About Us

Our mission is to provide the highest quality fish and produce at a reasonable price while training and growing a new crop of young farmers to serve as the foundation of an entirely new industry that will make a positive contribution to Hawaii’s food security.

Our Story

The Problem

The Solution

Aquaponics

Aquaponics is a very efficient way to raise both protein and produce in a clean, sustainable manner. We get two crops with a single input and recycle virtually 100% of our water (minus losses due to evapotranspiration and crop growth). Maui Trout Company has taken great pains to ensure that we grow the highest quality food with maximum safety and we use Good Agricultural Practices. In addition, our water is filtered/sterilized 4 ways (catalytic carbon, biofiltration, Ozone and UV light).

Maui Trout Company is a startup created specifically to pioneer commercial aquaponic culture of Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). We are the next step following Kulahaven Farms, which was the first commercial aquaponics enterprise in Hawaii to successfully raise rainbow trout. We employ innovative proprietary aquaponic techniques to grow both fish and organically certified produce.

Experts

Meet Our Team

John Dobovan

Founder and CEO

John Dobovan

began his commercial farming work in 2012 as a co-founder of Nalolicious Farm LLC in Waimanalo, Hawaii where he served as Science Officer as well as VP for Marketing and Sales while raising tilapia and Chinese catfish. He has a degree in Sustainable Tropical Crop Management from University of Hawaii Maui College, is a member of the Sigma Psi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, past president of the Haleakala chapter of Hawaii Farmer’s Union United, and a founding member and past president of the Maui Food Hub. He has been hatching trout since 2014 and was the first in Hawaii to raise rainbow trout in an aquaponic system.

Kevin Hopkins

Primary Aquaculture Consultant

Kevin Hopkins is certified as a Fisheries Scientist by the American Fisheries Society and was the past president of the United States Aquaculture Society. He was the Executive Director of the consortium for International Fisheries and Aquaculture Development at Oregon State University prior to moving to Hilo where he served as the Director of the Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center at University of Hawaii, Hilo.

Aimee Greenwood

Production Manager

Aimee Greenwood was initially trained in Biology at the College of Charleston, SC and later obtained an MS in traditional Chinese Medicine. Her career has included internships with the EPA, work in an environmental monitoring laboratory, botany teacher, licensed acupuncturist and sheep program manager. She has had 5 years experience hatching and raising rainbow trout in an aquaponic system and was the watercress crop manager at Kulahaven Farms.

Bill Kohl

Designer and Architect

Bill Kohl

Bill Kohl is a celebrated Maui designer and architect. He has served as creative director of Mama’s Fish House and Maui Tropical Plantation, among others. His 40 years of experience on Maui and proven successful artistic vision will help our team create a unique venue that appeals to both tourists and Island families while remaining aligned with and sensitive to cultural and community preferences.

Chef Marc McDowell

Master Chef and Gardener

Trained at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, Chef Marc McDowell specializes in French cooking, blending exotic herbs and spices with fresh Hawaiian ingredients to create unique flavor profiles. With over 20 years of culinary experience on Maui, Chef Marc has held senior positions at esteemed establishments including Grand Wailea Resort, the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, and Makena Beach and Golf Resort. Currently, he is the owner and Executive Chef at SixtyTwo MarcKet in Wailuku, a beloved restaurant known for its innovative menu and commitment to supporting local farmers, ranchers, and fishermen. SixtyTwo MarcKet has received ʻAipono Awards for Best Business Lunch and Best Breakfast (2022 and 2023), as well as Best Farm to Table and Best Innovative Menu (2023). The restaurant is beloved by locals and visitors alike. A Certified Master Gardener, Chef Marc maximizes organic, seasonal offerings from local farms. His culinary creations, crafted from scratch ingredients, reflect his passion for culinary art and the spirit of “Making Dreams.”

Contact

Get In Touch

John Dobovan
CEO
Maui Phoenix Farms LLC
dba Maui Trout Company
PO Box 901301
Kula, HI
96790

(808) 955-0955
j.dobovan@gmail.com