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.

Opportunities

Grants to purchase and protect land in Hawaiʻi
Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is accepting applications for their Legacy Land Conservation Program, which provides grants to community organizations and government agencies to purchase land to protect important resources. Eligible lands may include agricultural land, natural areas, cultural and historic sites, and more. Visit their website for more information. Applications are due October 13.

Da Box CSA seeking farmers
Da Box CSA is seeking farmers to join their community-supported agriculture program that connects local farmers directly with families across Hawaiʻi Island. Read more about the program on their website and email dabox@hawaiifoodbasket.org if you’re interested in supplying produce.

Agricultural workforce housing survey
Go Farm is seeking input from agricultural employers and employees on housing challenges in the workforce. Fill out their employer and/or employee/worker survey.

Assistance for ranchers impacted by floods and wildfires
USDA is offering financial assistance up to $125,000 to livestock producers who experienced losses due to floods and wildfires through the Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP). Check if you’re eligible and apply via the FSA website.

Grants to address food insecurity on Hawaiʻi Island
The Food Basket is administering a $500,000 grant program through the County of Hawaiʻi’s Improving Community Food Security Program to address food insecurity on the island. Nonprofits or certain entities fiscally sponsored by nonprofits are eligible. Review the application and apply online by October 15.

Hawaiʻi FoundHer accepting applications
FoundHer is a business accelerator for Native Hawaiian, Asian, and Pacific Islander women founders. They are accepting applications for two accelerator programs: Cohort 5 Pae ʻĀina Program (all industries statewide) and Kapalili Food Systems Cohort (food-system businesses on Hawaiʻi Island). Early-stage, women-led, for-profit businesses are welcome to apply by October 17.

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.

Events

Hāmākua Sugar Days Festival
Saturday, October 4 • 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Honokaʻa, Hawaiʻi Island (various locations)
Hāmākua Sugar Days returns with a parade and the Hāmākua Fair, featuring vendors, live music, keiki activities, a historical exhibit, educational activities, a mutt contest, and the Hāmākua Hustle 5K/10K. Everything is free to attend.
»More information

Regenerative Blue Economy open house
Saturday, October 4 • 3–6 p.m.
Kona Sea Salt, 73-907 Makako Bay Dr, Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi Island (map)
Learn about how Hawaiʻi is building a regenerative ocean economy at this open house where you will have the opportunity to hear from community leaders, participate in limu farm tours, try some paʻakai tastings, and more.
»RSVP online

Plant sale at Panaʻewa Zoo
Saturday, October 11 • 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
Panaʻewa Zoo, 800 Stainback Hwy, Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island (map)
A wide variety of plants will be available for sale, including native plants, fruit trees, palms, edible plants, seeds, and many more.
»More information

18th annual Run for the Dry Forest
Saturday, October 18 • 6:45 a.m.–12 p.m
Puʻuwaʻawaʻa, Hawaiʻi Island (directions available on website)
The Run for the Dry Forest includes a 10K run, 5K run/walk and 1/4-mile keiki fun run. Participants will receive a free shirt and cup, and prizes are available in multiple categories.
»Register online

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. Tickets are available for purchase online, with discounts from 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

Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United annual convention
Saturday, October 25–Sunday, October 26
Kahaluʻu Ma Kai, 78-6780 Aliʻi Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi Island (map)
Join Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United (HFUU) for their 15th annual convention. Saturday will feature speakers and demonstrations will take place throughout the day, with breaks for makahiki games and lunch, followed by dinner and live music. Sunday will hold HFUU’s annual meeting and elections. Attendance is free. Visit their website for more details.
»Register online

Curious about cooperatives?
2025 is the International Year of the Cooperative! Interested in learning more about the cooperative model or other collective structures as tools for building more resilient local economies? Since 2011, The Kohala Center (TKC) has served as Hawaiʻi’s cooperative development center, providing support to over 20 co-ops operating across the islands. To learn more about TKC’s assistance for cooperatives, please email co-ops@kohalacenter.org.