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News Release

September 29, 2007
Lots of healthy food, fun and festivities at HMSA Island Fresh Festival

Laura Lott
(808) 952-7566

Several thousand families came to Kakaako Gateway Park today to participate in the second annual HMSA Island Fresh Festival. The festival featured a full day of healthy food, fun and festivities for the whole family. From keiki to kupuna, there was something for everyone, including lots of delicious, locally grown produce. A portion of the event proceeds went to support Lanakila’s Meals on Wheels Program.

The HMSA Island Fresh Festival featured healthy cooking demonstrations by local chefs, a farmers’ market, a variety of food booths, and ongoing entertainment on stage. Chefs included Frank Chun from Xpress Chefs, Jiva Segaran from India Café, Angie Koclanes from Umeke Market Natural Foods & Deli, Rebecca Robison from Licious Dishes, and Teddy Wells from Tropical Smoothie Café.

The festival featured a Keiki Pavilion with games, physical activities and the TumbleBus. Thanks to Sugarland Farms, kids also participated in a watermelon eating contest. Health information was available from the American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, Coalition for a Drug-Free Hawaii, HMSA Health Education and Preventive Services, Just Add Water, Kokua Hawaii Foundation, Lanakila Rehabilitation Center, National Kidney Foundation, The Waikiki Worm Company, and YMCA.

Entertainment was provided by a variety of local groups, including Bellydance by Shadiya, Gee Yung International Martial Arts and Lion Dance, Hot Salsa Hawaii, Jazzercise Aiea, Taiko Center of the Pacific Youth Group, Tau Dance Theatre, and Tiare Apetahi.

The purpose of the HMSA Island Fresh Festival is to encourage families to eat a healthy, nutritious diet. Attendees tasted and learned about locally grown produce and how to include more fresh fruits and vegetables in their diets.

The HMSA Island Fresh Festival was supported by Aloun Farms, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, Department of Agriculture, and Pacific Handcrafters Guild.

HMSA is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

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