Kua'aina Ulu 'Auamo

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KUA means “back” or “backbone.” KUA is an innovative, movement-building “backbone” organization that serves and connects the efforts of rural communities throughout the islands. KUA works where we are invited and exists because communities themselves called for a mechanism to share and learn from one another. Since 2003, KUA has connected over 1,000 rural farmers, fishers, and kiai (caretakers) ac

ross Hawaii and leveraged over $1.3 million in direct support for community projects. Today, KUA continues to facilitate intergenerational networks of families and practitioners engaged in malama aina (reciprocal practice of caring for and using natural resources) efforts through three networks: E Alu Pu (32 malama aina community organizations), Hui Malama Loko Ia (40 fishpond restoration projects) and the Limu Hui (31 limu practitioners). E Alu Pu has been the longest and largest network facilitated by KUA since its founding. KUA supports a community-driven approach, connecting and building capacity within rural Hawaiian kipuka communities (rural Hawaiian communities and places where traditions and traditional knowledge are retained) to take on and implement their own projects--ranging from marine and terrestrial habitat restoration to formal co-management agreements with local and state government to place-based youth education programs. We believe it is in the kipuka, when nurtured, that the seeds to heal our islands and improve our quality of life will best germinate. Our work stems from a framework of community-driven stewardship where we *listen* and respond thoughtfully to the needs of communities engaged in protecting, restoring, and stewarding land and ocean areas. The result is a unique approach that encompasses, among other things:

- Community advocacy
- Biocultural resources management
- Youth engagement
- Community-based economic development
- Capacity-building for sustainable community-based organizations
- Monitoring and evaluating program impacts

08/20/2026
Small community action grant opportunity:Pass it on!"Climate Ride created this action grants program to support organiza...
08/20/2026

Small community action grant opportunity:

Pass it on!

"Climate Ride created this action grants program to support organizations expanding outdoor access for all, getting more kids on bikes, and defending communities hit hardest by pollution. Since this program began in 2021, we’ve donated 200K to future-forward organizations!
all thanks to you!

These grants aren’t from some mystery benefactor—they’re powered by our community. This program is made possible through the incredible efforts of participants and donors who support the Climate Ride cause on our events and through our Annual Fund.

Our 2026 Nomination form is now open! Reviewing will begin in October."

Climate Ride's action grants recognize nonprofits making progress on environmental and social justice. We are donating $40,000 to support work that accelerate solutions to the injustices that need to be addressed to achieve a sustainable world. Special consideration is given to organizations led by....

Grant opportunity!!"Vadon Foundation funds programming that seeks to strengthen Native communities. We look for leaders ...
08/20/2026

Grant opportunity!!

"Vadon Foundation funds programming that seeks to strengthen Native communities. We look for leaders who aspire to break multi-generational cycles to create better possibilities for future generations.

The Vadon Foundation strongly believes in collaborative grantee-centric philanthropy. To reduce the administrative burden on potential partners, we ask that interested grantees initially send us an introductory email or call our offices to discuss your program. If there seems to be potential for collaboration, we can mutually determine what materials or information would be useful for further discussion."

No deadline.

Send To
Dave LaSarte-Meeks
Executive Director
[email protected]

The Vadon Foundation strongly believes in collaborative grantee-centric philanthropy. To reduce the administrative burden on potential partners, we ask that interested grantees initially send us an introductory email or call our offices to discuss your program. If there seems to be potential for col...

08/19/2026

Job Opening University of Hawai'i Sea Grant College Program

The University of Hawai'i Sea Grant College Program is recruiting for an Assistant Extension Agent to serve in an Aquaculture Extension Specialist position which will be located at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa on O‘ahu and have statewide and regional extension, education and outreach duties and responsibilities.

The closing date is 09/04/2026.

The job is posted at:

https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/hawaiiedu/jobs/5448383/assistant-extension-agent-0088279t?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs.

08/13/2026

Important Hawaii Community Foundation Job Opportunity serving communities in natural resource management.

Program Officer - Natural Environment Sector
Full Time - Technical/Prof
Professional
Honolulu, HI, US
3 days ago
Requisition ID: 1154

HCF’s Collaboration Philosophy
At the Hawai’i Community Foundation (HCF), we believe that an organization’s team as a “whole is greater than the sum of its parts” (Aristotle). To us, this means that we are committed to be a collaborative ‘ohana (family) that lives and actionizes our mission, respects and cares for each other, and innovates and learns together. We understand that we must rely upon all our individual strengths as we partner to provide excellent value and achieve effective results for our generous donors, community partners, and all of Hawai’i’s people. We are excitedly looking forward to enhancing our team with the addition of a Program Officer.

Position Summary
Like all HCF team members and volunteers, the Program Officer exudes the heart and passion for HCF’s mission: to inspire generosity, advocate for equity, forge connections and invest in community to create a better Hawai‘i. Specifically, the Program Officer’s role is to support the natural environment portfolio of work, managing key projects, communications, data, and reporting functions all while facilitating community impact. The Program Officer will also make effective grants and other community investments through stewardship of various funds at HCF and servicing advisory committees and contracted partners. This is a key position that provides leadership for a diverse body of work in natural resource management and a set of grantmaking programs and clients. Additionally, the position may support the development of grant program strategies and carry out special projects.

For more information go to:
https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=7402c36b-3c2c-418a-813e-fe98c122d2da&ccId=19000101_000001&lang=en_US&jobId=572778

Potential grant opportunity:Application deadline: NoneGrant amount: VariesTarget population: General populationDescripti...
08/13/2026

Potential grant opportunity:

Application deadline: None

Grant amount: Varies

Target population: General population

Description: The Daniel K. Thorne Foundation provides grants to organizations working to protect and sustain the diversity of the natural and built environment throughout the United States. Funding has supported wildlife conservation, habitat protection, marine issues, cultural heritage preservation, and historic preservation. Priority is given to organizations engaged in venture philanthropic programs or working to preserve imperiled elements of the built and natural environment. Program and general operating support are both available.

Preservation and Protection of Our built and natural environment

This year’s 3rd Annual 2026 Koʻolau Limu Festival will be held August 15, at Anahola Beach Park, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00...
08/11/2026

This year’s 3rd Annual 2026 Koʻolau Limu Festival will be held August 15, at Anahola Beach Park, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Hosted by the Hosea Lovell Foundation, this celebration honors the rich heritage of limu pickers from Anahola and across the pae 'āina. Come talk story with limu and conservation groups and engage with interactive activities. Stop by the KUA booth for limu screen printing with limu palahalaha and wawaeʻiole, featuring artwork by Malia Heimuli. Bring a t-shirt or clothing you'd like to print!

In honor of this weekend's event we feature a blog of reflections from Limu Hui member's from last years festival in Anahola.

Mahalo to Limu Hui member Nalani Kaneakua and the Koolau Limu Festival for carrying this on!

Reflecting on the Ko’olau Limu Festival Posted on August 11, 2026 by KevinThis year’s 3rd Annual 2026 Koʻolau Limu Festival will be held August 15, at Anahola Beach Park, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Below is a reflection on last year’s festival, written by Limu Hui members from around the is...

Yessssah check it out!!
08/11/2026

Yessssah check it out!!

Hana Hou! Ko’olau Limu Fest 2026 💙

It was a pleasure to work with Pat Gonzales-Rogers and his students  Caitlyn Castleberry, Ky Miller, Julia Soule, Paige ...
08/05/2026

It was a pleasure to work with Pat Gonzales-Rogers and his students Caitlyn Castleberry, Ky Miller, Julia Soule, Paige Wagar, & Te Maia Wiki i of the Yale School of the Environment, “Public Lands and Tribal Natural Resource Management,” class last year.

This blog features some of their reflections on their school and its historical connection to Hawai'i.

Yale School of the Environment Students Reflect on Class Project in Collaboration with KUA Posted on August 3, 2026 by Olanby Caitlyn Castleberry, Ky Miller, Julia Soule, Paige Wagar, and Te Maia Wiki In late 2025, KUA Executive Director Kevin Chang and Kuaʻāina Advocate Olan Leimomi Fisher colla...

Job Opening!The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) is seeking a Regional Director, Conservation Programs (Hawaiʻi) to lead our ...
07/29/2026

Job Opening!

The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) is seeking a Regional Director, Conservation Programs (Hawaiʻi) to lead our work across the islands. Given our shared commitment to Hawaii's communities and ecosystems, we would greatly appreciate your help in sharing this open opportunity with your networks.

CORAL has a long-term commitment in Hawaiʻi to support healthy coral reefs through integrated, mauka-to-makai approaches that reduce land-based pollution, strengthen community stewardship, and improve the resilience of reef-dependent social and ecological systems. Our Hawaiʻi strategy currently centers on two connected priorities: advancing watershed and wastewater solutions, and strengthening community-based marine management.

The Regional Director will play a pivotal role in driving these conservation strategies forward and deepening our collaborative impact across the state.

How you can help:

Share this opportunity with qualified candidates in your network.
Forward this email to relevant listservs or community boards.

Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) is seeking a motivated and resourceful individual to support our work on the Hawai'i Hub Team.

Address

C/O KEY ProjeCt; 47-200 Waihee Road
Kaneohe, HI
96744

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