Mission Statement:
Kapaa Business Association supports the East Side community through:
Cultural and community events and projects,
Advocacy, and Business networking and education
Join us to help shape our future.
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KBA's Story
The Kapaa Business Association is a not-for-profit organization of volunteers and part-time staff that work to improve, preserve, and support the communities of the Royal Coconut Coast. The organization started in the 1950's, incorporated in 1999 and has grown to almost 100 members.
KBA's Board of Directors meets monthly to discuss and take action on topics such as the business climate, promotion of the Royal Coconut Coast area, community and legislative issues, traffic, taxes, parking, parks, and public access to name but a few. In addition, KBA actively interacts with other business groups within the community as a member of the Kauai Chamber of Commerce and Kauai Business Council. The cultural and charitable works of KBA include the production of the annual Coconut Festival, participation in the Veteran's Day Parade, community cleanups and serving as fiscal sponsor for smaller organizations wishing to undertake community service projects. KBA was the winner of the 1999 Governor's Kilohana Award for volunteerism in the community group category.
In addition to regular newsletters and membership meeting, members also receive a rich benefit package that includes free and discounted advertising, event discounts, member to member discounts and representation in other business organizations. Membership dues are tax deductible less the value of accepted benefits. They are otherwise considered an ordinary and necessary business expense and are nonrefundable.
Leadership:
An organization is only as strong as its leadership. KBA is fortunate to have well-known and respected business people to serve as Officers and Directors. Following is some information about the individuals who are charged with creating and implementing a new vision for KBA.
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Vice President - Neill Sams
Neill has owned and operated High Tech Drafting and Design in Kapaa for 18 years. He came to Kauai after a successful career as a Mechanical Designer and Manufacturing Engineer in California's Silicon Valley. He has been on the Board of KBA for 12 years. As President he sees KBA as a perfect vehicle for creating a vision for the area, and participating in the planning and decision making that affects the region.
Despite the demands of his highly successful business, he also makes time to chair the Kapaa/Wailua Traffic Coalition and sit on the County's Kapaa/Wailua Development Committee, Cruise Ship Committee, Solid Waste Task Force, Ka Leo O Kauai and Kawaihau Leadership Group. He serves as the Director of the Kauai Orchid Society and is the key grower for his wife's business "Orchid Alley". |
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Secretary - Robert Bartolo
On Kauai for 18 years, Bob runs 3 successful businesses from his office in Lihue: All Kauai Cleaning Company, All Kauai Carpet Distributors and Maikai Publishing Incorporated. Prior to moving from the mainland he owned and operated both an advertising and production firm. He holds a Bachelors of Science in International marketing. He also serves on the Boards of St. Michaels Church, Kauai Childrens Discovery Museum, Rotary Club of Poipu Beach, Kauai Visitor Industry Charity Walk, and Kauai Habitat for Humanity.
KBA has Bob to thank for Kapaa's now signature event, the Coconut Festival. Now celebrating 15th year, the festival has become a must-do event for locals and visitors alike. He has been on the Board of KBA for 17 years and has lead the organization's efforts to improve traffic congestion in the area. |
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Current committees and priority goals are:
The East Side Development Plan
Traffic mitigation
Coastal Trail planning and advocacy
Park maintenance, development and improvement
Crime and Violence reduction on Kauai
Beautification of the Roundabout
15th Annual Coconut Festival, the East Side’s Signature Event that brings thousands of people to Kauai’s East side and provides a venue for cultural exchange, business development and entertainment.
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Kapaa Business Association
P.O. Box 1480, Kapaa, Hi 96746
808-651-3273
info@kbakauai.org
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