Business-savy Farmers Could Win Five Years Of Rent-free Land

Five acres of prime North Shore farmland is the prize for the winner of Kamehameha Schools and Ke Ali’i Pauahi Foundation’s Mahi’ai Match-Up.

All applicants have to do to win is produce the best agricultural business plan that uses sustainable methods to reduce the state’s dependence on imports. Three teams will be chosen to earn free rent for up to five years on one of three farmland parcels — including a lot in Pa’ala’a, as well as two lots on Hawaii island — and share in a pool of $50,000.

“Our partnership with Kamehameha Schools is a commitment toward sustainable agriculture and supporting local farmers,” said Keawe Liu, Ke Ali’i Pauahi Foundation’s executive director. “We look forward to extending our reach to benefit the state of Hawaii by providing agricultural scholarships and grants.”

Applications are accepted until Aug. 15. Visit pauahi.org/mahiaimatchup to register and view contest guidelines.

Last year’s winner, Holoholo General Store, earned $25,000 and a five-year lease on a six-acre parcel in Pa’ala’a. The community-supported agriculture business currently delivers bags of fresh produce from farms all over the island to its North Shore and Windward customers. It will use the farmland to grow its own organic vegetables, including kale and broccoli.

Ke Ali’i Pauahi Foundation supports the mission of Kamehameha Schools by developing new and diverse sources of income to support the educational needs of people of Hawaiian ancestry.

Ke Ali’i Pauahi’s programs includes alumni support, endowed scholarships, early childhood education and literacy, charter school support, land stew-ardship and advancing the Hawaiian language.