Honolulu Chinese Jaycees

Causes: Community Service Clubs, Leadership Development

Mission: Established in 1953 by Dr. Wai Sen Char, the Honolulu Chinese Jaycees (HCJ) is a civic, leadership development, and community service organization comprised of young persons between the ages of 18 and 40 who come from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. The Jaycees (short for “Junior Chamber of Commerce”) is part of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) with over 5,000 chapters worldwide and a shared mission, “to provide development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change.” In fiscal year 1992 to 1993, HCJ earned the distinction of being the only Jaycees chapter in the history of the Hawaii Jaycees to receive the coveted Harold A. Marks Award. Given by the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce, this award recognized HCJ as the Most Outstanding Chapter in the Nation. Further, the Honolulu Chinese Jaycees is the only chapter in Hawaii to have had its president advance to becoming State, National, and International President of the Jaycees. The Honolulu Chinese Jaycees also had the honor of hosting the 1997 Junior Chamber International World Congress. This event brought over six thousand delegates to Hawaii from over 100 countries around the world. For over 60 years, the Honolulu Chinese Jaycees has played a key role in fostering Hawai‘i’s young leaders through engaging members in planning, coordinating, and participating in community events, such as the Healthy Baby Contest, Adopt-a-School Day, Night in Chinatown, Dragon Boat Festival, Miss Chinatown, and other member-driven projects. Through networking, socials, and team-building activities, HCJ members develop not only professional relationships but also lasting friendships. An organization of boundless opportunity, HCJ is the organization of choice for young people to improve their professional skills, assist the community, build relationships, and ensure Hawaii’s future with strong, young leaders.