Here at Hamakua Springs Country Farms, we are proud to have a close working relationship with Honolulu chef Alan Wong.

"Partnering with Alan helps us take our team to another level," says Richard Ha, president of Hamakua Springs. He explains that this relationship prompts them to keep pushing their boundaries at the farm.

"Our relationship with Alan Wong gives our employees pride in their work," he says. "This is crucial as we organize ourselves into a well-functioning team that can produce a superior quality product."
 
Wong first became acquainted with the people, and produce, of Hamakua Springs when he was "foraging" along the Big Island's Hamakua coast. That's what he calls it when he periodically visits local farms to scope out for his restaurants the freshest, tastiest products available.

Hamakua Springs produce has been prominently featured ever since on Wong's restaurant menus. But his involvement goes further. He also consults with the farm team, giving valuable feedback as it tests and develops new food products.

Richard Ha explains that Hamakua Springs's success depends on its relationships with people, whether celebrity chefs or the company's most junior employee. "That's why we focus on the safety of our employees," he says, "protecting the most defenseless of them, leaving no one behind, and offering profit sharing.

"Our people are proud of what they're doing," he says. "They look beyond the horizon and stretch to achieve their potential. In simplest terms, the partnership helps our team look beyond the tomato patch."