The Kohala Center….Employment/Opportunities/Events

Employment

Join The Kohala Center’s Team
TKC is hiring two positions: a grants administrator and kohala mālama ʻāina specialist. Visit our career center for more information and to apply.

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, Hāmākua) and online sessions on Wednesdays. Participants who complete the program will receive a stipend and may apply for a year-long internship. Apply online.

Scholarships for Native college students studying agriculture
First Nations Development Institute is awarding $1,000 – $1,500 scholarships to Native college students majoring in agriculture and agriculture-related fields. Apply here by July 11.

Training opportunity for Native farmers
First Nations Development Institute has opened applications for their Native Farmer Professional Cohort, a 12-month program in which 12 Native farmers will engage in knowledge sharing around conservation planning, business planning, Native agricultural traditions, and natural resource management. The cohort includes virtual webinars, fieldwork, and three in-person training sessions. Participants will receive a stipend of $10,000 in addition to coverage of all travel expenses. Native Hawaiians are eligible for this program. Apply online by July 18.

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Events

Hawaiʻi County Agricultural Real Property Tax Workshops
Saturdays, July 5, 12, and 19 at various times and locations
Saturday, August 2 • 10 a.m.–12 p.m. (via Zoom)
Join representatives from UH CTAHR and the County of Hawaiʻi to learn more about Hawaiʻi County’s three agricultural tax programs including how to file and on-site support completing paperwork. The workshops are intended to help landowners understand how to reduce property taxes by dedicating land to agricultural use.
»Register online or call (808) 961-8764

From Farm to Buyer: A Market Connections Series
Mondays, July 7, 21, and August 24 • 5:30–6:30 p.m. (via Zoom)
GoFarm is hosting a 3-part webinar series to help producers expand their markets and strengthen business relationships.
»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. 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