In May 2025, the Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i’s Military Affairs Council (MAC) led a delegation to Washington, D.C., to advocate for Hawai‘i’s defense interests. MACRO participated in this trip, engaging with federal leaders to discuss military readiness, economic development, and community partnerships.
The delegation met with members of Hawai‘i’s congressional delegation, including Senators Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono and Representative Jill Tokuda, as well as officials from the Department of Defense and military leadership. Discussions focused on Hawai‘i’s critical role in national security, infrastructure investment, and the importance of maintaining strong, collaborative relationships between the military and local communities.
A highlight of the trip included a visit to the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) headquarters, where the group met with Vice Admiral James Downey to explore opportunities to strengthen Hawai‘i’s maritime industrial base.
For more information about MAC’s initiatives, visit the Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i’s Military Affairs Council page.
