Mar 31, 2016 | Education, Environment, Sustainability
The 2016 Maui Energy Conference, presented by the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development and the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB), focused on the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative’s 100% Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), its implications for Hawaii’s energy future and the customer. The two-day conference, held at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center on March 16-17, was attended by over 300 participants, including nationally and internationally recognized experts in the field. “The event provided a platform where difficult and often contentious discussions can occur in an atmosphere of mutual respect and in-depth dialogue,” stated Frank De Rego Jr., Director of Business Development Projects at MEDB. “The issues around Hawaii’s 100% renewable energy portfolio standard are not only technologically complex, but have social, economic and cultural impacts as well.”
“Consider MECO’s pilot program to pay for ‘behind the meter’ energy storage on Molokai,” said Conference Program Committee Chair Doug McLeod. “Such a proposal would have been inconceivable in the first year of the Maui Energy Conference. The conference and its rebroadcast to the larger community via Akaku has raised the education level in our community so that MECO’s customers are presently asking for services like these home batteries.” Battery systems store the energy when nature makes it available and allows us to use that energy when we need it. “Storing solar energy is a key to enabling Hawaii to meet their 100% renewable energy goals,” said Boris von Bormann, CEO of sonnenUSA. Bormann went on to say that he envisioned a world where clean and affordable energy is available to all by networking systems of rooftop solar coupled with battery storage – an option that is already occurring in Germany.
“The customer is an integral part of a 100% renewable energy future,” said Shelee Kimura, Hawaiian Electric’s VP of Corporate Planning and Business Development, as the conference discussion turned to the potential impacts for the community of achieving a 100% RPS. For example, can everyone afford the cost of renewable energy? How do we balance the benefits of renewable energy for those households and businesses who cannot afford rooftop solar systems? The conference attracted a broad audience: 21 percent of participants traveled from the mainland or internationally to attend, with 37 percent from Maui and 42 percent from Oahu and other neighbor islands.
The Maui Energy Conference explored the challenges and opportunities in achieving 100% of our electrity generation through renewable energy sources.
Frank De Rego Jr., Director of Business Development Projects, MEDB
Mar 10, 2016 | Education, Stemworks
Students from Pukalani Elementary School’s robotics teams competed in the invitational Hawaii State VEX IQ Robotics Championship held last month at the Hawaii Convention Center on Oahu. The Imagineer teams placed highly in Driver and Programming Skills and won 1st place in the State for their Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Research Project. By winning the Research category and placing 3rd and 4th in the state programming rankings, Pukalani’s Imagineers received invitations for both their teams to compete at the VEX IQ World Championship in Louisville, Kentucky in April 2016.
“The first-place project, The Dangers of Cell Phone Radiation, demonstrated how cell phones work and most importantly how radiation is emitted from the phones,” said Jasmine Domingo, Pukalani Elementary STEM Coordinator. The other team tied for 2nd place in the Teamwork Challenge for their project on “The Benefits of Video Games” which explained how video games improve physical skills with additional advantages for students with disabilities.
“The team’s overall success has been the culmination of a strong commitment at Pukalani Elementary towards STEM education,” said Domingo. “The last two years the Imagineers have been fortunate enough to receive grant money from Maui Economic Development Board’s Ke Alahele Fund to start and grow the robotics program.”
This year the students worked on VEX IQ Challenges that featured all aspects of making a robot which included programming the robot to run autonomously and driving the robot remotely. “I helped design, build and program our robot to pick up balls, dump them in the basket and go up the ramp,” said 5th grader Alden Johnson. “We built over 50 different robot designs and over 20 different claw designs until we found one that worked. Being part of our Pukalani robotics team has taught me that when you work with others and stick together you can do amazing things!”
The Pukalani Elementary team is seeking sponsors to help ensure that every student will be able to take part in the April 2016 VEX IQ World Championship in Kentucky. If you would like to sponsor the team, contact Jasmine Domingo at (808) 573-8760.
Part of the Hawaii state VEX IQ Robotics Championship is the autonomous programming skills challenge, in which students write code to control the robot’s behavior. It was here the Pukalani Imagineers have had much success, and are currently ranked in the top 20 elementary teams in the world and 3rd and 4th highest in Hawaii.
Jasmine Domingo, Pukalani Elementary School STEM Coordinator
Mar 3, 2016 | Education, Innovation
Maui girls in grades 7-8, accompanied by teachers, discovered the exciting and lucrative field of engineering during Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day (IGED) on Thursday, February 25th, at Maui Research and Technology Park. In observance of National Engineers Week, Maui Economic Development Board’s Women in Technology (WIT) program hosts the popular event to expose girls to the male-dominated field of engineering and encourage them to become engineers themselves. For the past 16 years, WIT has teamed up with the County of Maui, Maui Electric and local industrial firms to provide a day of hands-on activities and worksite visits. Along with raising awareness of the contribution engineers make to the community, IGED also introduces students to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
According to WIT Project Manager Mapu Quitazol, women still represent less than 5% of engineers in Hawaii and studies predict there will be a further shortage of engineers in the next two decades. “Together, we can challenge those daunting statistics,” Quitazol said. “The sooner we get girls engaged in the field, the faster they can begin learning the skills to compete for these high-paying, in-demand jobs. In fact, Quitazol noted, “engineering is the number one job that parents should be encouraging their girls to pursue.”
Senior Project Engineer Fiona van Ammers from SSFM International, Inc., a Hawaii-based professional engineering business, advocates for participation in the WIT Program. “It is important to develop future leaders through community-based programs designed to address planning for Maui’s future,” she said. “IGED engages young women in meaningful events that add to their skill set and inspire them to choose a STEM career.” Fiona explains to students that civil engineering is about creating designs that improve and protect the environment and human lives. This is demonstrated by explanation of what work was required to complete the Maui Memorial Medical Center Helipad, for which Fiona was the civil engineer and project manager. For the past decade, WIT has been at the forefront of providing cutting-edge STEM programs across the islands to meet 21st century workforce demands.
WIT’s IGED program provides engineers and companies with a chance to make a difference in our environment, in our community and in our lives. I am thrilled to be a part of this event for young girls which helps develop future Maui leaders.
Fiona van Ammers, Senior Project Engineer, SSFM International, Inc.
Feb 4, 2016 | Education
Pōmaikaʻi Elementary School, located in the Maui Lani subdivision in Kahului, opened its doors in 2007 with the vision to educate the whole child by connecting academics with their Arts Integration curriculum. Based on years of research, Pōmaikaʻi believes that actively engaging children through the arts requires critical thinking skills, creative problem solving and collaboration to challenge learners at all levels. “We dreamed of an education where students learned with their whole bodies, activating all parts of their brain and embracing their hearts as they connect with each other and the curriculum,” said Principal Bernice Takahata. “Students are challenged daily to think critically as they use drama, dance, visual arts, music and creative writing across the Common Core Standards curricula. We are now integrating a strong science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) program,” she added.
Graham R. DeVey, Project Manager, WIT Island Energy Inquiry
STEAM education integrates the study of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics by using scientific inquiry and engineering design as unifying processes. STEAM education incorporates the “A” for the arts, recognizing that to be successful in technical fields, individuals must also be creative and use critical thinking and collaboration skills through student-focused, rigorous, relevant and authentic learning. “This past September, several of our teachers were fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) Women In Technology Island Energy Inquiry (IEI) Professional Development Workshop,” said Takahata. “The IEI program, in partnership with the Ka Hei program, provided our teachers with training, materials and hands-on experiences that will allow them to effectively implement science in the art-integrated curriculum in the classroom. In fact, the work with MEDB has enriched the work we are doing in STEAM.”
Pōmaikaʻi, in their partnership with the Maui Arts and Cultural Center, enriches the innovative learning of their students through connections to teaching artists from the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington, DC, as well as local arts alliances.
“Our highly-qualified teachers and staff work hard to present rigorous curricula to promote student achievement and success,” Takahata added. “We strive to develop the whole child in the areas of academic mindsets, learning strategies and social skills.”
MEDB’s teaching team is excited to be working with Pōmaikaʻi Elementary, a school known for linking the creative arts to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. This past September, Pōmaikaʻi Principal Bernice Takahata sent teachers to experience the latest elementary-grade curriculum from MEDB’s Women In Technology Island Energy Inquiry program which educates for energy prosperity.
Graham R. DeVey, Project Manager, WIT Island Energy Inquiry
Jan 21, 2016 | Education, Environment, Sustainability
Since 2009, the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) Women In Technology program (WIT) has trained 459 educators through the energy science curriculum of its Island Energy Inquiry (IEI) initiative. In that time it has expanded from Maui across the state, reaching at least 49,000 students. IEI is the first energy education program designed for Hawaii teachers that combines scientific inquiry and engineering design processes with cutting-edge materials and technologies in the classroom. Teachers are using this new knowledge and hands-on activities to help middle and high school students learn about and perhaps someday solve the state’s energy concerns. “Through the IEI workshops, our MEDB team helps teachers educate for energy prosperity,” said Graham R. DeVey, WIT Project Manager. “Our hands-on, student-driven labs and activities use the natural curiosity of students to develop their skills for tomorrow’s high-tech jobs in renewable energy here in Hawaii.”
In recent Maui workshops for teachers of grades K through 5, WIT Project Assistant, Manda Tong supported the educators in an IEI electromagnetic motor lab, building the foundational concepts used in engineering wind and hydro generators. “In IEI courses, teachers learn as students do, by applying scientific skills through a hands-on approach,” Tong explained. The workshop series, focusing on photovoltaic electricity, wind energy, solar thermal energy and energy efficiency, incorporated presentations from local engineers and other industry representatives on various energy topics. Participating teachers also received hands-on kits to take back to the classroom, including miniature PV modules, a four-foot wind turbine and energy auditing equipment. WIT’s IEI Program, in partnership with Ka Hei, a Department of Education Program, also includes comprehensive energy efficiency and water conservation initiatives, sustainability measures, microgrids, science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum and community involvement.
To augment the IEI curriculum and make it more tech-relevant to teens, a companion Clean-Energy Hawaii STEM iPad app has been created by NSC Partners LLC, a Maui-based software developer. The app is available at the iTunes store and features Hawaii-specific clean energy content that can be adapted to support innovative energy science education in any community throughout the world.
Maui Economic Development Board’s Women In Technology Island Energy Inquiry Program (IEI) launched its elementary school curriculum this past fall, training 35 teachers of grades K through 5 to teach clean energy modules. The IEI program helps build student competency towards energy prosperity for Hawaii’s future.
Manda Tong, MEDB Project Assistant
Jan 6, 2016 | Education, Innovation, Stemworks
In celebration of Computer Science Education Week in December, Hour of Code, a nationwide campaign featuring free tutorials designed to get students interested in computer science, was held at Kamaliʻi Elementary School in Kihei. Maui Economic Development Board’s Women in Technology Project (WIT) was a sponsor for the one-hour introduction. Children and adults were taught basic concepts of computer programming that offered them learning tools needed to create and communicate new ideas. “Hour of Code is an international movement to promote computer science education and call awareness to exciting 21st century career paths,” said Peter Hansen, Kamaliʻi School computer teacher. “Learning to code helps nurture problem-solving skills, logic and originality. One hour is enough to learn that computer science is fun and creative, that it is accessible for all ages, for everyone.”
The tutorials teach a computer language called JavaScript which is designed to perform a certain task. By dragging and placing blocks of code in the computer program, the code tells the computer what to display on the screen. A JavaScript function is executed when something invokes it; hence students learn that all they see and do begins with lines of computer code. “I hope that through this event Kamaliʻi School’s technology program will receive some attention and parents and community members will begin to understand the importance of having computer science education for all students, even at the elementary level,” explained Hansen. Lucy Dryhurst, Kamaliʻi 5th grader said, “I learned through Hour of Code that by following directions on a game with a lot of thinking steps, I can write code. I like doing it a lot. It is fun and creative!”
“WIT is an extraordinary program,” Hansen noted. “They offered monetary support that made it possible to provide food and drinks for Hour of Code, not to mention donating the prizes and connecting us with volunteers.” In addition to this event, WIT provides professional educational opportunities for teachers and workshops for students, developing Maui’s future workforce.
On behalf of myself and Kamali’i School thank you very much, WIT, for your continuing support for Maui County teachers and students.
Peter Hansen, Kamaliʻi School Computer Teacher
Dec 17, 2015 | Education
In celebration of National Geographic Awareness Week, November 17-21, the Maui Economic Development Board’s Women in Technology (WIT) Project presented Geographic Information System (GIS) Day at Queen Kaahumanu Center in Kahului. The event featured displays and demonstrations to encourage the community to think and learn about the significance of place and how we affect and are affected by it. Local GIS professionals were on hand to talk about their respective projects utilizing GIS technology, a computer-based mapping technique that links locational and database information. The ability to see geographic features on a map and visualize patterns and trends enables planners, analysts and others to make evaluations and informed decisions about their communities. WIT also hosted a live statewide GIS Day webcast for Hawai’i students, enabling over 600 of them to engage with experts about the exciting projects that use geospatial technologies.
“We are excited to promote GIS awareness throughout the state and to collaborate with National Geographic Education, Hawaii Geographic Coordinating Council, and the Hawaii Geographic Alliance to help make it happen,” said Isla Young, director of K12 STEM Education for MEDB’s Women in Technology Project. “Inspiring the next generation of spatially literate and engaging Hawai’i STEM students are two of our highest priorities.” In addition, the public experienced National Geographic’s Giant Traveling Map of the Pacific Ocean. Measuring 26 by 35 feet, the brightly colored geographic floor-map offered student explorers a chance to ‘walk across the Pacific’, studying the geographic features of our world’s largest ocean. “Teachers and students were also shown how GIS technology and drones work together to capture data in the field,” Young added.
George K. Purdy IV, owner of Drone Services Hawai’i, explained “My company’s mission is to provide high quality drone products and services for personal, professional, commercial and government use. It’s important, for my son Adam and other students, to get our children excited about STEM so they can apply it to their future careers and the sustainability of our islands.”
Furthering GIS and STEM education in our state will guarantee numerous jobs here in Hawai’i.
George K. Purdy IV, Drone Services Hawai’i
Dec 10, 2015 | Education, Small Business
Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) was the local host for the 2016 InnovateHER “Innovating for Business Challenge.” The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) launched the nationwide InnovateHER Challenge in August 2015, with the goal of finding products and services that help empower the lives of women and families. This past November, ten Maui finalists proved once again that Maui is a launching pad for empowering entrepreneurs. Each gave a five-minute pitch for their product or service to a panel of judges. The judges took into account criteria such as whether the proposal had a measurable improvement in the lives of community members, potential for commercialization and filled a need in the marketplace.
In a close competition, Pamela Norris of Wailuku was named the Maui winner. Norris won for her product, the ICEBUDDY System, a portable cooling system that utilizes new technology to transport medicine, water and supplies for emergencies. “My lifetime has been spent trying to make a positive difference in the world,” said Norris. “That journey has taken me from teaching everything from the pre-school level to post-graduate, training security and law enforcement officers and directing mental health services. Now this experience has brought me to a point where I choose to focus my talents on developing revolutionary products that serve unmet needs.”
As the Maui winner, Norris took home a cash award from MEDB. She will also have the opportunity to be considered for SBA’s national competition which will be held in Washington D.C. in March 2016 as part of a larger Women’s Summit. If selected, she will compete against other finalists nationwide and have an opportunity to pitch her idea to a panel of expert judges drawn from the private sector. Three winners will be chosen and awarded up to $70,000 in cash prizes.
“I hope SBA continues to grow this competition,” said Gerry Smith, MEDB Director of Business Development. “Not only will programs such as these help women break through that glass ceiling in terms of business and entrepreneurship, but also will provide opportunities to help empower women and families and ultimately help to build communities.”
My winning venture, the ICEBUDDY system, is a portable cooling system that enables ice, water, medication and emergency supplies to be stored and transported easily.
Pamela Norris
Dec 3, 2015 | Education
Molokai Middle School recently received an $88,213 grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for a project titled “Promoting Cultural Based Knowledge and Practices through Environmental Stewardship and Preservation.” The grant extends from August 2015 through August 2016. The work is being led by Molokai Middle School Hawaiian Language Immersion Program (HLIP) teacher and principal investigator Iolani Kuoha, with assistance from school staff and community partnerships.
Kuoha, inspired by her father Joseph Hamakua, a Kahuna La`au Lapa`au (medicinal practitioner), wrote this grant to enable students to perpetuate stewardship and develop leadership skills. “Our goal, through science-based outdoor learning projects, is to instill in the students the need for engaging in cultural-based knowledge and preservation efforts on Molokai,” said Kuoha, who was named 2015 Educator of the Year by the Hawaii Association of Middle Schools. “In addition, with a priority in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects we hope to continually increase our overall school achievement on the Hawai`i State Science Assessment.” The project starts with the students, parents, teachers and community of stakeholders. It includes collaboration, integration of core curriculum with community support, and an island-wide approach to environmental education. The benefits extend to the `aina (land) and the kai (sea) as students learn to protect and restore Molokai’s environment.
The project will include research plans directly related to culture and science through the study of native plant propagation, relevant watershed issues, erosion from ungulates, invasive-species removal and more. Community stakeholders will assist students with their research, written reports, technological tools and oral presentations. The NOAA grant has already helped the school gain recognition as the Most Improved School in the State.
“School partnerships with community organizations enhance the common goals and objectives of this project,” said Kuoha. “Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) and Women in Technology are among the NOAA partners that are helping all HLIP and other students learn employable skills using STEM resources. We hope to continue mini-workshops with support from MEDB and to present our achievements at their annual STEM Conference on Maui.”
Our goal with the NOAA grant is to instill in the students the need for cultural-based knowledge and preservation efforts on Molokai.
Iolani Kuoha, Molokai Middle School HLIP Teacher
