THE KOHALA CENTER: Employment/Opportunities/Events

Employment

Terraformation is hiring a restoration technician
Terraformation is seeking a restoration technician to support the implementation and care of reforestation projects across Hawaiʻi. For more info and to apply please visit their website.

Opportunities

Food distributions for SNAP beneficiaries and federal employees
Vibrant Hawaiʻi’s Aloha in Action program is holding food distributions for those affected by the pause in SNAP benefits and federal employees impacted by the government shutdown. Online registration and proof of eligibility is required. Anyone looking to support may make food or monetary donations.

Get reimbursed for compost costs
Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity’s 2026 Compost Reimbursement Program is now accepting applications. This program reimburses up to 50% of compost and compost transportation costs spent between July 1, 2025 and May 1, 2026. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until May 1, while funds are still available. Follow the application instructions online.

SUSPENDED: Micro-grants for food security
The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (DAB)’s Micro-Grants for Food Security Program competitively awards micro-grants to individuals and organizations working to increase food security. Individuals may be awarded $5,000 and organizations may be awarded $10,000. Due to the government shutdown, this program has been temporarily suspended. Stay tuned for more information.

Waikoloa Community Market looking for farmers and food producers
The Waikoloa Community Market takes place on the first Saturday of each month in Waikōloa Village, Hawaiʻi Island, 9 a.m. –1 p.m. They are looking for produce vendors and seeking to support small farmers. See application information online.

Hawaiʻi County offering free plant giveaways
Hawaiʻi County’s Lāʻau Love program gives native and canoe plants to residents for free. The program continues with the next plant giveaway scheduled for November 22 in Kona, Hawaiʻi Island. Visit their website for more information and upcoming giveaway events.

Kīlauea Recovery Grant Program
The Kīlauea Recovery Grant Program offers a total of $6 million to nonprofit organizations serving communities impacted by the 2018 eruption. Funds are available in the categories of capital improvement projects, economic revitalization, and additional recovery and resilience needs. Applications are due November 14.

Events

Arbor Day Plant Sale
Friday, November 7 • 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
State Tree Nursery, 66-1220A Lālālmilo Farm Rd, Waimea, Hawaiʻi Island (map)
The State Tree Nursery’s annual Arbor Day Plant Sale in Waimea on Hawaiʻi Island will feature a variety of native and non-native trees. Sales are cash only.

Arbor Day celebration at Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden
Saturday, November 8 • 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden, 82-6160 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Captain Cook, Hawaiʻi Island (map)
Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden and Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative are hosting an Arbor Day celebration featuring a tree giveaway and plant sale, cultural demonstrations, learning booths, interactive activities, music and food trucks, and more.
»More information

Mushroom cultivation workshop
Sunday, November 9 • 9 a.m.–12 p.m. (via Zoom)
Join Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United for a virtual class on mushroom cultivation in Hawaiʻi. Learn from Chase McLean, founder of Tropical Fungi Academy, on how to cultivate tropical gourmet mushroom species.
»Register online

Super Soil Health Symposium
Saturday, November 15 • 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
HIP Agriculture Farm / Starseed Ranch (address available with registration)
HIP Agriculture is hosting an educational event around soil health followed by an evening celebration with ʻawa, food, and live music. Workshops and presentations will highlight various regenerative farming methods, including biochar, vermiculture, banana cultivation, and more. Participants may also participate in a farm tour and plant giveaway.
»Register online

Hawaiʻi GroupGAP informational webinar
Thursday, November 20 • 12 p.m.–1 p.m. (via Zoom)
GroupGAP is a USDA farm food safety program that certifies specialty crops as being produced using Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). This webinar by the North Shore Economic Vitality Partnership will cover an overview of GroupGap and how Hawaiʻi farms and food hubs can benefit from certification and support.
»Register online