Our

Story

The 9th Island Chamber of Commerce & Foundation is Nevada’s first Chamber dedicated to supporting Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities, under-served businesses, and youth development. Our mission is to empower businesses, preserve cultural heritage, and provide pathways for emerging leaders.

Our Mission

To empower Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and supporters through economic advancement, cultural stewardship, and community-centered services that strengthen our collective future.

Our Vision

A thriving 9th Island community where heritage is honored, opportunity is accessible, and the spirit of aloha guides collaborative progress for generations to come.

Why We're Unique – Not Your Typical Chamber

we're a revolutionary force redefining community empowerment in Southern Nevada. While traditional chambers often focus solely on broad business advocacy, we intentionally fill the gaps they've overlooked, centering our efforts on underserved Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) communities.

This means championing cultural competency in a city that thrives on diversity, providing tailored support for small businesses and the dedicated employees who drive them forward. Imagine a space where aloha isn't just a greeting but a guiding principle where we preserve Hawaiian history through immersive programs, while equipping the next generation with job-ready skills that traditional institutions ignore.

This isn't about checking boxes; it's about transforming lives, strengthening communities, and ensuring that the spirit of the islands endures in the heart of the desert.

Our commitment extends to elevating women's leadership, fostering inclusive opportunities, and creating real, sustainable connections that uplift disconnected voices. In a world of generic networking, we're the bridge that honors heritage, ignites innovation, and builds an equitable future one where every member of our ʻohana can rise and shine.

Rooted in a legacy spanning more than half a century, our uniqueness lies in our unyielding focus on people first. We don't just host events; we curate experiences that blend cultural preservation with economic vitality, like our signature Aloha Business Expo that turns Las Vegas into a gateway for Hawaiian entrepreneurs.

Unlike others, we address the real challenges workforce gaps, cultural disconnection, and barriers for minority-owned businesses with hands-on centers dedicated to youth certification, women's empowerment, and small business acceleration.

 

Our History – From Hawaiʻi to Las Vegas

Built on Four Pillars Serving Our Community

We exist to preserve Hawaiian culture, support small businesses

Welcome Center – Visitor & Resident Support
Your first stop when moving to or visiting the 9th Island — resources, orientation, and aloha.
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Culture Center – Education, Arts & Festivals
The heartbeat of Hawaiian & Pacific Islander heritage in Nevada — classes, festivals, music, and hula.
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Minority-Owned Small Business Resource Center
Training, mentorship, certifications, and capital access for minority, women, veteran, LGBT, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander businesses.
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Gateway to Hawaiʻi – Cultural & Economic Connector
The only national program creating a structured bridge between Hawaiʻi and the mainland through business, tourism, culture, and innovation.
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Our Leadership – Guided by Excellence and Inclusivity

Our leadership reflects a bold vision grounded in cultural understanding, professional excellence, and inclusive collaboration.

Board of Trustees
Board of Directors

Our Councils & Committees – The Engine of Change

They’re where ideas are shaped solutions created and measurable results delivered.We step boldly into the gaps, your ideas don’t just matter they create lasting impact

First of its Kind in Nevada
The 9th Island Chamber of Commerce & Foundation is the only organization in the continental U.S. that combines:

  • Economic development for minority & Hawaiian-owned businesses
  • Cultural preservation & education
  • Youth leadership & workforce training
  • A direct gateway between Hawaiʻi and the American mainland


All under one ʻohana.

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Why Las Vegas is Called the “9th Island”
It started decades ago when Sam Boyd’s California Hotel in downtown Las Vegas rolled out the red carpet for Hawaiian visitors. Word spread fast — Vegas became the place where Hawaiians could feel at home. Today, Southern Nevada is home to one of the largest Hawaiian & Pacific Islander communities outside the islands ,so big and so proud we call it the 9th Island.
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Gateway to Hawaiʻi Initiative
The Premier Mainland Bridge Between Hawaiʻi and America

  • Business & Trade Development
  • Cultural Exchange & Community Engagement
  • Travel & Hospitality Integration
  • Innovation & Education Collaboration
See the Full Gateway Initiative
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