The Hawaii Restaurant Association will induct 10 industry professionals into its Hall of Fame this month.
The inductees include chefs, restaurateurs, executives and other industry representatives. They will be recognized at a gala from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Sheraton Waikiki.
“The inductees are select individuals who have demonstrated dedication and commitment to the growth of the restaurant and food service industry in Hawaii, contributed to the enhancement of its quality and image,
and demonstrated service through outreach,” HRA said in a statement.
Hawaii restaurant industry during the Covid pandemic as leaders, change makers and innovators as we faced uncharted territory and emerged stronger as an industry than ever before,” the association said.
The honorees include six “Pandemic Champions:”
Denise Hayashi-Yamaguchi – CEO of the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, and executive director of the Hawaii Agricultural Foundation
Victor Lim – owner/operator with McDonald’s Corporation Greg Maples – vice president of culinary services at Polynesian Cultural Center, and chairman of the Hawaii Restaurant Association
Amanda Corby Noguchi – owner of Under My Umbrella Inc., and co-owner of Pili Group
Mark Noguchi – co-owner of Pili Group, and food and sustainability curriculum specialist at
Punahou School
Ryan Tanaka – principal and CFO of KAI Hawaii, president of Island Business Management, and co-owner of Giovanni Pastrami
Another four are being inducted into the Hall of Fame as “Industry Advocates:”
Gwen Yamamoto-Lau – executive director of the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority
Representative Sylvia Luke – chairperson of the state House Committee on Finance
Sheryl Matsuoka – executive director of the Hawaii Restaurant Association
Sherry Menor-McNamara – president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii
“The Hawaii Restaurant Association is excited to honor these inductees and we look forward to celebrating the many achievements they have contributed to the restaurant and food service industry,” HRA stated.
For more information and to purchase tickets to the event, visit hawaiirestaurant.org. (Feb. 23 is the last day to purchase tickets.)
A portion of the proceeds from the gala will go to the Hawaii Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, the nonprofit arm of HRA that focuses on workforce development.
Christina O’Connor
Reporter
Pacific Business News
