IN THIS ISSUE, WE ARE SWITCHING UP OUR NOTABLE SECTION TO HONOR THE WINNERS OF THE 2011 LOCAL HERO AWARDS. I ASKED EACH OF THEM FOR A STATEMENT AFTER THEY FOUND OUT THEY HAD WON. I HOPE YOU WILL SUPPORT THEIR EFFORTS, VISIT THEM AND CONGRATULATE THEM. –ALOHA, GLORIA
CHEF/RESTAURANT: ED KENNY, (TOWN/DOWNTOWN) O`AHU

Gloria, I truly appreciate all that your publication does to promote and support locally grown/produced foods in Hawai`i.

“While building TOWN almost six years ago, I recall wondering if people would ‘get it’. Would the community appreciate our mission to support local farmers, our simple ingredient-driven food, and our changed-daily menu that reflects only those ingredients that are at their peak? Today I relish in the reality that TOWN has been embraced by our guests as a leader in the local food movement and more importantly, as a vital member of the Kaimuki community. I’d like to express my appreciation to the informed readers of Edible Hawaiian Islands for voting for us. Thanks for ‘getting it’.” - Ed Kenney www.townkaimuki.com

FARM/FARMER: COASTVIEW AQUAPONICS, HAWAI`I ISLAND

Coastview Aquaponics is honored to receive a “Local Hero” award from Edible Hawaiian Islands. Being recognized by our customers at such an early stage in our small farm’s growth is an incredible honor and brings us great satisfaction knowing our hard work is appreciated.

We are a neighborhood aquaponics farm dedicated to providing our community with quality, affordable, fresh produce and aquaponics education. Our produce is grown in an organic and sustainable way. Aquaponics is a combination of aquaculture and hydroponics. The fish provide the fertilizer for the plants and the plants clean the water for the fish.

Our mission is to give everyone the opportunity to eat fresh, local produce. We offer free farm tours to the public and hope that by educating people about aquaponics and its sustainability we can inspire them to grow more of their own food. Www.coastviewaquaponics.com

GOURMET/RETAIL: JIM MOFFAT, (LIVING FOODS MARKET), KAUA`I

Aloha Gloria,

First let me say it is an honor to be awarded a “Local Hero” Award and thank you for providing the format for the community to speak. Your Magazine is always a delight and we love being a part of it. Like the market itself, the magazine allows us to showcase the glorious produce our small local farmers grow and it helps tell the story of our commitment to support the small independent farmers on our Islands.

The Goal of “Living Foods Market “ was to offer more healthy food choices to our community and begin the process of teaching our kids & community the benefits of eating locally & seasonally, and that by getting to know where your food comes from you are creating a connection with your community and supporting local business, not to mention gaining the benefits of eating healthier & better tasting food.

We would like to thank the community of Kaua`i for opening there hearts to us. We love our jobs and are honored to being part of this magical place.

Mahalo, Jim Moffat www.restaurantbaracuda.com

FOOD ARTISAN: MAUI BREWING COMPANY

Aloha Gloria,

We’re proud to be selected by our community for this award. Our company is committed to brewing worldclass beers with respect for the environment, our community, and it’s people. We believe in integrity and for us that means brewing everything in Hawaii, minimizing waste and adhering to strict green initiatives. Mahalo to Hawai`i and its people for their love and support. Www.mauibrewingco.com

FOOD ARTISAN: NAKED COW DAIRY, O`AHU

Thank you Gloria,

Naked Cow Dairy is a small but unique business in Hawai`i. We are working on developing a small but sustainable Dairy Farm, with very little reliance on mainland feed or input.

We have established a market for locally produced gourmet butter and soft cheeses. We are adding to our line of handmade dairy products to include yogurt, buttermilk, hard cheeses and eventually reusable glass bottled “Cream Top” milk.

We are so grateful that our community has supported our efforts in bringing back the small family style dairy farm, and who appreciates our hand crafted unique flavors of butter.

Mahalo for all of you who support farmers like us! Www.nakedcowdairy.com

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION: MALAMA KAUA`I

“Mahalo to the people of Hawai`i for supporting us so that we might win this most distinguished award. Malama Kaua`i remains committed to increasing the production and consumption of local food. From the school garden network, to the community gardens to our volunteer food planting and harvesting programs, its all about people and food. A special thanks to Edible Hawaiian Islands Magazine, for providing a space for the community to speak on mea`ai, that which feeds us. Aloha!” www.malamakauai.org