2011 Annual Hawaii U.S Military Partnership Conference

Annual Hawaii Military Partnership Conference

As the strategic epicenter of defense and security operations in the Asia-Pacific region, Hawaii is the home base for the U.S Pacific Command along with over 100,000 U.S. Dept of Defense Personnel.

Over 6.8 billion in annual defense expenditures in 2008 accounted for generating more than $10.1 billion into our economy and some 92,000 job opportunities for residents.

The defense industry continues today to be a stable source of income to local companies who provide the services for key defense projects, which means jobs for Hawaii’s citizens. Additionally, many local areas depend on the soldiers, sailors and military families who frequent the stores and restaurants such as Wahiawa, Kaneohe and Salt Lake. Any change, increase or decrease in personnel or defense industry projects, has a great impact on our local economy.

As the second largest economic contributor to Hawaii’s economy, the importance of staying abreast of defense industry projects and programs is critical to business leaders and our government officials as it affects Hawaii’s current and future economic growth.

For over 26 years, The Chamber’s Military Affairs Council (MAC), as the State’s liaison to the military, has played a key role in insuring open communication between Hawaii's military, business, and civilian communities. Each year the Chamber’s MAC holds its annual Hawaii U.S. military partnership conference to bring together Hawaii's commanders to update state officials and the business community on the status of the military presence in Hawaii.

Briefings are provided from each military command regarding command changes, deployments, and discussions on the flow of the U.S. defense dollars to Hawaii through current and future military projects and programs.