Chamber of Commerce Hawaii
Military Affairs Council
Since 1985, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii’s Military Affairs Council (MAC) has been a steadfast advocate for Hawaii’s military, highlighting its crucial role as the state’s second-largest economic driver. Through strategic initiatives, strong partnerships, and securing essential resources, MAC ensures that Hawaii’s military presence continues to fuel local businesses, create jobs, and strengthen communities, making it a cornerstone of the state’s economic growth and resilience.
About the Program
Hawaii plays a critical and strategic role toward ensuring our national security as well as economic stability of the Indo-Pacific region – the Department of Defense’s (DoD) priority theater and an increasingly complex security environment. The corresponding military presence in Hawaii provides significant positive economic impact on jobs and business opportunities to include innovation and economic diversification.
Under the MAC umbrella, is the Hawaii Defense Alliance which provides further opportunities for local small to medium sized Hawaii businesses to work with the DoD, and the Pacific Intelligence Innovation Initiative (P3I) which supports pathways for Hawaii students and professionals to fulfill the DoD workforce demand for qualified cybersecurity, data science, and intelligence careers, right here in Hawaii.
For more information about the MAC, email Jason Chung, Vice President of Military Affairs.
The Premiere Training Area in the Pacific
Located on Hawaii Island, Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) offers logistical and training support with more than 133,000 acres. PTA is largely staffed by more than 200 civilians from administrative personnel and emergency support services including fire, police and rescue, to archaeologists and cultural preservation.
The MAC was established in 1985 as a part of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, to specifically advocate on behalf of Hawaii’s military as it is the second economic driver for the state.
Become a Member
The MAC is comprised of business, labor and community leaders; congressional, state and local officials; non-profit organizations; and retired U.S. flag and general officers to advocate and liaison with military commands.
Initiatives
Hawaii Defense Alliance
Established in May 2021, the Hawaii Defense Alliance brings together industry, government, educational institutions and community resource partners together to help increase business opportunities while also identifying challenges and possible objectives to build a more robust defense industrial base in Hawaii.
The Pacific Intelligence and Innovation Initiative
The Pacific Intelligence and Innovation Initiative (P3I) is a public-private partnership working to meet the growing demand for a skilled workforce in Hawaii.
The Department of Defense and other Hawaii-based companies are looking to fill positions in IT, cyber, electronic warfare and data science fields to support its increasing needs right here in the state of Hawaii.
Pacific Missile Range Facility
Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), is one of the largest employers on the island of Kauai. Of the more than 1,000 employed at PMRF, 80 are service men and women, 130 civilians and the remaining are local contractors. Together with PMRF and Kaua‘i Community College, P3I is working to create pathways for Hawaii students and professionals to fill the demand for intelligence, IT, professionals at PMRF.
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Learn more about upcoming programs, events and exclusive MAC opportunities.
Signature Program Events
MAC Bi-Annual State of the Indo-Pacific
The State of the Indo-Pacific event is in January before the start of the Legislative Session and in the Fall. This bi-annual event replaces the MAC’s Annual Partnership Conference.
Annual MAC Washington, D.C. Trip
Opportunity to meet directly with legislative leaders and other decision makers to advocate for Hawaii’s interests in our Nation’s capital.
Site Visits & Events
Exclusive opportunities to tour facilities, commands and installations, including Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, Pohakuloa Training Area, U.S. Army Pacific, and more.
Holiday Reception
Held every December to reflect and review on the year’s work and events.
Military Academy Appointee Recognition Ceremony
Each May, the MAC brings together Hawaii appointees to military service academies to honor achievement and provide them with an opportunity to hear from previous Academy graduates.
Military Appreciation Month
Each May, the MAC leads Hawaii efforts to honor our service members both past and present.
Quarterly Council Meetings
Featuring a keynote speaker and updates on working priorities
Mahalo to our Sponsors
Patriot Level
Defender Level
AECOM
American Savings Bank
ANSER
Bank of Hawaii
Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company, Inc
Castle & Cooke Hawaii
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Fluor
Goldwings Supply Service
Goodfellow Brothers
Hawaii Building and Construction Trades Council
Hawaii Gas
Hawaii Pacific Health
Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company, Inc.
Hawaiian Native Corporation — DAWSON
Hawaiian Telcom
Hawaiian Electric
Hawaiian Electric Industries
HMSA
Huntington Ingalls Industries
Integrated Security Technologies
Kiewit Infrastructure West Co.
KPMG
Lendlease
Nakupuna Companies
Outrigger Hotels & Resorts
Par Hawaii Refining
Pasha Hawaii
Pond & Company
Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)
Shift5
SMX
Spectrum
The Hana Group
Y Hata
Young Brothers
Community & Non-Profit Members
American Red Cross, Pacific Islands Region
Armed Services YMCA of Honolulu
Federal Managers Association, Chapter 19
Hawaii Business Roundtable
Hawaii Island Economic Development Board
Hawaii Island MAC (Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce)
Kapolei Chamber of Commerce
Kauai MAC (Kauai Chamber of Commerce)
Maui MAC (MEDB)
Movers and Shakas
National Association of Superintendents, Pearl Harbor Chapter and Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard
Navy League of the U.S. Honolulu Council
Work for Warriors
