Company Description

Late in 1911, some young merchants in Honolulu established the Chinese Merchants' Association to service the Chinese merchants in Hawaii, as well as to work toward the best interest of Hawaii. Their first headquarters was on the second floor of the C.Q. Yee Hop market on King Street, rent-free. Chu Gem served as the first president of this merchant group until 1918.

A building committee was selected to look for a permanent site for headquarters in 1913, and the office was located on Maunakea Street opposite the present Roosevelt Theater. A subsequent building campaign netted $7,800, and a two-story building was constructed. The Tsung Tsin Association now occupies this building.

In 1926, a name change occurred and the Chinese Merchants' Association became the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Honolulu. With a growing membership and need for larger quarters, the new president, Doo Wai Sing, initiated another fund drive. He negotiated with the United Chinese Society for a 50-year lease for the property behind the present headquarters at 42 N. King Street. A two-story concrete building was constructed and a dedication celebration was held on Chinese New Year's Day on February 9, 1929. The building was used by the Chamber as a meeting place and also as a center for social and welfare activities.

On a number of occasions, funds were raised to help during disasters in China. Schools in China and locally were also given financial assistance. Many old, indigent Chinese were helped when they wanted to return to the homeland. Other immigration problems were also taken care of by the Chamber.

In the 1920s, the Chamber assisted in the liver fluke problem involving immigrants coming to Hawaii. Dr. Fred Lam was sent to Washington to appeal the ruling, and was successful in effecting a change. After World War II, larger quarters were needed so the United Chinese Society and the Chamber combined efforts to raise funds for unexpanded headquarters. Remodeling began in late 1953.

Over the years, the Chamber has participated in many community activities, such as the Community Chest (now Aloha United Way), Red Cross, and other fund drives.

The biggest Chamber project is the Narcissus Festival, which began in 1950. The purpose was to perpetuate Chinese culture and stimulate business in Chinatown. Many volunteers participate in this project, which is held just before the Chinese Lunar New Year. There is much community interest in events like the Cooking Program, Fashion Show, Queen Pageant, and others. The Narcissus Queen China Tours are gaining in popularity and this past year, there was a record-breaking group of 109 people. Great Fun.

Every Tuesday morning since 1958, rain or shine, there is a Chinatown Tour, which is sponsored by the Chamber. Many out-of-town visitors and new residents have joined this group.

Currently, the Chamber helps people with immigration problems as well as naturalization procedures. Of timely concern is any regulation on the importation of Chinese food items, such as the ban on birds' nests. Many interesting visitors from East and West keep the Chamber busy and help the Chamber establish important contacts beyond Hawaii's shores.

Recently, the Chamber has been involved in Chinese trade exhibitions, conducting management training programs, and working with the State of Hawaii in promoting investment missions to Taiwan, Hong Kong and China. It also hosts many business and governmental delegations coming from or going to China and frequently participates in conventions and seminars on Asian trade. Through its Fund-raising Foundation, it continues to support various educational, charitable and humanitarian causes in both China & Hawaii.

Many members of the Chamber are leaders in Hawaii's business, professional and legislative communities and play important roles in shaping the State's economic, social and political future. The Chamber's network of contacts also includes many individuals and businesses in China, Taiwan and other Chinese communities in Pacific rim countries.

Products & Services

community activities ,   Medical Bills ,   Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii ,   conventions and seminars on Asian trade ,   Chinatown Task Force events ,   naturalization procedures ,   Young Professionals Group ,   Real Estate opportunities ,   educational, charitable and humanitarian causes in both China & Hawaii ,   workshops ,   Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Honolulu ,   Cultural Events ,   trade exhibitions ,   networking opportunities ,   investment missions to Taiwan, Hong Kong and China ,   Counseling ,   Business Services ,   management training programs ,   Rehabilitation ,   immigration problems ,   Educational Programs ,   Business & Real Estate opportunities