search logo
Mahina ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i
Celebrate and learn a phrase of the day. More ‘ōlelo »

Jason and Harley Chow, Brad Bayless, Lehia Apana, Kent Kurashima and Puna and Ola Tripp are this year’s Mahiʻai Match-up competition winners.

Empowering local entrepreneurs: Kamehameha Schools awards newest Mahiʻai Match-Up winners

Oct. 28, 2024

Four visionary food-focused entrepreneurs are taking their businesses to the next level with the help of Kamehameha Schools’ 2024 Mahiʻai Match-Up competition. Hā Tonics, The Local General Store, Polipoli Farms and Manu Brewing Co. will share the $50,000 prize to supercharge their ventures, contributing to more sustainable and resilient food systems in Hawaiʻi.

“Through Mahiʻai Match-Up, Kamehameha Schools empowers leaders in the local food industry to shape a regenerative and resilient food system for Hawaiʻi through an ‘ōiwi worldview,” said Kā‘eo Duarte, vice president of Kamehameha Schools’ ‘Āina Pauahi. “These aspirational businesses are improving the well-being of our lāhui by providing nutritious, sustainably sourced food products, while simultaneously perpetuating ʻike kūpuna and building ʻono for traditional crops.” 

In a night of celebration at ʻAha ʻAina Pauahi, the competition spotlighted the power of innovation to transform Hawaiʻi’s food system. Over 200 industry leaders, from agriculture to community organizations, gathered at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel to enjoy delectable bites and drinks while honoring the Mahiʻai Match-Up winners, finalists and other food systems leaders who are nourishing Hawaiʻi’s communities.

From superfood powders to the world’s first sparkling māmaki tea, the 2024 winners walk away with capital, mentorship and resources to grow their impact across the islands. This year’s theme, Ho‘omohala a Ulu, reflected the competition’s mission to invest in Hawaiʻi’s food system by supporting business models rooted in cultural values and sustainability. Eight finalists were selected to pitch their plans before a panel of judges, and four winners emerged.

In the "Growth and Scaling" category, Maui’s Polipoli Farms received $15,000 for their regenerative farming operation, noting that the funds will be used to establish a food processing hub to scale production. Manu Brewing Co., helmed by Kamehameha Schools alum Kent Kurashima, was awarded $10,000 to support the construction of their new brewery space, streamlining production for their sparkling māmaki tea.

“When we first started, we were told not to grow our cultural crops because they had no value. So being the Mahiʻai Match-up winner feels so good because it proves that there are people out there who do find value in the food that we grow,” said Lehia Apana, co-founder of Polipoli Farms.

Hawaiʻi Island-based Hā Tonics took home $15,000 in the “Investment Prep and Expansion” category. The company specializes in micronized food powders made from locally sourced produce, and the prize will fund machinery upgrades, allowing them to increase production and expand their market. The Local General Store, another “Investment Prep” winner, was awarded $10,000 to expand its operations and continue making locally sourced products more accessible at its Kaimukī location.

“For local people, creating an authentic approach to business is the future of Hawaiʻi,” Puna Tripp of Hā Tonics said.

KS Hawaiʻi haumāna helped their kumu DJ High (right) serve up smoked meat and kalo rolls at the event.
KS Hawaiʻi haumāna helped their kumu DJ High (right) serve up smoked meat and kalo rolls at the event.

The celebration also spotlighted the Mahi‘ai Ao Scholarship program, which supports students pursuing careers in food systems. Proceeds from the fundraiser will seed future scholarships, further growing Hawaiʻi’s agricultural talent pipeline.

Since its inception 11 years ago, Mahi‘ai Match-Up has empowered 24 local businesses, reinforcing Kamehameha Schools’ commitment to bolstering Hawaiʻi’s food resilience. Learn more about the winners and the broader initiative at ksbe.edu/mahiai.


TAGS
ks hawaii,ʻāina pauahi,mahi'ai match-up,'āina,food systems,food sustainability,hawaii campus

CATEGORIES
Kaipuolono Article, Regions, Kaua’i and Ni’ihau, Wai’anae Coast, ‘Ewa, Waialua, Kona, O’ahu, Ko’olau, Maui, Moloka’i and Lana’i, West Hawai’i, East Hawai’i, Themes, Culture, Community, KS Announcements, Mahi’ai Match-up, Newsroom, Department News, Oiwi Leaders

Print with photos Print text only