In this episode of FEAST: Dish & Dialogue, Hawai‘i-based leaders come together to explore how food systems can better serve communities across the islands.

Moderated by Jayson Watts, Director of Environmental Health & Safety at Mahi Pono, the panel features Rona Fukumoto (Lanakila Pacific), Gary Maunakea-Forth (MAO Organic Farms), Robin Kumabe (Touch A Heart), and First Lady Jaime Green.

Together, they discuss how agriculture, culinary training, and social enterprise can work in tandem to address food access, create economic opportunity, and build more resilient local systems. From workforce development to community-driven initiatives—including the State’s Nourishing Hawaiʻi’s Future and Feeding Hawaiʻi’s Keiki programs—the conversation highlights the power of collaboration in transforming Hawai‘i’s food landscape.

Recorded live at the FEAST Summit during the Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival, this episode explores how locally rooted solutions—grounded in care, culture, and connection—are helping to shape a more equitable and sustainable food future for Hawai‘i.

In this episode of FEAST: Dish & Dialogue, Michael Curtin, CEO of DC Central Kitchen, explores how food can serve as a catalyst for social change.

As communities across the country confront challenges around food access, workforce development, and economicinequality, Curtin shares a powerful perspective on how food systems can be reimagined to create opportunity. Drawing from DC Central Kitchen’s nationally recognized model, he highlights how culinary training, job creation, and community-based food programs can transform lives while strengthening local economies.

Rather than viewing food solely as a service, Curtin reframes it as a tool for systems change—addressing root causes of hunger while building more resilient and equitable communities.

Recorded live at the FEAST Summit during the Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival, this conversation explores how food, when rooted in purpose, can drive lasting impact across communities.

In this episode of FEAST: Dish & Dialogue, hospitality leaders come together to explore the evolving future of tourism in Hawai‘i and beyond.

Moderated by James Tokioka, Director of the Hawai‘iDepartment of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, the panel features Kūhiō Lewis (Hawaiian Council), Aaron Salā (Hawai‘i Visitors & Convention Bureau), Elliot Mills (Hawai‘i Hospitality Group), and Peter Shaindlin (Halekulani).

Together, they discuss how the industry is shifting beyond traditional models of growth — redefining luxury through sustainability, cultural authenticity, and deeper community connection. From balancing visitor demand with local impact to creating more meaningful, place-based experiences, the conversation highlights what it takes to build a more responsible and resilient tourism model.

Recorded live at the FEAST Summit during the Hawai‘i Food& Wine Festival, this episode explores how hospitality leaders are rethinking the visitor experience — and how culinary, culture, and community shape the future of destination identity.