More than 200 local entrepreneurs and industry professionals attended the 2025 Hawaii-Made Conference at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center held under the theme “I Ka Makeke! Going to Market!.” Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke opened the event, stating, "Our state has so many unique Hawaiʻi-made goods to share with the world." The conference included panels and networking focused on supporting Hawaii’s manufacturing sector and promoting local products. Meli James of Mana Up gave the keynote speech. State Senator Donovan Dela Cruz and State Representative Kirstin Kahaloa spoke on the importance of the Hawaii-made brand for local entrepreneurs. Topics discussed included retail readiness, commercial kitchen use, and public sector support, according to the Hawaiʻi Made.
"The Hawaiʻi-made brand is a tremendous asset to our local entrepreneurs and farmers," Dela Cruz said during a panel discussion, referring to the role of regional economic development in supporting local economies. Kahaloa also commented, "We support them and hope that this conference will help them in this journey," as reported by the Hawaiʻi Made.
The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism held a conference focused on value-added food and beverage industries and visitor markets in the U.S. and Japan. The event included discussions on strategies for expanding Hawaii-made businesses and the role of state initiatives. Video footage and interviews with Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke and local business owners are available for media use. Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s Business Development and Support Division supports economic growth, business development, and energy conservation in Hawaii. More information is available on the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism website, as stated by the Hawaiʻi Made.
-3.webp?w=160&h=400&fit=crop&crop=edges)
