Maui County Farm Bureau Community Affairs Manager Kai Pelayo was honored as Bayer-Maui Member of the Year at a holiday gathering on Dec. 14 at the Kula Community Center.
The organization’s other 2022 award winners are:
- Farmer’s Friend: Joyce Kawakami, Feed My Sheep
- Mike Lyon Award: JoAnn Inamasu, County of Maui Economic Development Office
The Hawaii Farm Bureau has named Pelayo a 2022 Outstanding Active Member.
Pelayo has spent 40 years in the hotel industry and seven years with Bayer-Maui. He is part of a team that coordinates the Maui AgFest & 4-H Livestock Fair, Maui Fair horticultural and homemaker areas, and Ag in the Haleakalā Ranch section of the field trip, coordinating Bayer staff.
He also contributed to the Hawaii State Farm Show, served on the Maui County Farm Bureau Membership Committee and volunteered his time to many community organizations.
Joyce Kawakami, founder and president of Lamb Feed, represents one of the Maui County Farm Bureau’s most successful partnerships with the nonprofit.
Kawakami worked with Maui County and the Farm Bureau to purchase produce and meat from Farm Bureau members and other Maui producers. This is a win-win effort provided by the CARES Act, which allows local farmers and ranchers to provide food to the community and sell their produce when there is no market due to the pandemic.
Kawakami was named a 2022 Hawai’i Farm Bureau Outstanding Friend of the Farmer.
Each year, the Mike Lyons Award is presented to an individual or organization that has truly made a difference in their support of the agriculture industry on Maui.
Inamasu, which won this year’s award, has demonstrated a strong commitment to serving the agricultural needs of Maui for many years. Prior to her current position as director, she was with previous administrations at the Office of Economic Development.
Years of experience working with farmers and ranchers gives her the insight and knowledge to solve problems with practical solutions. The support of all agricultural organizations and agencies demonstrates a “big picture” approach to a viable agricultural industry.
Inamasu received an award from the Maui 4-H Livestock Association for her role in supporting youth and families in the Maui 4-H program.
“Agriculture has a long and proud history in Maui County, providing services to our community and contributing to the economy,” said Maui County Farm Bureau Executive Director Warren Watanabe. “It is an honor for the Farm Bureau to recognize these individuals who selflessly dedicate themselves to the betterment of agriculture.”
For more information about the Farm Bureau, visit www.mauicountyfarmbureau.org.