NEWS RELEASE
Kamehameha Schools and the Pauahi Foundation announce the 2016 Mahi‘ai Match-Up Finalists
Posted: July 6, 2016
Honolulu, HI - (July 6, 2016) - Kamehameha Schools and the Pauahi Foundation have selected two finalists in the 2016 Mahi‘ai Match-Up agricultural business plan contest dedicated to supporting Hawai‘i’s sustainable food movement by cultivating local farmers and decreasing the state’s dependence on imports.
The contests is sponsored by Kamehameha Schools (KS), the Pauahi Foundation, Ulupono Initiative, “Hawai‘i Farm and Food” Magazine and Hi‘ilei Aloha.
This year’s Mahi‘ai Match-Up finalists are Kaia‘ulu o Pa‘ala‘a on O‘ahu and KaiWao Farm on Hawai‘i island. Both finalists will receive an agricultural land agreement with up to five years of waived rent from Kamehameha Schools.
Judges this year include Kā‘eo Duarte, vice president of Community Engagement & Resources for Kamehameha Schools; Kyle Datta, general partner for Ulupono Initiative; Martha Cheng, editor for Hawai‘i Farm and Food Magazine; Martha Ross, capacity-building manager for Hi‘ilei Aloha; and Mark “Gooch” Noguchi, executive chef for Pili Group.
In July, the finalists will have a chance to present their plans in front of the judging panel. Based on the quality of both the business plans and presentations, seed monies from the Pauahi Foundation will be awarded in the amounts of $20,000 and $15,000 for first and second place.
Seed monies awarded help to make these winning business plans a reality and increase the probability of long-term, sustainable success.
“Mahi‘ai Match-Up provides a venue for farmers and entrepreneurs to access some of our most valuable agricultural lands,” said Sydney Keli‘ipule‘ole, senior director of statewide operations for Kamehameha Schools. “The goal of Mahi‘ai Match-Up directly aligns with our Agriculture Plan to help make Hawai‘i more self-sufficient by increasing local food production,” he added.
Working to help mahi (cultivate) new farmers and integrate education, culture, agriculture and sustainability, KS is providing more opportunities for aspiring farmers with the introduction of Mahi‘ai Mentorship – created through a partnership between KS and GoFarm Hawai‘i, aimed at developing the next generation of farmers.
The winners and mentorship selectees will be announced at the Mahi‘ai Match-Up Gala on July 30 at Pōmaika‘i Ballrooms at Dole Cannery in Iwilei. Proceeds from the event go towards agricultural scholarships and grants. Anyone interested in attending the Gala or becoming a sponsor can get more information by visiting the Mahi‘ai Match-Up website. Sponsorship deadline is July 11.
About Kamehameha Schools’ Agricultural Initiatives
The Kamehameha Schools’ Strategic Agricultural Plan, completed in 2009, lays a vision and strategy for management and use of over 181,000 acres zoned for agriculture. Through the plan, Kamehameha is committed to increasing market share of locally grown produce, meat and other food products; investing in agricultural support facilities and infrastructure like irrigation systems; restoring and revitalizing traditional agricultural systems like lo‘i (irrigated terraces), loko i‘a (fish ponds), and dryland field systems; and contributing to a sustainable, clean energy future by supporting projects like solar and wind energy.
About the Pauahi Foundation
The mission of the Pauahi Foundation is to support the mission of Kamehameha Schools by seeking and developing new and diverse sources of income to support the ever increasing educational needs and goals of people of Hawaiian ancestry. The Foundation accomplishes its mission in a number of ways including alumni support, endowed scholarships, early childhood education and literacy, charter school support, land stewardship and advancing the Hawaiian language.
About Ulupono Initiative
Ulupono Initiative is a Hawai‘i-focused impact investing firm that uses for-profit and non-profit investments to improve the quality of life for island residents in three areas – locally produced food; clean, renewable energy; and waste reduction. To learn more, please visit www.ulupono.com or follow @ulupono on Twitter.
