THE KOHALA CENTER……Employment/Opportunities/Events

Employment

HIP Ag is hiring a farmhand on Hawaiʻi Island
HIP Ag is looking for a farmhand to support daily farm production, harvest, and sales across a diversified organic farm in North Kohala. View the job description here.

Agriculture Stewardship Hawaiʻi is hiring a farm to institution lead on Oʻahu
The farm to institution lead will support statewide efforts to expand and improve the procurement of local food by Hawaiʻi’s public institutions—such as schools, hospitals, correctional facilities, and government agencies. View the job description here.

Opportunities

HIP Ag recruiting for beginner farmer training program
HIP Agriculture is accepting applicants for its 5.5-month Residential Beginner Farmer Training Program, running July 13–December 19 in North Kohala. This immersive program offers hands-on training in market gardening and tropical agroforestry, along with education, farm-grown food, housing, and a stipend. Apply online.

Grants to support food and housing security
Hawaiʻi Island United Way is offering grants up to $25,000 to nonprofits that support food security (including served meals, groceries, farm produce distribution hubs, etc.) and housing security (including shelter, hotel/motel, rent/mortgage, and utility assistance). Apply before February 16.

Grants for community forest projects
Kaulunani, the Urban and Community Forestry program of Hawaiʻi’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife, invites proposals that support local urban and community forestry initiatives and projects. This may include: tree plantings and giveaways, tree care and maintenance, agroforestry, education and outreach, cultural and artistic expression, and more. Grants are between $20,000–$50,000. An informational webinar will be held February 9. Apply by March 1.

REMINDER: Get reimbursed for compost costs
Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity’s 2026 Compost Reimbursement Program is 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.

Mana Up accepting applications for Cohort 11
Mana Up helps Hawaiʻi-based product companies grow and scale globally through its business accelerator, retail platforms like House of Mana Up, and powerful storytelling. Mana Up is accepting applications for Cohort 11 until February 6. Apply here.

Survey for kalo producers
The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity is surveying kalo (taro) producers to understand how much kalo is grown in Hawaiʻi, how much land is used, and whether it is for cultural practices, consumption, or market. Take the survey here.

Mediation support for agricultural disputes
The Hawaiʻi Agricultural Mediation Program offers free and confidential mediation to help agricultural producers work through disputes related to USDA programs, loans, leases, land access, water, labor, and contracts. Mediators support all parties by reducing communication barriers, facilitating calm and clear discussions, exploring options, and drafting agreements. Learn more at www.hiamp.org.

RE-OPENED: 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. Applications close February 19.

Events

Webinar: Understanding the wildfire insurance crisis
Friday, February 6 • 11 a.m.–12 p.m. (via Zoom)
Join Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization for a webinar that will break down what is driving insurance decisions, how wildfire risk is being assessed, and where mitigation efforts can make a difference. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A for participants.
»Register online

Two-part webinar: Financial foundations for farms
Monday, February 16 • 5:30–7 p.m. (via Zoom)
Monday, March 2 • 5:30–7 p.m. (via Zoom)
Join GoFarm and Feed the Hunger Fund for a two-part webinar that will introduce farmers to accounting fundamentals and include a Q&A with a CPA (certified public accountant) which will cover tax topics and other insights.
»Register online

Workshop: Virtual fencing
Tuesday, February 17 • 4–6 p.m.
Komohana Extension Center, 875 Komohana St, Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island (map)
Join Nathaniel Slinkert, Pacific States Territory Manager for Vence, a US-based virtual fence provider, to learn about the latest developments in virtual fence technology as a tool for adaptive cattle management on challenging landscapes. Jill Ficke-Beaton, NRCS State Management Specialist will share USDA funding opportunities for virtual fencing projects. Participation via Zoom is also available. Register by February 13.
»Register online

Workshop: Ecological orchards
Saturday, February 21 • 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Laupāhoehoe School Garden, 35-2065 Old Māmalahoa Hwy, Laupāhoehoe, Hawaiʻi Island (map)
David Sansone of Hawaii Edible Landscaping, LLC will demonstrate how to beat the weeds and increase production with plant communities and ecological processes that replace labor, inputs, and machines. Food, refreshments, and plant prizes will be provided. Register by February 14.
»Register online

Workshop: Catering, private cheffing, and culinary operations
Saturday, February 21 • 1–3 p.m.
Kohala Food Hub, 55-230 Hō‘ea Rd, Hāwī, Hawaiʻi Island (map)
Join Kohala Food Hub for a workshop on launching and running a successful catering or private chef business from Chef Dray Wilson and Shannon of Island Style Grindz. This hands-on workshop covers everything from startup costs and menu development to client management, event execution, and building sustainable growth in the culinary industry.
»Register online

Niu Festival: A hoʻopono event in Hilo
Sunday, February 22 • 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Haili Street and Palace Theater, Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island (map)
The Niu Festival is a full day of community gathering centered on niu, the tree of life. In the morning, Haili Street will feature hands-on niu activities, cultural practice, meaʻai, and community-led stations. At 2 p.m., doors will open to Palace Theater for a free screening of Niu Forever with filmmaker Alex Cantatore followed by a Hoʻopono: Mutual Emergence book celebration with Dr. Manulani Aluli Meyer.
»RSVP online

Advocacy webinar series
Various dates in February–May • 5–6 p.m. (via Zoom)
Join Hawaiʻi Farmers Union (HFU) and Advocacy Director Hunter Heaivilin for their monthly talk story sessions which will cover what’s moving at the Capitol, walk through HFU’s priority bills, and answer your questions.
»Register online