For more than 25 years, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Hawaiʻi (JCCIH) has been a steadfast supporter of Hawaiʻi Community College’s culinary program through its signature fundraiser, “A Taste of Hilo.”
I thought I couldn’t teach or lead a team, but this program has shown me what I’m capable of.
—Marielle Acupan
This event has generated more than $200,000 in scholarships and program development funds, offering students invaluable hands-on experience and a chance to shine.
This year, 20 culinary students received $500 scholarships from JCCIH, empowering them to pursue their dreams. Among them are Casey Chow and Marielle Acupan, whose inspiring journeys highlight the program’s life-changing impact.
Casey Chow: Finding the fun
Casey Chow’s third try at college has proved to be the charm. After two previous attempts—one in pre-med and the other in information technology—he found himself working at Domino’s Pizza, where he fell in love with the fast-paced nature of food service. An injury sidelined him, but also inspired a new beginning at Hawaiʻi CC.
“I didn’t realize how fun cooking could be,” Chow said. “The instructors here are amazing; they encourage questions and foster growth.”
Receiving a JCCIH scholarship has been transformative.
“I’m paying for this semester out of pocket,” he said. “The scholarship monies mean a lot. It’s the extra breathing room I need. This program is life-changing for myself and my family.”
Marielle Acupan: Turning passion into purpose
Marielle Acupan initially felt pressured to pursue nursing, however, her love for cooking, nurtured through family holidays and online inspiration from chefs in the Philippines to Gordon Ramsay, guided her toward culinary arts.
Overcoming self-doubt, she enrolled at Hawaiʻi CC, where she found a supportive network and honed her skills.
“The friends I made keep me going,” she said. “I thought I couldn’t teach or lead a team, but this program has shown me what I’m capable of.”
The scholarship is a big help as Acupan eyes graduation in spring 2025.
“When I started college, I was worried about the financial burden on my parents,” she said. “This scholarship lightened that load and reminded me that others believe in me too.”
