The Kohala Center: Employment; Opportunities; Events

Employment

The Kohala Center is hiring several positions ma uka to ma kai
The Kohala Center is currently accepting applications for the following positions on Hawaiʻi Island: mahiʻāina specialist (Kohala-Hāmākua), native forest nursery supervisor (Moku o Kohala), and coastal stewardship specialist (Kahaluʻu Bay and Beach Park). For a full description of each of these positions including responsibilities, qualifications, and salary ranges, and to apply, please visit the links to each position or our online career center.

Hāmākua Agricultural Cooperative (HAC) seeks part-time cooperative manager
HAC seeks candidates for the part-time position of cooperative manager. The cooperative manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of HAC including collecting lease payments, bookkeeping, record keeping, and communications with farmer members. Quickbooks online proficiency preferred. Email resume and cover letter to hamakuaagcoop@gmail.com.

Piko Provisions is hiring an operation specialist
Piko Provisions is hiring an operations specialist. Visit their website to learn about the job posting and to apply.

Opportunities

State of Hawaiʻi Department of Education (DOE) procurement grant open
The DOE is seeking proposals from qualified intermediary organizations to implement the USDA’s Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) cooperative agreement program. The primary goal of this initiative is to support local, regional, and underserved communities across the state by sourcing fresh produce from local farmers, ranchers, and food businesses. This program aims to strengthen Hawaiʻi’s local food systems, enhance food security, and provide nutritious food options to communities with limited access. The LFPA grant also promotes economic opportunities for local producers by establishing sustainable market channels that benefit both suppliers and the communities they serve. Contact Albert Perry for further information.

East Hawaiʻi master gardener community helpline
Have a garden question? The new East Hawaiʻi master gardener community helpline is now available to answer questions on planting, insect identification, plant identification, integrated pest management, organic pest control, plant recommendations, and more. To contact the helpline, call (808) 969-8203 or email HIMGA@Hawaii.edu. There will also be walk-in support every Friday from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. at 875 Komohana St, D103, Hilo. Stay informed about future events by filling out their contact form or visiting their website.

Kupu ʻĀina Corps 2024-2025 applications being accepted
Kupu ʻĀina Corps (KAC) is inviting participants (ages 17-38) and host site applications for the 2024-2025 Program Year from across the Hawaiian Islands. KAC is a workforce development initiative established through the State of Hawaiʻi’s legislation for a Green Jobs Youth Corps. The year-long program employs individuals seeking experience in Hawaiʻi’s agricultural, environmental, and green energy sectors. Part-time and full-time position options are available. Visit their website for more information and to apply.

Registration has opened for the 2024 Hawaiʻi Agriculture Conference
The 2024 Hawaiʻi Agriculture Conference will take place in Honolulu, November 7–8. Early bird registration at a reduced price is now open until September 18. The event, typically held every other year, provides a place for the agricultural community to explore, learn, and network with each other, agricultural leaders and specialists, and affiliated stakeholders. In 2022, over 650 attendees participated in the Hawaiʻi Agriculture Conference. For more information visit the Hawaiʻi Ag Conference website.
»Register

New Queens’ Culinary Market now accepting vendor applications
The Queens’ Culinary Market launched in June in partnership with Waikoloa Market at the Queens’ Marketplace in Waikōloa Village on Hawaiʻi Island. Farmers and specialty vendors offering culinary products grown and made on Hawaiʻi Island are invited to contact Ann Wurden at waikoloacm@gmail.com for more information and to request a vendor packet.

New commercial kitchen for rent at Kohala Food Hub
Kohala Food Hub is providing affordable commercial kitchen space for rent to North and South Kohala farmers, value-added producers, private chefs, and community members to support sustainable economic development and grow Kohala’s regional food system. The commercial kitchen features restaurant-grade commercial cooking equipment. Kohala Food Hub’s staff also offers technical assistance to support those looking to start or grow a culinary or agricultural business. Visit their website to learn more and inquire.

Pakini loan fund for small businesses
The new Pakini loan fund program offers loans from $1,000 to $30,000 for small businesses in Hawaiʻi. While the Pakini fund prioritizes serving Native Hawaiians living and working in the Waiʻanae Moku on Oʻahu, the program fund is open to all eligible small businesses in Hawaiʻi. Visit their website for more information.

Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United membership
Calling all farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and local food supporters: support the HFUU by becoming a member. The mission of HFUU is to collectively create food security, food sovereignty, and rebuild ʻāina for a better future. Visit their website to learn how to become a member.

USDA funding opportunities
To discover and follow U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development funding opportunities, resources, events, and learning exchanges, visit their website and subscribe to their mailing list.

Events

Kohala farmer, rancher, and forester resource workshop
Friday, September 20 • 3–5 p.m.
Kohala Food Hub, 55-230 Hōʻea Rd, Hāwī, Hawaiʻi Island (map)
On Friday, September 20, USDA representatives, including the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Farm Service Agency (FSA), and Rural Development (RD) will be presenting about conservation programs, financial and technical assistance, land easements, farm loans, disaster assistance, and grants. For more information, contact Laila Jayyousi, the NRCS Outreach Coordinator at laila.jayyousi@usda.gov.

Inventor, agrifood, and aquaculture tech lunch and learn workshop
Saturday, September 21 • 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
UH Manoa AGSci Building, Room #219, 1955 East West Rd, Honolulu, Oʻahu (map)
Join a free Lunch and Learn workshop by Germinate Hawaiʻi during Tech Week in Honolulu. The workshop will be an informative and interactive exchange with Presenters from Germinate, Hawaiʻi Small Business Development Center, and the Inventors Network Kentucky. Partnership includes UH Mānoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.
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Hoʻomaʻa Kalo brunch event
Sunday, September 22 • 11 a.m.–1.30 p.m.
ʻIole Hawaiʻi, 53-580 ʻIole Rd, Kapaʻau, Hawaiʻi Island (map)
Hoʻomaʻa Kalo will feature an extravagant Sunday Brunch, prepared by the first cohort of Kanaka Culinary Arts students under the guidance of seasoned Hawaiian chefs. Combining 21st-century culinary techniques with traditional Hawaiian knowledge, the two-year Kanaka Culinary Arts program, sponsored by EA Ecoversity, is a culture-based post-secondary education and career training program. EA Ecoversity offers young Hawaiians ages 15-30 an opportunity to prepare for careers in Hawaiʻi’s food industry, specializing in Hawaiian foods, that will allow them to remain in their ancestral land. Tickets can be purchased here.

Hawaiʻi Small Business Fair
Saturday, September 28 • 7:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Leeward Community College, 96-045 Alaʻike St, Pearl City, Oʻahu (map)
More than 20 classes led by professional experts will be offered at this year’s Hawaiʻi Small Business Fair, including how to start a business, organizing and understanding finances, and expanding markets beyond Hawaiʻi. There will also be more than 30 exhibitors such as business advisors, nonprofits, and organizations focusing on small businesses will be present ready to answer questions. Entry is free.
»Register

Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United (HFUU) 2024 Annual Convention
October 4–6 • University of Hawaiʻi Maui College
The HFUU 2024 Annual convention will be held October 4–6 at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College. In partnership with Hawaiʻi Tropical Fruit Growers and the Maui Food Innovation Center, the convention weekend will be filled with knowledge exchange, connection, and celebration. Visit their website for more information, vending, sponsorship, and volunteer opportunities, and to register for camping if attending from off island.

Hāmākua Sugar Days: Hāmākua Fair with agriculture & sustainability expo
Saturday, October 12 • 10 a.m.
Māmāne St, Honokaʻa, Hawaiʻi Island
The Hāmākua Sugar Days Festival will be held in Honokaʻa from October 5–20 and is a commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Final Harvest of Hāmākua Sugar. On October 12 there will be a throwback to the family-friendly Hāmākua Fair that took place during the plantation era including historical exhibits, “sugar themed” demonstrations and contests, a sustainable agricultural expo, a “plantation village,” a concert on multiple stages, food vendors and keiki activities. See the Hāmākua Sugar Days Festival for more information.