Kamehameha Schools’ Mahiʻai Match-Up supports food systems-focused entrepreneurs with capital, mentorship and skills to build sustainable businesses, fostering economic resilience and cultivating them as ʻōiwi leaders whose work improves the well-being of our lāhui. In this series, we spotlight the innovative contestants of the competition, showcasing their journeys and contributions to Hawaiʻi’s sustainable food future.
Founded in 2019 by husband-and-wife team Jason and Harley Chow, The Local General Store is a whole-animal butcher shop, bakery and market located in Kaimukī on O‘ahu. The shop specializes in locally sourced meats, freshly baked croissants and pastries made with fruits and vegetables from O‘ahu farmers.
Their mission is to bridge the gap between local farmers and consumers by creating a sustainable food system that supports Hawai‘i’s agriculture.
Jason and Harley met in California while studying biology—Jason focused on conservation, and Harley was premedical. In their local food scene, Jason noticed a shortage of local meat in supermarkets, while Harley honed her baking skills at various San Francisco restaurants. They both dreamed of returning to Hawaiʻi.
“We shared a lot of the same values and wanted to come back home to own a business that blends our talents and creates something unique through our food,” Harley said.
The store partners with local farmers who practice regenerative methods, including pig farmers who use Korean natural farming techniques. These methods rely on indigenous microbes to digest animal waste and fertilize the soil, contributing to a healthier ecosystem. Additionally, their pork farmers are training pigs to feed on Coconut Rhinoceros beetle larvae, helping prevent the spread of the pest that threatens Hawaiʻi’s traditional crops.
“What inspires us daily to do what we do is genuinely seeing food security here in Hawaiʻi,” Harley said.
If they succeed, the match-up funds will enable The Local General Store to scale its operations, increase the availability of local products and further support these innovative and sustainable farming practices.
“We need technical support for things like creating an online ordering system so that it’s easier to make purchases and see what our store contains,” said Harley. “By improving and increasing our social media presence and our online presence, we hope to introduce our business and our mission to a broader audience.”
The Chows hope this will help the store double its current offerings, providing an even stronger link between Hawai‘i’s mahiʻai and the community.
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