First, I just want to thank you all for the support! Never would I ever have dreamed of this opportunity that I am now and the appreciation for my Asian and Polynesian fusion dishes. I am so grateful! I was born and raised on the island of Oahu, but my path to the culinary world came later in life. It wasn’t until 2015—after one unforgettable bite of brisket—that I discovered my passion for barbecue. While my father, Chef Jason Kina, built a respected culinary career with renowned establishments like Roy’s and as executive chef at the JW Marriott Ihilani, I chose to forge his own path through the smoky, flavor-packed world of BBQ. In 2021, I launched 406 BBQ in Kalispell, Montana—a catering and event company that brings together the bold, comforting flavors of Southern barbecue with the vibrant tastes of Hawaii. My signature Asian fusion BBQ reflects my roots, blending island ingredients and local recipes with traditional slow-smoked techniques to create something uniquely my own. My distinctive culinary style has quickly gained recognition, culminating in an invitation to cater at the prestigious 150th running of the Kentucky Derby in 2024. As my following grows on social media, it is my goal to continue to build a bridge between Hawaii and the mainland, introducing wider audiences to the flavors of my heritage through the universal language of barbecue. From Kalispell to Kentucky, I am working to redefine what it means to serve “local-style” BBQ—with a deep respect for my roots and a fire to share it with the world.