MEDIA RELEASE

Readers of Edible Hawaiian Islands voted for The Kohala Center as their choice of “Best Nonprofit” in the publication’s seventh annual Local Hero Awards competition.

The awards program celebrates local heroes in 61 food communities in the United States and Canada. Readers nominate their favorite local heroes in categories such as Best Farm/Farmer, Best Chef/Restaurant, Best Food Shop, Best Food/Beverage, and Best Nonprofit Organization.

The Kohala Center received the most votes in the nonprofit category among Hawaii voters.

Other local winners honored in the magazine’s Spring 2013 issue include Piliani Kope Farm (Best Farm/Farmer), Ko (Best Chef/Restaurant), and Adoboloco (Best Food/Beverage) on Maui; and Island Naturals Markets (Best Food Shop) on Hawaii Island.

“The Kohala Center is humbled to be recognized by the Edible Hawaiian Islands community as a Local Hero,” said Matt Hamabata, The Center’s executive director. “We are honored to work with our community, school, university, and government partners and hundreds of volunteers to move Hawaii closer to greater food self-reliance, energy self-reliance, and ecosystem health. We are blessed to be given the opportunity to serve island communities and to care for the aina (land) that provides us with so much.”

Filled with engaging stories, enticing photography, and art, Edible Hawaiian Islands’ mission is to celebrate family farmers, bakers, fishermen, ranchers, poultry farmers, local chefs, and the rest of the community for their dedication to producing the highest-quality fresh and seasonal foods.

The magazine highlights efforts towards a safer and more sustainable food system in Hawaii.

A digital edition of the Spring 2013 issue of Edible Hawaiian Islands is available at: www.ediblecommunities.com/hawaiianislands

The Kohala Center is an independent, community-based center for research, education, and conservation. The Center was established in direct response to the request of island residents to create greater educational and employment opportunities by enhancing — and celebrating — Hawaii’s spectacular natural and cultural landscapes.

— Find out more:
www.kohalacenter.org