MEDB-FMN, Author at Focus Maui Nui

JUMPSmartMaui marks energy milestone

Jun 26, 2013 | Community

JUMPSmartMaui took off this month as residents joined the Project’s partners in launching a collaborative demonstration project between Japan and Hawaii. The program incorporates Smart Grid, renewable energy and all-electric vehicle solutions to achieve a cleaner, more sustainable future free of fossil fuels. “We look forward to working hand-in-hand with our partners on JUMPSmartMaui to create a project that will benefit the people of Maui island,” said Hideo Hato, president of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization, or NEDO. “Furthermore, we believe we can make this a leading model not only in the Asia-Pacific region but around the world,” Hato said in announcing the project’s launch along with Mayor Alan Arakawa and Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui.

NEDO, Japan’s largest public research and development management organization, is investing $30 million in the project. JUMPSmartMaui aims to gain insight into how to build a more efficient electric system that uses more renewable energy and supports electric vehicles. “We need to get away from petroleum-based energy,” Arakawa said as he signed a memorandum of understanding agreement with the Japanese project representatives. “The JUMPSmartMaui will help us better understand how these innovative technologies may help solve Maui’s energy challenges.”

Residents can participate by taking part in the Electric Vehicle Program, in which 200 LEAF owners or people who lease the vehicles, would agree to certain requirements. Or, they can volunteer for the Home Energy Program in which 40 Kihei homeowners will use Smart Grid technology to monitor their electricity usage. Hitachi Ltd., Mizuho Corporate Bank and Cyber Defense Institute were awarded the contract by NEDO to develop the JUMPSmartMaui program. For more information, visit: JUMPSmartMaui.com, e-mail: info@JUMPSmartMaui.com, or call Maui Economic Development Board at 875-2300.

Filmmaking gets students keen on environment

Jun 19, 2013 | Environment

The Maui Huliau Foundation uses fun in filmmaking to get young people interested and educated in environmental issues. “This is just a cool way to tell stories and learn about what’s going on around us,” said Malia Cahill, the foundation’s president and founder. First started in 2010, Maui Huliau Foundation programs are open to students in grades 7 to 12. Cahill said she encourages students to take a neutral stance and learn through their filmmaking all the facts surrounding a specific environmental issue. “In teaching teenagers not to take sides, they can learn best by educating themselves about the environment,” she said.

The program’s students have traveled to film festivals in Honolulu and California, raising awareness about environmental issues on Maui. Through its YouTube channel, the student films have attracted almost 7,000 hits, according to the foundation. Cahill, a 2001 Seabury Hall graduate who grew up in Kula, said she started the foundation three years ago with the goal of getting teenagers interested in environmental issues. Filmmaking and story telling became the means to interest them in learning about their environment. The Filmmaking Club was formed first with 12 students. Now Maui Huliau Foundation has up to 40 students participating in three separate programs — one on film, another on service learning and watersheds; and the third on leadership and environmental projects. “It’s got its own life and momentum, I couldn’t stop it even if I wanted to,” Cahill said.

This month, the students premiered 11 films exploring a variety of environmental issues. They planned, directed and edited their films during an after-school program held at the Hawaiian Canoe Club hale on Kaahumanu Avenue in Kahului. Students from 13 different Maui schools presented their work to a sold-out crowd at Iao Theater. Topics range from the plight of the endangered Hawksbill turtle to a reality-style documentary about eating locally-grown food. A “Hana Hou” showing is set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Seabury Hall Creative Arts Center. The event is free, however, donations of any amount will be accepted at the door. For more information, visit: www.mauihuliaufoundation.org

Youth Alliance tours Auwahi Wind in Ulupalakua

Jun 12, 2013 | Education

Youth Alliance members solidified their support for renewable energy systems after touring the Auwahi Wind facility in Ulupalakua. “I had not realized the importance of windmills on our islands and how much they truly contribute to our lives,” 11th-grader Racieli Andrada said after visiting the wind farm. “We are very lucky to to have access to a variety of energy resources,” she said, “and we should use it while we have it rather than wasting lots of money on importing oil and what not.” Graduated senior Lavinia Sagario added: “Wind farms fit perfectly in the overall energy systems for Maui County.”

Auwahi Wind Energy’s 21-megawatt wind farm features eight turbines on Haleakala’s wind-rich southeast slope on Ulupalakua Ranch land. The project was officially dedicated in February and is expected to generate enough electricity to power 10,000 homes on Maui. The project, developed by Sempra U.S. Gas and Power and BP Energy, is poised to help Hawaii reach its goal of reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and help the state reach its goal of securing 40 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. Sagario said she learned on the tour that wind energy contributes approximately nine percent of the power provided by Maui Electric Co. “At least that nine percent is something cleaner than oil,” she said.

Youth Alliance members attend monthly events during the school year to explore and gain a greater understanding of key components in the Maui community. Their gatherings are coordinated by the Maui Economic Development Board. “Education is important to learn the background information and technicality of renewable energy, but so is experience,” Sagario said. Andrada and Sagario said visiting the wind farm made them keenly aware of the importance of education and training in renewable energy. “As the renewable energy field takes off, this will only provide more jobs and improve our economy and environment,” Andrada said.

Senior graduates encourage work, play, discovery

Jun 5, 2013 | Education

Alisha Summers

Now that they’ve graduated, high school seniors Jared Sam Agtunong and Alisha Summers agreed to offer advice to the Class of 2014. Summers encouraged seniors to enjoy their final year by working hard yet not overloading their schedules. “This is the year that you want to enjoy,” she said. “I also advise the next class to start applying to college early because you do not want to miss any precious opportunities because you procrastinated on applications.” She said she believes she’s grown more confident through her K-12 education and that it’s prepared her for what’s next. “Hopefully all that I have learned will be useful for the future because I know that change can be exciting yet intimidating.”

Jared Sam Agtunong

“My advice to the next high school seniors is to remember who you are and focus on your goals and passion,” Agtunong said. As a senior, he engaged in student government roles and in Youth Alliance, a community engagement project coordinated by Maui Economic Development Board. “I was so glad I got involved because that’s how I truly found my passion. I learned I want to serve my community,” he said. Agtunong will attend Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, California, and major in political science and international relations. “All my years of schooling taught me to be a service leader so that’s what I want to do in life,” he said, adding that he would like to eventually return to Maui.

Summers will enroll at the University of Hawaii at Manoa where she’ll pursue environmental studies. She hopes to travel and study abroad. “I love Maui and I find it a relaxing and beautiful place to live. After I explore, I would consider coming back and giving back to Maui’s community.” Agtunong and Summers agreed that family and teachers contributed to their high school success. “That’s why I’d tell seniors, ask for help when needed,” he said. “There are people ready to help you and want to help but you have to ask for it.”