Dec 21, 2016 | Community, Environment, Sustainability
The Fairmont Kea Lani Resort, venue for Maui Economic Development Board’s annual Ke Alahele Fundraiser, is committed to responsible tourism practices and sustainable hotel management. “Our Sustainability Team, created in 2001, is comprised of leaders and colleagues dedicated to “greening” our operations and cultivating an enduring connection to the land and community,” said Rick Texeira, Chair, Fairmont Kea Lani Sustainability Team. “To date, the Sustainability Team has launched over 50 environmental initiatives at the resort, including the installation of over 1,528 solar photovoltaic panels, efforts in support of the critically endangered Hawksbill sea turtle at neighboring White Rock beach, and our sponsored Earth Day community reef clean-ups, to name a few.”
An especially interesting Kea Lani program, in partnership with Clean the World Foundation, Inc., recycles hygiene products, soap and bottled amenities for worldwide distribution to fight hygiene-related illness. “Clean the World takes our unused soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and shower gel and gives them a second life through a global hygiene initiative,” Texeira explained. “The distribution of recycled soap and hygiene products from hotels and resort partners helps millions of people in countries with a high death rate from these illnesses.”
Recycling with Clean the World and other sustainability projects are a great way to achieve corporate social responsibility goals and attract more guests. “The programs increase employee morale and visitors love it as well,” said Texeira. “I’m so proud of the commitment and effort our hotel has shown. Not only are we recycling, we are helping those in need and supporting the health and wellness of others. It is wonderful to see how simple and responsible acts can save so many lives. We look forward to continuing our sustainable movement for many years and are passionate about our efforts to make a difference for people, our communities and the planet.”
Our hotel has contributed to Clean the World’s distribution of soap, amenities, and hygiene kits in 96 countries.
Rick Texeira, Chair, Fairmont Kea Lani Sustainability Team
Nov 9, 2016 | Environment, Innovation
The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) is on schedule for full operations in June 2020. Situated at 10,000 feet of elevation atop Haleakala, the DKIST will be the most advanced ground-based solar observatory in the world. With more than 20 institutions collaborating internationally, it is about to revolutionize the world of solar astronomy. “We are pointing a four-meter (13 foot) telescope at the Sun for the very first time, which will challenge the science community to take their understanding to a whole new level,” said Dr. Thomas Rimmele, DKIST Project Director, National Solar Observatory (NSO). “When combined with a special adaptive optics system, the DKIST’s primary mirror will produce high-speed measurements to examine the Sun’s surface in stunning detail!”
The site on Haleakala was selected, out of a global search, for its clear daytime atmospheric seeing conditions. Once operational, the DKIST will allow astronomers to measure the magnetic fields that drive space weather events such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections. “Understanding the behavior of the Sun’s magnetic fields is vital,” Rimmele explained. “Monitoring space weather is essential as our society increasingly relies on electronics technology that is susceptible to damage from these large space events. DKIST will help us better deal with threats of outages.”
DKIST Project Manager Dr. Joseph McMullin of NSO provided the latest updates. “The external building has been completed, with the integration of major telescope systems underway. This includes the telescope mount assembly and the rotating instrument laboratory,” McMullin noted. “The optical systems, and the primary mirror, the most critical element of the telescope, have met their challenging, state-of-the-art specifications and are undergoing testing.”
DKIST’s open data policy will provide the general public access to unique data resources compiled by the best engineers and scientists in the world. “In fact, the DKIST will bring more jobs and educational outreach opportunities to Maui,” Rimmele added. “The scientific impact from the DKIST, for all of humanity, is immense. The entire global community will be looking to Maui for this extraordinary science!”
Permitting us to measure the magnetic fields in the solar atmosphere for the very first time, the DKIST will fill in many gaps of our knowledge of the Sun and its magnetic activities.
Dr. Thomas Rimmele, DKIST Project Director, National Solar Observatory
Jul 27, 2016 | Environment, Sustainability
Are you a farmer, rancher, or small business owner interested in saving money on your energy bills? Do you lack the money necessary to implement energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements that will lower your business’s energy costs? If you answered “yes” to both questions, then this MEDB workshop is for you.
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) can provide eligible applicants with guaranteed loans, grants, or a combination loan and grant for qualified projects. During this workshop you will learn about:
- REAP’s eligible loans and grants
- Who is eligible to apply
- Maximum loan and grant amounts
- Application requirements and deadlines
- Tips for completing your application
- One-on-one consultations available with USDA staff following the workshop.
Workshop Presenter:
John Antonio, State Energy Coordinator USDA Rural Development
The workshop is free, and light refreshments will be served. Part of the MEDB Innovation Series, Foundations for Business Success.
Wednesday, July 27, 2016, 1 pm – 4 pm
MEDB’s Malcolm Center
1305 N. Holopono Street, Suite 5
Kihei, HI 96753
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
Feb 11, 2016 | Environment, Sustainability
For the first time, Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) Women In Technology (WIT) Project is presenting a student collaboration opportunity between Hawaii and California. Kamali’i Elementary School, Lokelani Intermediate and Kihei Charter High School on Maui, together with Elliott Ranch Elementary School and Cosumnes Oaks High School in California, have chosen their most environmentally conscious students to participate in The Pacific Clean Energy Exchange. “In an effort to inspire creativity and collaboration with their counterparts, the students will explore, via conference calls and digital sharing, clean energy solutions both in the Golden State and the Aloha State,” said Lesley Brashier, Elliott Ranch Elementary School teacher. “Plus, leadership and management skills will be practiced by the high school students who are mentoring younger student teams in fourth, fifth and sixth grades.”
The students will work together to synthesize their findings for a presentation at the MEDB Hawaii STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Conference on May 6-7, 2016. “The Pacific Clean Energy Exchange Program is the first of its kind,” said MEDB WIT Project Manager Melinda White. “Elementary and high school students are being tasked with exploring solutions for the global energy crisis. They’ll be contributors to a relevant world issue being tackled by the brightest scientists, engineers and political leaders.”
The discussions in this program are very diverse. How can renewable energy be better integrated into city planning? How can citizens be encouraged to utilize clean energy like solar, wind, ocean wave and tidal action when available? Are there more energy sustainable ways to cool the schools? In the culminating event, California and Hawaii teams will be able to meet in person when they offer their innovative ideas and solutions at the STEM Conference. “The Pacific Clean Energy Exchange is giving my students a chance to learn about the significance of Hawaii’s 100% renewable energy goal,” said Zayna Stoycoff, Lokelani Intermediate School teacher. “As one of my students recently explained, ‘No one individual can possibly make every contribution, but by coming together great goals can be reached.’ As a teacher, this is what it’s all about!”
The Pacific Clean Energy Exchange project is a one-of-a-kind STEM opportunity that joins students from Hawaii and California to collaborate on clean energy issues. I very much wanted to be part of this project to learn more about environmental science and hopefully contribute to Hawaii’s future.
Cole Logrande, Lokelani Intermediate School 6th grader
Jan 28, 2016 | Environment, Events, Small Business, Sustainability
The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, Maui County and Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) are hosting the third annual Maui Energy Conference, March 16-18 2016 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Energy experts and stakeholders from across the U.S. and Hawaii will meet to learn about the latest advances in clean energy and how Hawaii plans to achieve the new 100% RPS (Renewable Portfolio Standard) target. On June 8th 2015, Hawaii updated legislation setting the 100% renewable portfolio standard by 2045. The standards are state and local policies that mandate all or certain types of electricity producers to supply a minimum share of their electricity from designated renewable resources. Hawaii has met its annual RPS requirements to date.
Frank De Rego, Jr. Director of Business Development Projects, Maui Economic Development Board, Inc.
“The 2016 Maui Energy Conference will bring together some of the best minds in the energy sector from Maui County, the state, and the nation,” said Frank De Rego, Jr., MEDB Director of Business Development Projects and member of the conference program committee. “The focus of discussion will be Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative’s 100% RPS and its implications for Hawaii’s energy future. The strengths of the conference over the years have been the high quality of its speakers and panelists, the ample time to network and the availability of the panel sessions to the general public at the conclusion of the conference on the conference website.”
The Conference will seek consensus about realistic targets and goals, the readiness of the utilities to reach them and how much this will really cost. Other issues include how to mitigate disruptions of energy supply and price when transitioning from carbon based fuels to renewables and the importance of a diversified portfolio. Looking at all the other questions: How; Where; Why; and Who Pays are just a few of the obvious issues. “Within ‘how’ and ‘why’ are important sub-questions about fairness and respect for Hawaiian culture and the environment,” said Program committee chair, Doug McLeod, DKK Energy Services. “In addition, the County of Maui’s energy consultant Guernsey has been invited to present their recommendation with regard to ownership of the electric utility on Maui.”
An early-bird registration rate of $395 for the Maui Energy Conference is available through January 31st — a discount of $100. Details on this year’s program are available at the Conference website, MauiEnergyConference.com
Frank De Rego, Jr. Director of Business Development Projects, Maui Economic Development Board, Inc.
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
Nov 12, 2015 | Environment, Sustainability
Imagine a place where the community reflects what is important and precious in each member. Imagine a place where the meaningful work that each individual contributes to the community is healing and inspirational. La‘a Kea Farm on Baldwin Avenue in Pa‘ia is that place. Sitting on 12 acres overlooking the ocean, with double rainbows and majestic white clouds, the farm inspires residents and visitors alike. Founded in June 2000, La‘a Kea, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, provides day and residential programs for youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It is the first of its kind in the State of Hawai‘i.
“Our mission is to create wholeness through education and therapy in extended family living,” said La‘a Kea Executive Director Andrea Hall Rodgers. “Being part of a thriving ‘ohana enables the members to fully unfold their potential and inspire each other. La‘a Kea’s programs include farming, economic ventures and the activities of daily living that come alive in a community with homes, farm buildings, a farmers’ market, cafe, craft studio and more,” said Rodgers. Inspired by the internationally known Camphill Village model, La‘a Kea offers a unique alternative to conventional care. Co-workers, residents and day program participants, regardless of their ability or disability, work in a supportive environment. They are all dedicated to discovering and enhancing the contribution of each individual through productive work.
In 2005, Rodgers presented the La‘a Kea project to Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa. “It is an exceptional model of organic farming and equitable community living designed specifically for the special-needs community,” she told the mayor. Recognizing the critical need for a community serving one of our most overlooked populations, Mayor Arakawa arranged the first long-term lease ever given to a nonprofit in the history of Maui County.
“During my first administration we realized there was a gap of service when it came to assisting adults, over 18 years old, with physical and mental challenges,” said the mayor. “I am very happy we have programs like La‘a Kea and others that care for our most vulnerable island residents.”
La‘a Kea Farm is an exceptional model of organic farming and equitable community living designed specifically for the special-needs community.
Everyone is invited to the 5th annual La‘a Kea Farm Fall Family Festival and Pie Contest on Sunday, November 15th, 2015 from noon to 4 pm. The event includes food and fun for the entire family with live music, tractor rides, silent auction and more.
Andrea Hall Rodgers, La‘a Kea Executive Director
Oct 9, 2015 | Environment, Events
The 16th annual Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference (AMOS) was held in September in the culturally rich setting of the Wailea Marriott Resort and Spa. Presented by Maui Economic Development Board and numerous sponsors, the four-day event is known as the top scientific conference in the field of optics and imaging for the surveillance of space. The conference brought together scientists from around the world to offer updates and assessments of current research in the fields of space situational awareness (SSA), space weather and related specialties in astronomy. SSA refers to knowledge of the space environment and the natural and man-made objects in orbit around the Earth.
The Boeing Company, AMOS’s main sponsor, recognizes the need for the future generation to get involved in all areas of space exploration and technological solutions. “Our Global Corporate Citizenship program, which originated on Maui in 2005, continues to contribute to community educational and environmental programs,” said Jerry Cornell, Boeing Site Executive. “AMOS provides a great opportunity for our Boeing experts to engage with Maui County students.”
The students, introduced to space technologies via exhibits and hands-on projects, had the opportunity to meet industry professionals and learn valuable lessons in science, technology, engineering and math subjects. “I learned so much at AMOS and the Boeing exhibits,” said Raider Howard, Lokelani Intermediate 8th grader. “Satellites continue to make a big impact on our community and in the world. We need new technology now and in the future for national security, internet, banking, telephones, television, navigation, scientific exploration and more.”
At Boeing’s simulated optics exhibits, students learned how light is transmitted from the collection points of the large 3.6-meter Haleakala summit telescope, via mirrors to an engineered optics table. Students were tasked to redirect light from a pen laser source, using up to five mirrors, onto moveable pucks, and finally to an optic sensor that buzzed when the laser light touched it. A 3D-printed fast-steering mirror was installed on the simulated optics table, making the laser light bounce off the steering mirror first. That mirror had separate controls, so student teamwork was required to complete the assigned task. “The experiments at AMOS were really interesting,” said Howard. “I might want to be an astronomer.”
The Fairmont Kea Lani Resort, venue for Maui Economic Development Board’s annual Ke Alahele Fundraiser, is committed to responsible tourism practices and sustainable hotel management. “Our Sustainability Team, created in 2001, is comprised of leaders and colleagues dedicated to “greening” our operations and cultivating an enduring connection to the land and community,” said Rick Texeira, Chair, Fairmont Kea Lani Sustainability Team. “To date, the Sustainability Team has launched over 50 environmental initiatives at the resort, including the installation of over 1,528 solar photovoltaic panels, efforts in support of the critically endangered Hawksbill sea turtle at neighboring White Rock beach, and our sponsored Earth Day community reef clean-ups, to name a few.”
