THE KOHALA CENTER Employment/Opportunities/Events

Employment

Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden is hiring a nursery coordinator
The Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden is seeking an experienced nursery coordinator to lead plant nursery operations in Captain Cook, Hawaiʻi Island. This position is responsible for overseeing the nursery functions including tracking and ordering supplies, propagating native Hawaiian and heritage canoe plants and maintaining inventory, seeking and managing accounts, supporting plant sales, overseeing volunteers and interns, and responding to customer queries. For more information visit their website.

Terraformation is hiring an agroforestry technician
Terraformation is seeking an agroforestry technician to help with maintenance and care of tropical fruit and nut orchards in the Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island area. View more information and apply online.

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.

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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.

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. 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.

USDA NIFA–AFRI Foundational and Applied Science Program accepting applications
The Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) provides funding for fundamental and applied research, education, and extension projects in the food and agricultural sciences. The Foundational and Applied Science Program is open for applications that address one of six AFRI priority areas for FY 2026, including: 1) Plant health and production and plant products; 2) Animal health and production and animal products; 3) Food safety, nutrition, and health; 4) Bioenergy, natural resources, and environment; 5) Agriculture systems and technology; and 6) Agriculture economics and rural communities. The maximum award amount ranges $50,000–$1.15 million depending on the type of project, with varying application deadlines between October 2–November 13. Review the RFA and apply online.

Food Biz workshop series
Kohala Food Hub is offering a free 9-part workshop series for anyone interested in launching or growing a food business. Topics include everything from business planning and value-added products to branding and marketing to food trucks and catering operations. Workshops will be held in-person in Hāwī, Hawaiʻi Island, or online via Zoom. Those who attend at least five workshops will get 10 hours of commercial kitchen use for free. Fill out the interest form for more information.

Brand products with “Made in Hawaiʻi with Aloha”
The Made in Hawai‘i with Aloha branding program, managed by the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture, was established to protect the integrity and value of authentic Hawai‘i-made products. Apply online to use this branding for Hawaiʻi-made products.

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Events

Waiākea Local Working Group meeting
Friday, August 22 • 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
NRCS Conference Rm. 328, 154 Waiānuenue Avenue, Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island (map)
The local conservation district and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) are holding their annual Local Working Group meeting to discuss Waiākea’s priority resource concerns for fiscal year 2026. RSVP by emailing kauswcd@gmail.com or call 808-933-8350.
»More information

Funding Your Farm webinar
Monday, August 25 • 5:30–7:00 p.m. (via Zoom)
Join Go Farm Hawaiʻi and Agricultural Stewardship Hawaiʻi for a webinar on grant opportunities–learn what’s on pause, what’s still available, and how to apply.
»Register online

Intro to Grow: Air Layering
Friday, August 29 • 9–11 a.m.
Green Thumb Nursery, Keaʻau, Hawaiʻi Island
Join Hoʻōla Farms and Green Thumb Nursery for a hands-on workshop about air layering. Participants may return 12 weeks later to cut and plant their own air-layered lychee tree. Cost is $99.
»Register online

Hāmākua Harvest Farm Fest
Saturday, September 21 • 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Hāmākua Harvest Farmers Market, 44-2600 Mamalahoa Hwy, Honokaʻa, Hawaiʻi Island (map)
Join Hāmākua Harvest for the 10th annual Farm Fest. Vendors may apply to participate in the festival here.
»More information

Hawaiʻi Master Food Preservers Conference
Thursday, October 23 • 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, 71 Banyan Dr, Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island (map)
Join Hawaiʻi Master Food Preservers and Hawaiʻi Tropical Fruit Growers for the first year of this conference focused on food preservation in Hawaiʻi, featuring speakers from National Center for Home Food Preservation, Pacific Pectin, Maui Food Innovation Center, and the USDA Agricultural Research Service. Buy your tickets before September 1 for early bird pricing, with discounts for Hawaiʻi Tropical Fruit Growers members.
»Purchase tickets online

Hawaiʻi Tropical Fruit Growers Conference
Friday, October 24–Sunday, October 26
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, 71 Banyan Dr, Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island (map)
Join Hawaiʻi Tropical Fruit Growers for their 35th annual conference, with speakers to include farmers, government officials, and various fruit experts. The conference will also feature a fruit tasting on Saturday and farm tours in Hilo on Sunday. Buy your tickets before September 1 for early bird pricing, with discounts for Hawaiʻi Tropical Fruit Growers members.
»Purchase tickets online