Jan 1, 2020 | Community
January 1 will mark not just a new year but will be the first day of the 20’s. Most consider the new decade will actually start in 2021 — the first year A.D was 1 and therefore any year ending in one marks the beginning of a decade. However, it seems much easier to group the 20’s as a new decade. How will you celebrate?
There is a tradition to make noise at the stroke of midnight to ‘ring’ in the new year. Enthusiasts will bang drums, ring bells, blow noise horns, sound sirens or simply pop off a champagne cork. This came about in many cultures around the world to chase away evil spirits. Fireworks were invented in the seventh century A.D. in China for that purpose. Here on Maui fireworks are a long-standing feature of New Year’s celebrations; please take care and use legal fireworks during the permitted hours.
In addition to the noisy tradition, it is a time to enjoy special New Year foods. Japanese families will be gathering for Mochi pounding – the pounding of sweet mochi rice that has been soaked for days to turn into mochi balls. It is a community affair meant to bring peace and prosperity in the New Year.
Sashimi is also a New Year tradition in Hawaii that is believed to bring good luck. If you want an excuse for eating doughnuts, then consider them lucky! Some cultures believe that ring-shaped treats symbolize “coming full circle” which leads to good fortune.
Kissing someone at midnight is not just about showing affection but another respected tradition that brings good luck. It is thought to bring support to someone as they enter the vulnerable transitional period of a new year.
So as you plan to make noise, eat and be merry — Maui Economic Development Board Staff would like to be among the first to wish you “Hau’oli Makahiki Hou” and the very best for 2020 – Happy New Year!
Maui Economic Development Board Staff would like to be among the first to wish you “Hau‘oli Makahiki Hou.” Happy New Year!
Dec 25, 2019 | Community
It began 51 years ago. On Christmas Eve, 1968, the Apollo 8 astronauts, Air Force Col. Frank Borman, Navy Capt. James A. Lovell Jr., and Air Force Major William A. Anders, became the first humans to see the far side of the moon and the first to enter lunar orbit. They also became the first to see the Earth as a whole planet, which Anders captured in his famous Earthrise photo− making us aware of our planet’s splendor and vulnerability.
Author Frank White later used the term “Overview Effect” in a 1998 book of that title, to describe the astronauts’ reaction to seeing the entire Earth at once. White explained, “As reported by almost all astronauts, the effect of seeing our planet’s beauty and fragility during spaceflight produces a cognitive shift in awareness. In this state of mental clarity, the viewer becomes overwhelmed and awed by the size and magnificence of Earth, seeing it hanging in the void.”
Maui Economic Development Board has invited numerous astronauts to speak with students during the annual Student Space Exploration Day. Astronauts Dr. Leroy Chiao, Dr. Ed Lu, and Dr. Janet Kavandi are among those who have shared their spaceflight experiences and the Overview Effect with Maui youth in recent years.
About her time in space, Kavandi recalled, “Being in space has made me more aware of the impact of humanity on the Earth. It made me feel more responsible and caring about the sustainability of our planet, and the peace and love it generates.” Lu said, “I became more aligned with universal purpose. I looked back at the planet and was struck by its beauty and vulnerability. Seeing massive craters pressed into its crust by past bombardments, I co-founded the B612 Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to defense against asteroid impacts.” Chiao added, “Looking down at our beautiful world, I appreciated life more than ever. It made me reflect on what really is important. The grandeur of Planet Earth is mesmerizing. Seeing it from space made me want to be a steward of Earth. We, humanity, are on it together.”
As the New Year approaches, let us all take a moment, like our astronaut friends did, to reflect with admiration, gratitude and wonder for our planet Earth.
During their presentations, Astronauts Chiao, Lu, and Kavandi inspired Maui students with the wonders of the universe. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!
MEDB Staff
Dec 18, 2019 | Education
Robert Schmid, Chief IoT Technologist with Deloitte Consulting, discussed the Internet of Things with over forty Maui small business owners and entrepreneurs at the recent Maui TechOhana meeting. Presented by Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB), and supported by the County of Maui Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, Maui TechOhana provides an opportunity to share views and thoughts in an open forum with presentations on relevant topics in business and technology.
Gerry Smith, Director of Business Development for MEDB, invited Schmid to speak at the meeting because of his own curiosity about IoT. “I found out there were many applications where IoT sensors can be used in industry to maximize efficiency,” said Smith. “Sound, vibration, and heat sensors can work to reduce down-time and increase productivity.”
Schmid, now a Maui resident, has more than 20 years of experience transforming Global Fortune 100 and start-up companies to new 21st-century technologies. He is the co-host of the popular YouTube live program, Coffee with Mr. IoT, on Fridays. The program features lively conversations about connecting everyday objects with computers over the internet. At TechOhana, Schmid talked story sharing his career path before going into a number of case studies in which connecting devices in real-time made a big difference to companies and their profits. “One of the greatest opportunities for Maui is in agriculture with Smart Ag,” he noted. “We are looking at ways to increase efficiencies by planning optimal times for planting, saving water, fertilizing and more. My goal is that the IoT be everywhere and affect everyone. We need to connect more and more things!”
Kim Scott, Lahaina resident and founder of MyMARSI.com, said, “This was an amazing event for me. I am an entrepreneur with an idea for an app that has a connection to the IoT. Schmid is a professional who knows what the trends in technology are now. I learned ways to relate the IoT to my current business, giving me ideas for my invention and goals to increase my profits. I’m so grateful to MEDB for all their events and workshops. I wish there were even more!”
Now that chips and computers are cheaper, networking is easier. This cost reduction allows us to use IoT more widely.
Robert Schmid, Chief IoT Technologist, Deloitte Consulting
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
Dec 4, 2019 | Community
Santa Paws brightened the spirits of the Maui community during the Maui Humane Society’s (MHS) second annual Holiday Pet Adoption and Wellness Fair. “I love being at the MHS at this time of year, taking photos with all the animals and their families!” Santa Paws exclaimed. “I love all animals! All my pets are from the shelter. Adoption is the most important thing you can do for an abandoned dog or cat, giving them a new life in a loving home, at Christmas and always.”
The MHS, a non-profit organization, has been in existence for 66 years and is the only open-admission animal shelter on Maui. Their mission is to protect and save the lives of Maui’s animals, accepting all in need, educating the community, and inspiring respect and compassion for all animals.
Steve Mackinnon, CEO of MHS, said, “We are thrilled to be able to provide these much needed services to our community, especially during the holiday season. We appreciate the support we receive throughout the year and this is our way of giving back to our community.”
Nancy Willis, MHS Director of Development and Marketing, added, “At the MHS we are proud of our programs and services. Working diligently to find new homes for Maui’s homeless animals, we encourage the community to check out our adoptable pets and learn more about the services we provide, including foster pet care. We envision the day when every animal on Maui will have a loving home and we dedicate ourselves to protecting and nourishing the human-animal bond which we feel makes for a better and kinder society.”
Maui resident Mark Simon said, “Five years ago for Christmas our family adopted Lily, our dog and best friend. Adopting a dog for a Christmas present is a memory we will never forget. Choosing Lily was a family event that presented the true meaning of the season: It is not about what you get; it is about what you give. Opening our hearts to pet adoption delivered this timeless message and we have remained MHS supporters throughout the years. A pet for Christmas is pure love!”
The Maui Humane Society saves animals that are such a big part of our lives. I encourage everyone to adopt a pet or try foster pet care.
Santa Paws
Nov 27, 2019 | Community
Each day of the week the Hale Kau Kau (House of Meals) program serves a hot meal to the hungry and the needy from their kitchen located at St. Theresa’s Church, 25 West Lipoa Street in Kihei. “During this season of Thanksgiving, I would like to share my gratitude to all the community members who help sustain the Hale Kau Kau program on a daily basis,” said the Reverend Monsignor Terrence A.M. Watanabe, pastor of St. Theresa Church and Hale Kau Kau Executive Director. “Working together makes such a difference and speaks volumes of how we are supposed to be involved with one another and caring for the needs of our community.”
Hale Kau Kau welcomes all who are in need of a hot, nutritious meal. They offer a wide range of delicious options, 365 days a year, including an entrée, salad, starch, dessert and drink. For the convenience of the diners, they have a number of picnic tables available, a sink for washing up, and the good company of all those who join them each day. The arrangement is win-win: all who need a meal and those who volunteer receive nurture for their bodies and nurture for their souls. A volunteer tourist from Wisconsin noted, “I am a big supporter of this program and when visiting Maui I want to help people.”
Hale Kau Kau was founded August of 1991 by a diverse group of South Maui individuals. Today, their mission, feeding with compassion and aloha, is to serve anyone who comes to their kitchen at meal-time. They deliver to ill and disabled homebound clients in South Maui, and distribute weekly food baskets and emergency food supplies to families in crisis.
Rev. Watanabe explained, “Sorting and stocking the pantry is a daily job for those who generously give of their time and cooking talents. Everyone in need is welcome and there is something for everyone to do and contribute. Individuals can become fundraisers, delivery drivers, or donors of money, food, goods and clerical services. Dinner is served Monday-Friday, 5-6pm; Weekends 4:30-5:30pm; and Thanksgiving and Christmas at 12 noon.”
Registration is open for our 17th Annual Mulligans-On-The-Blue Charity Golf Tournament for Feeding the Hungry, on Saturday, November 30, 2019. For more info call Mary at 808-875-8754 or email: halekaukau@rcchawaii.org.
Rev. Msgr. Terrence A.M. Watanabe, Pastor of St. Theresa Church, Executive Director, Hale Kau Kau Program
Nov 20, 2019 | Education, Small Business
CyberHawaii, in partnership with the Maui Economic Development Board, brought a Cyber Readiness Workshop to Maui for businesses and nonprofits. Cyber security is the practice of protecting systems, networks, programs, and people against digital attack. Pulling together a panel and participants from business, government, cyber security and Information Technology (IT) professionals to share their knowledge, experiences and best practices, CyberHawaii identified cyber security vulnerabilities and risks, explaining what to do and who can help.
“It is important to know how to develop and implement IT protocols for your company,” said Jennifer Sabas from CyberHawaii. “Our workshop teaches to reduce and mitigate cyber threats, and establish a practical response plan for cyber incidents.”
CyberHawaii is a nonprofit organization committed to enhancing Hawaii’s cyber security capabilities. The organization is working to build a community that manages cyber risk through various methods, including the sharing of information in a secure enclave via the Homeland Security Information Network, a threat-awareness platform, and encouraging cyber-hygiene best practices.
Kolton Krug, CyberHawaii intern, said, “ It is important to create a cyber risk defense strategy and tactical plan. Cyber threats increase by the day. We discussed cyber insurance and the importance of having a cyber security program to protect sensitive data.”
Sylvester Libed, Community Clinic of Maui, noted, “Companies can get fined if data is breached, so we take it seriously. Technology is evolving. We need to be aware of how to protect the network, and what to do immediately if a breach happens. A speaker from the FBI told us to report the incident immediately to authorities and engage a forensic IT expert if necessary.”
Cassie Coffin, Maui Aids Foundation Assistant Director, added, “First and foremost, we want to protect our clients’ safety and privacy. We learned about the top four cyber issues: Weak passwords, vulnerabilities in the software, phishing email, and USB devices, and how to create a plan with policies and employee readiness to mitigate cyber threats with a practical response plan.” For more information, contact CyberHawaii at www.cyberhawaii.org or www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/honolulu.
In May 2019 The Defensive Cyber Industry Consortium met with Governor Ige to develop the next steps to enhance the security of our critical infrastructure in Hawaii. This initiative is important to our federal and military partners, as well as our state, private sector and broader community.
Jennifer Sabas, CyberHawaii
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
Nov 6, 2019 | Education, Events
This past summer, three Maui High School students, Jazmyne Viloria, Cailyn Omuro, and Faith Soliven were chosen from over 100 applicants to attend a week-long immersive, real-world journalism experience with the PBS NewsHour in Washington DC. They were among youth journalists from 14 states who attended the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs’ (SRL) fifth annual Academy.
“It was an amazing experience in broadcasting,” said SRL mentor, chaperone and previous teacher of the girls, Jennifer Suzuki, Maui Waena STEMworks™ advisor. “The students worked alongside journalism educators and public media mentors to produce original youth-driven digital content while honing their journalism and production skills through a series of specialized workshops.”
In partnership with the National Association for Media Literacy Education, the stories produced by the SRL group were showcased at a special screening at the Newseum. “These students learn how to create, collaborate and find their voice by producing, writing, and editing a story in a matter of days,” said Elis Estrada, director of SRL. “Their worlds open up when they arrive in DC and by the end of the academy, they realize that they’ve found other teenagers who are passionate about video storytelling, as well as the motivation to teach what they learned to their peers in the new school year.”
Viloria from Maui High reflected, “Storytelling gives me more than just a creative outlet. Capturing the moments and creating the story gives me a new passion, perspective, and peregrination. Youth media is the answer to showing the world what us kids are capable of.”
Soliven added, “I get a rewarding feeling when I can give someone a voice by sharing their story. To create change in our communities and in the world, I am inspired to dive deep into both sides of sources to find truth with integrity. It is important that a voice is given to our youth.”
Omuro agreed, “I’ve met so many amazing people and learned so much through storytelling. By helping the next generation get into media we are creating the future in a way that can help everyone. Youth media can change the world!”
The girls worked in groups with students from across the nation to create stories on youth in DC. They are learning how to fill a critical gap, providing coverage and insights on issues affecting their generation.
Jennifer Suzuki, PBS SRL chaperone, teacher and mentor, Maui Waena Intermediate School STEMworks™ advisor
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
