Lānaʻi Game Packaging
by Anthony Kaauamo
Husband and wife Edward Giles and Micah Velasco-Giles have taken up the mantle of Lāna‘i Game Packaging, a business offering meat processing and packaging services for hunters. The couple operates out of their home, continuing the work established by Bob “the Butcher” Nielson, who left Lāna‘i in 2022. Edward Giles apprenticed under Nielson for five years before stepping into the role full-time.
“I learned everything from Bob,” said Edward, recounting his years working alongside the butcher. “He needed someone to watch his dogs, then help with skinning, then full-on processing. By the time he moved, I’d already dealt with hundreds of deer.”
Micah, a graduate of Lāna‘i High and Elementary School’s class of 2013, brought her background in office management and customer service to the business. “I handle the finances, coordinate with clients, and keep the operations running,” she said. “Edward takes care of the butchering and processing. It’s a partnership.”
Lāna‘i Game Packaging provides a practical solution for hunters who visit the island to hunt axis deer and mouflon sheep but lack the means to process their harvest. “Hunters come here expecting a challenge,” Edward said, “but most don’t think about what happens after the hunt. They realize they’re staying at the Four Seasons or other places that don’t have the facilities for this.”
The business accepts game from guided hunts, state hunters and even local residents. “Eighty to ninety percent of our clients are visitors,” Micah mentioned, “but we also serve locals, especially kūpuna who might need help processing their game. We’re trying to make it affordable for everyone.”
The process starts with hunters field-dressing their game to remove entrails before bringing it in. Edward handles intake, hanging the animal, cleaning it and cooling the meat. “I separate every deer from one another, no matter what,” Edward said. “Even if it’s the same hunter’s multiple animals, I don’t mix them.”
The couple also processes requests for additional services. “We can grind the meat for burgers, vacuum-seal the cuts and help with shipping,” Edward said. “Some clients just want the backstrap and hind legs. Others ask for everything, including the hide and head for taxidermy.”
Shipping can present logistical challenges. “We freeze the meat solid before packing it,” Edward said. “Then it goes out on Monday or Tuesday for priority overnight delivery. It’s expensive, but it’s the only way to guarantee it arrives fresh.”
Micah said the business has also started exploring waste reduction initiatives. “We’re working with Paniolo Pets to send excess bones, skin and organs to be used as dog food,” she mentioned. “It’s not operational yet, but we hope to have it running next year once we secure a designated freezer.”
The Giles family juggles the demands of the business with raising their two children, Caleb, 12, and Noah, 2. “Noah’s attached to me most of the time,” Micah said. “But Caleb helps out when needed. It’s a family effort.”
Edward’s connection to hunting began later in life, contrasting with Micah’s upbringing. “My dad, Dennis Velasco, is an avid archer,” Micah said. “He hunted to feed us. He also taught Bob Nielson a lot of what he knew, so there’s this full-circle moment with Edward learning from Bob.”
For Edward, hunting became a part of his work after two years of butchering experience. “I didn’t start hunting until Bob encouraged me to,” Edward said. “But now I understand the importance of shot placement. Wherever you shoot, you lose meat in that area.”
The couple is also planning to expand their operations. “We’re transitioning to a shipping container setup,” Micah said. “The container will house a walk-in refrigerator and freezer, so we can consolidate storage and improve efficiency.”
Funding for the container project was partially secured through Micah’s participation in FoundHer, an entrepreneurship program for Native Hawaiian and minority women. “The program was intense,” she said. “It included workshops, mentorship, and a $20,000 grant. I learned so much about running a business.”
Micah credited the program with helping her streamline operations. “I moved our accounting from Excel to QuickBooks, which saved a lot of time,” she said. “I also connected with other small business owners across Hawai‘i, which opened up opportunities for collaboration.”
The couple acknowledges the challenges of running a family business. “Our first year was messy,” Micah said. “We’ve learned to separate business discussions from personal life by scheduling weekly meetings. When we disagree, we take time to think it over before deciding.”
Edward added, “It’s long hours, but we’re building something meaningful. Hunters enjoy more time in the field and with their families. We’re also helping reduce waste by making sure the animals are fully used.”
Lāna‘i Game Packaging’s clients recognize the value of their services. “The hunters appreciate the convenience,” Edward said. “They know their meat is processed properly and ready to ship home.”
Micah agreed, saying, “We want hunters to enjoy the beauty of our island and what they catch in the field. That’s what drives us.”