Chefs Mark Noguchi and Vince McCarthy team up

WAIMEA — Residents who want to protect the land on the Big Island can put their money where their mouth is on Dec. 9 at the Hawaii Island Pa’ina fundraiser at Merriman’s in Waimea. Money raised will support Hawaiian Islands Land Trust (HILT), a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting land in Hawaii.

The benefit will celebrate the aina and conservation work HILT has accomplished since founded in 2011. Funds are needed for operational support to ensure their work can continue.

Showing his philanthropic interest in the cause, Peter Merriman is donating the space at his flagship restaurant, staff, and food and beverage at cost. He chose Oahu Chef Mark “Gooch” Noguchi as the guest chef for the farm-to-table dinner, who will be working in the kitchen alongside Merriman’s Chef Vince McCarthy.

“I love everything I’ve ever tasted that Gooch has cooked,” Merriman said.

Merriman also serves on the HILT board, for good reason.

“I first joined the board after reading that the Maui Coastal Land Trust had purchased 260 acres oceanfront in Waihee. The light went off in my head. There are no losers, and a big piece of makai land is protected forever,” he said.

Merriman is also providing the location for a second HILT fundraising dinner at his namesake restaurant in Poipu on Kauai Dec. 18.

He one of the original 12 founding chefs of Hawaii regional cuisine. In 2011, Merriman and the other Hawaii Regional Cuisine chefs were inducted to the Hawaii Restaurant Association Hall of Fame.

Tickets to Hawaii Island Pa’ina are $100 per person. Tables for 10 persons are also available for purchase. Groups of 10 tickets or less purchased together will automatically be seated together.

Tickets: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/bgZ8un1DiQulc06CdHWrlA

Info: 885-6822