Steakhouse Plants Its Stake In Future Of KCC Culinary Program

At the $10,000 check presentation from Hy’s Steak House were (from left) UH Foundation development director Linh Hoang, KCC culinary chairman Ron Takahashi, Hy’s managing director Wakana Tabata, KCC dean Frank Haas and chef-instructor Grant Sato, who also coaches Team Hawaii and hosts the ‘What’s Cooking Hawaii’ TV show. Photo from UH Foundation.

Ten thousand dollars can go a long way, and Kapiolani Community College’s Culinary Arts Program intends to take a recent donation from Hy’s Steak House as far as it can.

“Private support like this gift from Hy’s Steak House are instrumental in the program’s continued excellence,” said Ronald Takahashi, chairman of the college’s Culinary Arts Department.

KCC’s accredited program has accumulated national praise for its achievements, including Exemplary Program status from the American Culinary Federation Educational Foundation in 2012 and a student team winning Best in the Nation at the American Culinary Federation’s 2009 competition.

“Thriving cities need thriving restaurants,” stated Wakana Tabata, managing director of the longtime, award-winning Waikiki eatery, which has supported the KCC effort in the past. “In order for a restaurant to do well, it needs trained, talented culinary professionals. This gift will help nurture the program that grows our local culinary stars.”

Additional support for culinary education on the East Oahu campus are always welcome. Visit uhfoundation.org/givetokcc or contact Linh Hoang at linh.hoang@uhfoundation.org or 734-9570.