Get to know our TEAM!

  • Farm Manager

    Born and raised in Waimānalo, Ka`i began their farming journey at Kualoa Ranch through an aquaculture internship that sparked a lifelong passion for agriculture. During that time, she gained hands-on experience in orchard farming, tropical flower cultivation, and irrigation system installation. After two years, she was introduced to microgreen farming — a path that offered growth into her current role as Farm Manager at Kupu Place.

    Specializing in crop production and management, Ka`i oversees crop cycles with a particular love for seeding and irrigation. Her favorite part of farming is connecting and feeding plants in the nursery.

    Beyond her expertise, Ka`i brings curiosity and leadership to the farm. She enjoys working at Kupu Place Aquaponics because it provides constant opportunities for learning, growth, and stepping further into new challenges as a manager and leader of diversified crops.

    Outside the farm, Ka`i dreams of one day retiring as a forest ranger in Kōke‘e on the island of Kaua‘i with her dog, Mahi`ai.

    A true local at heart, her favorite dish is venison loco moco — especially when made with Kupu Place’s own fresh products and venison that she caught!

  • Lead Farmer

    Originally from Seattle, Washington, Ryan Rautureau brings a diverse background in aquaculture and sustainable farming to his role as Lead Farmer at Kupu Place Aquaponics. His experience spans growing sea urchins and their food for the State of Hawai‘i, working in community gardens, contributing to agritourism farms such as O‘o Farm on Maui and Lydgate Farms on Kaua‘i, managing a tomato greenhouse project on O‘ahu, and producing indoor hydroponic microgreens at Farmbox Greens in Seattle.

    Ryan’s favorite part of farming is caring for plants over time and enjoying the results of that hard work, especially when it comes to edible flowers. Among his specialties, hydroponic French marigolds stand out as a favorite crop — he finds them “magnificent” when they reach their prime.

    Outside the farm, Ryan enjoys exploring tidepools, running with his dog Boogie, and practicing jiu-jitsu. A true lover of food, his favorite dish featuring Kupu Place produce is Lanai venison ragu with pappardelle pasta, topped generously with the farm’s Mirepoix Mix microgreens.

    For Ryan, what makes Kupu Place Aquaponics special is the people. He values the hardworking, lighthearted, and generous spirit of the team, where even on the hottest, longest days, everyone supports one another. And, as he happily notes, the constant access to fresh microgreens and lettuce is an amazing perk.