Kohala Center Opportunities & Upcoming Events
OPPORTUNITIES
Ōhāhā High School AgriCULTURE Program accepting applications from high school students
The Kohala Center is currently accepting applications for the Fall 2019 session of our Ōhāhā High School AgriCULTURE Program, October 7–11. High school students and recent grads will deepen their connection with ʻāina and local food production, learn about educational and career opportunities in agriculture, and receive a VISA gift card for up to $125 for successfully completing the program. Learn more and apply at koha.la/ohaha or call The Kohala Center at 808-887-6411.
Deadline extended: Kamehameha Schools and The Kohala Center honor farming on Hawai‘i Island with Mahi‘ai a Ola
Kamehameha Schools and The Kohala Center recently launched Mahi‘ai a Ola, a campaign to support local farmers, agricultural education, and innovative solutions to improve food security. Mahiʻai a Ola is an initiative that evolved from the Mahiʻai Match-Up program as an opportunity to increase agricultural awareness in support of the farming industry, while reinvigorating innovation, community connections, and a commitment to future generations. Mahiʻai a Ola is made up of three programs: Mahiʻai Match-Up (an agricultural business plan competition), Mahiʻai a Ao (a scholarship award for farmer training with GoFarm Hawai‘i), and MahiX (an innovation challenge). Applications for Mahi‘ai Match-Up are now due by Monday, September 30. Refer to the program page for more information.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency offers disaster assistance to producers through WHIP+ program
USDA announced that agricultural producers affected by natural disasters in 2018 and 2019 can apply for assistance through the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+) starting on September 11. More than $3 billion is available for eligible producers who have suffered eligible losses in counties with a Presidential Emergency Disaster Declaration or a Secretarial Disaster Designation (primary counties only). Refer to the agency’s press release for more information, or contact an FSA service center in your county by visiting offices.usda.gov.
Funding available to assist manufacturing companies
Hawaii Technology Development Corporation’s manufacturing assistance grant program offers Hawai‘i manufacturers a 20% reimbursement (up to $100,000) on qualified expenses, including equipment purchases, training, energy efficiency projects, and manufacturing feasibility studies. Applications will be accepted until Friday, November 22. For more information, contact mfggrant@htdc.org or visit htdc.org/money.
Hawai‘i Island Agricultural Partnership (HIAP) branding survey
HIAP is seeking responses to a brief online survey about branding for Hawai‘i Island agricultural products. All stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the survey, which should take no more than two minutes to complete. Refer to the principles document to learn more about HIAP’s vision.
Kīpu‘upu‘u Farms is hiring
Kīpu‘upu‘u Farms is a greenhouse operation that produces microgreens in Waimea on Hawai‘i Island. The farm is currently seeking qualified applicants for a farm worker position. Contact Ben Zenk at 808-358-0445 or benjaminzenk@gmail.com to inquire and apply.
Kalona Brand Company seeks farm crew leader
Kalona Brand Company is an agribusiness and food company that cultivates cacao, ‘ulu, and avocado on the North Shore of O‘ahu. The company is currently accepting applications for the position of farm crew leader. Refer to the position description for more information. Please submit cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to Kawika Burgess at kawika@kalonabrand.com.
EBT machines available for farmers markets at no cost
State of Hawai‘i Department of Human Services is offering 50 wireless EBT machines for markets and food retailers wishing to accept SNAP benefits. To obtain a machine, vendors must first register for a U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service number, which can be completed online at fns.usda.gov/snap/apply-to-accept. Once issued, send your FNS number along with your business name, contact information, and mailing address to Sabrina Young at syoung@dhs.hawaii.gov.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Fifth Birthday Celebration for the Farmers’ Market at Hāmākua Harvest
Presented by Hāmākua Harvest
Sunday, September 22 • 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Market on the corner of Māmane St and Māmalahoa Hwy, Honoka‘a, Hawai‘i Island (map)
Hāmākua Harvest invites the community to celebrate the fifth anniversary of its Sunday farmers’ market. Festivities include ‘ono food, live music, keiki activities, food and craft vendors, a free educational event, and more. There is no cost to attend and SNAP/EBT purchases are welcome. Contact info@hamakuaharvest.org with questions.
»View/download flyer
Farmer and Producer Outreach Briefings: Disaster Assistance Relief Bill and 2018 U.S. Farm Bill Update
Presented by U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service
Friday, September 27 • 4–6 p.m
Pāhoa Neighborhood Facility, 15-3022 Kauhale St, Pāhoa, Hawai‘i Island (map)
Monday, September 30 • 4–6 p.m.
Ka‘ū District Gym Multipurpose Room, 96-1219 Kamani St, Pāhala, Hawai‘i Island (map)
Tuesday, October 1 • 4–6 p.m.
Agricultural Research Station (Kona Experiment Station), 79-7381 Māmalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua, Hawai‘i Island (map)
This informational briefing will address assistance available for crop losses resulting from natural disasters in 2018, including the Kīlauea volcanic eruption, Hurricane Lane, and Tropical Storm Olivia. U.S. Congress recently passed a disaster relief bill, which will provide benefits to Hawai‘i producers. There is no cost to attend, and registration is not required in advance. Contact Lester Ueda at 808-933-8381 ext. 2 or lester.ueda@hi.usda.gov with questions.
»View/download flyer
»View/download press release
Macadamia Nut Pest Workshop Series
Presented by Hawai‘i Macadamia Nut Association and University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UH CTAHR) with funding from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture
Saturday, October 5 • 9–11:30 a.m.
Island Harvest, 53-4073 Pratt Rd, Kapa‘au, Hawai‘i Island (map)
Saturday, October 12 • 9–11:30 a.m.
Āhualoa Farms, 47-4508 Cane Haul Rd, Honoka‘a, Hawai‘i Island (map)
Hawai‘i Macadamia Nut Association is hosting a free macadamia nut pest workshop series. Dr. Alyssa Cho of UH CTAHR will teach growers to manage orchard pests, with a focus on macadamia felted coccid. Growers will learn integrated pest management strategies, monitoring protocols, and best practices for chemical control. There is no cost to attend and snacks will be provided. Registration is required in advance online. Call 808-430-1876 or email bigislandmacnut@gmail.com with questions.
»Register online
»View/download flyer
