The Kohala Center: Employment/Opportunities/Events

Employment

Kanaka Kava is hiring multiple positions
Kanaka Kava is hiring for the following jobs and responsibilities: kavatender, server, inventory management, customer care representative, food and beverage handling, food prep, and ʻawa mixer. To apply, email kanakakavabar@gmail.com or call Kaʻoi at (808) 722-2036.

Join a poi-making crew in Honokaʻa
A local poi maker has an opening to join their crew on Thursday mornings in Honoka‘a. Work starts at 5 a.m. and runs until about 11 a.m. Compensation is $20 per hour plus poi to take home. Contact Jim Cain at (808) 333-0457 for more information.

Hawaiʻi Institute of Pacific Agriculture (HIP Ag) is hiring two positions
HIP Ag is looking for a soil health technician and a farm-to-school garden coordinator to join their team in Kohala. Learn more and apply online.

The Kohala Center (TKC) is hiring a grants accountant
TKC is hiring a grants accountant. Visit TKC’s Career Center for more information and to apply.

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Opportunities

Grants for small businesses to conduct innovative research in agriculture
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will soon open applications for its Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer (SBIR/STTR) grants. These grants will be competitively awarded to small businesses to support innovative research in agriculture that could lead to significant public benefits. Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation (HTDC) is offering a multi-week application assistance workshop that will guide participants from registration all the way to submission for these grants. Those interested in HTDC’s workshop are encouraged to attend an informational webinar on June 18. Register here.

Grants to increase competitiveness of Hawaiʻi-grown specialty crops
The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines specialty crops as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture) – most crops grown in Hawaiʻi qualify as specialty crops. Grants ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 will be awarded to applicants who will measurably increase the production and/or consumption of specialty crops (either domestically or foreign) and/or foster the development of fledging crops and organic operations. Applications are due June 20. For more information and to apply, visit their website.

Reimbursements for coffee farmers treating coffee berry borer and coffee leaf rust
The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the 2023-24 fiscal year of their coffee berry borer (CBB) and coffee leaf rust (CLR) subsidy program. Receipts from July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024 for approved pesticides to treat CBB and CLR may be reimbursed up to 75%. The deadline to apply is June 30, 2025. Apply here.

Vendors and markets needed for WIC @ Farmers Markets program
The Hawaiʻi Good Food Alliance is seeking vendors and markets to participate in the WIC @ Farmers Markets pilot program. This program allows USDA’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participants to use their eWIC benefits to buy fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and poi at participating farmers markets and food hubs. Fill out the application here. Contact Kat Saneewong at kat@hawaiigoodfoodalliance.org with any questions.

Kohala Food Hub’s commercial kitchen is available for rent
This June, July, and August, Kohala Food Hub’s commercial kitchen in Hāwī is available for rent for 50% off your first month. Kohala farmers, value-added producers, private chefs, and community members are invited to fill out an interest form for utilizing the kitchen to support sustainable economic development and grow our regional food system.

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Events

Intro to Grow: Grafting workshop
Friday, June 6 • 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Keaʻau, Hawaiʻi Island (address provided with registration)
Join Hoʻōla Farms and Green Thumb Nursery for a workshop on grafting fruit trees. Participants will have the opportunity to graft their own avocado tree to take home. Cost is $129.
»Register online

South Hawaiʻi Farmer’s, Rancher’s, and Forester’s Resource Workshop
Friday, June 6 • 3–5 p.m.
Pāhala Community Center, 96-1149 Kamani St, Pāhala, Hawaiʻi Island (map)
Hear from the Soil and Water Conservation District, UH Mānoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience, and Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, and Risk Management Agency about conservation programs, financial and technical assistance, farm loans, and improving soil health.
»More information

Work day: Kalo planting and loʻi restoration
Sunday, June 8 • 10 a.m.–pau
Kohala, Hawaiʻi Island (address provided with RSVP)
Join ʻAhaʻāina ʻO Niuliʻi for a day of kalo planting and loʻi restoration in Kohala. Participants may optionally bring a dish to share. To RSVP, email info@ahaaina.org or text (808) 825-1678.
»More information

Free online class: Cultivating the rain with ecological agriculture
Saturday, June 14 • 9–11 a.m. (via Zoom)
Instructors David Sansone, owner of Hawaii Edible Landscaping, LLC, and Adam Russell, co-owner of Symbiosis in Texas, are hosting a free online class to share how ecological agriculture can help you develop drought-resistant gardens, edible landscapes, farms, and forests that conserve and collect water, revitalize the soil, and reduce labor and inputs.
»Register online