THE KOHALA CENTER: Employment/Opportunities/Events

Employment

The Kohala Center is hiring a Kohala mālama ʻāina specialist
The Kohala mālama ʻāina specialist is responsible for strengthening pilina with ʻāina across cloud and coastal forests in the moku of Kohala. Applications are currently being accepted online.

Open positions at Kupu
Kupu is hiring several positions, including Environmental Education Leaders to serve K-12 schools across Hawaiʻi, providing hands-on, ʻāina-based learning experiences. Early professionals (ages 17+) can apply for the Conservation Leadership Development Program, which provides paid, entry-level positions in conservation.

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Opportunities

Apply now: The Kohala Center (TKC) Ōhāhā Mentorship Program 2025
The Kohala Center is accepting applications for the 2025 Ōhāhā Mentorship Program, an eight-week opportunity to explore place-based and Native approaches to ʻāina management. Open to Hawaiʻi Island residents ages 18+, the program runs July 12–August 30 with in-person sessions on Saturdays (Kohala, Waimea, Hāmakua) and online sessions on Wednesdays. Participants who complete the program will receive a stipend and may apply for a year-long internship. For more information contact Kaimana Chock at kchock@kohalacenter.org.

USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program Grants now open
The USDA is accepting applications for Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) grants to support projects that expand direct producer-to-consumer markets and improve access to locally and regionally produced food. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, for-profits, ag co-ops, producer groups, and local governments. Awards range from $50,000 to $500,000 and may fund market startup, infrastructure, outreach, training, and new venue development. Applications are due June 27. For more information and to apply, visit the grant 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.

The Food Basket is looking for producers for their CSA
The Food Basket (TFB) is looking for more producers to sell produce through their Da Box CSA program. The CSA aggregates in Hilo, but TFB is willing to supply transportation support for producers located farther away on Hawaiʻi Island. Reach out to Alex Haban at alex@hawaiifoodbasket.org if interested.

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Events

Legislation in Action: Hawaiʻi Farmers Union (HFU) Advocacy Webinar
Thursday, June 19 • 5–7 p.m. (via Zoom)
Join Hawaiʻi Farmers Union Advocacy Director Hunter Heaivilin for a recap of the 2025 legislative session and a look ahead at policy priorities. Open to all—growers, supporters, and advocates. HFUU members and those simply interested in Hawaiʻi agriculture are invited to join the conversation, ask questions, and share perspectives. Visit their website to read the HFU’s 2025 Session Review.
»Register online

Lean Launch Series: Pricing and Promotional Planning for a Down Economy
Thursday, June 19 • 5:30–6:30 p.m. (via Zoom)
Learn how to adapt pricing and promotional strategies in a shifting economy. Hosted by the Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center, this free session will cover topics including: conducting a SWOT analysis to understand current and desired positioning in the market; leveraging both common and unconventional promotional and pricing strategies; and understanding and applying the concept of customer acquisition cost.
»Register online

Community Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) Survey Training Session
Wednesday, June 25 • 5–6 p.m.
Community Meeting Hale at West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, Building G, 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Hwy, Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi Island (map)
Following recent detections of CRB in Kona, this training will provide information on how the community can help to survey and keep an eye out for CRB. Topics covered include basic biology and identification; palm survey procedures; breeding site survey procedures; along with best management practices. For questions about the training, email info@crbhawaii.org
»Register online

Value-Added 101: A Conversation on Innovation
Thursday, June 26 • 10–11 a.m. (via Zoom)
Hosted by the Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center, this session will provide a broad overview of what value-added food products are and how they contribute to promoting Hawaiʻi agriculture and economic diversification. Whether launching a new product or rethinking processes, this casual and conversational session will help build the foundation for lasting, impactful innovation. Active dialogue is welcomed. Submit questions ahead of the session to vapdc@hawaii.edu.
»Register online

USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Workshop
Monday, July 7 • 5:30–7 p.m.
Keaʻau Community Center, 16-186 Pili Mua St, Keaʻau, Hawaiʻi Island (map)
Technical assistance providers Rachel Fukumoto (Oʻahu RC&D) and Megan Blazak, MBA (Independent Consultant) will share information about the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants & guaranteed loans. The session will cover REAP application requirements and eligibility as well as how to receive assistance on preparing a REAP application for upcoming deadline on September 30. There is no cost to attend and registration is not required in advance. For more information, contact Megan Blazak at reap.app.help@gmail.com or call (808) 313-0904.

Food Safety Summit
Friday, July 18 • 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
UH-Hilo Campus Center Sodexo Dining Room, 200 West Kāwili St, Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island (map)
The Food Safety Summit, hosted by CTAHR Farm Food Safety Program and North Shore Economic Vitality Partnership Program, will bring together experts to share their knowledge and experience on USDA Good Agricultural Practice audits and farm food safety practices. The Summit is expected to be a valuable resource for all farmers–including learning from the speakers during the sessions, talking to vendors and service providers, meeting produce buyers, or networking over lunch. With funding support from the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture, this event is being offered free of charge, including lunch and refreshments. Registration is required, and space is limited.
»Register online