Jodie Chiemi Ching
HONOLULU, HI – On Thursday, June 27 the Culinary Institute of the Pacific at Kapi‘olani Community College unveiled a groundbreaking and historical collaboration with the Culinary Institute of America, the world’s premier culinary college, in a formal press conference co-hosted by the Hawaiʻi Ag & Culinary Alliance that welcomed CIA leadership to the Diamond Head campus. The two institutions announced the launch of their joint workforce and professional development program earlier this year.
“This initiative marks a pivotal moment in creating a world-class culinary institute in Hawai‘i,” said Chef Roy Yamaguchi, Director of the Culinary Institute of the Pacific. “We are excited to collaborate with CIA to create a workforce development program that is uniquely rooted in our cuisine and culture, ensuring the talent pipeline in the islands remains robust for years to come.” The program — designed to elevate the skills of both professional chefs and those aspiring to join the foodservice and hospitality workforce — will offer 5-day culinary intensives that highlight the use of Hawai‘i-sourced ingredients in global cuisines, plant-forward cooking, and contemporary culinary techniques beginning with ʻĀina-based Mediterranean Cooking and Pacific Rim Plant Forward Cooking this fall.
Participants will receive a certificate of completion from both CIA and CIP, complete with continuing education hours and a digital badge. The introduction of these specialized classes for industry professionals is just the beginning for expanding CIP’s educational repertoire, which plans to offer a total of 24 cohorts of the CIA-backed curriculum over the course of three years. “Our collaboration with CIP represents a significant investment in Hawai‘i’s culinary future and demonstrates our commitment to building upon the college’s legacy, reputation, and alumni network here in the Pacific,” shared Michiel Bakker, CIA president-elect. “We bring a track record of culinary excellence around the world, having established successful culinary institutions in regions that have seen transformative economic growth and community development, using education as a magnet for tourism and hospitality.”
Producing highly skilled chefs and hospitality professionals trained to meet the needs of the tourism industry will enhance the overall visitor experience and drive economic growth and development for the state. Last year, CIP secured $2 million in funding through the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism and the Hawai‘i State Legislature for the collaboration with CIA.
Hawai‘i Tourism Authority will support the inaugural program offerings by providing full tuition scholarships for 32 industry professionals to participate in the first two cohorts this September, according to HTA Board Chair Mufi Hanneman. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, demonstrate at least three years of culinary experience in the kitchen of a hotel, resort or restaurant, and be a Hawai‘i State Resident. Applications are closed for ʻĀina-based Mediterranean Cooking (Sept. 16-20, 2024) or Pacific Rim Plant Forward Cooking (Sept. 23-27, 2024.)
Following the announcement, invited guests enjoyed a private reception featuring renowned chef alumni from both institutions with connections to Hawai‘i. CIA graduates Ki Chung, Bar Maze; Michelle Karr-Ueoka, MW Restaurant; Andrew Le, The Pig and the Lady; Mark Noguchi, The Pili Group; Thomas Wong, CIA Copia; and Roy Yamaguchi, Roy Yamaguchi Group of Restaurants were joined by Kapi‘olani Community College alumni Keaka Lee, Kapa Hale; Robynne Mai‘i, Fête; Jason Peel, Nami Kaze; and Alan Wong, Alan Wong Restaurants to celebrate their culinary education at these leading institutions.
On Nov. 9, the Hawai‘i Ag & Culinary Alliance will host Global Culinary Finesse, Celebrating the Rise of World-Class Chefs at Halekulani during the Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival with an impressive lineup of culinary luminaries and alumni of CIP and CIA. All proceeds from the hallmark event will benefit CIP to help sustain the collaboration between the two institutions.
For more information on the CIP x CIA collaboration, Workforce Development Programs, scholarship opportunities and campus updates, please visit culinaryinstitute.hawaii.edu.
