TV Series “SEARCH Hawaiʻi, Where Food Meets Culture” Nominated for Two Emmys

(L to R) SEARCH Hawaii’s Chef Mike Lofaro and Kainoa Horcajo of Maui lead us on a search to fish, hunt, forage and gather ingredients all over the Hawaiian islands for their dinner based on the Hawaiian Moon Calendar.

The locally produced TV series, “SEARCH Hawaiʻi, Where Food Meets Culture” received two Emmy Nominations at 45th Annual Northern California Area event hosted by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

The show is produced by Yvonne Biegel of Kīhei, Maui and is hosted by waterman and Chef Michael Lofaro and Maui’s Kainoa Horcajo.

The show started with discussion about a dinner based on the Hawaiian Moon Calendar, and a journey to acquire the ingredients.

Viewers benefit by learning about the Hawaiian culture, local food sources and the best time to plant and harvest using the Hawaiian Moon Calendar. Each show closes with Chef Lofaro creating the inspired dish in a humble kitchen or outdoors, and serving it to those involved.

Show executives say the program will launch a summer series that will include a one-hour special aboard the Hōkūleʻa that will air in mid-September.

The show was nominated in the category of Lifestyle – Program/Special for their 2015 shows Episode 2-Oahu and Episode 3-Kauai:

The winners for the awards will be announced at The Emmy Gala in the SFJAZZ Center in San Francisco on Saturday, June 4, 2016.

The show is produced by Fish & Poi Productions, under the executive lead of Biegel.  Kathy Muneno Thompson is also listed as a producer. Other credits include: William Paris, Director/Director of Photography/ Editor; and Scott G. Culbertson, Sound Engineer.

“It truly is an honor to receive recognition for a show that we love and believe in,” said Biegel. “We are just a few friends who respect the Hawaiian culture and like great food. When Kainoa and Chef Mike started talking about a dinner based on the Hawaiian Moon Calendar, Kathy and I knew we had a show,” she said.

Biegel thanked KHON2 and early presenting sponsor Ulupono Initiative and supporting sponsor Grand Wailea for aligning with the story and vision.

“Search Hawaii” will air in its new time weekly on Saturdays at 9 p.m. beginning Saturday, June 4, 2016.