Isle coffee fills
cups at White HouseBrew from the only
U.S. domestic beans
makes the party menu
Hawaii-grown coffee has officially made the party menu at the White House, according to isle coffee growers and state officials.
Earlier this year during a trip to Washington, D.C., Gov. Linda Lingle made a push for Hawaii coffee to be served at the White House since it is made from the only coffee beans grown in the United States.
Lenny Klompus, Lingle's spokesman, said the White House is now serving Hawaii coffee on special occasions.
"Everyone was pleased by it," Klompus said.
Hawaiian java was served for the first time on May 30, during Philippine President Gloria Arroyo's visit to Washington, D.C.
Hawaii Coffee Association President David Gridley said he "was very excited" when he heard the news.
"They (the White House) only serve wines made in America, and Hawaii is the only state that produces coffee. ... I think it was a great move by the governor."
The idea took root during Lingle's February visit to D.C. to help push for a federal native Hawaiian recognition bill.
During that visit, Lingle gave Hawaii-grown coffee as gifts to White House officials, including first lady Laura Bush, to whom she pitched the idea.
Lingle followed up during a conversation with Karl Rove, White House senior adviser and the president's key political strategist, who she said thought it was a good idea.
"I know Kona coffee will be served there, but they'll be featuring coffee from other islands as well," Gridley said.