The Maui News

WAILUKU–Paul Hochul Kang, Founder, President and CEO of Island Vintage Coffee Corp., has been named this year’s “Korean Entrepreneur of the Year” by the Hawaii Korean Chamber of Commerce (“HKCC”), announced Gina Kim Nakamura, HKCC President. Kang will be presented the prestigious award at the 20th Annual Korean Festival on August 3rd, at 12 p.m., at Kakaako Mauka Park. Governor Josh Green and Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi will join Nakamura and Kang for the award ceremony.

The “Korean Entrepreneur of the Year” is a project of HKCC and honors business owners who demonstrate excellence and achievement in the business community.

“Paul was a very easy choice for this year’s award as he has made Island Vintage Coffee one of the most successful and well-known restaurant brands over the past 28 years, not only in Hawaii, but around the world,” said Nakamura. “Paul has also been a leader in promoting and supporting local farmers who provide the ingredients for his farm-to-table menu of fresh food and beverages served at all of his establishments.”

“I am very humbled by this honor and truly grateful to the Hawaii Korean Chamber of Commerce for this award,” said Kang. “I am a proud Korean-American, and feel so fortunate to be able to work hard and build my dream here in Hawaii. I will continue to work hard every day to serve our kamaaina and visitors the best quality food and drinks made with locally-sourced ingredients.”

In addition to the award presentation, the 20th Annual Korean Festival will feature an exciting weekend of food, fun and entertainment! On Friday, August 2nd, Korean film “Night of the Assassin,” featuring South Korean movie star Shin Hyun Joon, will screen at Consolidated Ward Theatres at 6pm, followed by a meet-and-greet with the popular actor. On Saturday, August 3rd, Kakaako Mauka Park will be the site of the all-day festival, 10am-6pm, featuring live entertainment by Spia!–a K-Pop Girl Group from Korea – and others, a K-Pop dance audition, food and beverage, a general store, and much more! For more details and parking information, please visit https://www.hawaiikoreanchamber.org/festival-2024.

Since 1940, the Hawaii Korean Chamber of Commerce (HKCC) has worked to fulfill the goals and purposes of supporting the Korean-Americans in Hawaii and its business community. HKCC continues its mission to perpetuate goodwill among the Korean community and make life better for Koreans in Hawaii and abroad. HKCC is a member of the Affiliated Chambers and Business Organizations Council of Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii; Korean-American Chamber of Commerce, USA; and has sister chamber relations with Incheon Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Kyoto Korean Chamber of Commerce. For more information, please visit www.hawaiikoreanchamber.org.