THE KOHALA CENTER….Employment/Opportunities/Events

The Kohala Center is hiring a waihona native collections manager
We are seeking a waihona native collections manager who will oversee integrated strategies to strengthen relationships with ‘āina towards a state of pono, in part through the expansion of our waihona (seed repositories and ‘ike Hawai‘i knowledge transmission) including native nurseries, canoe crop collections, and stored knowledge bases. Visit our Career Center for the full position description and to apply.

Kupu program applications now open
Kupu is a Hawaiʻi-based workforce development initiative that connects individuals with positions in sustainability, renewable energy, agriculture, natural resource management, and more. Kupu is currently accepting applications for their 2026-27 programs. Apply online.

Kahua Paʻa Mua is offering a paid internship in Kohala, Hawaiʻi Island
The internship runs September 2026–March 2027 and will include formal and hands-on training in first aid & CPR, welding and diesel mechanics and a winter break intensive in partnership with Hawaiʻi Community College, carpentry, small engine repair, Korean Natural Farming, equipment operation, animal husbandry, crop production, and more. Participants must be 18-26 years old and attend all required sessions. Apply by emailing dcfuertes808@gmail.com. Learn more about Kahua Paʻa Mua here.

Agriculture Stewardship Hawaiʻi is hiring a project evaluator
This role will support work uplifting Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander mahiʻai across the pae ʻāina. This role will help guide project learning, measure impact, and strengthen outcomes for farmers participating in our technical assistance and funding readiness programs. View the Request For Proposal (RFP) here.

Mālama ʻĀina Foundation is hiring an educational specialist for Kohala Middle School
This is a full-time position working directly with Kohala youth through mentoring, classroom support, afterschool programming, and hands-on, culture- and place-based STEAM learning. Mālama ʻĀina Foundation is seeking someone who connects well with middle school students, understands the Kohala community, and is excited about making learning meaningful both in the classroom and out in the field. View the position description here. For more information, contact Joël Tan at 808-430-5009.

Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Co-op is seeking technical assistance providers
Technical assistance providers will work directly with producers to assess land, goals, and site conditions; evaluate agroforestry opportunities; develop plans aligned with NRCS standards; conduct site visits and document recommendations; support required reporting and project coordination. Providers receive approximately $5,000 per assigned producer for up to three producers. Apply by August 24 here.

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Report damage from Hurricane Lala
Report agricultural damage to Agriculture Stewardship Hawaiʻi and your local FSA office. Reporting for agricultural, residential, commercial, and/or public infrastructure damage and requests for assistance are also available through your county.

Waimea Community Market seeking new vendors and community partners
Under new collaborative management, Waimea Community Market at Parker School is seeking farmers, food producers and other local vendors interested in joining the Saturday market. The market is also welcoming musicians and community organizations interested in occasional performances, education activities and outreach. Learn more and get involved here.

Apply for agricultural property tax in Hawaiʻi County
All Hawaiʻi County property owners currently participating in the Non-Dedicated Agricultural Use Program (NDA) must apply for a new program by September 1 to maintain agricultural benefits. Read more about the deadline here and find applications here.

USDA NRCS seeking partner for Hawaii Island Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program Project
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking a partner organization for the Hawaii Island Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program Project. The project area will focus on low-elevation agricultural zones located within impaired watersheds outside of Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island, spanning the Hāmākua Soil & Water Conservation District (from Kaieʻie Stream to Waiākea Stream) and extending to the low-elevation agricultural zones within the Shipman area of the Puna Soil & Water Conservation District. The selected partner will collaborate with NRCS and APHIS to collect damage assessment information, identify damage sites, procure supplies and assist with equipment maintenance, ensure regulatory compliance, facilitate meat salvage and distribution to the public, assist with carcass disposal, and provide outreach and assistance with trapping operations. Apply by September 21.

USDA FSA accepting applications for Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program
The Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment (RTCP) program helps farmers and ranchers in remote areas by reimbursing a portion of their transportation costs for farm supplies and agricultural products. Hawaiʻi producers are eligible and may receive up to $8,000 each year. Apply by September 30 by contacting your local FSA office.

USDA AMS accepting applications for Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program
A total of $2.4 million is available for activities designed to strengthen and enhance the production and marketing of sheep and sheep products in the U.S. through infrastructure development, business development, production resource development, and market research. View more details here and apply by October 2.

USDA Western SARE calls for proposals
USDA Western SARE has released calls for proposals for several programs, including Farmer/Rancher (funds innovative producer-driven research and outreach), Professional + Producer (funding for agricultural technical advisors and producers implementing projects to address identified needs in sustainable agriculture), Professional Development (funds education and training for agricultural professionals), Local Education and Demonstration (funds the application and adoption of the results and recommendations from previous SARE-funded research), Graduate Student Research and Education (funds graduate students to lead a project with the support of their academic advisor and at least one producer to address identified needs in sustainable agriculture), and Visiting Research and Education (funds researchers around the world to partner with farmers, ranchers, agricultural professionals, and other researchers). Review this infographic to determine eligibility. Applications close between October 5–October 28.

USDA FSA offering cost share assistance for organic certification
USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is accepting applications to help with organic certification costs for the 2025 and 2026 program years through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP), which covers up to 75% of eligible organic certification costs. To be eligible for OCCSP, a producer or handler must have their USDA organic certification for the applicable program year at the time of application and must have paid fees or expenses related to the initial certification or renewal from a certifying agent during the program year. Applications are due December 31 by contacting your local FSA office.

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Ōhāhā Workshop Series
July–November
Join TKC for an upcoming series of eight workshops focused on planting kalo alongside other traditional Hawaiian canoe crops and native forest plants. Each workshop will focus on a different aspect of native food forestry. . The August upcoming workshop will focus on the relationships between kalo and ‘ōhi‘a. Learn plant identification, planting practices, site preparation, moʻolelo, and other topics alongside community members on ʻāina. For more information and to pre-register for the workshop series, email mshiroyama@kohalacenter.org.

E Ulu Kākou: Hawaiʻi’s Agriculture Market Readiness Program
Tuesdays in August–February • 5:30–6:30 p.m. (via Zoom)
UH Mānoa CTAHR is offering a free webinar series designed to help livestock and poultry producers build the knowledge and skills needed to strengthen Hawaiʻi’s food system. Sessions include commercial egg production, breeding technologies, slaughterhouse and meat quality, grazing management, livestock profitability and cost of production, and value-added products. Participants may attend one or multiple sessions.
»Register online

Webinar: Protect Your Farm. Protect Your Workers.
Wednesday, August 26 • 5 p.m. (via Zoom)
Join Hawaiʻi Farmers Union Foundation for a webinar about the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) and pesticide safety for Hawaiʻi farms. This session covers recordkeeping, worker notifications, restricted-entry intervals, application exclusion zones, and other key WPS requirements. Whether you’re required to comply with WPS or simply want to improve on-farm safety, you’ll gain practical guidance and learn about free on-site WPS consultations available to support your operation.
»Register online

Two-part Irrigation Skills Workshop
Wednesday, August 26 • 6–7:30 p.m. (via Zoom)
Saturday, August 29 • 3:30–6:30 p.m.
Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island
Join GoFarm for a two-part workshop covering the principles of irrigation system design for efficiency and crop resilience, components and tools needed for irrigation install, and technology options for automating irrigation.
»Register online

Produce Safety Alliance grower training
Tuesday, September 15–Thursday, September 17 • 4–7 p.m. (via Zoom)
This training is designed for fruit and vegetable growers interested in learning about produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule and Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs). For farms required to comply with the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement, this course meets that requirement. Cost is $150. Register by September 4.
»Register online

Two-day Fall Field Tour for cow-calf businesses
Monday, September 21–Tuesday, September 22
Waimea and Kapaʻau, Hawaiʻi Island
Join Hawaiʻi Cattlemen’s Council and Country Natural Beef for a two-day workshop including an educational session about successful cow-calf business strategies and a tour of Ponoholo Ranch.
»Register online

4-part course: The Art of Beekeeping
Monday, September 21–Monday, October 12
Honokaʻa, Hawaiʻi Island
Join Bird and Bee Hawaiʻi for a 4-part class on beekeeping for beginners. Participants will learn the basics of the honeybee hive, hive management, hive equipment construction and maintenance, pests, products, and how to extract honey. Cost is $290 for tuition plus $140 for materials.
»Register online

ʻAiaola Food is Medicine Summit
Thursday, October 1–Saturday, October 3
Windward Community College, Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu (map)
Join leaders from healthcare, agriculture, and community organizations to advance Food is Medicine as both a practice and a longstanding cultural movement in Hawaiʻi. Hosted by Hawaiʻi Good Food Alliance, the summit will explore how locally sourced, culturally grounded nutrition can strengthen community health and build a more resilient and equitable food and healthcare system.
»Register online

36th annual Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers Conference
Friday, October 2 – Sunday, October 4
Outrigger Kauai Beach Resort, 4331 Kauaʻi Beach Dr, Līhuʻe, Kauaʻi (map)
Over three days, attendees will participate in presentations, farm tours, networking, and a tropical fruit tasting event, with speakers from the USDA, Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture, University of Hawaiʻi, and industry experts.
»Register online