Hawaiʻi Community College celebrates success of inaugural E ʻImi Pono fundraiser

An evening of culinary excellence and community connection marked the launch of the first Hawaiʻi Community College E ʻImi Pono fundraiser.

The April 18 event highlighted the institution’s role in preparing the Big Island workforce and drew more than 100 supporters to the I Ola Nō Ke Kino Dining Room at the Manono campus in Hilo.

It brought together education and industry through a shared evening centered on student learning and real-world training, and was attended by alumni, community leaders, donors and partners in a shared commitment to advancing opportunities for Hawaiʻi Community College students.

Guests enjoyed an exceptional culinary experience led by featured chef Ryan Brannigan, executive chef at Hilo Benioff Medical Center, working alongside Hawaiʻi Community College culinary arts students and faculty.

The menu celebrated innovation and local flavors, with offerings such as A5 Kagoshima Wagyu striploin with local oyster and lion’s mane mushroom risotto, oysters on the half shell and a sushi bar featuring Hokkaido uni, ikura zuke, spot prawn and blue crab.

Student-prepared dishes included hamachi with ponzu, Korean pork lettuce wraps, lilikoi butter tarts and mini malasadas.

“It’s an honor to be part of the very first E ʻImi Pono,” said Brannigan in a college release following the fundraiser. “Food brings people together, but what makes this event special is the impact Hawaiʻi Community College has across the island.”

He added that from workforce training to career pathways, the institution is shaping the community in ways many people don’t always see — and it’s meaningful to be part of that.

The event also showcased collaborative strength of Hawaiʻi Community College programs.

Students and faculty from culinary arts, agriculture, welding, electrical installation and maintenance technologies as well as carpentry contributed to the event’s success — from sourcing ingredients to building event infrastructure — demonstrating the college’s integrated, hands-on approach to education.

“E ʻImi Pono represents the spirit of Hawaiʻi Community College — collaboration, innovation and commitment to our students,” said Hawai‘i Community College Chancellor Susan Kazama in the release. “We are deeply grateful for the support that helps us continue building pathways to meaningful careers and stronger communities.”

Proceeds from E ʻImi Pono support scholarships, equipment, supplies and expanded training opportunities to help students build career pathways and meet workforce needs of Hawaiʻi Island.