Chamber of Commerce Hawaii
Intern, Public Affairs
Position: Legislative Session – Public Affairs Intern
Reports To: Vice President, Policy and Public Affairs Department
Status: Part-time, Paid Position; > 16 hours per week
Position Overview
The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii seeks a highly motivated, analytical, and communications-oriented individual to support the Policy and Public Affairs (PPA) Department during the legislative session and beyond. This part-time opportunity may be structured as a paid internship or paid part-time position, depending on experience and candidate preference.
This role supports the Chamber’s advocacy efforts through rapid-response communications, data collection, and analytical reporting, with a central focus on advancing the 2030 Blueprint for Hawaii, the Chamber’s five-year economic plan. The individual will serve as a key liaison between the PPA and Communications teams, translating legislative activity, policy progress, and business sentiment into clear, timely communications for internal and external audiences, including the Blueprint Policy Committees, Business Alliance, and Public Affairs & Advocacy Committee.
The position is highly data-driven and survey-focused, strengthening the Chamber’s engagement with Hawaii’s business community through timely, actionable polling and feedback collection.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Communications & Reporting
- Provide rapid-response communications support for the PPA Department during the legislative session.
- Translate legislative activity and Blueprint 2030 progress into accessible materials (reports, dashboards, fact sheets, op-eds, press releases, and briefings).
- Prepare and coordinate legislative updates, policy summaries, and reporting materials for:
- Blueprint Policy Committees
- Business Alliance
- Public Affairs & Advocacy Committee
- Blueprint 2030 newsletter
- Chamber weekly e-newsletter (eVOB)
- Internal leadership updates
- Neighbor Island Chamber communications
Data Collection & Business Engagement
- Deploy and administer surveys and polls to capture business sentiment and policy input.
- Improve participation and response quality by identifying barriers and strengthening outreach strategies.
- Organize and analyze quantitative and qualitative data to support advocacy and reporting.
- Track trends and summarize key findings tied to Blueprint 2030 priorities.
- Recommend practical improvements to survey delivery, tracking, and follow-up processes.
Cross Departmental Coordination
- Serve as an operational liaison between PPA and Communications to ensure consistent messaging.
- Support information flow, stakeholder engagement, and feedback systems.
- Coordinate communications related to entrepreneurial resources, innovation initiatives, and employer-supported childcare efforts.
Desired Qualifications
- Strong interest or experience in public policy, legislative affairs, economic development, or business advocacy.
- Hands-on experience administering surveys, collecting and organizing data, and producing usable insights.
- Ability to translate data and policy developments into clear, audience-appropriate communications.
- Solutions-oriented mindset with experience improving workflows and engagement processes.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Professional judgment and discretion when working with leadership and stakeholders.
- Collaborative, adaptive, and team-oriented.
Additional Requirements
- Primarily in-person, with hybrid flexibility; attendance at weekly team meetings and select community engagements required.
- Proactive support of outreach efforts to increase survey participation and document business feedback.
- Upper-division undergraduate student or four-year degree preferred; equivalent experience considered.
Benefits
- Paid, meaningful experience during the legislative session
- Direct involvement in statewide policy and advocacy initiatives
- Hands-on work advancing Blueprint 2030
- Networking with business leaders and policymakers
- Flexible part-time schedule
Submit resume to: Tonga Hopoi at thopoi@cochawaii.org
