{"id":8660,"date":"2025-04-16T09:13:25","date_gmt":"2025-04-16T19:13:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/invest.hawaii.gov\/made-in-hawaii\/?page_id=8660"},"modified":"2025-12-08T15:01:59","modified_gmt":"2025-12-09T01:01:59","slug":"speakers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/invest.hawaii.gov\/hawaii-made\/conferences\/hawaii-made-conference-2025\/speakers\/","title":{"rendered":"Speakers"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Hawai\u02bbi Made 2025 Presents<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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I Ka M\u0101keke! Going To Market!<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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DBEDT 3RD ANNUAL HAWAI\u02bbI MADE CONFERENCE<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRegister Now!<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tView the Event Schedule<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Event Speakers<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Back to Main Page<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Quick Links: <\/strong>Caroline Anderson<\/a>, Neal Arakaki<\/a>, Chris Bailey<\/a>, Megan Brady<\/a>, Jimmy Chan<\/a>, Senator Donovan Dela Cruz<\/a>, Lei-Ann Field<\/a>, Sue Fujimoto<\/a>, Kit Z. Furukawa<\/a>, T. Karen Hanada<\/a>, Brittany Heyd<\/a>, Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke<\/a>, Meli James<\/a>, Representative Kristin Kahaloa<\/a>, Max Mukai<\/a>, Reiko Tokushige Rogers<\/a>, Danielle Scherman<\/a>, Aline Steiner<\/a>, Yohei Takahashi<\/a>, James Kunane Tokioka<\/a>, Pamela Tumpap<\/a>, Adam Watten<\/a>, Dane Wicker<\/a>, Denise Yamaguchi<\/a>, Tina Yamaki<\/a>, Hailey Zhou<\/a>, Lauren Zirbel<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Caroline\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Caroline Anderson<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Caroline Anderson has over two decades of experience at the Hawai\u02bbi Tourism Authority. As Interim President & CEO, she is responsible for the overall management and direction of the state\u2019s lead tourism agency, working with HTA\u2019s Board of Directors and the staff to fulfill the agency\u2019s mission. In her concurrent role as Director of Planning, Caroline leads statewide tourism planning, guiding key initiatives such as HTA\u2019s Strategic Plan and Destination Management Action Plans.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Neal\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Neal Arakaki<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Neal Arakaki is President of Jaxie Corporation, Executive Director of the Hawai\u02bbi Food Manufacturers Association, and Retired President of Hawaiian Candies & Nuts, Ltd. He has been successfully exporting Hawai\u02bbi manufactured foods and agricultural products to Japan and the Far East for over 40 years. He is currently assisting Hawai\u02bbi food manufacturers with exporting their products to Japan. He is also active in organizing Hawai\u02bbi companies to participate in major Japan trade shows with DBEDT and the HDOA.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Chris Bailey<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Chris Bailey is the Manager of Leeward Community College\u2019s Wahiawa Value-Added Product Development Center in central O\u02bbahu. Prior to joining the WVAPDC in 2022, Chris spent the last 11 years in Portland, Oregon working in product development with Oregon State University\u2019s Food Innovation Center, and in community economic development with the city of Portland offering culturally specific technical assistance to historically-under served entrepreneurs get their products to market. Chris leverages this experience to support Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s entrepreneurs in launching and growing value-added food businesses through coaching in product development, scaling and commercialization and market access.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Megan\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Megan Brady<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Megan Brady is the Founder and CEO of Uproot Origin L.L.C. a wellness company based in Hilo, Hawai\u02bbi specializing in concentrated turmeric elixirs and honey pastes. She launched the business in 2022 after developing a health-focused recipe for herself and her close community. Since then, Uproot Origin L.L.C. has evolved into a mission-driven brand that prioritizes community impact, sources sustainable organic ingredients, organic Hawai\u02bbi-grown produce and honey.<\/p>

In 2025, Megan became the Manager of the Hilo Food Hub<\/a> operated by Ho\u02bb\u014dla Farms\u2014a commercial kitchen and incubator space that supports small food businesses across Hawai\u02bbi Island. In her role with Ho\u02bb\u014dla Farms, she draws on her entrepreneurial experience to guide and empower other local producers. With firsthand knowledge of the licensing and permitting process, Megan is committed to helping others navigate these hurdles and build successful, compliant food businesses that contribute to a stronger, more resilient local food system.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Jimmy\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Jimmy Chan<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Jimmy Chan started the Hawaiian Chip Company<\/a> in the year 2000 by making sweet potato chips on a little table top fryer to sell at the open markets. By the second year Hawaiian Chip Co. was struggling and on the brink of bankruptcy. With guidance from other leaders in Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s business community, the company survived. The company is now profitable, with the chips sold statewide. He has served as a board member of the Chamber of Commerce Hawai\u02bbi, the Hawai\u02bbi Export Council, and the Hawai\u02bbi Food Manufacturers Association.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Sen\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Senator Donovan Dela Cruz<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Donovan M. Dela Cruz, is a state senator from District 17, which encompasses portion of Mililani, Mililani Mauka, portion of Waipi\u02bbo Acres, Launani Valley, Wahiawa, and Whitmore Village. Senator Dela Cruz is Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. He also serves on boards or is a member of various organizations nationally and locally such as the National Council of Environmental Legislators and the Leeward Community College Culinary Institute Board just to name a few. Prior to becoming senator, he also served on the Honolulu City Council for eight years, serving as its Chair for three years, being the youngest chair in the history of the Council, at age 30. Senator Dela Cruz is a graduate of Leilehua High School and the University of Oregon where he earned a BA in Journalism and Communication Studies; Masters in Organization Leadership from Argosy University.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Lei-Ann\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Lei-Ann Field<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Lei-Ann Field is the senior director of public relations and communications at the Hawai\u02bbi Visitors and Convention Bureau, where she supports HVCB\u2019s mission to foster a regenerative tourism model that benefits Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s communities and ensures the social, environmental, and economic balance for our island home. Through her work with the Hawai\u02bbi Tourism Authority, she leads national media efforts to share Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s stories and promote deeper visitor understanding of its people, place, and culture.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Sue Fujimoto<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Since 1978, Hawaiian King Candies has been Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s premier maker of chocolate-covered macadamia nut confections, and roasted macadamia nuts. The company has earned a worldwide trust for consistently providing superb creations, especially its chocolate-covered macadamia nuts, using premium nuts grown and harvested on our Island Princess Orchard Estates on the Big Island of Hawai\u02bbi and coated with rich chocolate made from our exclusive formulas. We grow what we produce.<\/p>

Our Island Princess factory has been producing local confections and popular Hawaiian snack items for decades. The Island Princess brand is well known throughout Hawai\u02bbi for our Mele Macs, Choco Mochi, Caramel Macadamia Popcorn and other delightful snacks that everyone has grown up on since childhood. Island Princess candies and snacks are always included and cherished in gifts going out to family and friends. We practice Malama Honua which means to care for our Island Earth through sustainable farming methods on our farms on the Big Island of Hawai\u02bbi and Moloka\u02bbi.<\/p>

Our Coffee Farm is located on the Island of Moloka\u02bbi where we produce Estate coffees under our Coffees of Hawai\u02bbi brand. We grow, harvest, mill and roast our specialty premium coffees controlling every element from seed to cup.<\/p>

Hawaiian King Candies, Island Princess and Coffees of Hawai\u02bbi are dedicated to being MADE IN HAWAI\u02bbI. It is our goal to share the Aloha of Hawai\u02bbi with the world-ONE BITE AT A TIME!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Kit\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Kit Z. Furukawa<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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When Kit realized she had the ability to make a positive difference, she always thought the skills and talents she possessed are always meant to be shared.<\/p>

Kit created and still operates Mystery Maui Escape Room, sells a premium product called Maui Chili Chili Oil and runs a marketing consultancy firm Kit Zulueta Productions LLC. She became a full-time entrepreneur in 2019 after many years in leadership roles with the Office of the Mayor, Maui County Council and UH Maui College. She continues to volunteer and serve on various nonprofit boards such as the Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce, Japanese Cultural Society of Maui, University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Hawai\u02bbi, and Hawaii Philippines Business and Economic Council. She is also a member of the Advisory Board for YWCA’s Maui Women Business Center. She is a 2012 alum of the Filipino Young Leaders Program and a 2015 Fellow for Ka Ipu Kukui.<\/p>

Her efforts in business and in community building, especially with advancing the interests of the Filipino community have been recognized by the SBA with the Advocate for Minorities Award in 2018, Young Filipino Entrepreneur of the Year Award for 2021 and as Pacific Business News\u2019 \u201c40 under 40\u201d Awardee in 2023. She has advocated for Filipino representation in many spaces, ensuring our cultural values are passed on to \u00a0future leaders.<\/p>

Kit continues to carve a path in her narrative, hoping to spread joy and kindness, and inspire courage in others to become the best version of themselves.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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T. Karen Hanada<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Karen serves as Director of Extended Learning and Workforce Development at UH Maui College. She oversees the Maui Food Innovation Center and is Co-Principal Investigator for the MBDA Pa\u02bbOihana entrepreneurship grant. She has worked at the Pacific Biosciences Research Center, Kapiolani CC\u2019s Office of Continuing Education, and in a variety of staff and administrative positions at UH Maui College. As part of her graduate studies, she has written on globalization, innovation in higher ed, and multicultural perspectives.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"BRITTANY\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Brittany Heyd<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Brittany is the co-founder of Mana Up, a Hawai\u02bbi-based economic development initiative focused on scaling the next generation of local consumer brands to global markets. Mana Up\u2019s mission is to expand economic opportunity and create high-potential jobs in Hawai\u02bbi through products that reflect the community and island culture. The organization runs a six-month accelerator program, operates an online store, manages retail locations across the Hawaiian Islands, and hosts pop-up experiences in cities like Tokyo, New York, and Los Angeles. Mana Up also manages a $6.3 million venture fund that invests in Hawai\u02bbi-based companies.<\/p>

Before Mana Up, Brittany was on the founding team at 1776, where she helped scale the startup incubator into a global brand and led major initiatives including operations and a 75-city pitch competition. She also worked on business initiatives at the White House and held roles in law, government, and finance. Brittany holds a JD\/MPP from Georgetown University and a BA in Accountancy from the University of San Diego.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"SYLVIA\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke is the 16th lieutenant governor of Hawai\u02bbi, the third woman in the role, and the highest-ranking Korean American official in the U.S. A former state representative and longtime Finance Chair, she was born in Seoul and raised in Honolulu. She holds degrees from UH M\u0101noa and USF School of Law. She leads Ready Keiki and Connect K\u0101kou. She is a mom, dog mom, and former attorney.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Meli James<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Meli James is the co-founder of Mana Up, a Hawai\u02bbi-based business accelerator program, venture fund and retail initiative designed to diversify the local economy and build the state\u2019s next generation of consumer brands. She is also the president of the Hawai\u02bbi Venture Capital Association. Born and raised in Honolulu, Meli lived in Silicon Valley for more than 10 years where she co-founded numerous startups. Meli has been recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of five Women to Watch and as one of eight Women Leaders Who Are Disrupting Entrepreneurship. She serves on the board of UHA Health Insurance, board of regents for Chaminade University and is a 2020 Omidyar Fellow. Meli is a graduate of Cornell University Nolan School of Hotel Administration.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Representative Kirstin Kahaloa<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Representative Kirstin Kahaloa is a second-term member of the Hawai\u02bbi House of Representatives, representing the district of Kona on Hawai\u02bbi Island. Rep. Kahaloa is Chair of the Agriculture and Food Systems Committee, and sits on the committees on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs, and Energy and Environmental Protection.<\/p>

Rep. Kahaloa\u2019s passion centers around transformation to improve Hawai\u02bbi’s local food system, education, small business climate, and community well-being. She has worked locally in sustainability, local food production, entrepreneurship, and the research and education to support it.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Max Mukai<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Max Mukai is Director of Business Development at CNHA. Raised in East Honolulu, he is a Kamehameha Schools 2010 graduate and holds degrees from Pepperdine University. Max leads the K\u016bHana Accelerator and The M\u0101keke, supporting local businesses through capacity building, online sales, and retail spaces. His work centers on the intersection of Hawaiian culture and economic development.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"REIKO\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Reiko Tokushige Rogers<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Reiko Tokushige Rogers is president, radio personality, and event emcee at Studio Rim Hawai\u02bbi, Inc., a media production company located in Waik\u012bk\u012b that carries out various media production services for International markets.<\/p>

Born in Japan, she has been working in the media and music world for a long time since her university days in Japan. She moved to Hawai\u02bbi and established Studio Rim Hawai\u02bbi Inc.<\/p>

Known by her following as “Pele Reiko” she hosts broadcasts each week, delivering Hawai\u02bbi updates and promoting Hawaiian music to Japan. She is also a Japanese docent at \u02bbIolani Palace, researching Japanese immigrant history in Hawai\u02bbi.<\/p>

She is a graduate of the Department of Biology, National Niigata University. She enjoys participating in marathon races.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Danielle\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Danielle Scherman<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Danielle Scherman is the founder of Aloha Home Market, a Made in Hawai\u02bbi pop-up market in Kailua supporting local small businesses. A passionate entrepreneur and real estate broker, she draws inspiration from markets she\u2019s visited in NYC and California. Danielle created Aloha Home Market to fill a gap she saw in the local market, and it has since grown into a community-driven space where local makers thrive.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Aline\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Aline Steiner<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Aline Steiner, a seasoned chef and holistic nutritionist trained in France and Japan, founded Koko Kai Yogurt in 2020. Born from her passion for quality, simplicity, and health, Koko Kai offers clean-label, coconut-based yogurts that support gut health, are low in sugar, and never compromise on taste\u2014reflecting Aline\u2019s commitment to innovation and sustainability.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Yohei Takahashi<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Yohei Takahashi is President of Dean & DeLuca Hawai\u02bbi.<\/p>

Dean & DeLuca was established in New York City in 1977 and lists three locations in Honolulu. Mr. Takahashi recently opened a third location at Ward Village in addition to the two other Hawai\u02bbi Dean & DeLuca shops – \u00a0a market at the Ritz-Carlton Residences Waik\u012bk\u012b Beach condominium hotel and a cafe at Royal Hawaiian Center also in Waik\u012bk\u012b. Since 2014, the retailer has been owned by PACE Development, a luxury real estate development firm based in Thailand.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"James\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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James Kunane Tokioka<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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James Kunane Tokioka was named Director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) on May 5, 2023. Most recently, he served as the Deputy Director for the Department of Transportation\u2019s Airports Division.<\/p>

Tokioka began his political career as a member of the Kaua\u02bbi County Council in 1996, where he served for 10 years. He then went on to serve for 16 years as a member of the Hawai\u02bbi State House of Representatives.<\/p>

Prior to his public service, Tokioka worked his way through the hospitality industry, both in Hawai\u02bbi and across the United States, doing everything from bussing tables to managing hotels and owning restaurants. Tokioka has also worked for Oceanic Time Warner Cable\/Spectrum, where he oversaw new business management programs and assisted with securing the largest single contract in the company\u2019s history.<\/p>

Tokioka studied at Holiday University in Mississippi, where he completed the accelerated certification program in Hotel, Food and Beverage, Guest Services and Security Management.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Pamela\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pamela Tumpap<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Pamela Tumpap has been the President of the Maui Chamber of Commerce over the past 18 years. Before joining the Chamber, she was President & CEO of Maui United Way, Director of Marketing for Oceanic Time Warner Cable and Vice President of the Maui Economic Development Board. Pamela is a strong advocate for business, working\u00a0to overcome obstacles detrimental to the business climate and community growth and advancing winning, sustainable solutions.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Adam\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Adam Watten<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Adam Watten, Director of Food Systems, Common Ground \/ Culinary Manager, CG Ventures is committed to building robust local food systems, Adam is an expert in vertical supply chain integration and product procurement. As an entrepreneur and Executive Chef he brings decades of experience in the food industry to the Common Ground team. His expertise in vertical supply chain integration is evidenced in his founding of Hanai Market, a local food retail outlet that exclusively sold Hawai\u02bbi-grown and Hawai\u02bbi-made products to the local market.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"DANE\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Dane Wicker<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Dane K. Wicker, born in Honolulu, is a committed public servant dedicated to advancing Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s economy and community welfare. A graduate of Kahuku High School and the University of Hawai\u02bbi at West O\u02bbahu, he began his career in public service at Honolulu Hale, and then to Washington, D.C., as a Legislative Aide. Returning to Hawai\u02bbi in 2011, he supported State Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz on the Senate Ways and Means Committee and played a key role in shaping Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s fiscal policies.<\/p>

As Deputy Director of the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT), Wicker now leads strategic initiatives to diversify Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s economy, strengthen local industries, and foster sustainable development. His entrepreneurial spirit is reflected in ventures across retail, consulting, and agriculture, contributing to local economic resilience. Wicker\u2019s diverse background underscores his commitment to enhancing Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s economy and community through innovative, impactful service.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Denise Yamaguchi<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Denise Hayashi Yamaguchi is CEO and Founder of Hawai\u02bbi Ag & Culinary Alliance (dba Hawai\u02bbi Food & Wine Festival\u00ae) and Executive Director of Hawai\u02bbi Agricultural Foundation, and leads efforts to promote Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s culinary and ag industries through educational programs, community outreach and events that support Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s economy. With 25+ years of experience, she has held leadership roles in nonprofits, tourism, and government, and continues to serve on several community and industry boards.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Tina Yamaki <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Tina Yamaki has over 30 years of experience working in a large statewide non-profit trade organization and is currently as the President & CEO of the Retail Merchants of Hawai\u02bbi<\/a> (\u201cRMH\u201d). She is the lead advocate and the voice of the retail industry in government and the community. Since she began this position in September 2016, Tina has led a successful transformation of this organization; helping retail navigate and pivot to survive during the pandemic; reformatted meetings and networking events and increasing communication to have a more transparent and successful organization.<\/p>

Previously Tina was the Executive Director of the Hawai\u02bbi Lodging and Tourism Association where she represented the lodging industry in government affairs and community relations. Tina was also responsible for developing and improving the brand and image of Roberts Hawai\u02bbi as the Director of Sales for the Luxury Line and the Marketing Manager. And she was the Director of Business Support at PBS Hawai\u02bbi where she cultivated new business sponsorships for their programming.<\/p>

Tina is a proud graduate of Leilehua High School and the University of Hawai\u02bbi at M\u0101noa. She has served on a variety of boards, advisory committees, and task forces that includes CrimeStoppers Honolulu, Honolulu Police Community Foundation, National Governors Association Policy Academy on Preventing Targeted Violence, and the O\u02bbahu Visitors Bureau to name a few. When Tina is not working, she loves to read; bake; support her retail members by shopping; and spend time with friends and family.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Hailey Zhou<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Hailey Zhou is a food scientist and nutritionist who leads product development at the Wahiaw\u0101 Value-Added Product Development Center. She works closely with Hawai\u02bbi food brands to develop and commercialize value-added products\u2014supporting formulation, shelf life stability, packaging, and process optimization to bring local innovations to market.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Lauren\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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As President of the Hawai\u02bbi Food Industry Association<\/a>, Lauren Zirbel champions food resilience, sustainability, and economic growth across the islands. Under her leadership, the Made in Hawai\u02bbi Festival raised nearly $60,000 for Maui wildfire relief in 2023 and set records in 2024 with 70,000 attendees and $10 million in sales. Through HFIA\u2019s strategic advocacy, disaster preparedness efforts, and partnerships with state and federal agencies, Lauren is building a stronger, more sustainable food system and empowering future leaders in Hawai\u02bbi.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRegister Now!<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Our Event Partners<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Hawai\u02bbi Made 2025 Presents I Ka M\u0101keke! Going To Market! DBEDT 3RD ANNUAL HAWAI\u02bbI MADE CONFERENCE Register Now! View the Event Schedule View the speakers Event Speakers Back to Main Page Quick Links: Caroline Anderson, Neal Arakaki, Chris Bailey, Megan Brady, Jimmy Chan, Senator Donovan Dela Cruz, Lei-Ann Field, Sue Fujimoto, Kit Z. Furukawa, T. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"parent":8652,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"7057,6728,7700,6775,8975,9128","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-8660","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/invest.hawaii.gov\/hawaii-made\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8660","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/invest.hawaii.gov\/hawaii-made\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/invest.hawaii.gov\/hawaii-made\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/invest.hawaii.gov\/hawaii-made\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/invest.hawaii.gov\/hawaii-made\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8660"}],"version-history":[{"count":73,"href":"https:\/\/invest.hawaii.gov\/hawaii-made\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8660\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9378,"href":"https:\/\/invest.hawaii.gov\/hawaii-made\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8660\/revisions\/9378"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/invest.hawaii.gov\/hawaii-made\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8652"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/invest.hawaii.gov\/hawaii-made\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8660"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}