The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaii donated $10,000 to Hawaii Community College in March during a mahalo luncheon at the Manono campus in Hilo.
The donation was made using proceeds from the 20th annual A Taste of Hilo event last fall and continues a long tradition of support from the Japanese chamber for HCC. JCCIH has donated nearly $200,000 to the college during the past two decades, supporting more than 126 students with scholarships and merit awards.
“JCCIH deserves a huge round of applause for the significant impact you’ve had on the lives of our students,” said HCC Chancellor Rachel Solemsaas.
A Taste of Hilo has become a local tradition that showcases dozens of the island’s tastemakers and beverage purveyors each year. Attendees enjoy sweet and savory delights created by chefs, restaurants and patisseries, and sample locally crafted beer, wine and sake.
The mahalo luncheon was hosted at the on-campus Bamboo Hale fine dining restaurant and was prepared by students in the HCC culinary arts program.