HLA Committees

Get Involved.
Make an Impact.

HLA's committees are where ideas become action. Whether you're interested in advocacy, professional development, community engagement, conference planning, communications, or something else, serving on a committee is one of the best ways to contribute to Hawaiʻi's library community while building new skill sets and professional connections.

Explore HLA’s committees below to learn more about their focus and whether they are currently accepting new members. Email [email protected] to inquire about joining an open committee.

Committee Name	Description	Chair(s)	Accepting?
Advocacy Webpage	The HLA Advocacy Committee plays a pivotal role in championing the cause of libraries and archives in Hawaiʻi. The committee focuses on fostering community support, cultivating strong relationships with stakeholders, and advocating for an enhanced and supportive landscape that empowers libraries to thrive and serve their communities effectively.	Meera Garud	Year-round
Archive	The HLA Archive Committee is dedicated to the preservation and organization of records that capture the rich history and evolution of the Association. Committed to ensuring the longevity and accessibility of archival materials, the committee plays a crucial role in safeguarding the institutional memory of HLA for future generations.	Tisha Aragaki	Not at this time
Awards, Development Professional Development Student Success	The HLA Development Awards Committee is responsible for overseeing and administering two annual financial awards: Professional Development Award and Student Success Award. The committee aims to empower individuals by providing financial resources that facilitate their professional growth, education, and contribution to the library community in Hawaiʻi.	Serina Kerbaugh	Not at this time
Community Engagement Webpage	The HLA Community Engagement Committee aims to cultivate a sense of community within both HLA membership and the wider public through a diverse array of events. By organizing activities such as story time sessions, movie nights, and author talks, the committee strives to nurture dialogue, promote literacy, and advance social justice initiatives. The committee’s overarching goal is to create inclusive spaces where all individuals can come together to learn, share, and grow.	Carina Chernisky, Jessica Hogan	Year-round
Conference Planning	The HLA Conference Planning Committee organizes a dynamic and engaging event that brings together members for collaboration, information sharing, and networking. Through thorough planning and coordination, the committee aims to create a meaningful experience that reflects the diverse interests and needs of the association's membership. The conference is held each year in either November or December and includes a meeting for membership.	Joy Oehlers, Kelly Ann Deluna Yamamoto	Year-round
Membership Webpage	The HLA Membership Committee maintains an accurate and up-to-date internal repository of member information.	Soledad Lencinas	Year-round
Mentoring Webpage	The HLA Mentoring Program Committee fosters professional growth by pairing mentors with mentees for a year-long collaboration. Through this initiative, junior professionals benefit from the guidance and expertise of their mentors. Overall, the mentoring program creates a supportive environment that enhances skills, knowledge, and career development within our local library community.	Jennifer Vinzons	Year-round
Newsletter Webpage	The HLA Newsletter Committee is dedicated to curating and publishing "Kolekole," the official tri-annual newsletter that serves as a vibrant platform for fostering connections and community among library and information professionals in Hawaiʻi. Kolekole celebrates achievements, showcases innovative projects, and disseminates valuable information.	Carina Chernisky, Margaret Joyce	Story submissions welcome
Next Steps	The HLA Next Steps Committee organizes a monthly virtual program series that investigates problem solving, neutrality, and other issues relevant to library and information professionals.	Gwen Sinclair	Year-round
Nominations & Elections	The HLA Nominations & Elections Committee is responsible for filling vacant Board positions through a transparent and democratic process. By soliciting nominations, organizing elections, and promoting member participation, the committee ensures a fair and inclusive representation within the association's leadership, fostering a dynamic and responsive governance structure.	Lea Domingo	Not at this time
Social Media	The HLA Social Media Committee enhances the association's online presence on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Through strategic content curation, regular updates, and interactive initiatives, the committee strives to connect, inform, and inspire members and the broader public.	Jennifer Vinzons	Year-round
Sustainability	The HLA Sustainability Committee promotes environmentally conscious practices within the association's activities and library programming. The committee actively contributes to fostering a greener and more environmentally responsible library community.	Erica Dias	Year-round
Website	The HLA Website Committee maintains the organization's digital presence through its official website. With a focus on user-friendly navigation and intuitive information organization, the committee ensures that the website serves as a dynamic and accessible hub for information, resources, and connectivity for members and the broader community.	Carina Chernisky	Not at this time