Hawaiʻi Island Chamber of Commerce welcomes UH Hilo Chancellor Irwin as new board member

At the Hawaiʻi Island Chamber of Commerce annual membership meeting on April 30, from left, County of Hawaiʻi Managing Director Bill Brilhante; UH Hilo Chancellor Bonnie Irwin; featured speaker at the meeting First Hawaiian Bank Chief Investment Officer Steve Rodgers; and County of Hawaiʻi Mayor Kimo Alameda. (Photo: Courtesy HICC)

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Chancellor Bonnie D. Irwin was elected to the Hawaiʻi Island Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors at HICC’s annual membership meeting, April 30. Chancellor Irwin will serve as vice president of the board; the vice president chairs the chamber’s Committee on Economic Development.

“I am excited to serve our community in this new way, and I look forward to strengthened relationships between UH Hilo and our local employers,” says Chancellor Irwin.

Carla Kuo pictured. — **Carla Kuo** (File photo)

Carla Kuo, executive officer of the chamber says she’s thrilled to welcome Chancellor Irwin as the 2025-2026 vice president and chair of the economic development committee. The committee works to enhance general business on Hawai‘i Island and supports a stable and healthy economy.

“Her deep commitment to education and innovation, along with her insight into our island’s evolving workforce needs, will be a tremendous asset as we work together to support sustainable economic growth in East Hawaiʻi,” says Kuo.

Group photo, seated at luncheon table, other people at event in the background. — At the Hawaiʻi Island Chamber of Commerce annual membership meeting on April 30, from left, Grand Naniloa Resort General Manager **Niklas Dahm**; (standing) First Hawaii Bank General Manager **Chuck Erskine**; County of Hawaiʻi Director of Finance **Diane Nakagawa**; County of Hawaiʻi Treasury Division Head **Chris Nakano**; and UH Hilo Chancellor **Bonnie Irwin**. (Photo: Courtesy HICC)