by Hawaii Community College

HILO – The Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawai‘i has donated $10,000 to Hawai‘i Community College, funds that were raised during the 14th Annual “A Taste of Hilo” event last fall.

JCCIH members attended a luncheon on Tuesday, March 12 at HawCC’s fine dining restaurant, Bamboo Hale, where they presented a $10,000 ceremonial check to Hawai‘i Community College Chancellor Noreen Yamane.

“Over the years, donations from the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawai‘i have funded student scholarships and faculty enrichment, purchased valuable equipment, been used to beautify our campus, and more,” said Yamane. “We are incredibly grateful for their generosity and support.”

“A Taste of Hilo” is a popular local event that JCCIH has hosted annually for 14 years. The most recent event, in October 2012, was sold out and featured more than 30 food vendors.

At Tuesday’s luncheon, JCCIH members and HawCC administrators enjoyed a gourmet meal prepared by HawCC Culinary Arts students that included Orange Glazed Sticky Pork Ribs, Cucumbers and Hāmākua Pepiau Mushrooms, and Szechuan Stir Fried Green Beans, followed by homemade Ginger Ice Cream with Sesame Shortbread Cookies.

Keali‘i Lilly, a Hawai‘i Community College faculty member, also gave a presentation on the college’s Mala‘ai Garden, which was developed with the help of previous donations from JCCIH.

Jon Arizumi, JCCIH President, said one reason the organization supports higher education institutions like Hawai‘i Community College is so that “when students come out of college they are well-educated and ready for the workforce.”