What’s Cooking: Hawaii Restaurant Association prepares for Hall of Fame event

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaii’s restaurant industry is preparing to honor the culinary icons who have shaped local dining at an upcoming event next month.

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Mike Palmer, owner of Kuhio Avenue Food Hall, and Sheryl Matsuoka from the Hawaii Restaurant Association (HRA) joined HNN’s Sunrise Weekends to preview this year’s awards ceremony with a side of birria tacos.

The 18th annual Hall of Fame & Restaurant Industry Awards will induct individuals recognized for their dedication and commitment to the growth of the local restaurant and food service industry.

This year’s honorees include Maui restaurateur Caleb Hopkins, who is surviving and rebuilding after the Lahaina wildfires, along with local legends Gene Kaneshiro of the famous Columbia Inn and Dwight Otani of D. Otani Produce.

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“They’ve all contributed tremendously to Hawaiʻi’s food industry,” Matsuoka said. She added that the Hawaii Restaurant Association Educational Foundation supports culinary programs in 13 local high schools.

The awards ceremony will be held on Monday, Sept. 28, at the Sheraton Waikiki. Registration and cocktails begin at 5 p.m., followed by a dine-around at 6 p.m., and the Hall of Fame program at 6:45 p.m.

A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit students through the educational foundation.

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To register, visit the Hawaii Restaurant Association website.