Kupu ‘Āina Corps (KAC)

Kupu participant directing water from a pipe into a water tank within a series of interconnected tanks for a larger project.
Female Kupu participant tending to a greenhouse plot.
Female Kupu participant examining specimens in various vials through a microscope in a lab.
Two Kupu participants involved in a piping project for rainwater collection tanks.
Nine Kupu participants in blue Kupu branded shirts, gathered for a group photo outdoors.
Kupu participant directing water from a pipe into a water tank within a series of interconnected tanks for a larger project.

Kupu ʻĀina Corps (KAC) is a workforce development initiative established through the State of Hawaiʻi’s legislation for a Green Jobs Youth Corps. This program employs individuals seeking experience in Hawaiʻi’s environmental sector. Through Kupu’s extensive network of partner organizations, these paid opportunities include positions across Hawai’i in sustainability, agriculture, environmental technology and other green job fields.

"I joined Kupu ʻĀina Corps because I wanted a job where I could serve a greater purpose." - Ashley, 2023 Participant

KAC 2025-2026 Applications are NOW OPEN!

Still curious about the program? Join our virtual info session to have your questions answered!

  • Program Information:

    • Based on Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi, Maui, Molokaʻi, O’ahu

    • Entry- to intermediate-level positions for individuals who want to build a career in the green jobs sector

    • Program term options

      • Part-time (20 hours per week) or full-time (40 hours per week)

      • For a 6-month or 12-month program term

    • The peak season to apply is from August 4th through November 14th!

      • The best time to apply is at the start of the program year, when the most opportunities are available. To maximize your chances at selection, we strongly encourage you to submit your application by November 14.

    Review our Things to Consider for answers to Frequently Asked Questions!

    KAC Host Sites

    KAC Participants are selected to serve with a Host Site (partner organization) that is best aligned with their goals and interests.

    Kupu is selecting Host Site partners throughout the month of August. Once confirmed, a list of available Host Sites will be provided here.

    Benefits:

    • Opportunities to receive resume-building certifications and network with potential future employers

    • $20 hourly wage

    • Medical insurance (for employees working 20+ hours)

    • Retention bonus

      • $200 to $800 depending on term selection

    • Paid time off

      • 20 to 120 hours depending on term selection

    Qualifications

    • Most positions require that participants be between the ages of 17 to 38 for the duration of the program term to be eligible for participation.

      • A small selection of positions will not have an upper age limit.

    • Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, U.S. Permanent Resident, or otherwise legally allowed to work in the United States.

    • Applicants must be responsible for their own personal housing and transportation arrangements on-island.

    • Applicants are not required to have previous experience in the environmental sector, although prior experience may be preferred for some positions.

    Contact us at kac@kupuhawaii.org for more information.

    Participant application here!

    Attend Kupu's Virtual Interview Skills Workshop to sharpen your skills and boost your confidence!

    https://calendly.com/anna-garcia-6/kupu-workshop-series

  • KAC Host Site Applications for the 2025-2026 program year are now open:

    Host Site Application

    KAC Host Site Information Session: August 22, 12 pm to 1 pm

    KAC Info Session Sign Up

    Program Timeline

    DLNR Host Site priority application deadline: August 8, 2025

    General Host Site priority application deadline: August 29, 2025

    See More Details Here

    Host Sites can be: 

    • For-profit organizations 

    • Non-profit organizations 

    • State and county government agencies 

    Host Sites’ focuses may fall under the following categories: 

    • Agriculture & Food Systems  

    • Aquatic Resource Management  

    • Community Outreach & Education  

    • Environmental Technologies & Renewable Energy 

    • Invasive Species Removal  

    • Native Hawaiian Cultural Stewardship  

    • Native Plant/Wildlife Conservation  

    • Trail Restoration  

    • And much, much, more! 

    Benefits

    • Organizations can increase their capacity at a highly subsidized rate 

    • Majority of the employment costs (i.e., wages, benefits, employment taxes, etc.) will be covered by Kupu ʻĀina Corps 

    • Increase the capacity of the Hawaiʻi green jobs sector through your organization! 

    Host Site Fees:

    6-month Program Term

    • Part-Time, $20 hourly wage: $6,000.00

    • Full-Time, $20 hourly wage: $12,000.00

    12-month Program Term

    • Part-Time, $20 hourly wage: $12,000.00

    • Full-Time, $20 hourly wage: $24,000.00

    DLNR Sites, please contact kac@kupuhawaii.org for more information

    Host Site's Role:

    Host Sites serve as direct supervisors and mentors to the participants. Participants should report to the site’s designated supervisor daily. Site supervisors are expected to provide support and mentorship to all program participants, including but limited to the following: 

    • Provide historical and cultural background on site as applicable 

    • Act as role models and provide hands-on mentorship, instruction, and guidance 

    • Assist in preparing necessary training, tools, equipment, and logistics for projects 

    • Be conscientious of participants safety and safety conditions. 

    • Provide an educational, healthy, and safe environment for the participants

    • Conduct timely and open communication with Kupu Staff

    • Provide safe projects that are reasonable to the skill level/comfort level of participants 

    • Provide meaningful projects that are assisting Hawaii’s Green Job economy as well as contributing to participant growth 

    • Conduct performance evaluations for each participant, approve participant timesheets and offer supervision. 

    Kupu’s Role:

    Host Sites will be assigned a Kupu Program Coordinator, who will be your point of contact and help you successfully complete your program duration. They will be available as a coach and advisor to both you and participants.

    Apply Here

    Contact kac@kupuhawaii.org for more information.

  • Key Objectives

    • Provide paid, career-building employment: Opportunities for individuals who are seeking alternative career opportunities in the green jobs sector.

    • Improve credentials: Strengthen participants’ skills and add important credentials to their resumes.

    • Make a difference! Kupu ‘Āina Corps aims to help Hawaiʻi’s amazing government, non-profit, and for-profit entities receive essential work and expand the capacity of our green economy.

The Kupu ‘Āina Corps is an initiative resulting from funds made accessible from the State Legislation HB1176 – Green Jobs Youth Corps. Mahalo to our partners for approving funding to make this program possible.

Department of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawaii seal
State of Hawaii seal