Maui’s Falconer Named Advisor to Mahi Pono

Mahi Pono today announced James “Kimo” Falconer, president of MauiGrown Coffee Inc. will serve as an advisor to the company.

In this role, Falconer will lead Mahi Pono’s community farming and outreach efforts and provide expertise and guidance for the company’s coffee operation, including farming, processing, sales and marketing.

Kimo Falconer. Photo: courtesy of Kimo Falconer

“With more than 30 years of experience in Maui’s agricultural community, Mahi Pono is pleased that Kimo has agreed to be a part of our team as we launch our community farming efforts and work on our company’s coffee operation,” said Shan Tsutsui, senior vice president of operations at Mahi Pono. “His passion for agriculture and proven success in running the MAUI Origin coffee brand will be invaluable.”

As the former director of agricultural research for Pioneer Mill Sugar Company, Falconer was actively involved in the initial planting of certified MAUI Origin coffee at the Kāʻanapali Estate in the late 1980s. After the original farm closed subsequent to the closure of Pioneer Mill Sugar Company’s diversified agricultural operations in 1999, Falconer took on the project to preserve the farm and formed MauiGrown Coffee Inc. in 2003. Today, in partnership with the land owner Kāʻanapali Land Management, the 500-acre estate is home to Falconer’s MAUI Origin coffee brand.

“Keeping as much land in agriculture on Maui is extremely important to me and our community. When Mahi Pono approached me to share my expertise, I couldn’t refuse an opportunity to help secure Maui’s future for generations to come,” said Falconer. “Mahi Pono’s commitment to providing opportunities for community farming is a project that I am passionate about and excited to work on, this is a win-win for everyone.”

Maui residents interested in community farming opportunities with Mahi Pono can fill out an online inquiry form available on Mahi Pono’s website.

“I also look forward to partnering with Mahi Pono to help support efforts to increase coffee production on Maui. Over the years, we have worked hard to bring awareness of MAUI Origin coffee. Our only issue has been the ability to produce enough to meet market demand and we have fallen short every year – I hope will be able to change this in the future,” added Falconer.