Hawaiʻi Climate Commission launching CASH4ʻĀina workshops to boost soil health, agricultural resilience

The Hawaiʻi State Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission, housed within the Department of Land and Natural Resources, announces CASH4ʻĀina! (Conservation Agriculture and Soil Health for ʻĀina) workshops.

Designed for local farmers, ranchers and land managers, the program offers practical training in soil health conservation and regeneration, water retention techniques and climate-smart land management. The series will bring 10 to 12 hands-on workshops to Maui, Molokaʻi, Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi Island and Lānaʻi from October 2026 through June 2027.

“Building healthy soil is one of our most effective, nature-based tools to cushion island agriculture against climate impacts,” said Leah Laramee, CCMAC coordinator. “CASH4ʻĀina! connects modern agricultural science with traditional indigenous land management to help local growers thrive while safeguarding our ʻāina for future generations.”

CASH4ʻĀina workshops feature field instruction on location-specific conservation strategies, including:

• Soil Health Management Protocols: Guidance on proper soil sampling, labeling, interpreting lab results and implementing strategies to increase ground cover and reduce runoff.
• Conservation Agricultural Practices: Hands-on experiential learning with a range of potential conservation practices as co-determined by local community hosts and district priorities and practices. Examples include soil regeneration, food forests, natural windbreaks and compost creation.
• Community Network Building: Creating dedicated spaces for local producers to build pilina (relationships), exchange practical knowledge and strengthen the statewide hui (network) of farmers and other land managers.

The series kicks off with two upcoming fall sessions:

• Hāna, Maui: Monday, Oct. 26
• Kīlauea, Kauaʻi: Saturday, Nov. 14

2027 dates will be announced in January.

Registration is free, but space and complimentary soil testing vouchers are limited per site. For more information, full event details and to register for an upcoming workshop, visit climate.hawaii.gov/cash/.

For more information about the CASH4ʻĀina! program, contact Emilie Parry, Natural and Working Lands climate specialist, at Emilie.Parry.contractor@hawaii.gov.