THE KOHALA CENTER….OPPORTUNITIES/EMPLOYMENT/EVENTS

Employment

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 will build hands-on skills in ʻāina, culture, and community to prepare for careers that strengthen Hawaiʻi’s local food systems. Training includes crop production, soil health, fencing, harvesting, equipment care, carpentry, animal husbandry, irrigation, and more. Participants must be 18-26 years old and attend all classes. Apply by September 4 by emailing dcfuertes808@gmail.com. Read more here.

Opportunities

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.

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.

DEADLINE EXTENDED: 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 to maintain agricultural benefits. Due to Hurricane Lala, the deadline has been extended to October 13. Read more and apply here.

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.

Events

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 September upcoming workshop will focus on building a food forest trial. Learn plant identification, planting practices, site preparation, mo‘olelo, and other topics alongside community members on ʻāina. For more information and to pre-register for the workshop series, email mshiroyama@kohalacenter.org.

Wespac 2026 Public Meetings
August 28–September 15
In-person and remote
The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (aka Wespac) manages fisheries in offshore waters of Hawaiʻi, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and remote Pacific Island areas. Wespac is holding public meetings to discuss and review fisheries management in these areas.
»More information

Workshop: Understanding Taxes, Bookkeeping, & Financial Analysis
Wednesday, September 9 • 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
In-person and remote
Join the Hawaiian Council for a workshop that will cover reading tax returns, understanding credits and deductions, types of entities, use of QuickBooks, reading financial statements, using depreciation and assets strategically, understanding what loan officers are looking for in a loan application, and more.
»Register online

Harvesting Happiness at Home
Thursday, September 17 • 4–5:30 p.m. (via Zoom)
Join CTAHR Seeds of Wellbeing for a parenting series for farm, ranch, and fisher families. Build on what’s already working in the family, explore the four crucial C’s (Connect, Capable, Count, Courage), learn practical tools to handle stressful moments and challenging behaviors, and connect with other parents in a supportive and judgment-free space. Email sow.ctahr@gmail.com to register.
»More information

Two-day Fall Field Tour for cow-calf businesses
September 21–22
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
October 1–3 • 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
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

2026 Hawai‘i Farmers Union Annual Convention
Friday, October 16–18
Waimānalo CARES Center, 41-698 Ahiki St, Waimānalo, Oʻahu (map)
Join Hawaiʻi Farmers Union for a celebration of agricultural resilience and community, featuring Makahiki games, farmer-led education and advocacy, hands-on workshops, a farmers market, and more. Scholarships are available to new and beginning farmers, ranchers, fishers, food producers, and youth in ʻāina-based programs from neighboring islands.
»Register online

Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council Convention & Annual Meeting
November 12–14
Waikōloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, 69-275 Waikōloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa Village, Hawaiʻi Island (map)
Join Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council for their convention bringing together industry leaders to network, share insights, and drive positive change in the cattle industry.
»Register online