Feb 21, 2018 | Environment, Sustainability
A volunteer-based water quality testing program known as Hui O Ka Wai Ola, Association of the Living Waters, recently began expanding its testing from West Maui to South Maui shoreline locations. The project informs residents about how clean the water is at their favorite beaches. It was made possible through a partnership with the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH), the Maui Nui Marine Resource Council (MNMRC), The Nature Conservancy, West Maui Ridge to Reef Initiative, and the University of Hawaii Maui College.
“Hui O Ka Wai Ola is the first community-based water quality monitoring program in the state,” said Dr. Kim Falinski, Marine Science Advisor at The Nature Conservancy. “It periodically measures turbidity, a measure of water clarity, and nutrients in near-shore ocean water. Robin Newbold, co-founder and chair of MNMRC noted, “Our goal is to support the DOH and Maui County efforts to improve coastal water quality so that coral reefs and native fish populations thrive, and our residents and visitors are safe. We want to help identify problem areas, so remedial action may be taken to address the pollution as quickly as possible.”
Sofia de la Sota, South Maui Regional Coordinator and team leader, said, “A citizen science program like ours would not be possible without an amazing team of volunteers. More than 20 volunteers have completed intensive training and are ready to start water quality testing.” The team will test several factors: turbidity, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, and others. The test for nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorous compounds, can indicate pollution from wastewater run-off from agriculture, landscaping, and golf courses. “Too many nutrients in the water can cause an increase in invasive algae, which is damaging to coral reefs,” de la Sota said. “The resulting data will be used to supplement DOH water quality monitoring on Maui and can be viewed at the Hui o Ka Wai Ola website.” To learn more about Hui O Ka Wai Ola, to donate or to volunteer, visit www.huiokawaiola.com.
During every collection period, the volunteers will also collect samples that will be frozen and shipped to the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology Laboratory on Oahu for nutrient analysis.
Sofia de la Sota, South Maui Regional Coordinator
Feb 14, 2018 | Events
August 25, 2018
Grand Wailea Resort
4:30 PM Reception + Silent Auction
6:00 PM Dinner + Live Auction
Feb 7, 2018 | Education
Dr. Keith Knox, retired Technical Advisor for the Space Surveillance Systems Branch of Air Force Research Laboratory in Kihei, has been involved in an extraordinary project. For more than 25 years, in his spare time, Knox has worked with an international team of scientists who travel to different parts of the world to recover writing on ancient documents. In this past year, he has traveled to libraries in Belfast, Oxford, Milan, Vienna, Berlin, and the south of France.
“Multispectral imaging, a technique for observing the Earth from satellites, can uncover the erased texts of ancient manuscripts too,” said Knox, whose expertise in this field has also taken him to India and Egypt. “In our manipulation of the digital images, we use these different spectral responses to separate the two writings and enhance the erased writing, making it easier for researchers to study.”
Knox’s work assists scholars to read the ancient manuscripts that have been erased, overwritten, damaged, or simply faded with time. In many cases, the writing is invisible to the eye, but not the camera. Knox’s contribution is the development of image processing software tools that process the multispectral data to reveal the text. His efforts are advancing both our historical understanding of the recovered texts and our scientific understanding of the multispectral techniques needed to make the erased texts legible again.
Among the discoveries made from his images include the 1871 diary of Dr. David Livingstone, the famous explorer of Africa, which was read for the first time since it was written 145 years ago. At St. Catherine’s Monastery in the Sinai Desert in Egypt, several discoveries have been made. “One scholar has been able to uncover new words in a manuscript written in Caucasian Albanian, a dead language spoken by no one in the world today,” Knox said. “This work is a chance to discover something that has been hidden for centuries and is otherwise lost to the world. To make a discovery of that magnitude is a thrill beyond measure!”
As a scientist, I relish the quest of working with old manuscripts to discover overwritten text from centuries earlier.
Dr. Keith Knox, Retired Technical Advisor, Air Force Research Laboratory, Kihei
Jan 31, 2018 | Environment, Innovation, Stemworks
The University of Hawaii (UH) Educational Outreach Team and Maui Economic Development Board have long shared common goals for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education. Recently, UH-Manoa Physics Department hosted a group of three Maui High School students, Mary Chin, OneJae Lee, and Zain Jabber, at a Maui workshop to present their summer research findings on the effect of cosmic rays on Mars colonization. With the help of their project mentors, Dr. Veronica Bindi, UH-Manoa associate physics professor, Dr. J. D. Armstrong, UH Institute for Astronomy (IfA), and their Maui High science teacher, Keith Imada, the students investigated possible correlations between galactic cosmic rays and solar activity to determine the amount of radiation astronauts would encounter enroute to Mars and living there.
“Space radiation represents the major obstacle to manned missions to Mars,” said Bindi, who gave a presentation to Maui High students entitled, ‘When is the best time to go to Mars?’ “Radiation damages the DNA of the astronauts in irreversible ways. We are working with NASA to assess the amount of radiation astronauts would be exposed to, how to mitigate it using special shields, and the viability of food production on Mars.”
Mary Chin’s project was focused on the study of cosmic rays, building a low-cost muon detector and developing the software to operate it. Another student, OneJae Lee, designed and built his own hydroponic system to test the effects of space radiation on food plants. “Although it is difficult to replicate galactic cosmic rays in a laboratory, it is possible to test other high-energy radiation,” Lee explained. “I found many challenges to having the plants survive even with lower-energy ultraviolet-C rays.”
Zain Jabbar researched coronal holes caused by interacting magnetic fields on the sun and whether they are related to sunspot activity. “I looked for a connection to the solar cycle, comparing conditions when the sun is very active and when it is much less active. Greater solar activity can result in electrical grid blackouts around the world.”
I mimicked conditions on Mars using ultraviolet-C rays to study whether the light present on Mars could be used for plant growth without special filters.
OneJae Lee, Maui High School
Jan 24, 2018 | Community
Maui author Malia Bohlin recently released her first novel, Left at Hiva Oa. Bohlin tells the dramatic story of her father, Ken Bohlin, who followed his dream of sailing around the world on the 40-foot schooner, the Gracias. Bohlin, a US Marine Merchant Academy graduate, started his adventure with other alumni. Even with their careful planning, training, and enthusiasm, things eventually went awry. Everything changed: the plans, the crew, and ultimately the course of the Gracias, leaving one of them to cross the Pacific, from the Marquesas Islands to Hawaii, alone.
“Though he was well-trained, life on the high seas brought Dad unforeseen challenges,” said Bohlin. “In a frantic battle for his life, he relied on his knowledge and faith to save him. Arriving on Maui in 1974, he worked for 15 years as the harbor pilot for Kahului Harbor. Later he served as captain for Kahului Harbor’s tug boat, the Joe Sevier. He was well known on the Maui waterfront and throughout Hawaii. His colleagues still remember him, talk about his seafaring journey, and have enjoyed reading the book.”
Malia’s mother, Jennifer, was amazed at how vividly the book portrays her husband’s life at sea. “Malia’s dad told her the various elements of his voyage and by re-telling his adventure she has memorialized him,” she said. “Ken passed away in 1993. He would be so proud!”
Diane DeVey, a fan of the book, said, “I was immersed in this novel from the first page. What captivated me about Captain Ken was his determination to live out his dream. His story is an inspiration to all.”
Malia Bohlin was born in Honolulu and raised on Maui. She attended Baldwin High School where she placed second in a state-wide creative writing contest during her junior year. At the University of Hawaii-Manoa, she was a reporter for the school newspaper, Ka Leo. In her Maui profession as a grant specialist, Bohlin has produced many fundraising proposals, speech presentations, and grant requests– raising millions of dollars for local and national nonprofit organizations. She is currently writing her next book.
Left at Hiva Oa is an incredible story of determination: the determination to dream, to stand by your principles, and to stay alive, when all you have is yourself.
Malia Bohlin, Author: Left at Hiva Oa
Jan 17, 2018 | Innovation
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage Palo Alto patent attorney, Dr. Victoria Brewster, in an informal round table discussion on the ins and outs of securing a patent. The seminar will cover patent basics, including putting early safeguards in place to protect rights to your innovations; applying for a patent; devising a patent strategy; and building a portfolio to help your startup reach and exceed its business objectives.
A sampling of the topics to be covered includes:
- What is a patent and what do I get with it
- How to prepare and apply for a patent (process, timeline, cost)
- What to expect during examination of a new patent application
- Best practices for developing a patent strategy
- Guidelines for building a portfolio
- Common pitfalls that may affect intellectual property rights
- And more!
Learn more and register at http://www.medb.org/patents18/
Jan 10, 2018 | Community, Sustainability
M’Chelle Aguinaldo, a senior at Lahainaluna High School, was elected and is serving as Secretary of the Hawai’i Chapter of Future Farmers of America (FFA) for 2017-2018. A student-led national organization, FFA is committed to fostering projects that increase awareness of the global importance of agriculture. FFA’s initiative complements Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) vision of achieving a diversified Maui County economy, including agri-tech. Both MEDB and FFA encourage wise management of economic, environmental and human resources in the community, and promote teamwork, citizenship, and volunteerism. They teach that agriculture is more than planting and harvesting—it’s a science, it’s a business, and it’s an art.
“The Lahainaluna High School Agriculture Program’s mission is to help our community grow the next generation of young farmers,” Aguinaldo said. “As this year’s FFA State Secretary, I travel to state and national FFA meetings and assist in work-related activities at Lahainaluna. I also support Maui’s school garden programs with plant donations and other volunteer work.”
Aguinaldo continued, “At Lahainaluna we see a thriving and sustainable Hawaii. We maintain a pono lifestyle by having aloha for all, and by respecting the culture. We need the next generations of farmers. We also need to help drive Hawaii in the direction of becoming sustainable and help keep produce here. We’re working for a better future for Hawaii’s youth and economy.”
Lahainaluna Ag offers a variety of classes. Their facility consists of two classrooms, a shop, a greenhouse, multiple small and large fields, a plant nursery, and a Hawaiian garden. “The curriculum places a high emphasis on giving students as many visual and hands-on learning experiences as possible,” said Aguinaldo “We sell our produce to the community and at local farmers markets, to our school staff, to other Lahaina schools, and to local businesses. We also give back to our community by providing donations of produce and plants to school gardens, homeless shelters, senior housing complexes, and the Maui Food Bank.”
FFA students develop an appreciation for a farming career and other agriculture-related professions such as biologists, chemists, veterinarians, engineers and entrepreneurs.
M’Chelle Aguinaldo, Lahainaluna High School, 12th grade
Jan 3, 2018 | Education, Stemworks
Maui Economic Development Board’s Women in Technology (WIT) Project recently showcased the STEMworks™ AFTERschool program at Queen Ka’ahumanu Center. Students from participating Maui County schools, Pukalani Elementary, Maui Waena Intermediate, Lahaina Intermediate, Lokelani Intermediate, and St. Anthony School presented demonstrations with enthusiasm and proficiency. “STEMworks™ is a multifaceted, hands-on program where students get to use the most current, high-end technologies in actual learning projects,” said Isla Young, WIT Program Director of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), Education and Workforce Development. “It hopes to prepare students throughout their high school and post-secondary education to meet the 21st century STEM needs of their communities.”
Jennifer Suzuki, Maui Waena Intermediate STEMworks™ AFTERschool technology advisor said, “Our program has over 150 6th-8th grade students enrolled. Students participate in a variety of activities with a group of talented mentors to guide them through the different offerings such as the finer points of video editing, motion graphics, and 3D printing. They also learn how to build and program robots and drones.”
Maui Waena 8th grade Robotic Build Captain Renzo Gaoiran said, “It’s so exciting to work with my team on the building issues. We have to figure out what design would be best and work out problems such as what drives, lifts and accessories to use.” Program Captain Emily Tom, 8th grade, explained, “My job is to teach others how to make the robot do simple actions like go forward, turn, go backward, etc. Our team works together on codes to operate the robot and ways to solve the errors.”
STEMworks™ Instructor Jared Nagura’s students are working on their final semester projects at Pukalani Elementary School. “One team is using a scientific method to test the difference in conductivity between water and salt-water with Snap Circuits,” he noted. “Another team is using the engineering design process to build a motorized ferris wheel out of Kinects. The WIT STEMworks™ AFTERschool program is the ideal organizer to reinforce fundamental mathematics and scientific processes. It gives students the opportunity to apply skills they have learned and share them with others.”
The STEMworks™ AFTERschool program builds confidence. We learn to solve problems and are challenged to gain teamwork skills. Thanks, MEDB and WIT, for supporting the students!
Emily Tom, Maui Waena 8th grade Robotics Program Captain
Dec 27, 2017 | Community
MEDB would like to be among the first to wish you: Hau’oli Makahiki Hou, Happy New Year!
With the countdown to 2018, Hawaii will be one of the last places on earth to celebrate the New Year, a full 24 hours after the Republic of Kiribati, and one hour ahead of American Samoa. Around the world, fireworks are a common celebration with spectacular shows highlighted in Sydney, Australia; London, UK and in New York, USA with the renowned ball drop. Before we break into a verse of Auld Lang Syne we take a look at some curious New Year traditions from around the world.
The Filipinos have several traditions, with many of them centering on all things ‘Round’ which signifies prosperity. Clothes with polka dots, round coins filling pockets or left on top of tables and drawers; and round fruit. In Japan, a Buddhist tradition is to ring bells 108 times to cleanse away the 108 worldly desires, with the last strike to be at midnight, wiping away the problems of the former year.
To bring good luck or fortune, you might choose to eat twelve grapes starting at midnight, with one grape on each toll of the clock (Spain), toss spare coins into the river (Romania) or shatter unused dishes and plates against doors of friends and family or climb on top of chairs and jump into the new year (Denmark). Want to attract a travel-filled year? Do like the Colombians and grab a suitcase at 12 o’clock and run around the house/block.
How you start the year means everything in some cultures – the condition of your wallet (make sure there’s money in it – $1 will do it for the Colombians), the neatness of your home (clean it before January 1) and most importantly the color of your underwear. This last one is a South American tradition with yellow bringing prosperity and success, red brings love and romance, white for peace and harmony and green will ensure health and well-being.
Whatever way you plan to celebrate this coming New Year, be sure to smile as the clock strikes midnight. It’s the easiest tradition that can bring good luck.
MEDB would like to be among the first to wish you: Hau’oli Makahiki Hou, Happy New Year!
MEDB would like to be among the first to wish you: Hau’oli Makahiki Hou, Happy New Year!
Dec 20, 2017 | Community, Sustainability
Maui Economic Development Board applauds the community service of Feed My Sheep (FMS). Serving with integrity and sincerity, this nonprofit makes an immediate impact on the lives of the less fortunate. Bringing positive hope, the many FMS volunteers lift the morale of low-income workers and the unemployed while helping them through rough economic times. “In an effort to make Maui hunger-free, FMS provides about 69,000 half-pound meals a month throughout the island,” said FMS Founder and CEO, Joyce Kawakami. “In the last year we have given food to 3,200 people including working but poor families, seniors on fixed incomes, and homeless men and women. A few moments of emotional support are offered to each person who comes, besides food for their week. We feel blessed to serve so many.”
A unique mobile food distribution program, FMS takes deliveries to designated neighborhoods of need each week. Bags of food are distributed to the needy in five different locations. “Anyone who needs food is welcome to come to one of our many mobile food distributions,” said Operations Director Scott Hopkins. “Our volunteers make FMS such a welcoming place. Plus, many local farmers offer participants a focus on healthier food choices.” For example, Kumu Farms provides FMS with healthy options for both their free distributions and their discounted produce market. They have been a consistent source of nutritious items such as kale, papaya, chard, bananas, arugula, salad greens, beans and fennel.
FMS staff surveyed over 100 people to find out how fresh produce, fruit and vegetables have benefited the participants. “Ninety-six people said that the food they received from FMS improved their health in ways that doctors confirmed,” Hopkins noted. “We documented reduced blood pressure, better heart health, improved mental clarity and increased strength. Through FMS I have seen many people go from their lowest point to a new beginning. That’s what makes it all worthwhile!” FMS is always seeking volunteers for distribution locations in Hana, Lahaina, Wailuku, Kahului, and Kihei. To inquire call (808) 872- 9100.
Through Feed My Sheep I have seen many people go from their lowest point to a new beginning. That’s what makes it all worthwhile!
Scott Hopkins, Feed My Sheep Operations Director
