Located in Central Oʻahu, the Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center (WVAPDC) is rapidly becoming a key resource for Hawaii's food entrepreneurs. The center, which opened in April 2024, provides a 33,000-square-foot facility equipped with commercial kitchens and a product-development lab. This infrastructure is designed to help local businesses overcome the challenges of food production, from initial concept to scaling for larger retail markets. One notable success story is Jina Wye, founder and CEO of Okonokai, who utilizes the facility to produce her Made in Hawaiʻi seaweed crackers. Civil Beat's recent photo essay illustrates how the center's equipment helps streamline production, offering access to tools typically only available to mass-production companies.
The WVAPDC, operated by Leeward Community College in collaboration with the state, has served over 1,000 entrepreneurs, farmers, and students through workshops and programs. The center's "Āina to Mākeke" program, a 12-week food business incubator, has been particularly successful, with over 70 businesses completing the program and expanding into retail chains. UH News highlights the transformative influence of WVAPDC in supporting local food businesses. Furthermore, the center hosted a showcase demonstrating the culmination of the "Āina to Mākeke" program, as reported by UH News. Key to the center's mission is providing commercial-scale production and packaging equipment, allowing even the most unique product ideas to become a reality, as noted in Honolulu Magazine.
The impact extends beyond just providing equipment; the WVAPDC also nurtures entrepreneurs through educational programs and networking opportunities. This comprehensive approach is essential for helping local businesses thrive in a competitive market. Pacific Business News indicates that the center supports various food entrepreneurs. The center's success underscores the importance of education and direct community impact, as expressed by Leeward CC Chancellor Carlos Peñaloza.
For Hawaii’s entrepreneurs, investors, and business professionals, the WVAPDC represents a valuable model for fostering innovation. It offers a crucial platform for local food businesses. The center's collaborative approach, uniting education and industry, is creating a roadmap for sustainable economic growth within the local food sector.
