‘A Taste of Hilo’ serves up $10K for Hawaiʻi CC culinary program

After raising money through an annual fundraiser, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawai‘i donated $10,000 to the Hawai‘i Community College’s Culinary Arts Program for about for 20 student scholarships.

Attendees of the annual “A Taste of Hilo” fundraiser enjoy a wide variety of dishes and drinks provided by Hawaiʻi Island’s finest food purveyors and culinary students, who are gaining valuable experience in the process.

“When I started college, I was worried about the financial burden on my parents,” said Marielle Acupan, a scholarship recipient. “This scholarship lightened that load and reminded me that others believe in me too.”

The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry has donated more than $200,000 to Hawaiʻi Community College over the past 25 years through “A Taste of Hilo,” benefiting students in culinary and other trade programs.

“The scholarship support from Japanese Chamber of Commerce allows our students to pursue their education with fewer financial barriers and empowers our students to focus on their learning,” said Chancellor Susan Kazama. “This partnership fosters future leaders that will serve our Hawaiʻi community for years to come.”

As part of the presentation, Japanese Chamber of Commerce representatives experienced the talents of Hawaiʻi Community College’s second-year culinary students with lunch at the college’s Bamboo Hale restaurant.

“For more than two decades, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaiʻi has been committed to empowering students with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed,” said Japanese Chamber of Commerce President Ka‘iu Kimura. “Together, we are investing in the future of our community and nurturing the next generation of culinary leaders.”.”

Find out more about Hawai‘i Community College Program at hawaii.hawaii.edu/culinary.