General
This program provides loan guarantees to commercial lenders for loans to eligible rural businesses.
This program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers can also apply for new energy-efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.
This program helps agricultural producers enter into value-added activities related to the processing and/or marketing of bio-based, value-added products. Generating new products, creating and expanding marketing opportunities, and increasing producer income are the goals of this program.
https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/value-added-producer-grants
Pest and Disease Prevention and Control
Energy & Sustainability
Learn how Hawaii Energy can provide you with rebates for purchasing and installing energy-efficient equipment in your business that will cut your electricity costs for years to come. Click here to see Hawaii Energy’s website for more information.
KIUC commercial members may qualify for incentives to install cost-effective energy-saving technologies. Click here for more information.
Inventory of greenhouse gases from 2005 and 2015 from direct emissions on Kauai County due to energy use, waste, agriculture, forestry, and other uses. Click here for full report.
KIUC and Hawaii Energy have rebate funds available for EV chargers.
For more info on requirements and to apply to the programs, go to:
The Hawaii Green Business Program (HGBP) is a free state program that assists and recognizes businesses that strive to operate in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. Click here for more information.
The Hawaii State Energy Office has provided resources in the categories of: biomass/biofuel, efficiency, geothermal, hydro/ocean, solar, transportation, wind, utility study, HSEO newsletter. Click here to visit their website.
This program provides opportunities for both not-for-profit and for-profit entities on Kaua’i to obtain loans at lower than base rate interest. The primary goal of this program is to build and maintain jobs, diversity Kaua‘i’s economy, and upgrade the public infrastructure where conventional financing is insufficient, unavailable or unfeasible.
https://www.kiuc.coop/sites/default/files/documents/RevolvingLoanBrochure_2020.pdf
Thinking about PV? Talk to KIUC first. Click here.
Members have access to solar water heating rebate programs. Click here for more information.
This program provides loan guarantees to commercial lenders for loans to eligible rural businesses.
This program helps agricultural producers enter into value-added activities related to the processing and/or marketing of bio-based, value-added products. Generating new products, creating and expanding marketing opportunities, and increasing producer income are the goals of this program.
https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/value-added-producer-grants
This program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers can also apply for new energy-efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.
Central and East Side Services
KBA supports the East Side community through cultural and community events, advocacy, and business networking and education. Click here to learn more.
The Lihue Business Association is an organization that advocates on behalf of Lihue-based businesses. Focused on advocating for Lihue businesses, networking and collaborating, public outreach, and events and programs. Click here to view their website.
Old Kapaʻa Town Business Hui offers collaboration, events, and an online marketing channel for east side businesses. Click here to learn more.
The Rice Street Business Association has created and hosted different events that support the business center of Lihue and demonstrate the abilities of local business owners. Click here to view their website.
The Royal Coconut Coast Association focuses on media relations, public relations, and advertising projects for its members. Click here to learn more.
Northshore Services
Kauai North Shore Business Council is a membership-based organization which advances a long-term vision of a prosperous North Shore. The Council works to create economic growth, good jobs, and strong communities by fostering dialog, understanding, and collaboration among all stakeholders. Click here to learn more.
The Hanalei Initiative was formed to identify and solve the immediate and long-term community and environmental needs of the North Shore community. Their 3 main areas of focus are in Parks & Environment, Transportation, & Economic Development. Click here to view their website.
West Side Services
Supports the economic revitalization, historic preservation, beautification, and promotion of Hanapepe to visitors. Click here to learn more.
The West Kauai Business and Professional Association lists events that could benefit their members. Click here to learn more.
Support and Services
The American Job Center focuses on connecting job seekers with employers and job openings, skill building opportunities, and career development resources. Click here for more information.
The CBED program provides training and capacity building opportunities to promote, support, and invest in community-based development projects that result in measurable economic impact. Click here to learn more.
The Filipino Chamber or Commerce connects Filipino-owned businesses to economic and business resources. Click here to see their website.
The Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association has a variety of initiatives and programs. Scholarships, committees, workforce development, and advocacy are all areas pursued by HLTA. Click here to learn more.
Hawaii PTAC provides free one-on-one counseling and training for businesses looking to land government contracts. Click here to view more.
Hawaii SCORE volunteers are experienced entrepreneurs, corporate managers, and executives with a diverse set of industries and specialties who volunteer their experience and knowledge to help small business professionals start, develop, and grow businesses. Click here to learn more.
Comprehensive program designed to assist Hawaii small businesses with their export development. The goal is to increase the number of small businesses that want to export as well as the value of exports for those small businesses that currently export. Learn more here.
Developing a flourishing technology industry that provides quality, high-paying jobs for Hawaii residents. HTDC aims to accelerate the growth of Hawaii’s technology industry by providing capital, building infrastructure and developing talent to foster innovation and diversify Hawaii’s economy. Click here to learn more.
INNOVATE Hawaii builds the strength and competitiveness of Hawaii manufacturers through an array of programs and services, including coaching and training, consulting, collaboration-focused industry programs, and grant opportunities. Click here to visit their website.
The Kauai Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to “champion economic prosperity by being the voice of business, promoting collaboration, and helping members thrive”. The Chamber is full of resources for business owners on Kauai, including a directory to member businesses. Check out their website for more information.
Kauai Community College offers educational programs and classes for those interested in learning more about business (or a variety of other subjects). Interested businesses could also connect for interns or collaborative projects. Click here to learn more.
The Kauai Economic Development Board is focused on economic diversification of Kauai. Their projects focus on job creation, career pathways, affordable housing, and more. Here is their website.
Kauai Grown supports and promotes local agriculture-based businesses and products. Click here to visit their website.
Kaua‘i Made is the official program of the County of Kaua‘i to identify and promote products made on Kaua‘i, by Kaua‘i people and are authentic to Kaua‘i. Kauai Made provides a customer channel and business resources to local businesses creating local products. You can find out more from the “Programs” tab of this website, or through the KauaiMade website.
A coworking space with rentable drop-in space and dedicated desks. Perfect for entrepreneurs & start-ups. Click here to see their website.
Creating spaces that foster discovery, creativity, and eocnomic opportunities in the context of community through monthly gatherings, business/personal development workshops, and prototype events. Click here to learn more.
The Native Hawaiian Chamber or Commerce connects Native Hawaiian-owned businesses to economic and business resources. Here is their website.
ProService Hawaii has several re-opening guides for Hawaii businesses on their website including: The-New-Normal_How-to-Make-a-Comeback-Plan
To learn more, visit the SBA website.
The Small Business Development Center provides free one-on-one business consulting, workshops, resources, and events. You can view the calendar of business events here.
Coworking space with rentable offices, desks, conference rooms, etc. Perfect for entrepreneurs & start-ups. Here is their website.
Activities
Celebrate Kauaʻi’s art, history, and culture with the events on kauaifestivals.com!
Register for a Hāʻena entry pass, along with parking or a shuttle ticket through gohaena.com.
gohawaii.com publishes activities and experiences available on Kauai. Click here to see Kauaʻi specific events.
Employment
The American Job Center is dedicated to providing free services to job seekers and employers, including job search assistance, creating a resume on your own using resource computers, personal career planning services, training opportunities and HireNet Hawaii support. Hale Kōkua, which is home of the American Job Center, is located at Līhu‘e Civic Center 4444 Rice St. Suite 302. They can also be reached at (808)274-3056.
Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) is providing training and supporting educational pathways to young adults developing their career in the tourism industry. Click here to see the overview page of their workforce development program.
The HTA has also put together a study, “Visitor Industry Workforce Needs Assessment“, as an overview of current industry needs.
Energy
The Home Assessment Learning Experience is used to determine the causes of high consumption. Click here for more information.
Thinking about PV? Talk to KIUC first. Click here.
The Hawaii State Energy Office has provided resources in the categories of: biomass/biofuel, efficiency, geothermal, hydro/ocean, solar, transportation, wind, utility study, HSEO newsletter. Click here to visit their website.
Food Access
The Kauai Humane Society offers assistance for pet owners, including a pet food bank.
The Emergency Food Resources webpage provides a complete list of food pantries on Kauai.
The Keiki Food Access link has a list of free food resources for Keiki.
An informational brochure in response to COVID-19. There is directory information regarding healthcare, food access, housing and utilities assistance, and family support resources. Click here to see the PDF.
| Market | Address | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Kealia Farm Market | 2345 Kealia Rd, Kapaa | Mon 3pm – 6pm |
| Pau Hana Market @ Kukui Grove Mall | 4303 Nawiliwili Rd, Lihue | Mon 3pm – 5:30pm |
| Coconut Marketplace | 4-484 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa | Tues 8am – 1pm |
| Waipa Farmers’ Market | 5-5785A Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei | Tues 3pm – 5pm |
| Kapaa Sunshine Market | 4-1404 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa | Wed 3pm – 4:30pm |
| Princeville Market @ Makai Club | 4180 Lei o Papa Road Princeville | Wed 3pm – 6pm |
| Kauai Culinary Market @ Kukui Ula Shops | 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka, Poipu | Wed 3:30pm – 5:30pm |
| National Tropical Botanical Garden Market | 4425 Lāwaʻi Road, Kōloa | Thurs 10am – 2pm |
| Coconut Marketplace | 4-484 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa | Thurs 8am – 1pm |
| Kilauea Thursdays Market | 4045 Kīlauea Road, Kilauea | Thurs 3pm – 5pm |
| Hale Puna Farmers’ Market | 9567 Huakai Rd, Waimea | Thurs 3:30pm – 5:30pm |
| Kealia Farm Market | 2345 Kealia Rd, Kapaa | Fri 3pm – 6pm |
| Puhi Park Produce | 3-1850 Kaumaulii, Lihue | Sat 9:30am – Sold Out |
| Anaina Hou Community Park | 5-2723 Kuhio Hwy, Kilauea | Sat 9am – 12pm Kupuna only: 9am – 9:30am |
| Princeville Market @ Princeville Library | 4334 Emmalani Dr., Princeville | Sat 9:30am – 12pm |
| Hale Halawai Farmers’ Market | 5299 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei | Sat 9:30am – 12pm |
The Kauai Humane Society offers assistance for pet owners, including a pet food bank.
The Emergency Food Resources webpage provides a complete list of food pantries on Kauai.
The Keiki Food Access link has a list of free food resources for Keiki.
An informational brochure in response to COVID-19. There is directory information regarding healthcare, food access, housing and utilities assistance, and family support resources. Click here to see the PDF.
| Market | Address | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Kealia Farm Market | 2345 Kealia Rd, Kapaa | Mon 3pm – 6pm |
| Pau Hana Market @ Kukui Grove Mall | 4303 Nawiliwili Rd, Lihue | Mon 3pm – 5:30pm |
| Coconut Marketplace | 4-484 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa | Tues 8am – 1pm |
| Waipa Farmers’ Market | 5-5785A Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei | Tues 3pm – 5pm |
| Kapaa Sunshine Market | 4-1404 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa | Wed 3pm – 4:30pm |
| Princeville Market @ Makai Club | 4180 Lei o Papa Road Princeville | Wed 3pm – 6pm |
| Kauai Culinary Market @ Kukui Ula Shops | 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka, Poipu | Wed 3:30pm – 5:30pm |
| National Tropical Botanical Garden Market | 4425 Lāwaʻi Road, Kōloa | Thurs 10am – 2pm |
| Coconut Marketplace | 4-484 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaa | Thurs 8am – 1pm |
| Kilauea Thursdays Market | 4045 Kīlauea Road, Kilauea | Thurs 3pm – 5pm |
| Hale Puna Farmers’ Market | 9567 Huakai Rd, Waimea | Thurs 3:30pm – 5:30pm |
| Kealia Farm Market | 2345 Kealia Rd, Kapaa | Fri 3pm – 6pm |
| Puhi Park Produce | 3-1850 Kaumaulii, Lihue | Sat 9:30am – Sold Out |
| Anaina Hou Community Park | 5-2723 Kuhio Hwy, Kilauea | Sat 9am – 12pm Kupuna only: 9am – 9:30am |
| Princeville Market @ Princeville Library | 4334 Emmalani Dr., Princeville | Sat 9:30am – 12pm |
| Hale Halawai Farmers’ Market | 5299 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei | Sat 9:30am – 12pm |
Health
Below is a list of links to provide information about COVID-19 and vaccines.
- Free Mental Health Counseling – The County recently announced free mental health counseling for all residents. You can view the County press release for more information.
- Child & Family Service (808) 245-5914 – https://www.childandfamilyservice.org/kauai/
Free substance abuse counseling, domestic violence counseling for survivors and offenders - Hale Ho’omalu (808) 821-2520 – https://www.childandfamilyservice.org/kauai/
Family center in Kapaa, offering counseling for individuals, groups, couples and families. - Nana’s House (808) 338-0252 – https://www.childandfamilyservice.org/programs/nanashouse/
Family center in Waimea, offering counseling for individuals, groups, couples and families. - Ho’ola Lahui Behavioral Health (808) 240-0194 – http://www.hoolalahui.org/
Individual therapy on a sliding scale or insurance. Central, east and west side locations. - Kauai Hospice – (808) 245-7277 – https://kauaihospice.org/grief-support/ Bereavement support groups, individual support, and more.
- Kauai Family Guidance Center – (808) 274-3883 – https://health.hawaii.gov/camhd/kauai-family-guidance-center/ Kaua`i Family Guidance Center (KFGC) provides intensive mental health treatment and case management services to the children and families of Kaua`i and Ni`ihau.
- McKenna Recovery Center– (808) 246-0663 – https://mckennarecoverycenter.com/lihue-kauai/ Substance abuse treatment, case management, and psychiatric services. telehealth available
- National Alliance on Mental Illness Kauai – (808) 635-3239 – https://namihawaii.org/ NAMI is dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by mental illness, and their loved ones who care for them.
- PACT https://pacthawaii.org/kauai-programs/ Free in-home family therapy
- Women in Need – https://www.winhi.org/winkauai Substance abuse treatment for women, housing support.
- YWCA (808) 245-5959 (Domestic Violence crisis line / (808) 245-6362) – https://ywcakauai.org/ Free domestic violence counseling for both survivors and offenders, also trauma focused counseling.
Aloha United Way put together an informational brochure in response to COVID-19. There is directory information regarding healthcare, food access, housing and utilities assistance, and family support resources. Click here to see the PDF.
Housing Support
The County of Kaua‘i has announced that administration of Kaua‘i’s 2021 Coronavirus Rental and Utility Assistance Program has been awarded to Kaua‘i Government Employees Federal Credit Union (KGEFCU). For more information, visit the website: https://kauairenthelp.com.
To support residents with current utility bills, many service providers are willing to waive late fees and maintain service for those affected by the pandemic.
Other Resource Libraries
The Hawaii State Energy Office has provided resources in the categories of: biomass/biofuel, efficiency, geothermal, hydro/ocean, solar, transportation, wind, utility study, HSEO newsletter. Click here to visit their website.
Aloha United Way put together an informational brochure in response to COVID-19. There is directory information regarding healthcare, food access, housing and utilities assistance, and family support resources. Click here to see the PDF.
Plans & Initiatives
The Aloha+ Challenge: He Nohona ‘Ae’oia is a statewide commitment to build a healthier and more sustainable future for our islands. The challenge is a locally driven framework to implement the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The 2050 Hawaii Sustainability Plan serve as the state’s sustainability and climate strategic action plan that aligns the state’s goals, policies, and actions with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The plan also recommends sustainability and climate change actions for 2020–2030. The State is currently updating the plan, check out their website on how to be involved.
Join the challenge and take on simple, everyday actions to reduce your carbon footprint and save money. This fun online platform offers a list of sustainable actions that can be done on the household level such as biking more, switching to LEDs, recycling, buying local, and so much more. You can easily filter actions by difficulty, impact, savings and upfront cost, and time required. Click here to sign up as one person or create a team!
Inventory of greenhouse gases from 2005 and 2015 from direct emissions on Kauai County due to energy use, waste, agriculture, forestry, and other uses. Click here for full report.
Rebates & Credits
This residential incentive program is designed to encourage members to discard older, less efficient appliances and replace them with new, energy-efficient models. Qualifying rebates will be credited to your account within 3-6 weeks from the date approved. Appliance rebates for clothes washers, clothes dryers, refrigerators and freezers have been increased from $50 to $100 per purchase, effective January 1, 2024! New construction does not qualify. Click here to visit KIUC’s website for more information.
Don’t forget about KIUC’s Qualifying Member Appliance Replacement Program (QMARP), available to qualifying low-income seniors (60+). QMARP allows you to replace older, less efficient refrigerators and defective electric water heaters with new, more efficient ones at NO COST to the member. For more information and to determine eligibility, please contact the County of Kauaʻi Agency on Elderly Affairs at 808.241.4470. Click here to visit KIUC’s website for more information.
Members have access to solar water heating rebate programs. Click here for more information.
A new rebate is now available for residential members who install a Level II electric vehicle charger at their home. The rebate amount will be up to $500 per account and is subject to qualifications. Go here for more information.
Shop Local
KauaiMade is a program run by Office of Economic Development. It connects Kauai-based businesses and products with resources to expand. kauaimade.net and the Alakoko Shop are excellent sources to get KauaiMade gifts.
Transportation
https://bikesonrice.org Join the group for weekly bike rides on Rice Street and the surrounding area.
Welcome to Bikes on Rice
Calculate your estimated EV-ICE fuel comparison by inputting a few key metrics.
Drive Electric Hawaii (DEH) is a coalition of local government, private-sector, and nonprofit stakeholders interested in increasing awareness, knowledge, and adoption of EVs in our state. Click here to visit their website.
Hear from Blue Planet Foundation, Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative, County of Kauaʻi, and current public EV charging hosts and installers for tips to navigate the permitting process, incentives to lower installation costs, and best practices to keep charging infrastructure in working order.
The County of Kaua‘i’s Office of Economic Development recently launched a website aimed at informing both visitors and residents of the various transportation options available on Kaua‘i. The website, GetAroundKauai.com, includes an overview of transportation options, a map with Kaua‘i bus stops and routes, regional walking guides, and other tips for how to get around Kaua‘i without a car. Weekly blog posts educate readers on transportation related topics, such as how to reserve an airport shuttle, parking permit requirements for Koke‘e State Park, and details regarding the Hanalei Hill access schedule.
The County of Kauai currently offers free public level 2 charging at the Lihue Civic Center. Visit plugshare.com for driver-reported public chargers on Kauai.
Activities
Celebrate Kauaʻi’s art, history, and culture with the events on kauaifestivals.com!
Register for a Hāʻena entry pass, along with parking or a shuttle ticket through gohaena.com.
gohawaii.com publishes activities and experiences available on Kauai. Click here to see Kauaʻi specific events.
Positive Tourism
The Aloha Pledge is a call to action and commitment to act with aloha toward Kauai. Click here to sign the pledge.
Contribute to events and efforts to care for Kauai. Some events are listed on gohawaii.com, under the Malama Hawaii program. Click here for Kauai specific events.
Another program is Surfrider Kauai’s Ocean Friendly Visitor’s Program. Visit https://kauai.surfrider.org/ocean-friendly-visitors-program/ for more info.
Shop Local
KauaiMade is a program run by Office of Economic Development. It connects Kauai-based businesses and products with resources to expand. kauaimade.net and the Alakoko Shop are excellent sources to get KauaiMade gifts.
Click here for a printable schedule.
Transportation
The County of Kaua‘i’s Office of Economic Development recently launched a website aimed at informing both visitors and residents of the various transportation options available on Kaua‘i. The website, GetAroundKauai.com, includes an overview of transportation options, a map with Kaua‘i bus stops and routes, regional walking guides, and other tips for how to get around Kaua‘i without a car. Weekly blog posts educate readers on transportation related topics, such as how to reserve an airport shuttle, parking permit requirements for Koke‘e State Park, and details regarding the Hanalei Hill access schedule.
The County of Kauai currently offers free public level 2 charging at the Lihue Civic Center. Visit plugshare.com for driver-reported public chargers on Kauai.
Data Sources
The US Census collects and publishes information regarding population, demographic, income, and other socio-economic indicators. This allows us to monitor conditions and better understand the landscape of Kauaʻi.
https://kauai-open-data-kauaigis.hub.arcgis.com/
The County of Kauai GIS Open Data Hub. This data hub shares web maps and data of ongoing County projects.
The Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) collects a great deal of information from many different sources and publishes dashboards, reports, and data.
DBEDT’s economic data warehouse has options to download data regarding economic indicators for your own uses. DBEDT’s tourism data warehouse is similar in that it allows downloading data from Hawai’i Tourism Authority reporting.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) lists data products for food, agriculture, and environmental measurements. Visit www.ers.usda.gov/data-products to view and download data sets.
The Economic Research Organization at the University of Hawaiʻi (UHERO) tracks many indicators of multiple data sets in order to understand economic happenings in Hawai’i. They publish and maintain the Kaua’i Economic Dashboard to break down metrics specific to Kaua’i.
UHERO also displays data in their Data Portal through interactive data visuals.
The Hawai’i Department of Health (HDOH) publishes information, dashboards, and reports on the health and well-being of Hawaiʻi’s residents. The information they publish is imperative to understanding the health concerns facing the Hawaiʻian public. This was particularly helpful during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Office of Economic Development Dashboard
The Office of Economic Development put together various data points, sourced from the other data resources listed. The dashboard specifically focuses on critical stories that OED wishes to inform the public about. We watch job market proportions and volatility as well as tourism numbers among other things.
