J. F. C. Hagens, President of the Honolulu Chamber of Commerce during the U.S. declaration of war, played a central role in uniting the business community behind the war effort. Under his leadership, the Chamber passed a strong resolution of support for President Wilson and Congress. Hagens encouraged commercial cooperation with federal authorities, promoted patriotic economic measures, and helped ensure Hawaii’s business sector would adapt to wartime conditions. His remarks at the Chamber’s war meeting reflected the community’s resolve to contribute not just with words, but with action.
