Department Summary
The Office of Economic Development (OED) is provided by law (c.20, HRS; Sec. 2-15. R.C.O.1976)
Department Mission
The Office of Economic Development works, in partnership with the community, to create economic opportunities towards the development of a healthy, stable and balanced economy for the residents of the County of Kauai.
The Office of Economic Development (OED), as a government entity, interfaces with business and community leaders as well as other government programs to enhance Kauai's economic development activities. OED is responsible to provide technical and financial support, as feasible, for both large and small business establishments or existing and emerging new industries which offer full employment for Kauai's residents.
Department Goals
The Office of Economic Development Departmental Goals are as follows:
- Foster and strengthen a well-qualified labor force consistent with local industry direction and workforce needs.
- Expand and strengthen well-balanced visitor industry promotions and businesses aligned with enhancing island-wide product development projects.
- Increase support and collaboration to ensure the continual growth and expansion of Kauai's agricultural project.
- Increase advocacy and coordination efforts for energy efficiency projects, energy emergency preparedness programs, and increase use of renewable resources.
- Increase high level film location productions and expand business development efforts to secure a major film studio complex on Kauai.
- Improve the facilitation of coordinated research, market analysis, and compilation of local industry/community-related data and statistics to support business and community development.
Announcements
Wednesday, September 29, 2021
Applications open Oct. 5 for OED’s Nonprofit Recovery Grant Program
ARPA Non-Profit Recovery Grant Press Release
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
Addendum #1 to Innovation Grant RFP FY20-21
Innovation Grant RFP Addendum #1 can be found here (link no longer available). This addendum covers answers to Questions received during the question period via email or by written questions during our webinar. Please email oedgrants@kauai.gov if you have any questions. Mahalo.
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
Link to RFP Innovation webinar now available.
The link to the recent Innovation RFP webinar is now available (link no longer available).
Sunday, December 13, 2020
COK Office of Economic Development announces the opening of applications for its FY20-21 Innovation Grant
The County of Kauai Office of Economic Development announces the opening of applications for the new Economic Development Innovation Grant program FY20-21.
The intent of the grant program is to support new programs or projects that advance innovation by identifying and solving local problems in the areas of small business, technology, transportation, agriculture, local manufacturing, circular economy and tourism in Kauai County. Proposals submitted shall be reviewed and considered for the receipt of funding, to proposed projects or program budgets for applicant organizations. Proposals submitted shall be reviewed and considered for funding for proposed projects or program budgets for the applicant organizations.
Click here (link no longer available) to apply. The RFP can be found here(PDF, 417KB). Applications are only accepted through the Amplifund system. Instructions on using the Amplifund system can be found here(PDF, 2MB). Deadline to apply is 1/19/2021 at 4:30pm HST. Questions may be directed to oedgrants@kauai.gov.
Friday, December 11, 2020
Hawaii State Public Libraries Offer Free Trainings
The Hawaii State Public Library System is providing free trainings. You can take an online class, get a professional license, learn computer skills, or manage your career. Check out their website for more information.
Thursday, September 17, 2020
Weekly Farmers' Market Schedule
An updated schedule for Farmers' Markets happening around the island is available here. Visiting the weekly Farmers' Markets is a great way to access fresh, healthy, local food and support our farmers on Kauai.
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Resources Guide for Hawaii's Agriculture Industry(PDF, 236KB)
This guide provides summary information about major provisions that could offer critical support for the Agriculture Industry.
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Emergency Agricultural Loan Program
The Hawai`i Board of Agriculture approved an emergency loan program for farmers, growers and ranchers across the state who are suffering economically due to the COVID-19 situation. Eligible farmers may now apply for emergency loans of up to $150,000. To apply, call (808) 973-9460.
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Call-to-Action for farmers, ranchers and producers with products for sale
This Farm Bureau Survey is a vehicle for you to reach BUYERS statewide. Your products will be added to the list and distributed to supermarkets, distributors, food hubs, food service industry, manufacturers and others in the food/distribution supply chain.