Employment/Opportunities/Events The Kohala Center

Employment

Hawaiʻi Island Pacific Agriculture (HIP Ag) is hiring three positions
HIP Ag is currently seeking passionate and skilled individuals for three opportunities: a program logistics manager, a nursery technician, and a farm-to-school garden coordinator. HIP Ag is dedicated to practicing and teaching regenerative agriculture through farm-to-school education, farmer training, and ecosystem restoration. For more information visit their website or email Kenika Lorenzo-Elarco at institute@hipagriculture.org.

Kohala Food Hub (KFH) is hiring a full-time and part-time associate
KFH is seeking a full-time and part-time entry-level associate to perform a range of on-site and off-site tasks. KFH is an aggregator, distributor, marketer and online marketplace of locally grown and produced food based in North Kohala. This position will be hired through Kupu ‘Āina Corps. Applicants must be between 17-36 years of age. Visit the job description for more information or call (808) 896-3179. Email resume and cover letter to director@kohalafoodhub.com to apply.

Touching the Earth farm is hiring an orchard manager
Touching the Earth farm is hiring an orchard manager to oversee orchard operations, including planting, cultivation, harvesting, maintenance of fruit trees, sales, and marketing. This role requires a combination of horticultural expertise, leadership skills, and a strong commitment to achieving high standards of quality and productivity. Visit their website for a full job description. Send resume, cover letter, and application to manager@touchingtheearthfarm.com

The Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems is hiring a Hawaiʻi indigenous food systems research specialist
The Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems is accepting applications for a Hawaiʻi indigenous food systems research specialist. The position will build and strengthen partnerships with Native Hawaiian food system organizations and stakeholders, conduct outreach to indigenous communities, and support food systems-related research priorities. More information about the position can be found on their website, or by contacting Carly Wyman at carly.wyman@asu.edu.

Opportunities

Hawaiʻi state government requests proposals (RFP) for multiple biosecurity projects
The Hawaiʻi state government has posted on their procurement office site biosecurity RFPs on the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle, Little Fire Ant, and Two-lined Spittlebug. Each of these applications are due at 12pm, Thursday, November 21, 2024. Contact information is included on the RFP pages.

Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA) compost reimbursement program accepting applications
The HDOA is accepting applications for the Compost Reimbursement Program for Fiscal Year 2025, which may reimburse agricultural producers (including farming and landscaping operations) for the cost of purchasing compost, including transportation costs. Farming and landscaping operations may apply for reimbursement of up to 50% of cost of compost purchased between July 1, 2024, and May 1, 2025. Reimbursements under this program are not to exceed $50,000 per qualified applicant. For more information and links to the fact sheet, application, and forms, visit their website.

Hawaiʻi Island Meat Cooperative (HIMC) seeking membership and input from local producers and consumers
Hawaiʻi Island Meat Cooperative (IMC) serves as a hub for local change, operating as a producer-owned and operated cooperative that provides humane, high-quality slaughter services to island ranchers. By increasing the availability of fresh, locally-sourced meats for consumers, HIMC integrates regenerative agriculture and aloha ʻāina values into its business model, prioritizing the care and well-being of animals raised for processing. HIMC invites membership and input from both producers and consumers who support these regenerative goals. For more information, contact Jack Spruance at hawaiiislandmeat@gmail.com.

Waikoloa Community Market (WCM) seeks farmers and producers
The WCM is looking for produce vendors and seeking to support small farmers. WCM takes place on the first Saturday of each month at the Waikōloa Plaza in Waikōloa Village, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. This is an opportunity for new farmers to explore selling at markets and for established farmers looking to add another market to their roster. Contact Ann Wurden, market manager, at waikoloacm@gmail.com for more information.

Events

Biannual Hawaiʻi Agriculture Conference 2024
November 7–8
Hawaii Convention Center, 1801 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, Oʻahu (map)
The Hawaii Agriculture Conference (AG2024) provides a place for the agricultural community to explore, learn and network with each other, agricultural leaders and specialists, and affiliated stakeholders. AG2024 will host a range of opportunities for developing unified strategies to build a vibrant agricultural sector, food security, healthy communities and a thriving environment can inform and guide change. Participants can help brainstorm, shape and implement agricultural plans at local and state levels and play a role in reconnecting to Hawaiʻi’s core value of mālama ʻāina to build a healthier and unified community. See the AG2024 website for more information and to register.

Ke Ō Mau Center for Sustainable Island Food systems speaker series webinar
Wednesday, November 13 • 12 –1 p.m.
The Ke Ō Mau Center is hosting a year-long webinar series occurring each month consisting of 15-minute presentations and Q/A sessions highlighting the work of various agri-food system change initiatives across Hawaiʻi. The speakers for the next brown bag session will be: Lydi Bernal (Oʻahu farm to school coordinator and junior extension agent, UH Mānoa, CTAHR), Laura Ediger (associate director, GoFarm), Jeannette Soon-Ludes (executive director, Māla ʻAi, Hawaiʻi Island School Garden Network). Contact keomau@hawaii.edu with any questions.
»Register

2024 Climate Future Forum and Youth Climate Summit
Saturday, November 16 • 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
Hawaii State Capitol, 415 S Beretania St, Honolulu, Oʻahu (map)
The Climate Future Forum and the state of Hawaiʻi Climate Commission invite all youth and their families to participate in a day of networking and policy engagement. The mission of the Climate Future Forum is to inspire young people to be active and engaged participants in the 2025 legislative session on climate policy and legislation. The event will bring together youth (ages 14-26), educators, policymakers, and supportive organizations to evaluate and discuss climate action priorities and provide tangible steps to empower youth and give them agency in policy. The Youth Climate Summit will connect interested youth of all ages with various organizations who work in the sustainability and/or climate change sectors. For more information and to register, visit the Climate Future Forum website.