HONOLULU (KHON2) -- The Hawaiʻi Comedy Festival, founded by Kimee Balmilero, a beloved comedienne and stage actor from Kaneʻohe, is celebrating a decade of humor and creativity. Comedy lovers will gather for a series of shows that highlight local talent and the vibrant spirit of Hawaiʻi. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Balmilero shared her inspiration for creating the festival. “I wanted to continue doing what I loved back in Los Angeles," explained Balmilero. "The festival was a way for our local comedy community to present their original work and learn from more experienced performers.” After moving home in 2014, Balmilero felt a deep desire to provide a platform for Hawaiʻi’s comedy scene, one that would allow local artists to shine without needing to leave the islands. Reflecting on the festival's origins, Balmilero recalled the moment she first envisioned the event. “I was probably on the couch with my husband, and I just said, ‘I think I want to start a festival.’ He’s always been my biggest supporter, encouraging me to turn ideas into reality,” she said. With her husband's technical skills as a web developer, they quickly got to work building a website, which helped Balmilero see her vision clearly. “I got even more inspired,” she added. “I really wanted to do this.” The inaugural festival took place at the Honolulu Museum of Art, where Balmilero and her team presented a variety of sketches and performances. “We introduced our very first startup team of local writers who were paired with mentors from Los Angeles,” she remembered. This collaboration marked the beginning of a new era for comedy in Hawaiʻi, fostering a sense of community among performers and audiences alike. Over the years, the festival has evolved significantly. Balmilero emphasized the importance of sketch comedy in Hawaiʻi's culture. “It’s short-form writing that many people gravitate toward," she noted. "It has a science to it. Comedy is a way for us to tell our stories, and laughter truly is the best medicine.” She highlighted that Hawaiʻi has a rich history of sketch comedy, referencing popular shows like Booga Booga and Rap Reiplinger. These shows set the stage for new generations of comedians to explore their craft. As the festival celebrates its 10th anniversary, Balmilero is excited about this year’s lineup, which includes a family-friendly improv show for the first time. “We want parents to bring their keiki and enjoy some clean fun together,” she said. “This new addition reflects our commitment to making comedy accessible for everyone.” The festival will kick off with Musical Comedy Night on Sept. 27, featuring three short musicals, including one by well-known writer Rachel Bloom. The following day, Sept. 28, will host the Family Friendly Improv show, ensuring a safe space for laughter. The festival will culminate on Sept. 29 in a Sketch Comedy Night that showcases local talent, including stand-up comic James Mane, who is known for his relatable humor. Balmilero reflected on how the festival has helped nurture local artists over the years. “Hawaiʻi is a community-based place. People want to support each other. If someone has a bad show, it doesn’t mean they’ll stop supporting that artist,” she said. “Everyone wants to uplift each other.” This sense of camaraderie among performers and audiences has played a crucial role in the festival’s success. In the past decade, the festival has partnered with various artists and organizations, expanding its reach and impact. Balmilero mentioned the importance of connecting local talent with mentors from the mainland. “The educational aspect is vital. We’re not just putting on shows; we’re creating opportunities for growth and collaboration,” she explained. Balmilero's journey as a performer began at a young age. She started acting when she was just six years old and quickly fell in love with the art. “I got the theater bug early on, thanks to Ronald Bright, a well-respected director who introduced me to improv games,” she recalled. Her passion led her to a successful career, including roles in Broadway productions like Mamma Mia! and popular television series like Hawaiʻi Five-O and Magnum P.I. Throughout her career, Balmilero has remained committed to bringing joy through comedy. “Laughter is a way to escape, not just for the performer but for the audience too,” she said. “It’s about creating a space where people can let go and enjoy themselves.” The Hawaiʻi Comedy Festival embodies this spirit and serves as a beacon of creativity and community connection. As the 10th anniversary approaches, Balmilero expressed gratitude for the support the festival has received over the years. “We’ve been able to nurture local talent and elevate their work. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished,” she said. “The fact that we can bring together different cultures and perspectives through comedy is truly special.” The Hawaiʻi Comedy Festival promises to be a memorable celebration filled with laughter and creativity. With a lineup that showcases both local and mainland talent, audiences can look forward to a weekend of entertainment that honors the vibrant spirit of Hawaiʻi. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the comedy scene, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. You can click here for more information on tickets and the events. You can click here to access their Instagram page. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 As Balmilero concluded, “We’re excited to celebrate not just our anniversary but the incredible talent that exists in Hawaiʻi. Let’s keep laughing together!”