Senate Introduces National Hawaiian Foods Week

The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution designating the week beginning June 12 as National Hawaiian Foods Week. Introduced by Senator Brian Schatz (D) of Hawaii and co-sponsored by Senators Mazie Hirono (D) of Hawaii, and Johnny Isakson (R) and David Perdue (R) both of Georgia. The week honors Hawaii's contributions to the culinary heritage of the United States and raises awareness of Hawaiian foods.

"We're grateful for the opportunity to introduce Hawaii's favorite dishes to the rest of the country," says Senator Schatz. "Sharing the foods we've grown up with is integral to sharing the very culture of our state."

Hawaiian cuisine is characterized by a unique fusion of flavors from French Polynesia, China, Japan, Portugal, Korea, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Samoa and others. During National Hawaiian Foods Week, the public will be encouraged to experience these distinctive flavor combinations.

Across the country, retailers will recognize Hawaiian Foods Week with special in-store merchandising, promotions, information and recipes that seek to celebrate the rich, diverse food culture found in the Aloha State. The public will have the chance to learn about the cultural and culinary significance behind some of Hawaii's favorite food brands, with King's Hawaiian, Dole, Mauna Loa, Kona Brewing Company and SPAM participating in special grocery store promotions.

"We appreciate the Senate for recognizing the irresistible cuisine and culture of Hawaii on a national level," says Mark Taira, CEO of King's Hawaiian, a national food company founded in Hilo Hawaii in 1950 with bakeries in California and, since 2011, also in Georgia where they have created nearly 600 new jobs. "We're committed to doing everything we can to support this movement, which will provide greater visibility and success to Hawaiian food manufacturing, agriculture and culinary industries."