Jun 24, 2020 | Innovation
Ka Ipu Kukui Fellows is a nonprofit community-based program created to identify and develop Maui’s future leaders. To date, over 150 accomplished young professionals have graduated from the year-long program. The Fellows are a diverse cross-section of residents drawn from business, government, academia and nonprofit organizations. In January, the group took part in Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) Project Weekend. The preparation for this weekend began with a 60-second pitch exercise on Friday evening.
“We wanted to give the Fellows some tips and rehearsal for their pitches,” said Frank De Rego, Jr., MEDB Director of Business Development Projects and facilitator. “It sets them up for an intense weekend with the fellows working in teams through all the various aspects of project development to better address Maui Nui’s challenges.”
Coaches, with their backgrounds as business and community leaders, mentored the project teams the following day. The weekend culminated on the Sunday afternoon with the teams presenting a 5-minute pitch presentation to a panel of judges comprising of accomplished Maui Nui decision makers and influencers. A winner was announced although the emphasis of the weekend was on the learning process and for the Ka Ipu Kukui Fellows to get an immersive understanding of developing a project from start to finish.
The winning Project Weekend team included project creator Ashley Takitani-Leahey with Riley Coon, Teana Kaho’ohanohano, Jeeyun Lee and Carrissa Holley. “Project Weekend was intense but incredible,” said Holley. “I got to spend time with an amazing team. Combining all our skills, we learned so much from each other. We are all grateful to have such an amazing and supportive team here at MEDB who was there for us through thick and thin.”
Judge Brittany Heyd, cofounder of Mana Up, added, “The participants had their own angles and expertise on how to support Maui and solve problems that they foresee in the future. It was inspiring to see them use their own resources and work as a team to get the job done. We need our young leaders to step up with more innovative ideas for the future.”
With the social distancing regulations taking place on Maui for an indefinite time, Ka Ipu Kukui is looking at alternatives for the current and new cohort. Visit https://kaipukukui.com for more information.
The Fellows awareness of diverse topics and perspectives amazed the judges who had a difficult time choosing the winners.
Gerry Smith, MEDB Director of Business Development
Apr 22, 2020 | Innovation
Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) has lost a dear friend and dedicated STEMworks™ supporter with the passing of Irene Hirano Inouye, widow of the late United States Senator Daniel Inouye. Hirano Inouye was a nationally recognized leader in the nonprofit sector, with more than 35 years’ experience in nonprofit administration, community education, and public affairs. Her national reputation has been built on a record of vision, collaboration, and accomplishment, as well as an unyielding commitment to the values of fairness and individual opportunity.
Leslie Wilkins, MEDB President and CEO reflected, “In 2013, MEDB, with the endorsement of Hirano Inouye, established the Daniel K. Inouye (DKI) Innovation Award to honor the late Senator’s vision for Maui as an innovation center for the latest scientific and technological advances. She recognized the critical nature of MEDB’s work throughout its history to enhance education and training in our community.”
In past years, the senator and his wife headlined MEDB’s annual Ke Alahele Education Fund dinner, with proceeds used to support and administer MEDB-led STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) educational programs and to provide grants for STEM initiatives. “The DKI Award is presented to a Maui County project team that demonstrates the most innovative use of STEM tools and capabilities to serve and improve our community,” said Wilkins. “The Award is open to all Maui County students in grades 6-12 who submit a project that has a practical function and value to the community.”
Hirano Inouye received the Global Ambassador Award from the Price School for best representing the mission and expertise of the school in a global setting. She served as president of the Washington D.C.-based United States-Japan Council, which enhances relations between the two countries through people-to-people connections. In addition, Hirano Inouye has been recognized for her outstanding leadership as the former CEO and President of the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, and her service with prominent philanthropic and nonprofit boards across the country, including the Ford Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, the Smithsonian Institution, and the President’s Committee on the Arts & Humanities, among others.
Hirano Inouye was involved in nonprofit work early in her career, serving for 13 years with a clinic for low- and moderate-income women and families. She was a gracious humanitarian!
Leslie Wilkins, MEDB President & CEO
Apr 15, 2020 | Innovation
Mayor Michael Victorino recently announced $100,000 in grant funds to Maui Economic Development Board Inc. (MEDB) for local production of emergency ventilators to treat COVID-19. “This is very good news!” said Victorino. “Ventilators are crucial when it comes to effectively caring for COVID-19 patients, so having these companies producing them on island is a true blessing for our community. We also want to mahalo MEDB and the two companies for their partnership in producing these ventilators.”
There are several nationwide collaborations that are developing open-source plans for manufacturing ventilators, including a group from MIT, UT-Austin, UC-Irvine, and a few groups in Hawaii. On Maui, two locally-owned technology companies are immediately redeploying their engineering and machining capabilities to manufacture the ventilators. Maui Innovation Group, led by Dr. Ned Davis at the Maui Research and Technology Park, is currently developing breakthrough magnetic valve technology at the U.S. Air Force Academy. HNu Photonics, led by Dr. Dan O’Connell of Kahului, presently has their Maui-built biolab in orbit on the International Space Station.
“Our companies are in the process of retooling to manufacture ventilators to support Hawaii’s needs,” said O’Connell. “We were called to action to use our design and manufacturing facility to produce bridge ventilators that provide basic assisted-breathing mechanisms for various stages of patient treatment. We are working with multiple groups that have been assembled quickly in response to the growing urgency. These groups are sharing information about designs, plans, specifications, components, vendors, regulatory requirements, and safe operation.”
“Thank you to these local companies, founded by our talented tech professionals on Maui, for their efforts and willingness to step up during this time of need,” said Leslie Wilkins, MEDB President and CEO. “The effort is part of a nationwide emergency collaboration to recruit technology companies to fill national and local ventilator needs. The two Maui companies came together quickly on conference calls with national officials to discuss the details. Once they ramp up production they will be in a position to supply Hawaii with ventilators and help the national repository, but Maui is a first priority.”
Maui can be proud of its local businesses for meeting urgent community needs by using their technical knowledge and skills.
— Leslie Wilkins, MEDB President and CEO
Mar 18, 2020 | Innovation
Upcountry girl Cymbree Kailiehu-Fevella, owner and founder of Cymz Sweet Kre8tionz Bakery, creates signature sweets of all kinds. Her journey began in 2014 while baking for family and friends. “What was just a hobby in the beginning became something that blossomed into a full time business,” said Fevella. “My mom used to bake all the time. I simply inherited a love of baking from her.” Fevella incorporates local fresh fruits from growers around the island to add to her truffles, cake cups, ube (purple sweet potato) pies, cupcakes, tarts, and more. “I try to remain innovative and creative when it comes to the ingredients,” she said. “I truly love what I create and bake, and try to show it through my work.”
Last summer Fevella and her husband opened up their own bakery retail shop at 153 Ma’a Street in Kahului. They built their own fully equipped commercial kitchen and a retail storefront to showcase the desserts. Over the years, Fevella worked with Gerry Smith, Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) Director of Business Development. “He has been the best thing that has ever happened for our business,” she said. “He helped us understand how to price our products correctly, and figure out the logistics of our costs and everyday expenses. I would like to give MEDB and Smith many thanks for mentoring us with everything, our company’s pitch presentation, our commercial profile, the shop’s overhead, and numerous business-related odds and ends.”
Smith added, “One of Fevella’s keys to success is her ability to take advantage of the services that are available to help her business. MEDB has helped her with analyzing costs and helping her prepare for pitches. She also enrolled in the Maui Food Innovation Center class, received assistance from the Maui Food Technology Center, and recently she applied for a Manufacturing Assistance Program grant from the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation. In 2018, Fevella won First Place in the Maui Food Industry X-Celerator Program at the UH Maui College. Anyone in the Maui community can apply for these support services.”
MEDB helped us stay focused, making sure we knew our margins and were maintaining our consistency.
Cymbree Kailiehu-Fevella, Owner, Cymz Sweet Kre8tionz Bakery, Kahului
Mar 11, 2020 | Innovation, Sustainability
In February, Maui intermediate schoolgirls attended Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day (IGED). Sponsored by Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) STEMworks™ (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) program, IGED is part of National Engineers Week, and marks MEDB’s 20th IGED anniversary. Over 70 attendees participated in activities designed to interest middle school girls in engineering career paths, which traditionally have been male-dominated.
“Our STEMworks™ project-based model is recognized nationally as an innovative, relevant, and successful approach to education,” said Lalaine Pasion, STEMworks™ Project Manager. “The mission of STEMworks™ is to provide students and teachers with resources and tools that empower them to improve their community and the world.” This year, industry partners Hawaiian Electric and the National Solar Observatory (NSO), along with MEDB’s STEMworks™ team and teachers, connected the students to real-world learning opportunities.
Sharon Suzuki, Hawaiian Electric President of Maui County and Hawai’i Island Utilities, said, “We’re honored to be a long-standing supporter of this event that has introduced young females on Maui to the field of engineering for the past 20 years. As a partner since its inception, our Maui staff always looks forward to engaging and fostering a new generation of STEM leaders and professionals in our communities.”
Jennifer Suzuki, Maui Waena Intermediate School STEM teacher, reflected, “Opportunities with IGED provide exposure to STEM fields and often plant the seed of interest, which lead to future careers. Some of my former IGED girls are now engineers, doctors, and computer scientists. Without this early exposure, these careers may not have even been on their radars.” Agreeing, Mark Cunningham, STEMworks Iao Intermediate Teacher, said, “These types of extraordinary experiences are what mold future ideas. My students returned to class with a passion for the world, how it works, and how to solve its problems.”
Lahaina Intermediate 7th grader Naiya Eide added, “IGED inspired me to set goals to be the best I can be, and never give up. Hawaiian Electric engineers gave tours of the facility and provided hands-on science experiments. We asked the NSO engineers questions about the Sun and space-related events, and learned first-hand how hard work and setting goals pay off.”
The STEMworks™ in-school and afterschool program engages, inspires, and motivates K-12 students throughout the islands.
Lalaine Pasion, STEMworks™ Project Manager
Jan 22, 2020 | Innovation
Maui High School’s robotic team, Blue Thunder, is true to its mission to inspire and challenge a new generation to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). Since Blue Thunder’s rookie year in 2008, the team has had many accomplishments. “Robotics isn’t just about the robot,” said Maui High sophomore, Carlos Cortez. “It is about the team, the people, the bond and the commitment. It is about community.”
Cortez explained, “The program is split up into three departments, builders, programmers, and documenters. Builders design and create the robot based on the teams’ ideas. Each builder chooses a specialty such as welding or machining− learning specific skills to piece together our robot. Our programmers then bring the robot to life with their code. Using JAVA, the department tackles each specific mechanism. Connecting new and old team members allows students to learn from their peers and practice communication skills. Documenters are the community relations and communications of the team. They keep in contact with sponsors and other robotics teams, update social media, create promotional materials for the team, and use videography and photography to document the teams engineering process.”
The Blue Thunder team travels to two regional competitions every year. At the Hawaii Regional on Oahu, team members have the opportunity to meet fellow robotics enthusiasts from Hawaii as well as Guam, Australia, Japan, China, and Taipei. “We get to see many diverse teams with the same passions we have,” said Cortex. “They work hard and try to improve themselves every day, just like we do. It’s awesome being with teams from other countries doing the one thing we love and share− robotics.”
“None of these experiences would have happened without the help of the Maui Economic Development Board’s Ke Alahele Education Fund,” said Maui High School robotics teacher Keith Imada. An award-winning robotics educator, Imada has led Maui High teams to regional competitions for many years. “The Fund helps pay for hotel, transportation, airfare, competition fees, and shipping,” he said. “It also gives students an opportunity to be exposed to numerous STEM-related ideas.”
When we travel, it is interesting to see another team’s thought process and designs. Language barriers are broken down by the passion for robotics.
Carlos Cortez, Maui High School sophomore
Dec 11, 2019 | Education, Innovation
This week – December 9th through the 15th – is the national Computer Science Education Week, marked by planned events in schools throughout the state of Hawaii. A highlight of these activities is the Hour of Code, an annual initiative developed by Code.org to spark interest among students across the U.S. and to help address the increasing demand for computer programmers in a variety of fields. The number of computer programming jobs continues to outstrip the numbers of computer science students; it is estimated that there are 1,300 computer science job opportunities currently in Hawaii, illustrating the importance of building training capacity in our schools.
“Maui Economic Development Board and its STEMworks™ program is delighted to have been awarded a Regional Partnership by Code.org to conduct computer science curriculum training for Department of Education teachers across the State,” remarked Leslie Wilkins, MEDB President and CEO. As a result, this month 14 Maui County schools participating in the STEMworks™ Code.org computer science curriculum will be involved in the Hour of Code, with five other schools statewide also providing all students the opportunity to try computer science for one hour through the STEMworks™ Code.org program.
Over the last two years, MEDB has trained 222 K-12th grade teachers and educators in the Code.org Computer Science Discoveries (CSD), Principles (CSP), and Fundamentals (CSD) curricula, allowing about 7,735 students statewide to become engaged in activities and learn the basics of computer science. Even if students don’t intend to grow up to be computer programmers, advocates say learning code can help them succeed in a broad range of problem-solving skills – most importantly, the ability to think. By starting early, students will have a foundation for success in any 21st-century career path.
These efforts are all the more significant because on the national level, only 45% of high schools teach computer science, compared with 90% of parents who want their children to study the subject. In addition, 67% of all new STEM jobs are in computing, and Code.org estimates that a computer science major can earn 40% more than the college average.
Maui Economic Development Board and its STEMworks™ program is delighted to have been awarded a Regional Partnership by Code.org to conduct science curriculum training for Department of Education teachers across the State.
Leslie Wilkins, MEDB President and CEO
Nov 13, 2019 | Education, Innovation
Molokai STEMworks™ teacher, Kumu ‘Iolani Kuoha, and her students, ‘Ohi’aku Ritte-Camara-Tangonan, 8th grade, Ka’ulalani Puaa, 7th grade, and Ciera-lee Ka’apuwaihiwalani Davis, 7th grade, from ‘O Hina I ka Malama Hawaiian Language Immersion Program at Molokai Middle School, were among 150 middle and high school students and STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) educators welcomed at the 2019 Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference (AMOS). The conference and the Space Exploration Student Session, presented by Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB), thrilled the Molokai girls who got to meet astronaut Dr. Edward Lu and visit the numerous exhibit booths for hands-on STEM activities.
“I can feel the energy in my students, they are so excited to be here!” said Kuoha. “They are learning so much from the exhibits that they will share with their classmates on Molokai. This is great exposure, especially for the girls who never heard about all the exhibitors here at AMOS. The students have a science fair coming soon, so the hands-on STEM activities are giving them many ideas.”
“I love science and space!” exclaimed Tangonan. “This event has taught me many things about the universe. It was exciting to meet astronaut Dr. Ed Lu and learn about the education needed to become an astronaut and what he did on the International Space Station. Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world for good.”
Puaa noted, “At the Analytical Graphics Inc exhibit the engineers showed us how space debris can cause damage to satellites that cost millions of dollars, as well as interfere with things we use every day like the internet, banking, cell phones, and more. It’s fascinating!”
Davis added, “My favorite exhibit was the thermal infrared imaging exhibit at Lockheed Martin. We experimented with a camera to learn how heat transfer works. The visual impact was huge and fun. We saw how the change of energy is indicated by an increased temperature. It is a privilege to come to AMOS and see people from all nations working together to keep space clean and safe for all of us.”
Today is a rare experience! I’m so honored to meet former astronaut Dr. Ed Lu and all the industry professionals who made me aware of a whole new world of space exploration that I want to learn about. Thank you MEDB!
Ka’ulalani Puaa, 7th grade, ‘O Hina I ka Malama Hawaiian Language Immersion Program, Molokai Middle School
Oct 30, 2019 | Innovation
Maui County’s largest products show, the annual Made in Maui County Festival (MIMCF), returns on November 1-2, 2019 to the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului. Now in its sixth year, this popular event features over 140 vendors presenting a wide variety of locally made products including foods, art, crafts, jewelry, fashion, furniture, gifts, collectibles and more.
“Attracting thousands of visitors and residents while showcasing the island’s entrepreneurial spirit, MIMCF has become a venue for local companies to take their business to the next level,” said Gerry Smith, Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) Director of Business Development. “MIMCF will be the first major, as well as the returning show for many businesses that MEDB’s Innovation Series has fostered. It is incredibly rewarding for us at MEDB to see all the workshops, boot camps, and Startup Weekends actually paying off. MEDB regularly collaborates with local organizations focused on economic development. We all have the same goal in mind− the success and growth of small businesses on Maui.”
Ian Elumba, Kohola Brewery co-founder and owner, said, “A few years back, I attended MEDB workshops to learn more about how much it cost to make a keg and case of beer. Gerry helped me calculate cost of goods, budgets, break-even points, and more. These were things I thought I already knew, but I was wrong. Last year, we started canning and I reached out to Gerry at MEDB again because Kohola couldn’t keep up with the demand. We kept running out of beer and we needed to grow and expand. Just recently, Kohola Brewery took home six medals at the 2019 Hawaii Craft Beer Awards competition.”
Smith added, “MEDB has worked with Elumba for a couple of years. We first met when he attended our ‘Pinching Pennies’ workshop. Now he is taking advantage of MEDB’s Maui Business Connect program—a pilot program for small business training, mentoring and networking funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration. It is so rewarding to see a business grow and utilize so many of MEDB’s business assistance programs.”
We are proud of our brews and our staff for their dedication and hard work. It is no secret that the success of making good beer relies on our team. Please stop by Kohola Brewery at the MIMCF, talk story, and have a beer!
Ian Elumba, Kohola Brewery co-founder and owner
