SUPPORTING LOCAL AGRICULTURE

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Produced by Amy Hammond of Special Events Hawaii, this event was the brainchild of Amy Hammond and Joanna Carolan founder and owner of Bananna Patch Studio and Aloha Spice Company and well-known fine artist.  The two wanted to create and event so they could spend more creative time together as well as support economic development in Hanapepe.  

The event was held in the Hanapepe Park for 6 years under many tents, utilizing the community stage and bringing in all of the supporting essential amenities including restrooms and electrical to name a few.  Although the venue was humble, the event was the 2019 WINNER OF THE BEST TOURISM EVENT ~ HERITAGE AND CULTURE DIVISION from the Hawai'i Hospitality and Lodging Association.  

During COVID, the event pivoted to be a virtual festival to continue the momentum of the event.  Once public events were allowed to resume the team wanted to accommodate the demand for more guests.  In 2023, the event successfully moved to Kilohana Plantation from Hanapepe.  The new location at Kilohana Plantation allowed for everything to be elevated including higher caliber performers such as Amy Hanaialiʻi and Kauaʻi Kollab while partnering with the Harvest Festival.  In 2024 Kala Foundation was brought in as the benefactor replacing the Hanapepe Economic Alliance since the event was moved from Hanapepe. Kala Foundation contributed toward our efforts to promote our award winning cultural focus.  In 2026 we partnered with Mālama Kauaʻi whose mission is focused on increasing local food production and access for a resliient Kauaʻi since 2006.

The founding members included:

Judith Page, Past President, Hanapepe Economic Alliance.  Retired office manager for nearly 30 years, with experience coordinating a wide range of volunteers and various community organizations. Judith was the previous owner of the Hanapepe Design Studio, a small gallery, and now is part owner of Little Fish Coffee, both in Hanapepe Town. At the University of California, Judith served as chair of the United Way campaign, as an officer in the 10-campus staff, and as an organizer of a women employee annual retreat. She also served for 11 years as an officer and registrar for an adult soccer league, a non-profit California corporation.  

Joanna Carolan, previous owner of Bananna Patch Studio and Aloha Spice Company as well as HEA Treasurer for the 17 years. Joanna Carolan was a founding member and assisted in coordinating the Kauaʻi Orchid & Art Festival, an annual event in Hanapepe for the past 11 years, which promotes Kauai grown orchids.  

Amy Hammond, president of Special Events Hawaii, Inc. Special Events Hawaii, Inc. is a full-service promotional company. Amy Hammond of Special Events Hawaiʻi has been a leading force in Hawaiʻi’s event industry for over 32 years. As one of the state’s premier producers of large-scale community events, Special Events Hawaiʻi is recognized for its outstanding execution and deep community impact. The organization has produced and coordinated some of Hawaiʻi’s most beloved and well-attended events, including: Made in Hawaiʻi Festival (1994–2020), Virtual Made in Hawaiʻi Festival and On-Line Marketplace (2020) as well as coordinated events such as the 2023–2025 Hawaiʻi ʻUkulele Festival, Hawaiʻi Book and Music Festival (2009–2024), Best of Honolulu Festival, Hawaiʻi Chocolate Festival (2011–2018), City and County of Honolulu Mango Jam, “I Love Kailua” Town Party (2001–2026), ESPN Hawaiʻi Sports Festival (2019), Kauaʻi Chocolate & Coffee Festival (2018–2026), Kauaʻi ʻUkulele Festival ( 2023 - 2026), ʻUkulele Festival Hawaiʻi (2017–2019), Goodwill Goes Glam Gala (2019–2026), Mele Kalikimaka Marketplace (2017–2026), Hawaiʻi Restaurant Association Food Service Expo (2025) and more. 

Additional Committee Members Included:

Greg Askew currently retired on Kauai providing non-profit organizations with free marketing and fund raising services.    Greg was previously President of Deep Harbor, Inc.  Deep Harbor was focused on business opportunities and real estate investments in the Hawaiian Islands.  In December 2013, Greg's company became Kauai's exclusive distributor of the Big Green Egg brand of kamado style cookers & accessories.  In March 2014, Deep Harbor signed an agreement with OnoPops LLC to manufacture & distribute OnoPops brand gourmet popsicles on the island of Kaua'i.  OnoPops were available at over 40 Kauai retail locations.  In March 2020, the Big Green Egg business was closed.  In April 2022 assets of the OnoPops business were sold to Shaka Pops Kauai.

Randall Francisco, former president of the Kauaʻi Chamber of Commerce and coordinator of such popular events like the Matsuori Festival.

2019 HAWAII LODGING & TOURISM AWARDS