A group of local entrepreneurs has launched a company that will specialize in producing mobile phone apps for businesses, government agencies and community organizations.

The founders of Hawaii Apps are Melialani “Meli” James, Steve Hochart, Andrew Yani and Kitty Lagareta.

James, whose background is in marketing and promotions, has created three of her own apps. One of those is the Wine Ratings Guide, which was rated No. 1 on the iTunes App Store in the wine category.

Hochart has 12 years of experience “implementing technology initiatives,” including the first online asset management system for the City and County of Honolulu. Yani has worked as a television producer, commentator and correspondent, while Lagareta is chief executive officer of Communications Pacific, one of the state’s top communications, marketing and public relations firms.