Hawaiʻi Community College hosted its first E ʻImi Pono fundraiser on April 18, bringing together more than 100 supporters at the Manono campus. The event featured an evening of culinary experiences and community engagement aimed at supporting student learning and workforce training.
The fundraiser highlighted the college’s role in preparing students for careers on Hawaiʻi Island by connecting education with industry needs. Attendees included alumni, community leaders, donors, and partners who gathered to support opportunities for Hawaiʻi CC students.
Guests enjoyed a menu curated by Ryan Brannigan, executive chef of Hilo Benioff Medical Center, alongside Hawaiʻi CC culinary arts students and faculty. Dishes ranged from A5 Kagoshima Wagyu striploin with local mushroom risotto to oysters on the half shell and a sushi bar featuring Hokkaido uni and blue crab. Students also prepared 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 Chef Ryan Brannigan. “Food brings people together, but what makes this event special is the impact Hawaiʻi Community College has across the island. From workforce training to career pathways, the college is shaping our community in ways many people don’t always see—and it’s meaningful to be part of that.”
The event demonstrated collaboration among various programs at Hawaiʻi CC. Students and faculty from culinary arts, agriculture, welding, electrical installation and maintenance technologies, and carpentry contributed through sourcing ingredients or building infrastructure for the evening.
“E ʻImi Pono represents the spirit of Hawaiʻi Community College—collaboration, innovation and commitment to our students,” says Hawai‘i CC Chancellor Susan S. Kazama. “We are deeply grateful for the support that helps us continue building pathways to meaningful careers and stronger communities.”
Proceeds from E ʻImi Pono will go toward scholarships as well as equipment purchases and expanded training opportunities designed to help students meet local workforce needs.