Nov 24, 2010 | Education
When a state-of-the-art photovoltaic (PV) system was installed on the roof of the Ke Alahele building in the Maui Research and Technology Park, a unique opportunity presented itself for two Maui students to show what they could
contribute. The PV system is linked to a sophisticated energy storage system, demonstrating the technical potential of cutting-edge technologies as Maui County moves to increase renewable energy sources and reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuel.
It took Kurt Rasos and Nick Mahoney, working as interns with the Maui Economic Development Board in Spring 2010, to explain the system details clearly and concisely in terms a nontechnical audience can understand – an important
teaching tool. The final display makes it readily apparent that the technology demonstrated here can be scaled up to make larger renewable energy generation with battery storage installations a reality. The PV system not only powers parts of the Ke Alahele building, but the batteries serve as a buffer to the MECO system and turn the training room into an emergency preparedness facility with back-up power.
Nick, a senior at King Kekaulike High School, and Kurt, a recent graduate of Maui High School who currently attends the Art Institute of Portland, are both Project EAST students. They joined forces to create a series of explanatory
displays on the PV energy system and an informative brochure for people to take with them. Nick, the engineering half of the team, explains the process: “We took what we learned about PV panels and put it together so we could explain it to people who don’t have any background in electricity or technology.” Kurt, the graphic designer, comments: “It was really fun. I learned a lot about the technology and I enjoyed working on the explanations.” Both interns say they have been inspired by what they learned. “It’s all part of the learning stream,” says Nick.
Oct 20, 2010 | Education
There’ s good news for anyone that missed the live October 6 broadcast of the “Focus 2010: Gubernatorial Conversation” on Akaku Maui Community Television between Lt. Gov. James “ Duke” Aiona and former U.S. Congressman Neil Abercrombie. The forum, held at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center and aired simultaneously on Hawaii Public Radio (HPR) stations, is to be broadcast nationally on C-SPAN, the National Public Affairs cable network. Refer to local listings for exact times and dates for these repeats. In addition, the debate is available online at www.akaku.org; go to Akaku Online and then Video on Demand. It can also be accessed at www.hawaiipublicradio.org.
The 90-minute Forum, which was presented by the Maui Economic Development Board and Hawaii Public Radio, took place in front of a live audience. Kayla Rosenfeld, News Director at HPR, moderated the session and posed questions that reflected the priorities of the Focus Maui Nui vision. The conversation was polite, if occasionally pointed, as the candidates made clear they agreed on defining issues while differing on how state government can respond.
Aiona noted the current administration’s support for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education in Hawaii’s schools and proposed an audit of the Department of Education. Abercrombie spoke in favor of improving education by giving local schools more control and accountability.
Both candidates support development of renewable energy resources, and while Abercrombie proposed a State Energy Authority to support development, Aiona cited progress by the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative to support renewable energy research and development. Among several other issues, both candidates spoke to the need to deal with the high costs of island transportation, citing high fuel costs as a major factor, and both spoke positively about the importance of spurring science and technology jobs and the potential of astronomy in particular.
View the entire debate on C-SPAN or Akaku, and VOTE in the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 2.
Oct 13, 2010 | Education
With education identified by the Focus Maui Nui process as a community priority, the Maui Economic Development Board’s recent Education and Graduation Rate conference proved to be both timely and enlightening.
The event, with the theme “E Ulu – Growing Together”, was held in partnership with America’s Promise Alliance, a nonprofit organization based in Washington D.C. dedicated to enhancing high school success. The focus of the conference was to strengthen the Maui Nui’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education “pipeline” as a means of improving high school success and increasing graduation rates.
Following an inspirational keynote speech made by Congresswoman Maizie Hirono, a variety of perspectives were shared on challenges, opportunities and a vision for education in Hawaii. Presenters from a wide variety of sectors included a parent, an industry/business professional from a local tech company, a high school principal, elected officials, and a panel of 5 high school students.
These sessions set the direction and tone for the rest of the day. Discussion followed on the most important determining factors for educational excellence: student proficiency, teacher proficiency, school proficiency, and school management. Conference participants then formed smaller groups that focused on each of the four proficiencies in depth.
In addition to exploring means of improving STEM education locally, one of the outcomes of the summit was the creation of an Education Working Group that will continue the work begun at the summit in modeling our education system to better equip our students for STEM careers.
Sep 12, 2010 | Education
This week, the 11th AMOS (Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance) technical conference, presented annually by the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB), is being held in Wailea. The conference is the premier event in the field of space situational awareness, and more than 600 leading scientists, engineers, and technical managers from across the country and around the world will be in attendance.
This year, the Space Foundation is co-sponsoring a new educational component to the conference—Space in the Classroom, consisting of two main elements, one for students, the other for teachers. More than 300 Maui middle school students will attend a full-day program with hands-on, space-themed science experiments and demos. The highlight will be a 90-minute “Audience with an Astronaut”, Captain Robert L. Curbeam, Jr., U.S. Navy (retired). Capt. Curbeam is a veteran of two space shuttle flights (Atlantis and Discovery). He has logged over 590 hours in space, including three spacewalks, and will share what it takes to get from middle school to becoming a space explorer.
In a separate conference session, up to 25 teachers from Maui Nui’s middle and high schools will attend a full-day workshop providing classroom activities designed to inspire and enable their students to become the next generation of space explorers and scientists. The training provided will better equip our teachers to engage Maui students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) subjects.
Through MEDB’s partnerships and commitment to unique educational initiatives such as these, Maui Nui’s youth can benefit from opportunities that will prepare them for 21st century workforce opportunities.
Sep 3, 2010 | Education, Events
This past Saturday, our Maui County community scored an A+ during the MEDB Ke Alahele Education Fund Benefit Dinner held at the Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa. Perhaps, numbers speak louder than words… over 560 people attended this awesome event, including Distinguished Educators U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye, his wife Irene Hirano, and Maui County Mayor Charmaine Tavares.
Over 95 Silent and Live Auction items/packages were donated this year. And, drum roll please, over $230,000 was raised for a very worthy cause—Maui County’s students. Mahalo to all the sponsors, supporters, volunteers and attendees for making a difference!
When a state-of-the-art photovoltaic (PV) system was installed on the roof of the Ke Alahele building in the Maui Research and Technology Park, a unique opportunity presented itself for two Maui students to show what they could
