Sep 28, 2016 | Community
On October 8-9, over 200 cancer survivors and supporters will paddle six-person outrigger canoes across the ‘Au‘au Channel from Lahaina to Lanai. The Pacific Cancer Foundation’s (PCF) 8th Annual Paddle for Life fundraiser, a 34-mile round trip journey to raise funds for Maui’s cancer community, is not a race; it’s a voyage. “The PCF says there is truly a remarkable parallel between an ocean paddling voyage and the journey experienced by cancer patients and survivors,” said Pina Wallace, mammographer at Maui Diagnostic Imaging in Kihei. “Both involve tremendous physical, mental and emotional strength. Both require patience and perseverance. And, ultimately, it takes a team to make the journey successful.”
This summer marks 17 years that Wallace is a mammographer. On August 19th, 2015 she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. “I have had 12 normal mammograms,” said Wallace. “However, my breast tissue was noted on the reports as being extremely dense. Basically my cancer was hidden in the dense breast tissue and was not detected early. Had I had a routine ultrasound for dense breast, it would have been caught at an earlier stage.” Wallace suggests that women need to be familiar with normal lumps and bumps of breast tissue even after a successful mammogram and then discuss it with their doctor.
This year has been surreal for Wallace. She has experienced aggressive chemo therapy, a modified left breast mastectomy, and radiation treatment through her cancer journey. “With Breast Cancer Awareness Month approaching I wanted to take part in the 8th annual Paddle for Life fundraiser,” she said. “It’s an opportunity for me to give back to the county of Maui which has embraced me with the true spirit of aloha.” Excited about the Lanai voyage, Wallace knows it will be very spiritual and healing. “I just finished my last treatment on September 2. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than with my teammates on this two-day voyage.” A fundraiser link for Wallace and other participants is http://paddleforlife2016.myevent.com. For more info visit www.pacificcancerfoundation.org.
Many of the paddlers are cancer survivors. Several have had double mastectomies and others are undergoing treatments for other cancers. Mahalo to everyone who supports our voyage and cause.
Pina Wallace, Mammographer, Maui Diagnostic Imaging, Kihei
Sep 21, 2016 | Innovation
Sponsored by Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB), ‘Iolani Ku’oha, a Hawaiian Language Immersion Program (HLIP) teacher for ‘O Hina I ka Malama at Molokai Middle School, recently attended GenCyber Summer Camp on Kauai. The camp, which is funded jointly by the National Science Foundation and the National Security Agency, provides educators and students with the tools they need to be safe and responsible online. “Using current technologies through hands-on-activities, cyber security experts introduced the camp participants to the concept of digital citizenship and online safety information,” said Ku’oha. “With this new experience, I can help my students learn the basics of coding, another language form, and also reinforce their interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) careers.”
Through attending the Kauai GenCyber Camp, Ku’oha was invited to attend the Colorado GenCyber Camp held at the Denver Language School, a dual immersion language school teaching in Spanish and Cantonese. “This was a great opportunity for me to collaborate with other Immersion teachers and develop tutorial strategies in our specific language,” Ku’oha said. “I came away with a comprehensive set of lesson plans mapped to appropriate standards, which I will be using with my students; a starter kit in robotics, which I’ve already implemented in my classroom; and a network of like-minded Immersion teachers to share future ideas with.”
“I discovered Ozobots at camp,” Ku’oha explained. “This tiny toy robot blends the physical and digital worlds; and teaches programming. Ozobots can identify lines, colors, and codes on both digital surfaces, such as an iPad, and physical surfaces, such as paper. The tiny robots offer fun teaching methods for delivering cybersecurity content in K-12 computer science curriculum.”
Because of her summer experience in both camps, Ku’oha was chosen from among a few teachers in Hawaii and Colorado to attend an upcoming GenCyber program in Alaska. “I wouldn’t have these opportunities without the support of MEDB and Women in Technology,” she added. “I’m so grateful to them!”
The GenCyber program ensures that students understand correct and safe online behavior; especially as society becomes more reliant on cyber-based technology in every aspect of daily life.
‘Iolani Ku’oha, Molokai Middle School, HILP Teacher
Sep 14, 2016 | Education, Small Business
Lanai residents interested in learning about how to run their businesses more profitably attended a free workshop and dinner, Pinching Your Pennies: Finance for Small Businesses at the Lanai Senior Center. Presented by Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) as part of their Innovation Series, this workshop offered attendees helpful tips on how to run their business more profitably and avoid mistakes that cause failure. Anyone who’s ever bootstrapped a business knows all about the art of doing more with less. The Pinching Your Pennies workshop gave participants a chance to recognize the importance of possible short- and long-term effects of their decisions. For example, “Will it save my business money without negatively impacting profits later on?”
The workshop speaker, Gerry Smith, Director of Business Development at MEDB, covered numerous topics concerning the break-even analysis. “We discussed how to determine the selling price of a product, why cash flow is so important, what fixed versus variable costs are, and the difference between wholesale and retail,” said Smith. “It’s good to be frugal,” he explained. “However, it was important to talk about what will directly affect customers or compromise the ability to operate efficiently, so that efforts don’t backfire. It’s all about looking at a business as a whole, and deciding which costs are absolutely worth it and which can be reduced in an efficient way that still benefits your business.”
“The workshop answered some essential questions for me,” said Lanai resident Cory Labang. “I learned the importance of knowing what money is coming in and what money is going out, and to know whether a profit is being made or not. I’m going to go home and make fixed-cost and variable-cost analyses for all my items.” Lanai resident Matthew Posadas’s career goal is to be a private chef. “The workshop energized and excited me,” Posada said. “I have taken business finance before, but this workshop helped me clearly understand some very important basic concepts. Thank you MEDB!”
This workshop was fulfilling. I’m so grateful to MEDB for bringing helpful business workshops to Lanai. I look forward to future meetings in their Innovation Series.
Matthew Posada, Lanai Resident
Sep 7, 2016 | Community
For more than 100 years, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary has been fulfilling its original objectives to serve veterans of this country within our communities. The Auxiliary is the VFW’s highly regarded support organization and is considered its “Partner in Service”. As a member of Maui VFW Auxiliary #3850, Paula Kalanikau has striven for many years to help veterans and their families. She and others raise financial aid for veterans; perform countless hours of community service; and fund cancer research, Special Olympics, and other worthy causes.
“I became a member of the VFW Auxiliary in 1989,” said Kalanikau. “However it wasn’t until 1998, upon my retirement from the Department of Health, that I got fully involved.” Kalanikau served as Junior Vice President, Senior Vice President, and then as Auxiliary President for three years. She was then elected President of the VFW Department of Hawaii where she worked with Maui County in their community work day projects. In 2005 Kalanikau was named Volunteer of the Year in the County and also received the Gene Thompson Lifetime Award. In 2006, she was instrumental in creating the Maui Freedom Walk to mark the 5th anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Center.
Kalanikau comes from a military family. She served in the Navy Nurse Corps for four years, taking care of the injured and sick. Her husband served in the Hawaii Army National Guard Reserves for 13 years, her brother David served in the Marines, and her brother Gilbert was killed in action in the Korean War. Additionally, Kalanikau served in the medical field at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland where she saw firsthand how the wounded and their families have suffered. “Our veterans need our support to help them maintain their health and their benefits,” said Kalanikau. “We must continue to understand their needs.”
The community is invited to a Kihei VFW All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser on Saturday, September 10th from 7am to 10am. There will also be an annual VFW Rummage and Bake Sale. http://www.vfwmaui.com/
The VFW Auxiliary helps to keep the public aware of the sacrifices and commitment of all service members.
Paula Kalanikau, Maui VFW Auxiliary 3850
Aug 31, 2016 | Education, Stemworks
“Pathways to Our Future,” the annual dinner and auction to benefit the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) Ke Alahele Education Fund, was held at the Fairmont Kea Lani Resort in Wailea on August 20th. The 2016 event, celebrating the Fund’s 10th year, provided a fun, educational and inspirational look at MEDB’s statewide STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programs. Over 550 guests enjoyed an exciting lineup of activities, bid on a myriad of items during the popular Apples for Education live and silent auctions and competed in teams during a Family Feud-style game – STEM edition. Besides hosting distinguished guests U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono and Brian Schatz, U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard, Lieutenant Governor Shan Tsutsui and his wife Lynette, and Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa and his wife Ann, the event raised an impressive $331,800. “Thanks to generous businesses and other community stakeholders, we have touched thousands of students,” said MEDB President & CEO Jeanne Unemori Skog. “Donors help support the teaching, tools, and experiences that will prepare our youth for STEM careers.”
MEDB proudly announced the 2016 honorees of the Daniel K. Inouye Innovation Award who demonstrated the most creative use of STEM tools and capabilities to best serve our community. First place winners, Lanai High and Elementary School students, Jasmine and Keona Conroy-Humphrey, used the geospatial software training they received in their MEDB STEMworks™ lab for their project, Lanai Fire Hydrant Collection. “We produced an Esri electronic map to geolocate fire hydrants for the Lanai Water Company,” said Jasmine and Keona. “The Esri Collector app helped locate the longitude and latitude of each fire hydrant allowing the water company and fire department faster access to the fire hydrants from their computers and phones. Our goal, to geolocate the information in a timely manner, was to help make Lanai a safer place.”
“We are so proud of all our STEM students,” said Skog. “MEDB’s programs offer a fantastic opportunity for students of different backgrounds, skill levels, and affinities to get together and create an amazing service for the community!”
The annual Daniel K. Inouye Innovation Award was created to inspire students and to encourage them in STEM pursuits that would include the community and make life better for our citizens.
Jennifer Goto-Sabas, Director of the Daniel K. Inouye Institute Fund
Aug 24, 2016 | Education
Ethan Gulnac, a 15-year-old Kihei Charter School 10th grade student, gave an extraordinary talk and drone demonstration at Maui Economic Development Board’s 2016 Hawaii STEM Conference in May. Interested in aviation since he was a child, Gulnac has learned the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education for his future aspirations.
“I have been involved with aviation my entire life,” Gulnac said. “Surprisingly enough, it all began with paper airplanes.” As a young child, Gulnac spent many of his days folding a variety of different paper airplane designs, exploring how each different fold would change the way it flew. After several years of flying model airplanes, he decided to build his first racing drone, equipped with a first-person video system. “With the headset on, I was no longer bound to the earth,” he explained. “It brought the ability to soar like an eagle!”
“STEM is everywhere in the 21st century,” said Gulnac. “Starting with science, drones are heavier than the air that they displace. In order to keep themselves airborne, they must create thrust using motors and propellers. As Newton’s second and third laws of motion state, the more air that they push in one direction, the faster they will accelerate in the opposite. In addition, drones are packed with technology. At the heart of the drone is an on-board flight controller, which constantly monitors the aircraft’s attitude. Furthermore, the design and construction of the drone require some engineering knowledge. Finally, drones are made capable of flying because of mathematics: a proportional-integral-derivative control loop manipulates the way they behave in flight.”
Last September, Gulnac met drone professionals George Purdy, co-owner of Drones Services Hawaii, and Scot Refsland of RotorSports while they were scouting out a location for the 2016 Drone Worlds competition. Recently, Refsland invited Gulnac to participate in the August Drone Nationals’ freestyle event in New York. Additionally, Drone Worlds will be held on Oahu, October 17-22. “This competition will be the ultimate showdown between the best pilots from around the world in both freestyle and racing divisions,” Gulnac noted.
To see Ethan pilot a drone and the maneuvers he pulls off is mind-blowing. He does maneuvers like the ones in movies like Star Wars. Everyone should try to see him compete on Oahu in October.
George Purdy, co-owner of Drones Services Hawaii
Aug 17, 2016 | Community
As part of their Innovation Series, Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) workshop Rural Energy for America Program: REAP-ing What You Sow, drew a packed audience. The seminar, led by presenter John Antonio, State Energy Coordinator at the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development, offered attendees valuable information about the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). “My goal at the workshop was to introduce REAP to Maui, since not too many people know about the program,” said Antonio. “My job as USDA coordinator is to make the energy grant understandable, and to help increase economic opportunity for rural Americans.” Under this state program, farmers, ranchers and small business owners interested in saving money on their energy bills, or implementing energy-efficient and renewable-energy improvements, have eligibility. Guaranteed loans, grants, or a combination loan and grant for qualified projects are all available.
“It is critically important that Maui businesses are aware of and take advantage of Federal, State, and County cost-saving programs that are available to them,” said Gerry Smith, MEDB Director of Business Development. “At MEDB we’re always seeking out ways to assist businesses. A great way to do that is to bring in the people who run the programs, to share that knowledge with our local community.” Following the workshop, the USDA staff members were available for one-on-one consultations. They talked about the specific needs of the attendees, such as the benefits of increasing profit margins and lower energy costs. Additionally, the different types of eligible projects were discussed.
“I’m here to see if there might be funding opportunities for our agricultural neighborhood project, Hoku Nui Maui,” said workshop participant Gregory Raab. “This farm-residential community, which includes affordable housing, is off-grid and we’re looking into developing photovoltaic and other alternative energy sources.” Attendees were encouraged to look into ways they could improve energy use for their own business or their clients’ businesses. The REAP workshop also motivated attendees to look into other federal and state grant programs.
We came to the REAP workshop to learn more about the grants and loans available here on Maui. The information we learned was helpful for us to proceed with ways to save money and improve our business ventures. Thanks to MEDB for their Innovation Series!
John and Joni Stone, J2 Travels
Aug 10, 2016 | Education
Donors to the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) Ke Alahele Education Fund empower students and teachers throughout Maui County. In 2006, MEDB established the fund to strengthen the education-to-workforce pipeline in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). It offers students access to teaching, tools and experiences that prepare them to adapt to the rapidly changing technology landscape. This past year, for example, robotics teams competed on Maui, Oahu and even the mainland. The fund also prepared students to go head-to-head with national digital media peers. “Thanks to generous businesses and other community stakeholders, we have touched thousands of students,” said Jeanne Skog, MEDB President and CEO. “Donors send a clear message to our students of the value of pursuing careers in STEM.”
The 2016 Ke Alahele Education Fund Dinner and Auction, “Pathways to Our Future,” will be held on Saturday, August 20th at the Fairmont Kea Lani Resort in Wailea. The participating students will share the outcome of the community’s investments in STEM projects. The popular “Apples for Education” Silent and Live Auctions will offer many unique items on which guests can bid to help raise funds for the coming school year. MEDB will also announce the 2016 honoree of the Daniel K. Inouye Innovation Award, recognizing the most original use of STEM tools and capabilities to serve and improve the community.
With the endorsement of Irene Hirano Inouye, MEDB established the award in 2013 to honor the late Senator’s vision for Maui as an innovation center for the latest scientific and technological advances. “This prestigious award celebrates the application of science and technology to solve challenges around us,” said Skog. “Our youth have incredible creativity and we look forward to hearing about their projects again this year.”
For more information and reservations for the Ke Alahele Education Fund Dinner and Auction, plus applications for the Daniel K. Inouye Innovation Award, contact MEDB at (808) 875-2300 or visit www.medb.org.
Proceeds from the upcoming Ke Alahele Education Fund Dinner and Auction will go to support MEDB’s continuing efforts to advance STEM education in Maui County.
Aug 3, 2016 | Small Business
Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) recently offered a free workshop, Hidden Gems: State Programs to Save Your Business Money. “This workshop focused on two important programs offered by the Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism,” stated Frank De Rego Jr., Director of Business Development Projects. “They are real ‘hidden gems’ since many small businesses that qualify are not aware they can save money through the Enterprise Zone (EZ) Partnership Program or improve their export business through the Hawaii State Trade and Export Program (HiSTEP).”
Wayne Thom, Community Economic Development Manager in the Business Support Branch of the State of Hawaii’s Department of Business Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT), shared information on the EZ program. EZ was established for the purpose of job creation and to stimulate certain kinds of business and industry that may be eligible to receive various state credits and benefits for up to seven years. “The EZ program lowers the cost of doing business in Hawaii,” said Thom. “It’s for both new businesses and those that are expanding, creating jobs and maybe looking to export. It costs nothing to join this program as long as you’re in an eligible industry and located in an enterprise zone, which applies to most of Maui County.”
Jamie Lum, Economic Development Specialist for DBEDT’s Business Development Support Division, presented information on the Hawaii State Trade and Export Promotion Assistance Program (HiSTEP-AP). Under this program, qualified companies could receive direct awards to participate in export marketing activities. Applicants may request a minimum of $2,000 and a maximum of $6,000 for various business activities such as trade shows, travel, collateral materials, compliance testing, shipping, and other expenses. “There is a lot to learn in exporting and this program can be a great benefit to participants,” said Lum.
“The Hidden Gems workshop offered insights on how to grow my software company with State incentives,” said Greg Murphy, managing partner of iMatics. MEDB continues to provide invaluable resources to help business owners in the community.”
We are grateful to MEDB for offering the Hidden Gems workshop as part of their Innovation Series. It helped business owners learn the fundamentals of success through State programs.
Wayne Thom, Community Economic Development Manager of the State of Hawaii’s DBEDT Business Support Branch
Jul 27, 2016 | Environment, Sustainability
Are you a farmer, rancher, or small business owner interested in saving money on your energy bills? Do you lack the money necessary to implement energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements that will lower your business’s energy costs? If you answered “yes” to both questions, then this MEDB workshop is for you.
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) can provide eligible applicants with guaranteed loans, grants, or a combination loan and grant for qualified projects. During this workshop you will learn about:
- REAP’s eligible loans and grants
- Who is eligible to apply
- Maximum loan and grant amounts
- Application requirements and deadlines
- Tips for completing your application
- One-on-one consultations available with USDA staff following the workshop.
Workshop Presenter:
John Antonio, State Energy Coordinator USDA Rural Development
The workshop is free, and light refreshments will be served. Part of the MEDB Innovation Series, Foundations for Business Success.
Wednesday, July 27, 2016, 1 pm – 4 pm
MEDB’s Malcolm Center
1305 N. Holopono Street, Suite 5
Kihei, HI 96753
On October 8-9, over 200 cancer survivors and supporters will paddle six-person outrigger canoes across the ‘Au‘au Channel from Lahaina to Lanai. The Pacific Cancer Foundation’s (PCF) 8th Annual Paddle for Life fundraiser, a 34-mile round trip journey to raise funds for Maui’s cancer community, is not a race; it’s a voyage. “The PCF says there is truly a remarkable parallel between an ocean paddling voyage and the journey experienced by cancer patients and survivors,” said Pina Wallace, mammographer at Maui Diagnostic Imaging in Kihei. “Both involve tremendous physical, mental and emotional strength. Both require patience and perseverance. And, ultimately, it takes a team to make the journey successful.”
