Aug 16, 2017 | Community, Education
Jonathan Kamehanaokala Merchant, a 9th grader at Seabury Hall, has loved to read for as long as he can remember. For his 11th birthday party, he decided he didn’t really need any presents. “My parents and I talked about how my bookshelf was overflowing,” said Merchant. “I thought it would be a great idea to ask family and friends to bring gently used or new books for children, preteens, and young adults to donate, along with my books, to those in need.”
Merchant’s mom, Shelley, contacted Laks Abraham, former President and CPO of the Maui United Way, who suggested that he donate the books to Book Trust Maui. “The first year, 2014, I collected 250 books at my “birthday book-giving bash,” Merchant noted. “For my 12th and 13th birthdays, I collected another 400 books for a total of 650 books donated and distributed to children with the help of Maui United Way.”
This year for his 14th birthday he wanted to collect another 350 books to reach 1,000 books over the four year period. Because he is also a Boy Scout with Troop 40, he thought collecting books would be a great community service project and way to gather more books.
Merchant contacted Cub Scout Pack 40, which he was in when he was younger, and made arrangements to go to one of their Pack meetings to collect whatever books the scouts wanted to donate. With the help of his Cub Scout friends and others who heard about his project, he collected another 750 books! With the assistance of Laks Abraham and the Maui United Way, all the books were donated to PATCH (People Attentive to Children), which gives away books to families and children.
“I have now collected around 1,400 books and donated them all to charity,” Merchant explained. “It would not have been possible for me to donate all these books without community help, so I would like to thank everyone for all the work they have done gathering and sharing their favorite books with me.”
I hope these books inspire other kids to love reading as much as I do!
Jonathan Merchant, Seabury Hall 9th grade
Aug 9, 2017 | Innovation, Stemworks
This summer, middle-school girls statewide had the opportunity to attend Excite Camp, a Women in Technology (WIT) program sponsored by the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB). The mission of WIT is to encourage women and girls to pursue education and careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) in the state of Hawaii. Excite Camp focuses on today’s most in-demand career fields, combining lectures, hands-on activities, geospatial technologies and on-site tours.
“The last 17 years, Excite Camp has been held on Maui and open to all Maui County middle-school girls,” said Mapu Quitazol, WIT Program Manager. “Three years ago we went statewide, hosting camps on Oahu, Hawaii Island and Molokai, and this year on Kauai. The camp builds confidence and motivates our young ladies with STEM activities, teaching them that they can do anything they set their hearts on. Each island has the same agenda but very different activities and cultural site visits. For example, on Maui we visited Pacific Biodiesel Technologies which produces fuel from sunflowers, Hawaii’s largest biofuel crop project.”
The camp attendance has been kept to 24-30 girls to create a small, intimate group. Each participant joins a group of four and is led by a female mentor. The mentor, who acts as a role model, explains the activities and works with students, helping them feel comfortable in their surroundings. “At the end of the four-day program the girls are no longer strangers, but colleagues and friends,” said Excite Camp mentor Dominie Miyasato. “In addition to getting excited about STEM, they learn the value of teamwork, communication and honoring their island heritage.”
Gracie May Gomes, Lokelani Intermediate School 7th grader, said, “Excite Camp offered so many hands-on activities that forced me to be creative and problem-solve by thinking outside the box. I was so inspired to invent and create new things.” Gomes’ mom, Annie, agreed. “I can’t thank MEDB enough! Excite Camp provided a wonderful opportunity for my daughter and the other girls by revealing the STEM career opportunities available to them right here in Hawaii.”
Excite Camp is successful due to our great community partners who are willing to share their knowledge, time, and resources to come and teach our girls fun, hands-on STEM experiments.
Mapu Quitazol, MEDB WIT Program Manager
Aug 2, 2017 | Events
Maui residents who are curious about Electric Vehicles (EV) or hybrids will have a hands-on opportunity to learn about them at the “EV Showcase,” on Saturday, August 12th at Queen Kaahumanu Center, 10 am to 2 pm. The event will feature a variety of both EV and hybrid makes and models including Kia, Tesla, Toyota, Chevy, Nissan and BMW. Experts will give tips on the benefits of purchasing or leasing these vehicles; offer advice on financing from Maui County Federal Credit Union and HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union and Maui Electric Company (MECO) will compare their EVWatt Plan to the costs of a conventional vehicle. Additionally, there will be refreshments, prize drawings and giveaways.
JUMPSmartMaui will also launch EVohana during the event. Membership in EVohana provides access to 44 chargers across 13 Fast Charger stations island-wide. MEDB has accepted ownership of these stations to assure continuity of the fast charging network service in Maui.
“Consumer demand for EVs and hybrids has never been higher,” said Leslie Wilkins, MEDB’s President and CEO. “Batteries with more charge capacity, more charging stations, the price of gasoline, and residents becoming more environmentally conscious are all contributing factors.”
Sharon Suzuki, President of MECO, explained, “As we work to achieve a complete clean energy future, electrification of ground transportation will play an integral role in reducing our state’s overall carbon footprint and increasing use of renewable resources on our islands. It’s through partnerships like the EV Showcase that we hope to fuel interest to get more EVs on our roads.”
Fred Redell, Energy Commissioner for the County of Maui, added, “Options for electric vehicles are expanding rapidly as new models are being introduced by almost every car manufacturer. New options and an expanding market mean opportunity and Maui County is pleased to see MEDB and MECO increasing awareness.” According to the vehicle registration database, there are a total of 737 all-electric vehicles registered in Maui County in addition to 3,525 hybrid-electric vehicles. For more information email: info@jumpstartmaui.com or call (808) 875-2300.
The EV Showcase is an excellent way to get answers to frequently asked questions about EV and hybrid vehicles.
Leslie Wilkins, MEDB President and CEO
Jul 26, 2017 | Community, Education
On Saturday, August 26, 2017, Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) will hold their annual fundraiser dinner and auction Pathways to Our Future at the Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel in Wailea. Guests will celebrate MEDB’s 35th Anniversary and the achievements of students in their STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programs. MEDB’s mission is to inspire and engage students in exciting mentor-based programs that build STEM skills and foster self-confidence, communication, and leadership.
Ke Alahele Education Fund grantee, Maui High School (MHS) Robotics Program, has many accomplishments to be proud of. Their determination and commitment has successfully brought them to the 2016-2017 seasons, their 10th year. “Every year, at their school, the MHS team hosts the Maui VEX Robotics Tournament,” said Dian Taroma, MHS Robotics team captain. “The students are continuously challenged to design, build, and program new robots.”
Taroma continued, “MEDB’s grants for our school’s robotics program exposed me to the STEM field and its range of career options. As a result, the whole team gained skills that are fundamental to our future.” Taroma’s brother, Denmark, has been in robotics all four years of high school. “I started off as a builder and improved along the way becoming one of the build captains on the team,” he explained. “Being in robotics, designing and putting the robot together, has taught me the values of being a leader.”
Team member Maureen Ang noted, “Without the support from MEDB, the team would not have been able to reach our full potential. We were able to build and program the best robot we could, travel, and ship our robot to our competitions.”
Mary Chin added her experience, “VEX is always a challenge, no matter your skill level. Everyone is constantly altering designs and rebuilding up until the last minute. Despite the seemingly endless frustrations we face, the overall problem-solving skills and abilities to function well in a group setting are priceless. MEDB’s grant has greatly helped us in more ways than one.”
The MHS robotics program, even after the first season, leaves students with a vision and a sense that they can create their own future.
Denmark Taroma, MHS 2017 graduate
Jul 12, 2017 | Community
Now celebrating 35 years, Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) invites you to join us for Pathways to our Future to benefit MEDB and the MEDB Ke Alahele Education Fund.
Saturday, August 26, 2017
Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui
4:30 pm Reception/Silent Auction
6:00 pm Dinner/Live Auction
Help empower our teachers, inspire our students, and build pathways to science, technology, engineering, and math careers.
For reservations, please visit medb.org or call (808) 875-2300.
Sponsorship opportunities available.
Jul 5, 2017 | Education
In May, Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) Women in Technology Project presented the 8th Annual Hawaii STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) Conference at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu. More than 1,000 students, educators, industry partners and community leaders throughout the state and the nation participated in this year’s theme, Download Knowledge, Upload Service. Hands-on STEM activities, competitions, and access to the latest technologies showcased the student’s skills. The conference featured over 40 student and teacher breakout sessions, 14 software competitions, a STEM playground, a formal awards banquet called “The Stemmy’s”, and exhibit presentations.
“Virtually every field in every sector of the economy, whether a small business or major industry, needs STEM professionals,” said Leslie Wilkins, MEDB President. “Preparing our youth to be resilient, well-educated and self-directed learners is at the heart of all MEDB’s STEMworks™ programs. That is what this conference is all about.”
Jadynne Zane, Maui Waena Intermediate School 8th grader said, “Our school won an award in the Project Impact Assessment (PIA) competition. In a designated amount of time, we had to explain to the judges how our STEM club daily demonstrates teamwork, self-directed learning, and critical thinking, and how we interact with the community. One example was about a STEMworks™ team member who created an app that would allow Cystic Fibrosis patients to communicate with each other and their doctors.”
“Allowing the students to select what they are proud of and plan how to present it to a panel of judges is absolutely real life and powerful,” said Jennifer Suzuki, media teacher at Maui Waena School. “They have to organize, work together, and succinctly convey their information. This was just another example of what students can do when they are given the opportunity.”
Caleb Soo Hoo, a senior at Baldwin High School and co-winner, with Chris Kau, of the On-Site Video Competition, concluded, “There are no boundaries when we have the chance to create our own projects. To see our visions realized is the best kind of feeling!”
STEM education has taught me there are no limits to what I can do. Thank you MEDB!
Jadynne Zane, Maui Waena Intermediate 8th grader
Jun 28, 2017 | Education, Stemworks
Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB), celebrating their 35th Anniversary, will hold the Annual Benefit Dinner and Auction, Pathways to Our Future, on Saturday August 26 at the Fairmont Kea Lani Maui. Thanks to donors of MEDB’s Ke Alahele Education Fund, STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) education is empowering students and teachers throughout Maui County.
“MEDB envisions lives fulfilled in a vibrant economy within the very special culture of Hawaii,” said Graham DeVey, MEDB Program Manager. “An example is Alana Yurkanin, Assistant Marine Coordinator at The Nature Conservancy. Years ago, Yurkanin came to Baldwin High School with a variety of talents and interests, and joined one of MEDB’s after-school STEM programs, Future Scientists and Engineers of America (FSEA). By senior year she’d become FSEA chapter co-president and led a team to victory at UH Engineering Expo, winning international praise for her multi-year science fair project working with sharks.”
“Something about choosing to sit with a group of friends after school in this club opened me up to my own exploration of science,” said Yurkanin. “I felt empowered to ask my own questions and look at my life through a scientific lens. Our time at FSEA allowed us to create electric circuits, simulate the technology used to map the surface of Mars, build and test trebuchets, and parachute eggs from a three-story building. I got to thinking, maybe science wasn’t so scary – it was actually fun and approachable.
“Most of the funding for FSEA came from an organization that especially wanted to engage girls in the sciences, MEDB’s Women In Technology (WIT) Project,” Yurkanin recalled. “I remember WIT staffers visiting our class. I felt so inspired to see women as leaders in this technical field and so appreciative for their encouragement. WIT created incentives for kids to get involved in after-school STEM programs by providing funding for travel and lab materials. I feel that because of this experience, I can now give back to Hawai‘i in meaningful ways!”
MEDB’s STEM programs teach students to pitch in to improve our island environment, working mauka or makai.
Alana Yurkanin, The Nature Conservancy Assistant Marine Coordinator
Jun 21, 2017 | Community
Bill Giebink, Maui High physical science teacher and the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy (IfA) Project Coordinator for their South Pole Project, recently visited the South Pole Solar Observatory (SPSO) in Antarctica. Giebink, one of a team of four, deployed to South Pole Station to assemble and test the instruments he helped build at IfA to record high-resolution images of the Sun. “I worked on the optical alignment, software development and general troubleshooting,” said Giebink. “The instruments installed at the South Pole log high-resolution images of the Sun every five seconds at two different heights in the sun’s atmosphere. The goals of the project are to measure and characterize internal gravity waves in the Sun’s atmosphere, identify the role of these waves in transporting energy and momentum, and use the properties of these waves to provide a mapping of the structure and dynamics of the Sun’s atmosphere.”
The acquired data will also have applications in several other areas of interest in solar physics, including studying the triggers of space weather events, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which have direct societal impact. “The instruments are mapping the Sun’s sub-surface structure and dynamics, and investigate the solar coronal heating enigma,” said Giebink. “It is a long-standing puzzle why the temperature of the Sun’s atmosphere rises from about 6,000 degrees at its visible surface, the photosphere, to a few million degrees in its outer atmosphere, the corona.”
“It was a challenge to set up and run our experiment in such a difficult environment,” Giebink explained. “However, I got to work with a great team. We traveled by snowmobile to and from our field site each day. The group of four worked as two-person teams, each covering 12-hour shifts at SPSO. It was an unforgettable trip that not many people get to experience. I also enjoyed sharing pictures and stories with my Maui High students. They really liked the idea of tasting the 2,000 year old melted ice that I brought back!”
MEDB continuously supports our Maui High students with the necessary STEM tools to reach for the stars! One day my students will take part in an extraordinary South Pole experience!
Bill Giebink, Maui High School Physical Science Teacher, IfA SPSO Project Coordinator
Jun 14, 2017 | Education
HNu Photonics, a multi-award-winning Maui-based technology company, recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. Since its founding, the company has been recognized repeatedly as one of the fastest growing companies in Hawaii. They have taken innovative ideas and transformed them into cutting-edge technologies for commercial, scientific and military applications. The focus of HNu is renewable energy, defense photonics, specialized optics, and medical imaging capabilities.
“HNu has already introduced revolutionary advances in each of these areas,” said founder and CEO Dan O’Connell. “Our core area, solar energy, is now providing enormous quantities of clean, renewable energy in our state.” With 18 patents to his credit, O’Connell and his team have won numerous awards for expertise in technological achievement. HNu has made major efficiency breakthroughs in solar energy generation. “Moreover, HNu Photonics has ventured considerably beyond producing state-of-the-art renewable energy systems,” said O’Connell. For example, HNu has designed and installed the highest-power battery designed for use aboard the International Space Station.
In 2013, the HNu nanoPoint Division exhibited its patented microfluidic system in the state-supported Hawaii Pavilion at the BIO Conference in Chicago. “We were eventually selected to deliver two full space-ready microfluidic systems to NASA, one for deployment aboard the ISS and the other for astronaut training,” said O’Connell.
HNu has a long-standing relationship with Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB). They have partnered with MEDB on a number of initiatives, including collaboration on the electric vehicle project between Japan and Hawaii called JUMPSmart Maui, which includes a network of vehicle charging stations across Maui designed and built by HNu. “We continue to partner with MEDB and UH Maui College to help develop Maui’s future high-technology workforce,” O’Connell said. “Now a leader in many sectors of renewable energy, HNu’s Energy Division employs ground-breaking technology to custom-engineer efficient, eco-friendly homes, businesses, utilities, and communities. Our exemplary team of talented people is committed to a great cause and a great future.”
The company name HNu is derived from the physics formula that defines the energy contained in one photon of light (E=h*nu).
Dan O’Connell, CEO, HNu-Photonics
Jun 7, 2017 | Education, Stemworks
MacKelan Mitchell, a King Kekaulike High School senior, wants to be an aerospace engineer. Luckily, he also happens to be a student in Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) Women in Technology (WIT) STEMworks™ Laboratory. “WIT’s program helps students gain real world experience in a career they are pursuing,” said Mapu Quitazol, MEDB Project Manager. “Mitchell wanted to learn from experts about what they do in their career and what college courses got them where they are. We are fortunate to have a handful of specialists at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) like Senior Aerospace Engineer, Dr. Kim Luu.”
Dr. Luu, who works at AFRL’s Directed Energy Directorate, has been honored by the Air Force for her leadership and management of critical Department of Defense Space Situational Awareness research programs. Dr. Luu has over 20 years experience and is internationally recognized for her technical expertise in satellite characterization, astrodynamics, and space debris.
“It was really great to be able to job-shadow Dr. Luu for a day,” said Mitchell. “She explained about the different aspects of a career in aerospace engineering and what courses will help prepare me in the field. To be honest, I didn’t actually know that there were so many different branches to the space side of engineering.”
Additionally, Mitchell accompanied Dr. Luu to Wailuku to help set up the AFRL portable planetarium for a STEMworks™ outreach event for elementary and middle school students. “The digital planetarium teaches students how to understand astronomical coordinate systems, and how to use significant points to find stars, planets, and even satellites,” said Mitchell. “I learned the importance of ground-based astronomy across the world. After we looked at the night sky in the planetarium, we played a short film about the Curiosity Mars Rover landing and one about going back to the Moon.”
“My day of job-shadowing was very enlightening,” said Mitchell. “I’m thankful to MEDB and WIT for the hands-on opportunities they offer students in the most current technologies.”
Students in STEMworks™ labs are afforded the opportunity to work with local industry partners and gain skills ranging from animation to computer-aided design to engineering design and more.
Mapu Quitazol, MEDB Project Manager
