Less than a day after the August 8, 2023 wildfires, the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College culinary team launched an on-campus food hub, and ended up feeding thousands in the aftermath of the disaster. For their valiant and innovative efforts, they have been honored with the Governor’s Award for Distinguished State Service Team of the Year.
The award, announced by Gov. Josh Green on September 24, is for state executive branch employees who exemplify the highest caliber of public service and dedication to serving the people of Hawaiʻi.
- Related UH News story: UH Maui College culinary team’s fire relief efforts earn nomination for governor award, August 15, 2024
“Hoʻomaikaʻi to the UHMC culinary team,” Chancellor Lui Hokoana said. “I saw first hand how hard they worked and saw first hand their good work and the work of the hundreds of volunteers who provided thousands of meals for those impacted by the Maui wildfires. It brings joy to my naʻau knowing they are part of the UHMC ʻohana and of their commitment to the Maui community.”
Many were involved in the months-long food hub effort as the UH Maui culinary team worked with World Central Kitchen, Common Ground and Chef Hui and other organizations, along with community volunteers and others.
“This award is a testament to the belief that it truly takes a village,” said Peter Pak, UH Maui College’s culinary arts program director. “Our achievements are not solely our own; they are a reflection of the support and collaboration from our community and each other. Together, we have worked tirelessly to lift up and inspire those in need, especially in challenging times in the aftermath of the Lahaina wildfires. To be in the service of our community is not just a responsibility; it is a calling. We are grateful for the opportunity to make a difference, and we will continue to strive to encourage those around us.”
Finding education in resilience
As the 2023 fall semester started, instructors turned the crisis into an educational opportunity, creating a special Disaster Relief Food Preparation Experience (culinary arts) course. The eight-week course taught students about food production as they worked alongside industry chefs and instructors to create meals for distribution to displaced families and volunteers. Students earned credits toward their culinary arts degrees and learned invaluable life lessons.
Mark Malone, UH Maui College’s dining room service manager, designed the course and helped to monitor the students, some of whom were fire victims or had family members who were impacted.
“As a team, we all dropped what we were doing to provide an educational opportunity. As instructors at UHMC, student success is what we live, eat and breathe. It is a key ingredient of our culture—not only working together as a community but ensuring that our students persist,” Malone said. “At the time of the fire, the team went into recovery mode, taking care of the immediate need of the loss from the fire, and motivating each other to give back in a time of need. The course was designed to provide learning while doing. Until this day, we have many students that thank us for creating an opportunity designed to keep them focused on school, yet enriching their soul to not give up.”
Read more about the culinary team’s efforts during the wildfire tragedy
- UH Maui College serves as food preparation hub amidst wildfire tragedy, August 10, 2023
- UH Maui College culinary students pivot from food prep to packing produce, October 31, 2023
- From fire relief food hub to community gathering place, November 3, 2023
- UH Maui College culinary students distribute 1,600 produce boxes, more, December 12, 2023
- From crisis to classroom: Maui culinary student plays a lead role, April 28, 2024
