In a celebration of innovation and growth, Kamehameha Schools' 2024 Mahi'ai Match-Up business plan competition has awarded a total of $50,000 in cash prizes to four local food-focused entrepreneurs. The winning companies, Hā Tonics, The Local General Store, Polipoli Farms, and Manu Brewing Co., were honored at the 'Aha 'Aina Pauahi event, showcasing their efforts to strengthen Hawai'i's food system and nourish the community.

Empowering Local Food Innovators to Reshape Hawai'i's Culinary Landscape

Investing in the Future of Hawai'i's Food Security

The Mahi'ai Match-Up competition aims to reinvest in and support past applicants, enabling them to learn, grow, and contribute to the transformation of Hawai'i's food system. This year's theme, "Ho'omohala a Ulu," focused on cultivating innovation and growth. Eight finalists were selected to present their business plans to a panel of judges, who then determined the final winners. In addition to the cash prizes, the winners will receive three months of one-on-one business mentorship and access to tailored resources and local industry experts to help them expand their operations and continue their contributions to Hawai'i's food security.

Celebrating the Mahi'ai Match-Up Winners

The 'Aha 'Aina Pauahi event brought together dozens of agricultural leaders and community members to honor the Mahi'ai Match-Up winners, finalists, and other food systems leaders who are nourishing Hawai'i's communities. The event featured delicious food, drinks, and music, showcasing the vibrant and diverse culinary landscape of the islands.

Empowering the Next Generation of Food Innovators

Ticket sales from the 'Aha 'Aina Pauahi event seeded the Mahi'ai Ao Scholarship program, which supports haumāna (students) who are pursuing careers in food systems and agriculture. This initiative aims to cultivate the next generation of food innovators and leaders, ensuring the continued growth and resilience of Hawai'i's food ecosystem.

Hā Tonics: Powering Nutrition with Local Produce

In the "Investment Prep and Expansion" category, Hawai'i Island-based Hā Tonics was awarded $15,000 for their company, which creates micronized food powders made from locally sourced produce. The funds will help them invest in new machinery to expand their production capacity and reach new markets. "To help the lāhui (people), we create products that are not just going to be the best for the health of our bodies, but also the best for the health of our communities and our economy," said Ola Tripp, co-founder of Hā Tonics.

The Local General Store: Scaling Up Local Sourcing

Also in the "Investment Prep and Expansion" category, The Local General Store received $10,000 to scale its operations and increase the availability of locally sourced products at its Kaimukī store. By expanding their reach and product offerings, The Local General Store aims to make it easier for Hawai'i residents to access high-quality, locally produced goods.

Polipoli Farms: Regenerative Agriculture Takes Root

In the "Growth and Scaling" category, Polipoli Farms was awarded $15,000 for their regenerative farm on Maui, where the company plans to build an on-farm food processing hub to scale production. "When we first started, we were told not to grow our cultural crops because they had no value. So being the Mahi'ai 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.

Manu Brewing Co.: Sparkling Innovation in Beverage

Also in the "Growth and Scaling" category, Manu Brewing Co. received $10,000 for their specialty beverage company, founded by Kamehameha Schools alumnus Kent Kurashima, which creates the world's only sparkling māmaki tea. The funds will support the construction of the company's new brewery space, which it hopes will streamline production and enable them to share their unique and culturally-inspired beverages with a wider audience.

Cultivating a Sustainable and Resilient Food Future

Mahi'ai Match-Up is a critical part of Kamehameha Schools' efforts to improve food resilience across the pae 'āina (Hawaiian archipelago). Over the past 11 years, the program has supported 24 local businesses and entrepreneurs and awarded more than $70,000 in scholarships to students pursuing careers in food systems. By empowering these innovative leaders, Kamehameha Schools is paving the way for a more sustainable and self-sufficient food future for Hawai'i.