This year marks an important milestone—the 50th anniversary of the University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges! A special 50th Anniversary Gala Celebration will be held on November 14 at Dole Cannery’s Pomaikaʻi Ballrooms, doors will open at 5:30 p.m.
The gala will pay special tribute to two visionaries—Governor John A. Burns and the first Vice President for Community Colleges Richard Kosaki—who were instrumental in creating the UH Community Colleges.
Additionally, the 50th anniversary commemorative award, or “50 finest” award, will recognize individuals, programs and services that have made outstanding contributions in service of the growth, innovation and success of the community colleges. Meet the 50 Finest.
The gala will feature 13 live-action culinary stations hosted by Hawaiʻi’s top culinary chefs in partnership with UH Community Colleges culinary arts students and faculty.
Guest chefs
- Alexander Amorin (Kapiʻolani CC): executive chef, Duke’s Canoe Club, Kalapaki Beach, Kauaʻi
- Jake Belmonte (UH Maui College): chef instructor, Maui Culinary Academy, University of Hawaiʻi Maui College
- Ron de Guzman (Leeward CC): executive chef, Stage Restaurant
- Royden Ellamar (Hawaiʻi CC): executive chef, Sensi at Bellagio
- Colin Hazama: senior executive sous chef, Sheraton Waikīkī
- Scotty Hiraishi (Hawaiʻi CC): executive chef and managing partner, Feeding Leaf
- Stanton Ho (Kapiʻolani CC): pastry chef consultant, private consultant
- Curtis Horka (Kauaʻi CC): executive chef, Honolulu Coffee Company
- Jason Ichiki (Leeward CC): executive chef, Roy’s Restaurant Waikīkī
- Ryan Loo (Kapiʻolani CC): executive chef, Westin Moana Surfrider
- Santa Miyoshi: chef owner, Tokkuri Tei Restaurant
- Travis Morrin (UH Maui College): chef owner, Three’s Bar and Grill Maui
- Wade Ueoka (Kapiʻolani CC): chef owner, MW Restaurant
The celebration will also features entertainment provided by the talented students and alumni from the UH Community Colleges.
Ticket information
Tickets can be purchased through the University of Hawaiʻi Community College’s website. Tickets are $55 per person. Those planning to attend as part of a group are encouraged to purchase a table (12 seats per table) to ensure that the group is seated together.
For more event details, visit the UH Community Colleges 50th Anniversary Gala Celebration website.
