Dec 13, 2017 | Community
The community came out in droves for a November Barnes & Noble-Maui book signing to meet Julie Checkoway, author of The Three-Year Swim Club: The Untold Story of Maui’s Sugar Ditch Kids and Their Quest for Olympic Glory. The book, detailing the story of how Maui Coach Soichi Sakamoto developed Olympic swimming champions in the 1930s and 40s, is an extraordinary tale that Checkoway felt called to tell. “I’m from New England, so writing a story about another culture was a very delicate mission to undertake,” she explained. “In 2008 I received a phone call from a friend asking me if I had heard the story of these Hawaiian-Japanese American kids in the 30s who, against all odds, became Olympians. They were from poor families, swam in irrigation ditches on the Pu’unene sugar plantation, and trained with a coach who didn’t even know how to swim well. The more I researched, the more I realized that there was no one source that told the whole story of these extraordinary people and events. I’m honored to share their story with Maui and the world.”
Checkoway said Coach Keith Arakaki, Hawaii Swim Club-Oahu, was the bearer of the story for her. She then interviewed Bill Smith, now deceased, who won two Gold Medals in the 1948 Olympics. “The Smith family provided me with scrapbooks and priceless information,” she said. “The book includes everything about the swim team and their travels around the world as National Champions. I’m still amazed at how shoeless kids who sucked on sugarcane for their strength, did something so formidable. Teaching perseverance, Coach Sakamoto got them to believe in themselves.”
Bob Pellettieri, president of Hawaii Swim Club-Maui, agreed, “All the swimmers are proud of Checkoway’s book. It speaks of the determination that keeps going in the swim world and it’s great to finally have the whole story told.”
Deidre Tegarden, executive director of Nisei Veterans Memorial Center-Maui County, concluded, “Many of the swim team served in the military. Their story continues to inspire people to find the hero in themselves.”
As a former swimmer with Hawaii Swim Club-Maui, I appreciate all the research Checkoway compiled. The Three-Year Swim Club story will be passed down through generations.
Cecelia Romero, Baldwin High School Biology Teacher
Dec 6, 2017 | Community
STEMworks™ Island Energy Inquiry™ (IEI), developed by Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) Women in Technology (WIT) Project, is the first clean-energy STEMworks™ (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) curriculum designed for Hawaii educators. It combines scientific inquiry and engineering design processes with cutting-edge materials and technologies for use in the classroom. IEI, offered at an exciting time in the state’s evolution in energy production and use, engages students in rigorous explorations of real island energy issues through its Lending Libraries.
“STEMworks™ IEI is updating its statewide Lending Libraries with STEM Innovation Kits designed to equip Hawaii students with the latest educational tools encouraging critical thinking and innovative play,” said Denissa Andrade, WIT Program Assistant. “The STEMworks™ program empowers elementary, middle and high school teachers on each island to be effective in their classrooms by providing teachers with technology tools, standards-aligned curriculum, professional development, access to industry professionals and ongoing support. STEMworks™ is a unique, holistic program designed to build our future generation of stewards, innovators and STEM professionals.”
STEMworks™ recently delivered over $100,000 in equipment to update IEI Lending Library campuses across the state. The updates support the statewide equipment libraries already valued at over $500,000 and include iPads, iPods, thermal imaging cameras, virtual reality headsets, energy-related K-12 reading books, energy conservation meters, wind turbine kits, solar cell kits, photovoltaic panels and multimeter kits, magnetism and motion kits, and much more. “These tools allow teachers participating in our training program to have access to a full set of lab aids designed to engage students in scientific inquiry and engineering design while learning about clean energy,” Andrade said.
Elizabeth Shigeta, IEI Lending Librarian said, “This is an exciting time for classroom teachers. IEI’s addition of literacy books and teaching tools has teachers connecting on a deeper level with their students. Additionally, students with limited background can also continually learn. Thank you MEDB!”
Since its launch in 2009, IEI has trained over 650 teachers and more than 73,000 students in Hawaii, with 90% implementation rate.
Denissa Andrade, WIT Program Assistant
Nov 15, 2017 | Community
As the season of Thanksgiving approaches, it seems fitting that we highlight an all-volunteer community project that benefits keiki and their families. About a year ago, Ali Dauler, founder and manager of the Keiki Klothing Exchange-Kihei (KKEK), instigated the free clothing exchange program here on Maui. KKEK started small. It was held at a Kihei community park along with Dauler’s bootcamp workout for moms. “We would exercise and then swap the clothes we brought,” Dauler said. “Subsequently, as I noticed KKEK’s growth, I knew it was time for the next step. I spoke to my church officials about using their site. Once everything was approved, we had a home at Kihei Lutheran Church, a perfect location for KKEK.” There is a full playground and ample parking, restrooms with changing tables, and a beautiful lanai for the exchange. “I needed more help, women to support and be a part of my project,” she noted. “Luna Amezcua gave a huge amount of time and assistance and became my KKEK partner. Additionally, we have a dream team of helpful women volunteers.”
Dauler’s mission has always been to reach out to as many families as possible. “As moms, Amezcua and I knew the importance of coming together as a community, as a support system,” Dauler said. “Now that KKEK has grown, we want everyone to know that although this is a fabulous recourse for families in need, it’s also for anyone and everyone.”
The free clothing exchange is held on the first Saturday of every month, 9am to 11am, at Kihei Lutheran Church. All the leftover merchandise is delivered to numerous charities, including Women Helping Women, Imua, shelters, and various churches. “We accept toys, books, shoes, and all baby items,” said Dauler. “Everything is sorted beforehand by our amazing volunteers to ensure there are no rips or stains, and that all the toys are in working condition. Our standards are high and our hearts are full. Let’s face it, kids grow, and clothes don’t. I always say, ‘Bring what you can, and take what you need!’”
We appreciate all the community support and all the donations for our free clothing exchange.
Ali Dauler, Keiki Klothing Founder and Manager
Nov 1, 2017 | Community
Maui County’s largest products show, the annual Made in Maui County Festival (MIMCF), returns on November 3 and 4th, 2017. Now in its fourth year, this popular event, presented by the County of Maui Mayor’s Office of Economic Development and the Maui Chamber of Commerce, features over 140 vendors offering a wide variety of products made in Maui County, including foods, art, crafts, jewelry, fashion, furniture, gifts, collectibles and more, all in one location, the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului. MIMCF is a showcase for our local companies to take their business to the next level while attracting thousands of visitors and residents.
The Festival will be the first major show for many businesses – as well a return event for others. MEDB regularly collaborates with local organizations focused on economic development. Gerry Smith, MEDB Director of Business Development notes, “It is incredibly rewarding for us at MEDB to see our program participants scale their businesses to successfully sell their product lines to 10,000+ expected buyers! We all have the same goal in mind: the success and growth of small businesses on Maui.”.
Justin Orr, owner of HI Spice-Created on Maui, said, “I attended an MEDB presentation titled Break Even Point, given by Gerry Smith at a recent Maui Food Innovation Accelerator class. Smith provided suggestions on how to capture the costs of doing business—helping us understand sales forecasts, production capacity and how much our product costs to manufacture. He gave hypothetical story lines involving businesses and different scenarios involving ‘what ifs’ and I was hooked. I was often wondering what exactly my break-even was with our business. I have recommended MEDB classes and workshops to other new business owners because MEDB provides an invaluable community resource.”
Orr continued, “My wife Katie and I created our home-grown hot-sauce business, which we launched at last year’s Festival after discovering we had a knack for growing peppers. We have been collaborating with local farmers to bring a truly Maui-crafted hot sauce that is inspired, grown, and made on Maui. We have eight flavors to sample. Visit us and spice up your day!”
We support ‘local’ with every facet of making batches of craft-style hot sauces. We are bringing you a farm-to-bottle sauce experience. Thank you MEDB for priceless business advice!
Justin Orr, HI Spice
Oct 18, 2017 | Community
Keiki Cupboard, a nonprofit organization presently assisting 21 Maui schools, is dedicated to providing necessary school supplies and shoes to children who need them. There are many disadvantaged children with financially strapped parents who cannot provide the required items. The Cupboard, winner of the Maui Rotary Club’s annual Award for Best Vocational Service, believes that no child should lack the needed basic necessities for his education.
Countless children start the first day of the new school year without a backpack or the items required for their classes. “This is the young person who inspires and drives Keiki Cupboard,” explained the Cupboard’s Vice President Toby Neal. “We provide a storage unit or Cupboard, on each participating school campus, filled with items called for by the school. The school staff distributes the materials discreetly, without shame or red tape, thus preparing the students to meet their daily requirements. Moreover, the program not only helps students with basic necessities for class, it also improves their physical and social well-being.”
Neal, who is also a popular Maui novelist, continued, “My sister, Keiki Cupboard President Bonny Ponting, and I came up with the idea for Keiki Cupboard based on our experiences in Maui’s public schools. I was a public school counselor and my sister an involved parent. We both saw how many families struggled to provide their children with supplies every year. So, as not to burden economically strained families any further, we started a grassroots organization that does all the needed fundraising outside of schools.”
The sisters continue to be thrilled by how the community and businesses support them. “It’s a simple mission, and it makes a surprising difference,” said Neal. “It has amazed me how our all-volunteer organization has grown,” Ponting added. “It is a testament to the generosity of the people of Maui. Our goal is to be in all 28 Maui County schools, one Cupboard at a time.” To volunteer or make a donation, visit keikicupboard.org or call (808) 280-1021.
Anyone with a good idea can make a huge difference in his community and, through the internet, potentially change the world.
Toby Neal, Keiki Cupboard Vice-President
Sep 6, 2017 | Community
Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) Ke Alahele Education Fund Benefit Dinner & Auction, held at the Fairmont Kea Lani Wailea, showcased an evening of nostalgia—a chance to look back at MEDB and their organization’s impact over the last 35 years, along with a glimpse of what’s to come. Guests enjoyed an evening of food, fun, and camaraderie, while celebrating the STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) achievements of Maui County students. The festive event of 500 supporters included Distinguished Educators– Lieutenant Governor Shan Tsutsui and his wife Lyndelle, and Mayor Alan Arakawa and raised $325,000 to benefit MEDB and its programs.
“These funds will provide state-of-the-art technology tools for our students and training for our teachers; investments that will make a difference in the lives of our residents and our community,” said Leslie Wilkins, MEDB President and CEO. “This year, MEDB has expanded our pipeline of support by adding the Jeanne Unemori Skog Leaders and Entrepreneurs Fund to build the next generation of visionaries.” Skog, retired MEDB President and CEO, said, “I am so grateful to the MEDB Board of Directors for creating this fund in my name. I am also honored to receive the MEDB Colin C. Cameron Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to strengthen and diversify Maui County’s economy.”
The evening culminated with the presentation of the prestigious Daniel K. Inouye (DKI) award, which went to Renezel Lagran, a 2017 Maui High School graduate currently attending the University of Hawaii-Maui College. Lagran received $5000 in recognition of her innovative use of technology used to serve our community. This year, Maui Waena Intermediate School’s STEMworks™ science teacher Jennifer Suzuki and Maui High School’s Arts and Communications teacher Clint Gima and the ACOM program will receive $5,000.
“I’m so grateful for this honor,” said Lagran. “I’ve worked incredibly hard since middle school and have had amazing teachers, mentors, and supporters along with amazing STEM opportunities. I’d really like to thank MEDB and their STEMworks™ program for their support. Their investment in me will truly reap positive results for Maui and our community.”
My hope is that the Jeanne Unemori Skog Leaders and Entrepreneurs Fund will help build the next generation of visionaries.
Jeanne Unemori Skog, Retired MEDB President and CEO
Aug 16, 2017 | Community, Education
Jonathan Kamehanaokala Merchant, a 9th grader at Seabury Hall, has loved to read for as long as he can remember. For his 11th birthday party, he decided he didn’t really need any presents. “My parents and I talked about how my bookshelf was overflowing,” said Merchant. “I thought it would be a great idea to ask family and friends to bring gently used or new books for children, preteens, and young adults to donate, along with my books, to those in need.”
Merchant’s mom, Shelley, contacted Laks Abraham, former President and CPO of the Maui United Way, who suggested that he donate the books to Book Trust Maui. “The first year, 2014, I collected 250 books at my “birthday book-giving bash,” Merchant noted. “For my 12th and 13th birthdays, I collected another 400 books for a total of 650 books donated and distributed to children with the help of Maui United Way.”
This year for his 14th birthday he wanted to collect another 350 books to reach 1,000 books over the four year period. Because he is also a Boy Scout with Troop 40, he thought collecting books would be a great community service project and way to gather more books.
Merchant contacted Cub Scout Pack 40, which he was in when he was younger, and made arrangements to go to one of their Pack meetings to collect whatever books the scouts wanted to donate. With the help of his Cub Scout friends and others who heard about his project, he collected another 750 books! With the assistance of Laks Abraham and the Maui United Way, all the books were donated to PATCH (People Attentive to Children), which gives away books to families and children.
“I have now collected around 1,400 books and donated them all to charity,” Merchant explained. “It would not have been possible for me to donate all these books without community help, so I would like to thank everyone for all the work they have done gathering and sharing their favorite books with me.”
I hope these books inspire other kids to love reading as much as I do!
Jonathan Merchant, Seabury Hall 9th grade
Jul 26, 2017 | Community, Education
On Saturday, August 26, 2017, Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) will hold their annual fundraiser dinner and auction Pathways to Our Future at the Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel in Wailea. Guests will celebrate MEDB’s 35th Anniversary and the achievements of students in their STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programs. MEDB’s mission is to inspire and engage students in exciting mentor-based programs that build STEM skills and foster self-confidence, communication, and leadership.
Ke Alahele Education Fund grantee, Maui High School (MHS) Robotics Program, has many accomplishments to be proud of. Their determination and commitment has successfully brought them to the 2016-2017 seasons, their 10th year. “Every year, at their school, the MHS team hosts the Maui VEX Robotics Tournament,” said Dian Taroma, MHS Robotics team captain. “The students are continuously challenged to design, build, and program new robots.”
Taroma continued, “MEDB’s grants for our school’s robotics program exposed me to the STEM field and its range of career options. As a result, the whole team gained skills that are fundamental to our future.” Taroma’s brother, Denmark, has been in robotics all four years of high school. “I started off as a builder and improved along the way becoming one of the build captains on the team,” he explained. “Being in robotics, designing and putting the robot together, has taught me the values of being a leader.”
Team member Maureen Ang noted, “Without the support from MEDB, the team would not have been able to reach our full potential. We were able to build and program the best robot we could, travel, and ship our robot to our competitions.”
Mary Chin added her experience, “VEX is always a challenge, no matter your skill level. Everyone is constantly altering designs and rebuilding up until the last minute. Despite the seemingly endless frustrations we face, the overall problem-solving skills and abilities to function well in a group setting are priceless. MEDB’s grant has greatly helped us in more ways than one.”
The MHS robotics program, even after the first season, leaves students with a vision and a sense that they can create their own future.
Denmark Taroma, MHS 2017 graduate
Jul 12, 2017 | Community
Now celebrating 35 years, Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) invites you to join us for Pathways to our Future to benefit MEDB and the MEDB Ke Alahele Education Fund.
Saturday, August 26, 2017
Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui
4:30 pm Reception/Silent Auction
6:00 pm Dinner/Live Auction
Help empower our teachers, inspire our students, and build pathways to science, technology, engineering, and math careers.
For reservations, please visit medb.org or call (808) 875-2300.
Sponsorship opportunities available.
