HONOLULU — Kauai will join other islands in showcasing businesses and industries with the “Hawaii to the Hill” event July 22-23, in Washington, D.C. “This ‘Hawaii on the Hill’ initiative is a great opportunity for Hawaii businesses and industries, and
HONOLULU — Kauai will join other islands in showcasing businesses and industries with the “Hawaii to the Hill” event July 22-23, in Washington, D.C.
“This ‘Hawaii on the Hill’ initiative is a great opportunity for Hawaii businesses and industries, and for the state as a whole, to share what makes our island state so special,” said Sherry Menor-McNamara, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii.
U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono is expected to participate as an honorable guest of the Hawaii Congressional Delegation for the “Taste of Hawaii.”
The event features the state’s food, culture and industries. The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii is leading this first-ever effort to bring “made-in-Hawaii” goods along with showcasing industries together for members of Congress, national association executives and other representatives.
Hirono said the Taste of Hawaii provides an opportunity to showcase the ingenuity of entrepreneurs and small business owners across the state and that it would help boost the economy.
“Neighbor islands are well represented by participating companies including Kauai Coffee Company, Big Island Ukulele and Kauai’s Salty Wahine Gourmet Hawaiian Sea Salts,” Hirono said. “I recently visited Hawaiian Chip Company on Oahu and learned they get their sweet potatoes and taro from farmers on Hawaii Island, Molokai and Oahu’s North Shore to produce their delicious chips. This business model demonstrates the interconnectedness of our island economy.”
Hawaii is more than a tourist destination, Hirono added. It is a gateway to the Asia-Pacific, an integral part of national security, and a leader in renewable energy innovation and agriculture.
Former Hawaii residents now living in the U.S. Capital are supporting the event by attending and donating Hawaii-style shave ice: Aloha Munchies Hawaiian Shave Ice. Local entertainers to attend include Aidan James, a 14-year-old ukulele player, and the Aloha Boys, former local entertainers living in McLean, Virginia.
“The Taste of Hawaii is an opportunity to showcase our state’s key industries and spirit of aloha on Capitol Hill, connecting leaders from Hawaii and Washington, D.C.,” said Hirono. “Mahalo to Chamber of Commerce Hawaii for working with me to turn this idea into reality.”
More than 25 businesses are expected to participate from industries of tourism, agriculture, research and technology, military and manufacturing.
The two-day agenda includes a “Talk Story” hosted by Hirono, along with chance to meet with Congressional committee members and Hawaii elected officials, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz and U.S. Reps. Colleen Hanabusa and Tulsi Gabbard.
There are 25 participating organizations and others donating products. The Kauai Chamber of Commerce, along with the county, the Kauai Economic Development Board and Kauai Visitors Bureau, are leading the delegation.
“I think it’s a great idea to bring the Hawaiian Islands together in Washington, D.C., and share the unique and wonderful products available throughout our neighbor islands,” said Sue Kanoho, KVB executive director. “The KVB sent travel planners and maps, along with promotional items, to support the Kauai message within the Hawaii message.”
Other Kauai businesses expected include Kauai Kookie Company and Koloa Rum.
Laura Cristobal Andersland, owner of Salty Wahine Gourmet Hawaiian Sea Salts in Hanapepe, said she has participated in many trade shows and fairs across the Nation including Philadelphia and New York City.
“Although we have experience with events similar to Taste of Hawaii in D.C., this is the first time we are participating in an event focused on stimulating Hawaii’s business economy and culture at this caliber,” she said.
