The KOHALA CENTER: Employment/Opportunities/Events

Employment

The Kohala Center is hiring an ʻāina operations manager
The Kohala Center is hiring an ‘āina operations manager at Keawewai in the ahupuaʻa of Kawaihae on Kohala Mountain. Visit our Career Center for more information and to apply.

Hawaiʻi Cattle Producers Cooperative Association hiring livestock stock tender
Hawaiʻi Cattle Producers Cooperative Association is seeking a seasonal livestock stock tender to support cattle shipping operations to the West Coast. This flexible, hands-on role involves animal care, equipment checks, and travel to ports in Oakland and Tacoma. Livestock experience and Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) preferred. View the job description here and email hicoop@hawaiiranchers.com to apply.

Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative hiring a facility manager
The Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative is hiring a facility manager at their Alae Postharvest Facility in Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island. This person will be responsible for overseeing and implementing operations at the facility where farmers deliver their produce, the co-op manufactures ʻulu flour products, several other agricultural organizations rent commercial kitchen space, and local customers pick up orders throughout the week. Email a resume and cover letter to operations@eatbreadfruit.com to apply.

Kupu ʻĀina Corps accepting applications
Kupu is accepting applications for their Kupu ʻĀina Corps program, which employs individuals at various partner locations in the fields of sustainability, agriculture, environmental technology, and other green job fields. View the application and upcoming info sessions online.

Opportunities

Grants for energy-efficient appliances
Small businesses and nonprofits are invited to apply for Hawaiʻi Energy’s EmPOWER grants, which award up to $6,000 for energy-efficient upgrades to existing equipment. Equipment upgrades could include commercial kitchen appliances, AC units, solar water heaters, and more. Projects must be completed by June 1, 2026 before funds are awarded as a reimbursement. Applications opened August 1 and will continue until funds are depleted.

Free cultivating taro course
GoFarm Hawaiʻi is offering a free 4-week course about the cultivation of taro, including cultural significance and practices, soil prep, irrigation, production planning, marketing, value-added opportunities, and more. The course will run September 4–27, with virtual sessions on Thursdays and in-person days on Saturdays in Hilo and Hāmākua, Hawaiʻi Island. Apply here by August 11.

Grant opportunity for Hawaiʻi Island nonprofits
Hawaiʻi County is accepting applications for its Impact Grants program, which awards $10,000– $25,000 grants to nonprofit organizations driving positive change in various program areas, one of which includes agriculture and food systems. An informational webinar is being held August 13. Applications are due October 1.

Grants for small businesses to conduct innovative research in agriculture
USDA is accepting applications for its Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer (SBIR/STTR) grants. Grants up to $650,000 will be competitively awarded to small businesses to support innovative research in agriculture that could lead to significant public benefits. Applications are due September 23.

Get reimbursed for agricultural transport costs
Enrollment is now open for USDA’s Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment (RTCP) program, which reimburses agricultural producers for transport costs in geographically disadvantaged areas, which includes Hawaiʻi. The enrollment period will close September 30. Contact your Farm Service Agency (FSA) county office or call 1-866-794-1079 to get an application.

Hāmākua Sugar Days Festival seeking vendors
Hāmākua Sugar Days is looking for artisan and merchandise vendors, food vendors, and nonprofits and educational booths for its Hāmākua Fair on Saturday, October 4 in Honokaʻa, Hawaiʻi Island. Learn more and sign up here.

Technical assistance for Hawaiʻi Island kitchens and food businesses
Hawaiʻi Commercial Kitchens is offering free business support and technical assistance to commercial kitchen facilities and food businesses on Hawaiʻi Island. Check your eligibility and review their offerings online.

Events

Little Fire Ants workshop
Friday, August 8 • 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Hawaiʻi Farm-to-Car, 230 Kekūanāoʻa St, Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island (map)
Join Hoʻōla Farms and Hawaiʻi Ant Lab for a free presentation on little fire ants (LFA) in Hawaiʻi, including effective treatment and techniques for mitigation.
»Register online

O.K. Farms’ Agroforestry Celebration
Saturday, August 9 • 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
O.K. Farms, 1570 Maikalani St, Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island (map)
Join O.K. Farms for a celebration of the 3-year anniversary of their agroforest. This event is free to the public and will feature live music, workshops, food vendors, and a keiki corner.
»More information

Webinar: Common Pests in the Field
Monday, August 11 • 5:30–7:30 p.m. (via Zoom)
GoFarm and UH Extension are offering a free webinar on 5 major pests that vegetable and row crop farmers are experiencing in Hawaiʻi. Learn how to identify them and ways of managing using integrated pest management (IPM). You may submit any pest photos and questions ahead of time here.
»Register online

Puna Local Working Group meeting
Wednesday, August 13 • 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Volcano Art Center, 19-4074 Old Volcano Rd, Volcano, Hawaiʻi Island (map)
The local conservation district and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are holding their annual Local Working Group meeting to discuss Puna’s priority resource concerns for fiscal year 2026. RSVP by emailing kauswcd@gmail.com or call 808-933-8350.

Marketing Workshop
Thursday, August 14 • 1–4 p.m.
Hawaiʻi Farm-to-Car, 230 Kekūanāoʻa St, Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island (map)
Join Hawaiʻi Commercial Kitchens and Hoʻōla Farms for a free workshop on the development of marketing plans and feasibility studies for your operation. Free product photography will be offered on-site. Zoom attendance is also available.
»Register online

Ranching for Profit workshop
Thursday, August 21–Saturday, August 23 • 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Grand Naniloa Hotel, 93 Banyan Dr, Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island (map)
This 3-day workshop will help ranchers identify opportunities to improve productivity and increase profitability. Cost is $550 with discounts for Hawaiʻi Cattlemen’s Council members, and space is limited.
»Register online