THE KOHALA CENTER: Employment/Opportunities/Events

Employment

Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative is hiring a production manager in Kona
Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative (HUC) is looking for a production manager to oversee agricultural processing at their headquarters in the Honalo Marshaling Yard, Kona, Hawaiʻi Island. Key responsibilities include implementing HUC’s Food Safety Plan in accordance with state and federal regulations, overseeing and directing employees, training staff, and maintaining production quality, safety, and efficiency. Read the position description here and apply by emailing your resume and cover letter to operations@eatbreadfruit.com.

Nā Ala Hele is hiring a part-time community outreach assistant in Hilo
Nā Ala Hele is looking for a part-time (20 hrs/week) community outreach assistant to support outreach and education efforts, assist with interpretive material development, lead volunteer trail workdays, and promote stewardship through direct public outreach. The position is based in Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island. Apply online.

Forest Solutions is hiring two positions on Hawaiʻi Island
Forest Solutions is looking for a field forester and administrative assistant at various locations on Hawaiʻi Island. Read the position descriptions and apply here.

Opportunities

Poultry production course
Join GoFarm and J. Ludovico Farm for a poultry production course featuring 6 virtual classes and 3 field days in Waialua, Oʻahu. The course will run January 9–February 14, and applications are due December 15.

Grants for farm animal welfare and systems change
FACT is offering two types of Fund-a-Farmer grants: 1) $3,500 welfare improvement grants for improving animal welfare, pursuing certification, or projects for certified farmers and 2) $10,000 systems change and innovation grants for conversion to a pasture system, adoption of alternative breeds, development of a cooperative or other shared marketing system, or other systems change. Apply online by January 3.

Provide your input on a new farmer’s market in Hilo
The Food Basket is planning a pilot farmers market at Hoʻolako Campus (505 Ponahawai St) in Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island and is seeking input from potential vendors. The market will feature Hawaiʻi-grown produce only and will start at two days a week. Take the survey here.

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.

Events

Webinar: Farm food safety
Monday, December 8 • 5:30–7 p.m. (via Zoom)
Join GoFarm for a webinar about the purpose and development of a Farm Food Safety Plan. Learn about the key components, hazard analysis, farm policies, and general tips.
»Register online

Lāʻau Love plant adoption in Hilo
Wednesday, December 10 • 5–8 p.m.
Hawaiʻi County Building, 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island (map)
Hawaiʻi County’s final native and food plant adoption event will take place in Hilo during the Magic of the Season holiday festival. Both reservations and first come, first served plants will be available.
»Reserve your plants

Hawaiʻi Island AgriPolicy Summit 2025
Thursday, December 11 • 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
The Arc of Hilo, 1099 Waiānuenue Ave, Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island (map)
Join Council Member Ashley Kierkiewicz, Sen. Tim Richards, and Rep. Kirstin Kahaloa for a summit around ongoing state and county policy efforts for Hawaiʻi’s food system. Attendance and input from community members will help inform upcoming state and county budget and legislative sessions.
»Register online