Wahiawā Facility Boosts Local Food Entrepreneurs Amid Demand
UPDATE: The Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center is transforming local food businesses in Central Oʻahu, helping entrepreneurs like Jina Wye expand rapidly. Established in April 2024, this state-of-the-art facility is addressing the urgent need for food production resources, enabling local makers to scale their businesses effectively.
Located in Wahiawā, the 33,000-square-foot center is operated by Leeward Community College in partnership with the Hawaiʻi Ag & Culinary Alliance. It features four commercial kitchens and a product-development lab, streamlining the journey from concept to market. Since its inception, the center has supported over 60 businesses, including Wye’s company, Okonokai, which specializes in limu crackers.
“I started with recipe development at home, but the inefficiencies quickly became apparent,” Wye stated. “The access to tools and staff knowledge at the WVAPDC has significantly boosted my productivity.” Wye’s limu crackers are set to hit local military commissaries soon, alongside their availability in Foodland and other major retailers.
The center’s impact is noteworthy. Wye reported a staggering fivefold increase in her production capacity, thanks to specialized equipment like a band sealer that enhances the packaging process. “It’s mind-blowing how much I can produce now compared to just a year ago,” Wye added.
The center also offers programs such as the ʻĀina to Mākeke food business program, which provides entrepreneurs with essential skills and tuition scholarships. Bailey highlights that this initiative not only fosters local talent but also encourages the creation of diverse value-added products ranging from baked goods to specialty items like ahi jerky and flavored nut butters.
As the demand for local products surges, the facility aims to help more young food businesses scale up. “Our goal is to prepare entrepreneurs to eventually move on to larger production facilities,” Bailey said. Wye is optimistic about her future trajectory, indicating that she may seek a manufacturing partner or build her own kitchen within a year.
The Wahiawā center is proving vital for food entrepreneurs on Central and Western Oʻahu, filling a significant gap in commercial kitchen availability. Wye expressed her appreciation for the facility’s location, stating, “It greatly improves my quality of life and allows me to focus on what truly matters—growing my business.”
As the local food scene continues to evolve, the Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center stands at the forefront, empowering entrepreneurs and enhancing the community’s access to innovative food products.
