charities Advisory Committee. Mayor Kawakami experiences in the private sector ranges from his humble start as a paperboy and fast food employee, and was formerly an operations manager for Menehune Food Mart, Inc. and former president of three corporations.

On November 8, 2022, Mayor Kawakami was re-elected to a second term as mayor of the County of Kauai and Niihau.