THE KOHALA CENTER: Employment/Opportunities/Events

Employment

Kupu ʻĀina Corps is hiring for various positions
Kupu ʻĀina Corps is a paid workforce development program that places young adults in hands-on conservation, agriculture, environmental technology, and community resilience roles throughout Hawaiʻi. Apply online to explore open opportunities.

HFUF is hiring a part-time Administrative and Project Management Assistant
Hawaiʻi Farmers Union Foundation (HFUF) is looking for an Administrative and Project Management Assistant to join their team at Kuʻia Agricultural Education Center in Lahaina, Maui. This position plays a key part in keeping daily operations running smoothly, from coordinating projects and managing communications to supporting basic financial processes and on-site program needs. View the job description here and apply by sending your cover letter and resume to employment@hfuu.org.

Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative is hiring an Agricultural Processor
Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative is hiring an Agricultural Processor at their Hilo facility on Hawaiʻi Island. This is a hands-on position involving the processing of ʻulu into flour and other products. View the job description online.

Opportunities

Mahiʻai Micro Fund for Native Hawaiian farmers
Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) is offering Mahiʻai Micro Funds to Native Hawaiian farmers to help offset rising operational costs and strengthen farm operations. Farmers may be eligible for 1) up to $5,000 if impacted by recent Kona Low weather events or 2) up to $3,000 for general operational support. An eligibility verification is required. Apply by May 15.

Disaster assistance for drought losses and forage loss in Maui and Hawaiʻi counties
Producers in the counties of Maui and Hawaiʻi are eligible for support from USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) for damages related to drought. The 2026 Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) provides compensation if you suffer grazing losses for covered livestock due to drought on privately owned or cash leased land or fire on federally managed land. Additionally, low-interest emergency loans from FSA can help you recover from production and physical losses. For either program, contact your local FSA office: (808) 933-8334 for Hawaiʻi or (808) 871-5500 ext. 2 for Maui.

Emergency Cattle Feed Fund
Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council has funds available to reimburse up to $2,000 to producers who purchased emergency cattle feed due to impacts from the Kona Low storms. Applicants must provide GET number, photo evidence of damaged acreage, and receipts. Apply before May 8.

USDA FSA Emergency Conservation Assistance for Kona Low storm damage
USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is accepting applications across Hawaiʻi for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to address damages from the Kona Low Storms that occurred March 10–March 24. ECP provides cost-share and technical assistance to producers to restore farmland to pre-disaster conditions. Approved ECP applicants can receive up to 75% of the cost of the approved restoration activity with a maximum cost share of $500,000 per natural disaster event. Approved ECP practices include removing debris from farmland; grading, shaping and releveling; replacing or repairing permanent fences; and restoring conservation structures. Contact your local FSA office for more information. Signup closes June 1.

Apply for a property tax remission for storm damage
If your land is damaged by a natural disaster, you may be eligible for a property tax remission, which is a reduction or refund of your property taxes. Damage to land, buildings, or structures is eligible. Apply by June 30 on your county’s website: Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui, Hawaiʻi.

Free soil and plant testing for flood-impacted farmers
UH CTAHR’s Agricultural Diagnostic Service Center (ADSC) is offering free soil and plant testing through July 21. If your farm was impacted by the March and April flooding, you can submit up to three free samples for each of the following tests: soil nutrient, plant tissue nutrient, plant disease, and insect identification. More information on ADSC’s website.

Apply for the Ahupuaʻa Systems Apprenticeship
Hoʻokuaʻāina in partnership with Windward Community College is accepting applications for the next cohort of the Ahupuaʻa Systems Apprenticeship. Accepted participants will have their tuition paid for and can earn up to $4,500 in stipends per year for two years, leaving with an associate’s degree and an ahupuaʻa systems certificate. Apply by May 24.

Events

Two-part Diversified Farm Design course
Saturday, May 9 • 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday, May 23 • 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Starseed Ranch, 52-4700 ʻAkoni Pule Hwy, Kapaʻau, Hawaiʻi Island (map)
HIP Ag is offering a hands-on, two-part Diversified Farm Design course focused on building resilient, diversified farms using agro-ecological principles. Taught by Zach Mermel from Ola Design Group, participants will learn site analysis, goal setting, and develop a personalized farm design and implementation plan. Fee is $250, but free for eligible participants, including veteran farmers and those from historically underserved communities.
»Apply online

Hilo Chocolate Festival
Saturday, May 9 • 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, 71 Banyan Dr, Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island (map)
Join the East Hawaii Cacao Association for a day celebrating the cacao and chocolate of Hawaiʻi Island. The event will feature hands-on learning with cacao farmers and chocolate makers, chocolate tastings, and farm tours. Attendees may also receive a free cacao plant to take home.
»Apply online

Pollinator Project ʻĀina Workday: Plant Adoptions + Workshops
Saturday, May 9 • 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
ʻUlumau Farm, 18-3990 S Laukō Rd, Mountain View, Hawaiʻi Island (map)
Join County of Hawaiʻi’s Office of Sustainability, Climate, Equity, and Resilience (OSCER), Plant Pono, and Laulima Nature Center for a community workday including education, ʻāina work, and free plant adoptions.
»Register online

Holomua Marine Initiative talk story sessions
Various dates between May 5–21 • 5–7:30 p.m.
Various locations on Hawai’i Island
The Holomua Marine Initiative is a community-driven approach to marine management where local communities and the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) team up to create management solutions to support healthy nearshore marine ecosystems and sustainable harvesting practices.
»RSVP online

World Bee Day Hawaiʻi
Saturday, May 16 • 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Mokupāpapa Discovery Center, 76 Kamehameha Ave, Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island (map)
The annual World Bee Day Hawaiʻi event is dedicated to honoring honey bees and pollinators. Join for a day filled with honey tasting, local products from beekeepers, art activities, speakers, and networking opportunities.
»More information