Destination Hawaii: Creating Our Food, Investing in Our People, Strengthening Our Communities

Our annual gala “Destination Hawaii” was held on September 8, 2011 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort and Spa.  This fundraising dinner featured entertainment by Michael Pili Pang’s Hula Halau Ka No’eau and Marlene Sai.  The featured speaker, Frances Moore Lappe, spoke of the importance of the localization of food systems and how Hawaii is the model environment for this to happen.  A highlight of the evening was the gastronomic menu prepared by our local chefs - Ed Kenney, Chef Mavro, and Jeff Vigilla who used local products in their dishes.  They also spoke on how chefs may play a role in leading the movement for local food systems. 

The evening was attended by a wide range of 300 guests including Governor Neil Abercrombie and former Governor Linda Lingle, small farmers, agribusinesses, and those who support economic development in the state.  FTHF spoke of the current wave of projects that help to increase the production and consumption of local food and how FTHF is partnering to provide capital and networks to join the movement.

FTHF asked the audience to join in making the slogan, Local Food for Local Consumption, into a reality.  We also asked the audience to imagine that no one in Hawaii goes hungry.  That every person, every child has sufficient food.  Food that does no harm to the environment.  Food that is healthy, culturally diverse, affordable and accessible to all communities.  Food that harnesses local entrepreneurship and provides liveable wages.  Food that brings together individuals, families and whole communities.