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
Jul 20, 2016 | Small Business
Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) presented an Entrepreneurs’ Toolkit Bootcamp for Lanai residents on June 25th and 26th. The intense two-day workshop was part of the MEDB Innovation Series, a grassroots effort to help small businesses establish strong systems, processes, tools, and best practices to build a solid foundation for success. The free event provided attendees with helpful tips and resources to assist in launching their startups or boosting their existing businesses.
The workshop opened with keynote speaker Lanai Tabura. A Lanai native, Tabura is a well known entrepreneur, radio DJ, comedian, and actor. “Treating others with aloha is the way to cultivate relationships with everyone you meet,” Tabura said. “Adaptability and innovation are also a critical trait for an entrepreneur to possess. We adapt by our readiness to take every opportunity that comes to us, and the ability to innovate on the fly points to resourcefulness and creativity.” Lanai’s brother, Chef Adam Tabura, spoke to the group about his entrepreneurial journey and his newest business ventures. In 2013, the two brothers, teamed with Shaun Felipe, took first place on the Food Television Network’s “The Great Food Truck Race”. Additionally, Adam hosted a pau hana Saturday afternoon featuring some of his winning food truck creations.
During the two-day workshop, participants learned the basics of business startup creation using the Lean Startup method with the Lean Startup Canvas (LSC) – think of it as a roadmap. Omar Sultan, Luke Tucker, and Meli James of Sultan Ventures led the workshop. Attendees worked in teams to create a fictional startup or use an idea they created using the LSC, presenting their business plans for feedback. On the second day, the teams pitched their ideas before the workshop team, giving them valuable feedback to ensure the lessons they learned about the Lean Startup method were reinforced. “We were taught how to use the Lean Canvas, an actionable and entrepreneur-focused business plan, which gave us insight into whether we have a solid and effective venture,” said workshop participant Clay Richardson. Lanai resident Jina Lopez added, “This workshop helped me to understand aspects of business I formerly didn’t know how to use, such as creating a business plan. It’s given me a different viewpoint on how to be a leader and implement ideas.”
This event was amazing! The whole weekend gave people inspiration and resources that you pay for in college. My brother Adam and I hope to be a part of many more MEDB Entrepreneur Toolkit Workshops.
Lanai Tabura – Entrepreneur, radio DJ, comedian, actor, and 2013 winner of The Great Food Truck Race (reality television show)
Jul 13, 2016 | Education, Small Business
MEDB offers a powerful workshop to help you save money. Discover TWO State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) programs that can benefit your business:
Enterprise Zones (EZ) Partnership Program
If your new or existing business is located in an Enterprise Zone (EZ), you may be eligible to receive various state tax credits and benefits for up to 7 years, including:
- 100% exemption from the General Excise Tax
- Up to 80% non-refundable state income tax credit
- Up to 80% tax credit for Unemployment Insurance premiums
Hawaii State Trade and Export Promotion Assistance Program (HiSTEP-AP)
Under HiSTEP-AP, your company 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 including trade shows, travel, collateral materials, compliance testing, shipping, and other expenses.
Workhop Speakers
The workshop is free. Breakfast will be provided. Reservations are required, space is limited. It is part of the MEDB Innovation Series, Foundations for Business Success.
Thursday, July 14, 2016 • 9 am – 12 noon
MEDB’s Malcolm Center, 1305 N. Holopono Street, Suite 5, Kihei
Jun 30, 2016 | Education, Stemworks
You are invited to attend Pathways to our Future, a benefit for the MEDB Ke Alahele Education Fund.
Bid on hundreds of items during the “Apples for Education” Live & Silent Auctions
Play Family Feud, The STEM Edition
Mingle with Distinguished Educators:
- U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono
- U.S. Senator Brian Schatz
- Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui and Lyndelle Tsutsui
- Mayor Alan Arakawa and Ann Arakawa
Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Saturday, August 20, 2016 • Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui
4:30 pm Reception/Silent auction • 6 pm Dinner/Live auction
For reservations, visit www.medb.org or call us at 808-875-2300.
Jun 23, 2016 | Education
This March, Dr. Ryan Swindle of Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Maui Detachment, received the Department of Defense STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Education and Outreach Advocate Award for his dedication to STEM education in the Maui community. “Swindle has established himself as a role model and leader in STEM outreach and educational efforts in K-12 activities, teacher education, and internship programs,” said Dr. Stacie Williams, former AFRL STEM Outreach Director. “His accomplishments in the Maui community are numerous.”
Swindle, a research physicist at the Air Force Maui Optical and Supercomputing Site (AMOS), worked with the University of Hawaii to acquire a 50-person planetarium. “Our new AFRL 50+ capacity, portable, digital planetarium demonstrates to students and educators, the importance of ground-based astronomy across the world,” Swindle said. Recently, at the 2016 Maui Economic Development Board’s (MEDB) Hawaii STEM Conference, he brought the planetarium to teach students how to understand astronomical coordinate systems, use important points to find stars, planets, and even satellites. Additionally, this year Swindle provided physics laboratory demonstrations for over 60 students and parents at a local school and attended school career days. He is also mentoring two college students this summer, one from the University of Hawaii, Hilo and the other from the University of Arizona.
“My vision for the future of the AMOS STEM Outreach program is to build upon the efforts of our former STEM Outreach Director, Dr. Stacie Williams,” said Swindle. “Her great work is known all over the County of Maui.” Swindle hopes to continue efforts with K-12 optics, lasers, and color and light activities, as well as annual participation in AMOS Space Exploration Day and the MEDB STEM Conference. “Partnering with MEDB, AFRL hopes to increase public awareness of the AMOS mission, extend outreach efforts to neighbor islands, and inspire local students to work in Hawaii,” he said.
“MEDB looks forward to our future work with Swindle,” said Mapu Quitazol, MEDB Program Manager Women in Technology (WIT) Project. “His insights and leadership inspire future collaborations with WIT’s STEM education outreach programs.”
I am honored to be able to encourage students to pursue careers in STEM education to find innovative solutions for the challenges we are all facing.
Dr. Ryan Swindle, AFRL Research Physicist
Jun 9, 2016 | Education, Stemworks
In 1999, Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) created the Women in Technology Project (WIT) whose mission is to promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) throughout the state with hands-on and project-based service learning. WIT works in partnership with educators and businesses to build and strengthen Hawaii’s STEM education- to-workforce pipeline. Today, WIT provides cutting-edge STEM education across the islands, throughout the year. Effective programs, such as STEMworks AFTERschool, the Annual Hawaii STEM Conference, and more, continue to meet 21st century workforce demands. “STEM education has the power to impact all of us,” said Isla Young, MEDB’s K-12 STEM Program Director. “Through the years, we’ve seen first-hand how empowering our youth with STEM skills and opportunities can make a difference in their lives and in the career pathways they choose to pursue.”
WIT’s STEMworks AFTERschool program is multi-faceted and hands-on. Students get to use the most current, high-end technologies in actual service learning projects. Participants work with their peers and industry partners, using their skills to help improve life on their respective islands. “Through the STEMworks program, I’ve been able to strengthen my love for computer programming,” said Jeremy Amato, a 12th grader at King Kekaulike High School. “STEMworks has allowed me to apply my skills to real-world jobs and even use it to help my community. Now I’m looking at pursuing computer programming as my career choice.” Maui Waena 8th grader Christine Alonzo said, “The STEMworks AFTERschool program taught me how to work a camera. I now know how to write scripts, edit, and use Photoshop. But mostly, I learned the importance of teamwork.”
“We have the power to change the world,” said Thanthawat Moengchaisong from King Kekaulike High School. “I personally love helping the community with the technology around me because STEM is all over the world and it connects people in a powerful way.”
Through STEMworks AFTERschool, I achieved more than I ever thought I could. With the support of MEDB and WIT, my partner and I won first place in a nationwide film competition. Thank you MEDB!
Czerena Bayle, Maui Waena Intermediate School 8th grader
Jun 2, 2016 | Education
Dr. James “JD” Armstrong, the enthusiastic Maui Technology Education and Outreach Specialist at the University of Hawaii’s Institute for Astronomy (IfA) in Pukalani, is much admired in the community. His work includes research on exoplanets, asteroids, comets, stellar objects, double stars, besides monthly public talks at IfA. “A highlight of my job is mentoring students and assisting with their science projects,” said Armstrong, who manages UH’s time on the Faulkes Telescope North (FTN) atop Haleakala. Owned and operated by Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope Network, FTN offers students live views of outer space streamed straight to their computers. “Students remotely observe the sky as it is seen from different parts of the earth via the telescope network,” Armstrong explained. “Using Astrometrica, a software tool that calculates precise positions of the celestial bodies, they are able to analyze the collected image data.”
“JD’s Hawaii Student/Teacher Astronomy Research (HI STAR) summer science program for high school students is unsurpassed, as evidenced by the success of the students,” said Dr. Joe Janni, former Director of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research. “He is a dedicated and enthusiastic mentor who counsels and motivates young astronomers to achieve high honors and numerous awards. His ability to inspire and recognize their potential is unmatched.”
“Armstrong has been a partner of Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) for over 10 years,” said Mapu Quitazol, MEDB project manager. “Recently he has had students receiving recognition for their science projects. In March at the Hawaii State Science and Engineering Fair, Armstrong’s HI STAR students captured numerous awards.”
“I’ve been very fortunate to have Dr. Armstrong as my mentor for the last five years,” said Celeste Jongeneelen, home-schooled 10th grader and 2016 first-place Physics and Astronomy winner. “He’s encouraged my interest in hypervelocity stars; stars thought to originate when a binary system encounters the supermassive black hole in our Milky Way. Dr. Armstrong has motivated me to better understand the age and classification of these stars. He has given me the confidence to think that I could actually discover something new about the Universe!”
Astronomy is a great way to spread interest in all subjects and motivate learners to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to better comprehend the world around us.
Dr. JD Armstrong, Maui Technology and Education Outreach Specialist, University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy
May 26, 2016 | Community
Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) presented this year’s 2016 Startup Weekend Maui on May 13-15. The event offered entrepreneurs an opportunity to learn in 54 hours how to launch a company. “Startup Weekend Maui is about learning by doing,” says Frank De Rego, Jr., Director of Business Development Projects at MEDB. “It provided a platform to acquire the skills and best practices necessary to build a solid business foundation.”
“Life-changing, motivating, and awesome,” was just some of the feedback received from participants at Startup Weekend Maui. The event started on Friday with 60-second open-mic pitches. Then teams were formed around the top-voted startup ideas. They worked through the weekend with the help of mentors and coaches to build viable prototypes and business models that were presented to a panel of judges on Sunday night.
The 2016 Startup Weekend Maui winner, “The Original FaceGuard”, is an idea to destigmatize the traditional medical mask by creating a positive, preventative public health intervention through trendy face apparel. Team members Danielle Travis, Molly Palmer, Lorayne Lipps, Austin Kozaki, and Julie Lewis, won a business assistance prize package valued at more than $3,000. “It’s not just a product,” said team member Travis. “We want to change people’s perceptions of the typical facemask that most think is so scary. Our facemask has a creative aspect, a health aspect, and positivity, making people laugh.”
The team of Zoe Whitney and Dawn Naiwi-Valentino captured second place for their natural anti-mosquito perfume and cologne. “During the weekend I got a better feel for my target market and was able test the product on both locals and visitors of different ages,” said Whitney. “Working together with my Startup Weekend teammate, we worked hard to gather public feedback and even came up with ideas to modify the product’s ingredients. This overall experience helped me realize that this product could work.”
“MEDB, the coaches, mentors, judges, and all of our event sponsors, helped make this event possible because we believe in investing in our local community and our people’s skills,” said De Rego. “It all added up to one incredible weekend where everyone gained valuable experience.”
Startup Weekend Maui fits perfectly with what we’re trying to do, along with MEDB, at the County of Maui. We’re focused on building an entire entrepreneur eco-system to help our local entrepreneurs gain the needed edge and skills to succeed.
Teena Rasmussen, Director County of Maui Mayor’s Office of Economic Development
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.”
