Apr 17, 2019 | Innovation
L to R: Abigail Anthony, Rhode Island PUC: James Griffin, Chairman of the Hawaii PUC: Governor David Ige; Jennie Potter, Hawaii PUC; Michael Picker, President of the California PUC.
A number of key decision makers from throughout the state and nation exchanged ideas on the challenges associated with replacing fossil fuels with diverse and renewable energy resources during the 6th Annual Hawaii Energy Conference (HEC) and Exhibition at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Presented by Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) and supported by the County of Maui Office of Economic Development, this year’s conference theme was Innovation in Practice.
“MEDB has focused on the importance of investment, the technical and policy challenges, and the centrality of consumers in the journey,” said Frank De Rego, Jr., Vice Chair, Conference Program Committee, and Director of Business Development Projects at MEDB. “HEC participants benefited from the conference’s thought-provoking keynote speakers, panel sessions, case studies, and exhibits, with ample networking time.”
A highlight of HEC was the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) by James Griffin, Chairman of the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC), and Michael Picker, President of the California PUC.
According to Griffin, “The MOU establishes a framework for the Hawaii and California PUCs to collaborate toward the implementation of clean, renewable energy. It also gives us a more formal way of sharing resources.” Picker noted, “California and Hawaii have the same kind of challenges. Hawaii has large amounts of solar on very thin grids, which we have in many parts of our state. We are eager to work together.”
Governor Ige added, “Hawaii is at the forefront for a 100-percent renewable energy future. The goal is for the utility, consumers, and investors to have the right incentives to create a win-win for all.”
Hawaii Commissioner Jennifer Potter concluded, “The California and Hawaii PUCs will now officially collaborate to address climate change, reduce the use of fossil fuels, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By entering into a MOU, staff at each Commission will undertake actions within their mandate to further these goals. This was a remarkable opportunity for the Hawaii PUC to make a strong public commitment to reducing carbon emissions and accelerate clean energy in our state. I am honored to have worked on the MOU.”
Hawaii’s goal is to be truly sustainable and self-reliant.
David Y. Ige, Governor of the State of Hawaii
Mar 13, 2019 | Education, Environment, Innovation
Maui resident Dr. T.S. Kelso has been tracking satellites for over 35 years. Kelso serves as a Senior Research Astrodynamicist and Space Data Center Operations Manager for the Center for Space Standards & Innovation at Analytical Graphics, Inc. (AGI). Throughout his career he has supported the space surveillance community by providing educational materials and data to satellite users around the world.
“My main job is running the Space Data Center, where we screen 748 satellites for 30 satellite operators from many nations,” Kelso explained. “We are screening these satellites to identify close approaches with other satellites and all the debris up there. Right now, there are 2,000 operational satellites in Earth orbit, and we track over 17,000 objects larger than 10cm. The real challenge is filtering through the hundreds of close approaches we see each day, so that the operators can focus on how to move in time to avoid a collision.”
AGI is a big supporter of education and has been a key sponsor for the annual Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference (AMOS) Conference, a program of Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB). “Not only does AGI sponsor AMOS, but we have hosted a star party each year to introduce attendees to the wonders of the Maui sky,” said Kelso. “In addition, we have supported MEDB’s STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) programs with free educational copies of our software.”
Kelso also operates the CelesTrak website, the world’s first private source for orbital element sets and related software and educational materials. The site is visited by more than 350,000 users each day and supports everyone from professionals operating satellites in orbit, to faculty, students, and other researchers investigating the space environment− to individuals who just want to go out to see the International Space Station pass over.
Kelso concluded, “All the safety and security considerations of air and sea travel now pertain to space travel at a vastly enhanced level because the costs and risks are even higher. The event of spacecraft colliding is serious to our global economy and security.”
We can move satellites so they don’t get hit, and we do that every day. AGI designs software to predict close approaches of satellites. That’s my job; that’s what I do!
Dr. T.S. Kelso, Senior Research Astrodynamicist and Space Data Center Operations Manager, Center for Space Standards & Innovation, AGI
Feb 27, 2019 | Innovation, Stemworks
The one-day Patsy T. Mink Summit at the MACC, hosted by Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) STEMworks™, was an inspiring and informative gathering for high school girls of all backgrounds to network with successful female leaders in the community. “We are partnering with MEDB STEMworks™ for a second year bringing the Girls Summit to Maui,” said Colleen McAlaney, Director of Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership, YMCA Oahu. “The program is based on building interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) career paths. Through workshops in Financial Literacy, Engineering Design Challenge, Mentoring, and Advocacy, the young women explored diverse careers, defined their personal ambitions, and learned what it will take to achieve them.”
“We are excited to partner with Mink Center to host this amazing event,” said Mapu Quitazol, MEDB Program Manager. “It is important for our young women to see and hear from professional women who are in leadership and technical roles. Girls are empowered when they practice creative thinking and decision making skills.”
Mentor Leah Belmonte, Maui Representative for Governor David Ige, said, “It was so refreshing to be able to speak with our youth in mentoring sessions and be a positive influence to help them prepare and succeed in the workplace.” Keynote speaker Deanna Garcia, Corporate Operations Manager/Maui Site Lead, Akimeka LLC, explained, “Starting as an MEDB intern, I had so many opportunities that taught me how to improve my leadership skills. Whatever you dream is possible. MEDB helps you succeed. They want you to ask questions and seek out what you want to achieve. Personally, I’m so grateful, I want to give back to the community.”
Isabelle Collier, Baldwin High School 11th grader, concluded, “The Girls Summit was definitely beneficial. We were all able to talk and learn from a variety of mentors who gave us short term advice as well as advice that will be beneficial to our future. Every second at the event we were learning something new. It was an experience that every girl should be able to use in her life.”
Patsy T. Mink, former member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Hawaii, advocated for numerous issues, programs, and projects, including empowerment of women. I want to do the same for our community.
Deanna Garcia, Corporate Operations Manager/Maui Site Lead, Akimeka LLC
Feb 20, 2019 | Innovation
Recently the Sheraton Maui Resort and Spa welcomed the 29th Space Flight Mechanics Meeting to Ka’anapali. Hosted by the American Astronautical Society (AAS) and co-hosted by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), the five-day West Side meeting of approximately 350 participants from 15 countries met to discuss past, present, and future missions exploring the solar system.
Women figured prominently at the AAS Space Flight Mechanics Meeting. Former Maui resident Jill Seubert, Navigation Engineer at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), has supported several Mars missions, including the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, NASA’s Interior Exploration Using Seismic Investigations Geodesy and Heat Transport Mission (InSight), and the future Mars Science Mission 2020. These missions were designed to study the deep interior of Mars and look for evidence of habitable conditions in the ancient past. Seubert was introduced to the world of spacecraft navigation in her role as an astrodynamics researcher at the Air Force Research Laboratory in Kihei, a job that altered her own trajectory.
“Engaging women is critical to advancing our technological capabilities in today’s ever-evolving world,” said Seubert. “In developing cutting-edge technologies, diversifying teams is a great way to maximize outside-the-box thinking to bring forth novel ideas and better solutions.”
Yanping Guo, Mission Design and Navigation Manager, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), also believes women represent great potential in science and technology. “I designed the New Horizons mission trajectory to Pluto and then to Ultima Thule, the farthest object in the Solar System visited by a spacecraft. New Horizons flew by Pluto and sent back detailed images for the first time of the astonishing heart-shaped feature on Pluto’s surface!”
Guo also designed the trajectory for the Parker Solar Probe, enabling the NASA robotic spacecraft to get close to the outer corona of the Sun. The goals for the mission are to unlock the mysteries of the corona by tracing the flow of energy that heats and accelerates the solar corona and solar wind. Guo concluded, “It’s all STEM (science, technology, engineering mathematics), and women are steadily advancing to the forefront of 21st century workforce demands.”
It’s an exciting time for women in technology!
Jill Seubert, Navigation Engineer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Jan 16, 2019 | Innovation
A recent grantee of Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) Ke Alahele Education Fund, Maui County 4-H Leaders Organization, provided a STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) workshop for 4-H youth members using a hands-on learning approach.
“In partnership with Maui Makers, the two activities within the workshop used inquiry-based learning to engage the youth by incorporating STEM components such as aerodynamics, electricity, and engineering design,” explained Wendy Taomoto, 4-H club leader. “Additionally, invited professionals in the STEM field presented a discussion on career options and opportunities for our youth.”
Experts from the Maui Makerspace program acted as content specialists and presenters for the two experiments. “The Maui County 4-H program has worked with us in the past on an earlier project that introduced youth to the makerspace format and focused on skill building such as soldering and construction,” said Laura Ulibarri from Maui Makers. “Today’s event consisted of building and launching rockets and hands-on experiments with electricity.”
The paper rocket activity began with a brief introduction to the principles of aerodynamics. Participants used a basic design template for building paper rockets and then launched the rockets for testing, thereby gaining immediate feedback on how design modifications affect the height of their rocket flight. “Launching was fun,” said Kaitlin, an 8th grader from Kalama Intermediate School. “We were challenged to do something we didn’t think we could do.”
The electrical conductivity experiment started with a brief introduction to the principles of electric current. Sophia, a Maui Waena Intermediate School 8th grader explained, “We built and tested electrical meters that allowed us to determine which materials conduct electricity. By measuring how well different materials behave, we started to notice patterns in what acts as a conductor and how electricity flows from one thing to another.”
Nancy Ooki, University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Educator for 4-H and Youth Development, concluded, “Our relationship with MEDB and Women in Technology has allowed us to offer STEM programs for more than a decade. We look forward to many more of these events in the future.”
We thank MEDB’s Ke Alahele Education Fund for their grant and Maui Makers for providing STEM opportunities to our Maui County 4-H members. These events assist them in developing life skills needed to become contributing members of the community.
Wendy Taomoto, 4-H Club Leader
Nov 14, 2018 | Innovation
Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) recently held an informal public event, Maui TechOhana@Cohana, featuring Dr. David Ai, Director, Office of Innovation and Commercialization and Chief Innovation Officer of the University of Hawaii (UH) System. Maui TechOhana meetings provide an informal networking opportunity open to anyone interested in Maui’s technology industry.
“The TechOhana meetings are a great opportunity to share views and thoughts in an open forum,” said Gerry Smith, MEDB Director of Business Development. “The reason MEDB has these events is to offer presentations on relevant topics in business and technology, followed by the opportunity to talk with others with similar professional interests.”
Dr. Ai detailed how the University of Hawaii plans to work with local constituents to promote innovation and entrepreneurship throughout the state. An international expert in management and business administration, Ai has more than 20 years of experience in various positions with large corporations and venture companies. In his UH position, he is responsible for the protection of intellectual property and UH-developed technology transfers and assets.
“I am thrilled to join the University of Hawaii System, and to help drive the innovation agenda with colleagues on 10 campuses– placing the research institutes under one umbrella,” said Ai. “Hawaii has a long and proud history of diversity, which is the most important ingredient of innovation.”
Pamela Norris, an entrepreneur and TechOhana participant, commented on the presentation which outlined Dr. Ai’s vision for his newly formed Departments within the UH system. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and broad practical experience to his position,” Norris said. “Ai’s vision is to upgrade the University’s ability to commercialize research results by students and faculty, in collaboration with community businesses. Businesses can apply for government grants jointly with a university faculty member who may be interested in the endeavor. Moreover, leaders in the community can offer opportunities to apply classroom knowledge to real life business challenges where they partake in community solutions.”
Maui TechOhana meetings will resume in the new year. Learn about these events by signing up for news and updates at medb.org
I am thankful for Maui TechOhana which is presented by MEDB, the County of Maui, Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, and the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation. The meetings create opportunities for people to come together, learn, find inspiration, and make new friends.
Dr. David Ai, Director of the Office of Innovation and Commercialization and Chief Innovation Officer of the University of Hawaii System
Nov 7, 2018 | Innovation
Startup Weekend Maui is on November 16-18. Learn how to launch a startup in just 54 hours while receiving invaluable insights and advice from this year’s coaches and judges.
Coaches
- Gary Albitz, FocalPoint Business Coach and Lecturer UH Maui College
- Runno Allikivi, Head of Scandinavia at Funderbeam
- Debasis Battacharya, Assistant Professor, UH Maui College
- David Dal, BDC Director, MEO, Inc.
- Rebecca Filipovic, Attorney, McKeon Sheldon Mehling
- Bobby Jackson, Business Coach, RedRidge Consultants
- Jules Kremer, Technical Project Manager at Google
- Fred Mabie, Faculty member – UH Maui College, ABIT
- Luana Mahi, Owner, Principal Broker, Kismet Brokerage; President of Maui Food Technology Center
- Keri Mehling, Attorney & Partner, McKeon Sheldon Mehling
- Doug Nelson, President, Kinection
- Chris Speere, Site Coordinator,UH Maui College’s Maui Food Innovation Center
- Wayne Wong, Director, Hawaii Small Business Development Center – Maui Center
Judges
- Virendra Nath, President HDEP International
- Michael Powells, Founder Splash Inc.
- Teena Rasmussen, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development (OED)
Get ready!
Prepare for Startup Weekend Maui with Pitch Bootcamp, Tuesday November 13. Get tips to craft a strong 60-second pitch for your startup idea!
For more information and to register, please go to www.startupweekendmaui.com
Oct 31, 2018 | Innovation
The 17th Annual Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies (AMOS) Conference was held on September 20-23 at the Wailea Marriott Resort and Spa with a record-breaking attendance of over 670 participants from 18 countries. A program of the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB), AMOS is the premier technological conference in the nation devoted to Space Situational Awareness (SSA), knowledge of objects in orbit around the Earth. Over 100 technical papers were presented along with featured speakers, poster sessions, exhibits and short courses in the fields of telescope optics, adaptive imaging, and astrodynamics.
Graduate and undergraduate students Andrew Guagliardo and Ryan Theriot from the University of Hawaii Manoa Laboratory for Advanced Visualization and Applications (LAVA) developed
new ways to visualize big data for satellite technology. “We exhibited our program called SatWatch, a virtual reality exploration of satellite orbits around Earth,” Guagliardo explained. “By pulling publicly available data from the Celestrak website, SatWatch is able to create a predictive model of orbits for a wide variety of satellites. SatWatch is an example of a complex dataset represented in an intuitive way, allowing users to easily understand satellite orbits in an interactive visualization environment.”
Maui middle school students participated in hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) activities during the Space Exploration Student Session at AMOS. They were introduced to space technologies via exhibits and science projects tailored especially for them.
“I enjoyed learning and talking to the experts at the AMOS Conference,” said Czerena Martinne Boyle, Maui Waena Intermediate School 8th grader. “My favorite booth was SatWatch, a virtual reality exploration of satellite orbits around the Earth. Through the virtual reality headset, I got to explore SSA data of numerous satellite orbits. These satellites make a big impact on the community and in the world for national security, internet, banking, telephones, television, navigation, scientific exploration and more.”
Seeing satellites orbit the earth through a virtual reality headset was an amazing experience!
Czerena Martinne Boyle, Maui Waena Intermediate School, 8th grade
Sep 26, 2018 | Innovation
Kim Ball, a speaker at Maui Economic Development Board’s 2nd annual Hawaii Small Business Conference (HSBC), is a pioneer of the surf sports industry on Maui. Ball, who selflessly contributes to the betterment of the Maui community, talked story at the HSBC on Innovation: Learning from the Past, Creating the Future. “I’ve been in business for 36 years on Maui and believe in the importance of honesty and integrity,” Ball said. “Do business the right way, be nice, and get involved with the community.”
In 1985, Ball organized Maui’s first contest for board sailing known as the Kanaha Wind Slalom. Today, the world-renowned event, called the Maui Race Series, annually brings hundreds of windsurfers to Maui. “Windsurfing was just becoming popular. It was the fastest growing sport in the world,” said Ball. “The races were something for windsurfers to do in the summer when the north shore was flat. The first year, we had guys on asymmetrical wave boards, and every other kind of board and sail. But gradually it got a little more serious, and before we knew it, we had the best slalom racers in the world competing in our amateur races.”
Ball’s stores, Hi-Tech Maui and Shapers, represent the largest selection of boards on the island, including surfboards, stand-up paddle boards, windsurfing boards, skateboards and snowboards, as well as clothing, surf wear and protective gear. He clearly has his finger on the Maui sports scene and the changes made over the years. “It never ceases to amaze me to see the innovations that Maui guys have come up with to ride waves.”
While organizing several surf meets a year, Ball also worked to have high school surfing recognized and sanctioned as an official sport activity. Additionally, he was instrumental in developing amateur wrestling on Maui and is coordinator of the league which has grown to 11 clubs and 700 wrestlers. “I went to one Lahainaluna High School wrestling practice in 1980, and the athletic director asked me if I wanted to help coach,” he said. “I thought, I can help for one year. Look what happened!”
Years ago, the Maui News named me as one of their People That Made A Difference and in 2009 the Lahaina News named me Sportsman of the Year. Those honors are very dear to me.
Kim Ball, Owner, Hi-Tech Maui and Shapers
