Education | Hawaii News and Island Information

May 2013
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U.S. DOE Approves Hawaii’s New School Accountability and Improvement System – Strive HI Performance System

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Damon

Strive HI Performance System replaces components of federal NCLB requirements

The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) is pleased to announce it has received federal approval today for a new Strive HI Performance System designed to ensure all students graduate college- and career-ready. The redesigned school accountability and improvement system approved by the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) replaces many of the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) with multiple measures of success to meet the needs of Hawaii’s students, educators and schools.

“Approval to move forward with the Strive HI Performance System validates our strategic direction and allows us to build on Hawaii’s successes,” stated Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi. “With the new system, we are more focused on college- and career-readiness, rewarding high-performing schools and customizing support to students, educators and schools with strategies proven in the Zones of School Innovation.”

After winning a Race to the Top grant in 2010, HIDOE established two Zones of School Innovation (ZSI) that targeted support for struggling schools in rural or remote, hard-to-staff areas serving the largest population of native Hawaiian and economically-disadvantaged students in the state.

The Strive HI Performance System is a culmination of work by Hawaii educators, parents, community groups, and higher education. It replaces NCLB’s most ineffective and outdated components with meaningful benchmarks aligned with goals of the HIDOE/Board of Education State Strategic Plan:

The Strive HI Performance System not only reflects the State Strategic Plan, it aligns and connects with state education policies and initiatives including Common Core State Standards, updated assessments, more rigorous diploma and graduation requirements, successful school improvement strategies in the ZSI and robust teacher and principal evaluation and support systems.

“We are proud of the work happening at every level of Hawaii’s public education system to prepare students for real-world demands and provide better data, tools and support to students, educators and schools,” Deputy Superintendent Ronn Nozoe noted. “Now, with the approval of the Strive HI Performance System, we’ve unlocked the potential of all these efforts to work together in a coherent way to support success.”

HIDOE will host a webinar on May 28, 2013 to provide more information about the new system.

Webinar: Overview of Strive HI Performance System: Hawaii’s new school accountability and improvement system
Date: May 28, 2013
Time: 9 – 10 am HST
Register now: https://hvln.webex.com/hvln/onstage/g.php?t=a&d=733937907
event password: striveHI
HIDOE will work closely with Complex Area Superintendents and principals this summer to ensure school leaders and educators are positioned for successful implementation of the Strive HI Performance System in the coming school year.

For more information, visit HIDOE’s new Strive HI Performance System webpage at www.hawaiidoe.org/strivehisystem.

Filed under: Announcements, Education, Hawaii, Kids, National Affairs, Something New?, State Affairs | Tagged: Education reform, Hawaii, Hawaii Department of Education, No Child Left Behind Act, Strive HI Performance System, United States Department of Education | Leave a Comment »

Kona Charter School “Greening Up” With Community Support

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Damon

Kona Pacific Public Charter School is becoming an island leader in green school practices, thanks to generous community support and the commitment of school administrators, faculty and students.

The first few months of 2013 have been exciting ones for Kona Pacific’s ambitious program of environmental awareness, sustainability and green school practices. Several generous donations from community members and businesses have helped support the school’s various green initiatives.

Solar panels were installed this year on one of Kona Pacific Public Charter School’s new buildings. The school is now 100% solar powered.

Kona Pacific is now 100% solar powered. In January, solar contractor P.A. Harris Electric and private benefactors donated and installed a high-capacity rooftop solar power system, which has reduced the school’s monthly electric bill to less than $300.

Due to the school’s new proactive program of careful purchasing, aggressive recycling efforts, compost, and an ethic of re-use, the daily solid waste output is now a single garbage bag, for an organization of almost 300 people, and water use is now 25% of what is considered average for a school of this size.

In March, supported by the “Zero Waste” Initiative of Hawai‘i County’s Department of Environmental Management, students from Kona Pacific pitched in at two major community events, the Kona Brewers Festival and Keoua Honaunau Canoe Club’s Mac-A-Thon, to man zero-waste stations in an effort to minimize the amount of waste material going into the island’s landfill and reduce the events’ impact on Hawaii’s natural environment.

“These efforts are a terrific way to engage students in turning their school into a green school, which is one of Kona Pacific’s strategic goals,” said [who should be quoted?] “It’s the enthusiasm and activism of our young people that will create a green future for our island.”

Kona Pacific, which offers a rigorous academic program inspired by Waldorf education and firmly rooted in the land and culture of Hawai‘i, is located on 40 acres of prime agricultural land mauka of Kona Community Hospital. The school also operates a significant community service, the WHOLE Food Service Program, which provides more than 200 at-risk and disadvantaged students, young children and elderly with healthy meals.
The school’s gardens and biodynamic farm will be integrated with the food service program to ensure the WHOLE Food program’s sustainability and ongoing access to local, affordable and high-quality produce.

Most recently, in April Kona Pacific received a $6,000 grant from the Bill Healy Foundation in support of the school’s dedication to green efforts and community well-being, and this month received a $17,500 grant from the Sam Mazza Foundation for the construction of a “green” nature-based playground, using only natural materials.

For more information about Kona Pacific’s green initiatives, or to learn more about The WHOLE Food Service program, please contact:

Chris Hecht
Executive Director
Kona Pacific Public Charter School
chris@kppcs.org
808-895-3030

Filed under: Announcements, Education, Environment, Hawaii, Kids, Kona, Sustainable Living | Tagged: Kona Pacific Public Charter School | Leave a Comment »

Tomorrow: Free Hepatitis Screenings Available to the Public – National Hepatitis Testing Day

Posted on May 19, 2013 by Damon

National Hepatitis Testing Day will be observed in Hawaii on Monday, May 20, 2013. In collaboration with Hep Free Hawaii, Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) clinics and other community-based sites are offering free hepatitis screenings to the public on May 20 to encourage people to find out their hepatitis B and C status. National Hepatitis Testing Day events will also help to raise awareness within communities and remind people with insurance to get tested through their primary care provider.

“Often called the silent epidemic, most people with hepatitis B or C don’t have symptoms for many years,” stated Health Director Loretta Fuddy, A.C.S.W., M.P.H. “People with hepatitis B and C shouldn’t wait until they feel sick to be tested because there are many things, including treatment, they can do to take care of themselves before they become ill. The earlier people know they have hepatitis, the better the outcome.”

According to DOH Immunization Branch estimates, between 1 and 3 percent of people in Hawaii have hepatitis B, and approximately 23,000 are living with hepatitis C. Hepatitis B and C are the most common known causes of liver cancer in Hawaii, and Hawaii has the highest rate of liver cancer in the United States.

Hepatitis B and C are spread through contact with blood and body fluids. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that anyone who has been exposed to blood through needle use, blood transfusion, non-sterile equipment, or tattooing should be tested for both hepatitis B and C. Anyone born in a country with high rates of hepatitis B, especially countries in Asia and the Pacific should be screened for hepatitis B. Anyone born from 1945-1965 (“baby boomers”) should also get a one-time test for hepatitis C, regardless of any known risk.

“If you are at risk, you should ask your doctor to get tested for hepatitis B or C. Putting off this simple test now can have dangerous health implications later on, such as liver disease and cancer,” said Fuddy.

Individuals without insurance may call Aloha United Way 211 or go to www.hepfreehawaii.org to find the free screening location nearest them (flyer attached). Not all sites will offer hepatitis B testing. Testing will be based on eligibility and availability at each site.

For more information about National Hepatitis Testing Day, go to http://www.cdcnpin.org/HTD.

For more information about hepatitis resources and events in Hawaii, go to http://www.hepfreehawaii.org.

“Three Wise Monkeys” Campaign to Raise Awareness About Viral Hepatitis (damontucker.com)
Half of People with Hepatitis C Don’t Complete Needed Tests: CDC (nlm.nih.gov)

Filed under: Announcements, Community, Hawaii, Health, Kids, National Affairs, State Affairs | Tagged: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hawaii Department of Health, Hepatitis, National Hepatitis Testing Day | Leave a Comment »

Noted Buddhist Scholar, Author and Educator to Present Talk at Honoka’a Hongwani Buddhist Temple

Posted on May 18, 2013 by Damon

Shining a modern light on an ancient practice, noted Buddhist scholar, author and educator, Dr. Ugo Dessi will present a talk at the Honoka‘a Hongwanji Buddhist Temple on Monday, June 10, 2013 at 7 p.m.

Dr. Ugo Dessi

Asking the question, “Can the globalization of Buddhism help solve war and alienation?” Dessi brings international and inspiring insights to the podium, discussing how Japanese Buddhism continues to evolve, along with environmental and human rights values, as global interconnectedness has increased. Admission is free and the general public is enthusiastically welcome.

Born and raised on the Italian island of Sardinia, with many similarities to Hawai‘i, Dessi and his wife, Dr. Elisabetta Porcu met as university students. Together, they traveled to Mumbai, India to study Buddhism, and then to Germany, where both received PhD in religious studies from the University of Marburg. After six years in Japan, working at Ryukoku University, Otani University, and Kyoto University of Foreign Studies, they returned to Germany in 2010 to teach Japanese religions at the University of Leipzig.

Dessi is the author of Japanese Religions and Globalization (Routledge 2013), and is presently doing research on meditation practice by Jodo Shinsu lay and clergy practitioners in Hawai‘i for another book project on the global relevance of Japanese Buddhism. He will be sitting with the Honokaa Mindfulness Sangha, Sunday, June 9, at 4 p.m. in the Honoka‘a Hongwanji Buddhist Temple social hall.

“What is globalization?” said Dessi. “Through a variety of examples we will see how Japanese Buddhism is unexpectedly involved in globalization in a variety of ways. Like in the past, the transmission of Buddhism continues to be an important ingredient in the globalization of culture… And, significantly, there are cases in which Japanese Buddhism is addressing global problems such as war and social alienation that are left unsolved by the global markets and politics.”

Dr. Dessi’s talk is free and open to everyone regardless of religious or spiritual background. The program begins at 7 p.m., followed by time for questions and answers, and light refreshments. For information please call Honoka‘a Hongwanji Buddhist Temple at 775-7232.

The presentation is made possible by the Buddhist Education Commission with support of the Peace Committee of the Honoka‘a Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, producers of the annual Parade & Festival for the United Nations International Day of Peace. (www.peacedayparade.org)

Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Community, Education, Guest Commentator, Hawaii | Tagged: Buddhism, Dr. Ugo Dessi, Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, Ryukoku University | Leave a Comment »

UH Hilo College of Arts and Sciences Announces its Spring 2013 Dean’s List recipients

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Damon

The College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo announces its Spring 2013 Dean’s List recipients:

Shannon Abarra, Leilani Maijastina Abaya, Richard Makaala Muraoka Abbley, Maeva Accart, BJ Isaac Pacupac Acosta, Samantha Starr Acosta, Melissa Ellen Adams, Jazlyn Aurora JoAnn Afusia, Jamaica Paz Sicat Agustin, Eric James Akerman, Alston Alika Albarado, Maureen Lucy Allison, Jenna Kuuolenalani Almarza, Heather Lov Anderson, Janelle Marie Andres, Anshuka Anshuka, Brandi J. Antonio, Krista Natsuko Aoki, Zion Makanalani Apao, Shanley Apele, Travis Roy Apple, Whiteeagle Arai, Joshua King Seong Haruo Araki-Kwee, Justin King Shan Tooru Araki-Kwee, Megan Lilinoe Araujo, Keanu Makana O Ke Akua Arke, Shawn Eugene Asistin, Janelle R. Au, Jolie Hisako Au, Sanoe M.K. Awai, Marta I. Azzollini, Rosanna R. Badua, Paul Jacob Barch, Ahnesty Mo’ilani’okamakani Barrozo, Heather Kayleen Bartlett, Paul Sloane Batausa, Robin K. Belcher, Peter Charles Bennett, Lars Arthur Bergstrom, Jacob Kaunahi Bernabe, Justin Takeo Bisel, Aaron James Bishop, Carolyn Irene Blind, Kyra Lynn Blue, Stephen Elias Bond, Lori Diane Bothwell, Brenna Katherine Bourque, Brittany Nicole Boyd, Reitchel Navarra Boyd. Michael Joseph Bradley, Anashe Brooks, Eleanor Lorraine Brown, Leena Brown, Stephen Michael Brown, Benjamin Garrett Browning, Kevin Alexander Bruce, Kristen Cara Brunell, Ashley Dawn Buasriyottiya, Josephine Malia Buck, Chase Jameson Buffam, Jenna Lee Burns, Spencer Darren Kaimalie Cabral, Dawn Akiko Kananiokapuamaeole Cabreros, Bronya Anuhea Cacal, Goody Butay Cacal, Sabine Chiemi Callarec, Malia Rose Kimiko Callo, Nicole Marie Calsbeek, Vada Grace Cambio, Britney Rose Carey, Sean Leo Carlos, Loren Leilani Case, Christina Noel Cauley, Jaeeun Cha, Amy Kaakim Chang, Andy Chang, Silas Chapman, Matt Chen, Kealii Andrew Cho, Min Ji Cho, Autumn Tehani Uakoko Chong, Brandon Lee Chun, Kobie Lehua Clarke, Connor Joaquin Clay, Gregory James Cleary, William Berkeley Cleary, Joyce M.K. Close, Kayleigh Loleka Concepcion, Nicole C. Conley, Michael Eugene Cook, Taylor Alexandra Coons, Renee Lynn Corpuz, Robin Marie Correa, Elyssa Rae-Ann Correia, Allyssa Shawna Noelani Cortez, Sean Fumio Costales, Nicole A. Cowan, Angel Lee Cruz, Jai Akualani Crystal, Nicholas Logan D’Amico, Ida Kristin Danielsen, Ida Pelihda David, Renee I. David, Jaylyn Lokelani Davis, Dwane J. Deem, Brandi N. A. L. Dela Cruz, Randy William Dellinger, Amber D. Demler, Marley M.K. Depew, Angelina Diep, Stacie Emiko Doi, Amelia Rivkah Dolgin, Noah Patterson Dolim, Ryan S. Domingo, Tiare N. Doria, Pedro Dos Santos, James Kenneth Drescher, Kaylie Lynn Drew, Alejandra Evajean Duarte, Melanie Leila Dudley, Julie Padua Duhaylongsod, Louise Marie Economy, Chad Richard Engevold, Jordan Kainoa Enos, Danielle Kanani Enright, Brianna K. Enriquez-Cabalis, Tiffany Marie Epping, Tiffany Grace Erickson, Melanie Guittap Fermin, Emily Fernandes, Erik Daniel Ferreira, Nicholas Iokua Ferreira, Chelsea K. Field, Doug Walter Fitzpatrick, Kelly Odell Fitzpatrick, Katherine Anne Foerster, Scheherazade Alexandra Folley-Regusters, Amber Marie Forrestal, Ella Rose Fregeau Olmstead, Cory Aikau French, Joshua Allen Fuentes, Samantha Kahealani Fuhrmann-Blyth, Kaitlyn Akemi Fujii, Kendra Akemi Fujioka, Ashley Ayaka Fukuchi, Christopher James Fukumoto, Tyson Kaniela Fukuyama, Naomi Sison Gagabi, Brooke Mary Gagnon, Heather Lynn Gallahorn, Brian Alberto Galvez, Dayna Lynn Pu’unani Ganigan, Jeremy Ramos Ganir, Todd Simon Taylor Gardner, Ashley Christina Garnett, Shannon Blake Garnett, Stephanie Makaleka Gayle, Kawaikapuokalani W. Genovia, David Timothy Gentry, Alex C. M. Gerken, Hattie Le`a Gerrish, Sha de Glessner, Joseph Daniel Gomez, Makalele Alegra Gorsich, Renee Kathleen Graber, Lauren K.A.H. Grace-Finley, Rebecca Leigh Green, Sarah Ashley Green, Rachel Grace Greenbach, Emily Greene, Kylie Judith Grogg, Stine Marie Gundersen, Gabrielle Lacuesta Gutierrez, Brittany Krystal Hale, Tamara Kuulei Halliwell, Kayla H. Hamel, Soyoung Han, Jamaica Ann Hancock, Dustin Wayne Hanson, Christopher L. Hardy, Margaret Alyse Harris, Amy Frances Harrison, Courtney Ann Hideko Harrison, Ganga Devi Harrison, Vrindavan Harrison, Rose Sierra Hart, Rachel Ann Hazeltine, Tazialynn Leilani Hegarty, Britta Lena Helzberg, Ryan Barton Henderson, Karl Robert Hennen, Randi Keala Henriques, Hannah Ciera Henry, Sophia Hernz, Alexandria Aspen Herring, Noriko Hida, Ryan Alton Higa, Iris Hsing Mei Hirayama, Rya Catherine Horne, Neeley Jo Horton, Asia Carolynne Howe, Shayna Y. P. S. Hu, Molly Ann Huff, Kai Aaron Igarashi, Kadi Mie Igawa, Allena Yukiye Ikehara, Natalie Kawehiuilani Ilaban, Kana Inoue, Carrie Ga lai Ip, Kelsey Kazuyuki Ito, Linda Gabriela Ixtupe, Aimehio Vez Iyeke, Jessica Jacobs, Astrid Mafina Johansson, Annalise John, Liv Monique Johnson, Kaycie Chiemi Jyo, Jarin S. Kadooka, Shaylyn Pohaikealoha Kahawai, Ayaka Kajiura, Ashlee Keolalaulani Kalauli, Bree Kealaonaonaokanoelani Emi Kalima, Kaiulani Kamelakeonaonamaikalani Kamau, Halena Kailiehu Kapuni-Reynolds, Alyssa Ann Terra Kartheiser, Jonathan Hiroshi Kataoka, Nellie Kati, Lilinoe Yael B. Kauahikaua, Tori Sachie Kaya, Josh Leo Kedzior, Sarah Leialoha Kekauoha, Jessica Ann Kennedy, Sean Stephen Kenny, Serina Haleakakaneaumoana Kiili, Peter Allen Kim, Soyeon Kim, Yong Hoon Kim, Kristy Kathleen Michiko Kimura, Taylor Alexander Kinsey, Ronald Paul Kittle, Ku’upuamae’ole Kacie Chiyeko Kiyuna, Dania-Maria Elena Klink, Christopher Zdenek Kluzak, Andrew Emery Knight, Laura Jean Knight, Katrina A. Knowlton, Aisha-Rae Noelani Kobayashi, Evelina Kocharov, Kelly Joseph Kofalt, Ericksen Lloyd Kohatsu, Leina Konashi, Daniel Jacob Konkler, Devin C. Konkler, Keisha Kehaulani Reiko Kotake, Johann Wei-Xin Kuipers, Lauren Imi Kunishige, Jannicke Kuvas, Daniel Scott Kvale, Shuk Ping Kwok, Sophia Anne Laderman, Jenna Rose Lahousse, Franchael K. Laimana, Amy Gaylene Landers, Alastair Joel Lavin, Naomi Lynne Lawrence, Tynan Cody Lazarus, Jailyn Mei Lazo, Jennifer LeFevre, Saerom Lee, Ronaivit Vaisuatoto Leiato, Harrison K. Leite, Samelda Neimon Leon, Jon-Pierre Leone, Keola Ha Limkin, Moressa Naomi Summer Lindsey, Sean Eloaamaikamaluhia Lindsey, Hannah Ida Lipman, Brent Koji Llaneza, Olivia Lauren Long, Hannah K. C. P. Loo, Christina Marie Love, Michael Ryan Lovell, Alyssa Kealohi Loving, Marissa Kawehi Loving, Zorba Lozano, Drew Lubiniecki, Blaine C. M. Luiz, Jacob Keith Luna, Kristy L. Lungo, Sean Christopher Luscombe, Alayna Rachelle Leilani Machacek, Ashley Noel Mahlstedt, Ian Tadashi Makida, Kate Manzano Malasig, Kaela Kala’i Maluo, Alexandra Nicole Marin, Jonathan Drew Kele Marshall, Leif Alexander Marz, Sarah Borje Marzan, Malia Victoria Masicampo, Anna Claire Masuda, Evan Seki Matsuyama, Kristen Renee Mattos, Mathew Robert Mauldin, Joseph Edward Maxwell, Nathan Mays, Leslie Lehuanani McClung, Normandy McConaugh ey, Meghan Renee Meier McGrath, Kevin Alan McKay, Megan Theresa U. Medeiros, Angelo Alcino Menezes Guterres Aparicio, Mary Katherine Metchnek, McKayla Faith Meyer, CoraLee Cassie Michaud, Garrett Franklin Micheels, Chad Ethan Miguel-Harris, Bryce Evan Miles-Leighton, Thane Bryan Milhoan, Lilia Ivanova Misheva, Kelly Kiyomi Miyamoto, Sandy Haunani Miyasato, Erin Lin Sachiko Miyashiro, Bryson Shizuo Miyose, Norman Zuniga Mogote, Jonah Laa Kaohu Molina, Sherise-Charity M. Moniz, Austin Willard Moore, Hannah Moore, Erika Morihiro, Jacob Dee Moser, Tierra Ann Moses, Lauryn Pualeihana Mary Mow, Darcy Leigh Mulligan, Koran Nichole Munafo, Kiel Andre Myers, Sui Nagata, Camie Chiharu Nakagawa, Courtney Hiroko Nakahara, Richard Toshi Nakamura, Ryan William Nakamura, Tory Mikio Nakamura, Kerri Mika Nakatsu, Remi Nakaza, Robynn Ailynn Ines Namnama, Kirstie Kanoelani Akemi Naone, Allyssa Leilani Nau, Courtney Anne Nelson, Kara Marie Nelson, Jaysen Christopher Niedermeyer, Scott Laurence Nielsen, Anela Lani Nishimoto, Chloe Y. K. Nishioka, Keenan Kalama Riki Nishioka, Nicole Chelsea Jean Nonies, Jerusha Mary Nosek, Rachel Notturno, Arren Sebastian Marie Nunez, Steven Mitsuaki Ogi, Crysta Lani Okabe, Kira Miyuki Okamoto, Michelle Michie Okamoto, Zechary Palaina Okamoto, Catherine Ann Olson, Malia Jean Olson, Amanda Orcutt, Christopher Jason Orcutt, Mari Carmen Ortega, Mari Brittany Oshiro, Chelsa Ota-Van Scyoc, Carli Leiana Owan, Samantha Renee Oxley, Aimee Lynn Leinaala Pacheco, Cheynielle Minoakalani Pacheco, Ciera Moanilehua Pagud, Nicolette Paige, Fagalima Lenell Paleafei, Samantha Marie Palmer, Bronson Paul Amio Palupe, Jannah Gaile Pante, Pauleen Shiloh Pante, Hee Joon Park, Wonho Park, Mariah Clavela Partida, Kristine Pasek, Kara Lianne Paulachak, Kristin M. Pedersen, Brian Daniel Pedro, Jessica Marie Penaranda, Brandon Perea, Rheanna Ariel Perez, Daniel James Perry, Forrest Swienckowski Petersen, Sharon Ann Petrosky, Shelley M. Phu, Malina Erin Piatt, Kaylie Renee Pickup, Bryce Matthew Pierson, Craig R. Pinkney, Hye Jin Piper, Robert Michel Pipes, Tara Applinario Pipes, Ritsuko Poerstel, Margot Ying-Hui Pontius, Arwen May Potochney, Zachary Alan Pratt, Stevan Premovic, Michael Robert Purvis, Dannielle Janine Putney, Nathaniel Nien-Cheng Quan, Willyann Kehaulani Quanan, Kori Gaila Quander, Sherri-Ann K. Quinn, Hye Jin Ra, Laurel Rain, Mark Joshua Paraggua Ramones, Justin Lopez Ramos, Micah Rhobelyn Tunac Ramos, Priya Marie Rashid, Lisa Michelle Ray, Travis Alan Reardon, Robyn Christine Rector, Maricel Masing Reid, Charlotte Rich, Chelsey Kristin Rickert, Kanani Cherise Rivera, Koa Henry Damien Rodrigues, Rebecca Marie Rogers, Saul David Rollason, Gerry Abergido Romero, Kainoa Kamakani Rosa, Kevin Lewis Rose, Malaika Amani Ross, Kyle Royce, Richard Casper Rudolph, Ardena M. J. Saarinen, Christa Nicole Sadler, Michael Anthony Sado, Julie Anne Garo Sagabaen, Philip Mau Sakaba, Francis Elliott Sakai-Kawada, Jade Wun Salvador, Megan Sue Santos, Teresinha Santos Da Costa , Alyssa Mayumi Sato, Zutchill Dingle Sato, Neil David Scheibelhut, Krystal Schlechter, Jordan Lacey Schneider, Helen Marie Schrock, Sabrina Juliana Schultz, Eloise Amie Scott, Kanoa James Severson, Ishael Kiheionapuamamolehua Shaw-De Mello, Brandi L. Shifflett, Kirsten Hisako Shimizu, Lorena Jo Dessa Ko’ani’ani Shire, Stephanie Lee Shor, Kananimauloa Tahmaraj Silva, Sarah Jessica Silva, Summer Rae Singer, Kenneth Adam Smith, Lauren Marcia Smith, Patricia Snel, Ethan Edward Souza, Brittany Lauren Spencer, Courtney R. Spencer, Christopher Michael Stewart, James Stilley, Andrea Stroescu, Anne Cecilia Elisabeth Stromhielm, George N. Subiono, Torri Lee Suda, Jeremy Martin Suguitan, Ashley Suh, Grady Sullivan, Kris Ramelb Sumaoang, Paige Naomi Sumida, Alanna Renee Sutton, Yvonne L. Sylva, Ricky William Kanaina Tabandera, Dillon K. Tacdol, Helaman Toa Golden Tafua, Hazel Pontanes Tagalicud, Deeana Nohealani Tagata, Tara Miyoko Takamori, Cameron Noboru Takamura, John James Gregorio Taman, Jove Jenn Maalihan Taman, Aisha Reiko Tanaka, Shelby Tanaka, Jaime-Rose Cayme Tangonan, Cullen Ku’ula Sunao Tanoue, Reuben Blake Tate, Larissa Chloe Hisako Tawata, Tyler Shaun Terai, Ashley Carol Terrell, Rachel LeeAnn Terry, Aijah Joshua Thompson, Rachel Lorraine Thompson, Kristina Louise Tietjen, Zachary Tman, Charles Andrada Tolentino, Taylor Tomita, Ashley Chanel Nobuko Tomori, Katrease Lipiniokalani Kimiko Torres, Chelsie Lynn Toyomura, William Yamashita Toyozaki, William Ernest Trout, Jennifer Leigh Trujillo, Kyle Kenta Tsubota, Peter Aaron Tuck, Michelle Emiko Uchida, Christine Joy Calabucal Uco l, Wesley James Ulloa, Elaine Lazaro Valdez, Korie Lihau Maelia Valeho, Keith Joseph Valentis, Sage Trinidad Van Kralingen, Mark J. Vancamp, Nichelle Leanne Veien, Alexandra Rose Ventresca, Conan-Cordero Laahia Vierra, Jodi Anne Souza Vierra, Joseph Hunter Vinarcsik, Jacob Lim Vinluan, Sheryl Vea Visitacion, Joyce Dyan Vitales, Christopher Vito Vizzone, Brittany A. Wagner, Tianna Kenani Waipa, Maria Karin Walczuk, Emily Grace Wallingford, Gerald Thomas Walsh, Jennifer Gail Wass, Casandra Jo Weatherly, Bobby Ray White, Alexandra Brooke Williams, Daisy Lee Willis, Stone Adam Willow, Kellie Nicole Wilson, Leah Adele Wilson, Denyse Nichole Kuupuaimohalaikalani Woo-Ockerman, Bailey Aya Wooldridge, Mariah Wyckoff, Arlinda Meagan Yamaguchi, Kelli Emi Yamane, Nicholas William Yamauchi, Christopher Germain Yoakum, Katrina Pomaikaiwale Yogi, Nicole Michiko Yoneishi, Tristan Kazuo Yoshida, Lynn Hiromo Inaba Young, Jamie Alan Yugawa, Qi Zhang, Izabella Zobova.

Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Education, Hawaii, UH Hilo | Tagged: Dean's List, University of Hawaii Hilo | Leave a Comment »

UH Hilo College of Business and Economics Announces Dean’s List for Spring 2013

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Damon

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo College of Business and Economics announces its Dean’s List for the Spring 2013 semester:

Marisol Alvarez, Chelsea A. Alward, Dayna E. Bersamin, Debra H. Cannoles, Shanda L. K. Carvalho, Claire E. Cea, Krystel R. Charkowski, Winona Yi-an Chen, Soomin Chung, Christina M. Evert, Norine R. Fitzgerald, Benjamin J. Friedlander, Daniel Z. A. Fujii, Matthew C. Garvey, Sarah J. K. Hamakawa, Anna Sofia Marie Hamlin, Justin K. Hirako, Hanale Hose, Summer K. Ilac-Wong, Melanie C. Isa, Yvonne S. Johnny, Josie L. Johnson, Aysia K. M. Kaaumoana, Hitomi Kitade, Amber L. Koker, Corey K. Kozuma, Tomoaki Kurima, Jonathon F. Laudner, Hyunchul Lee, Matthew P. M. Luga, Elise L. Martin, Christina M. Method, Coryn A. Miyashiro, Candela Montero Llasera, Marvin Louis P. Nagtalon, Alexandria J. Nakao-Eligado, Taylor L. Neel, Alvin K. Nguyen, Kelli S. Okumura, Yulia I. Orlova, Navarone K. Ortiz, Jesica L. Pacheco, Tehani-Jenae L. K. Palolo, Junyong Park, Michael S. K. Patterson, Zachary J. Pettus, Lindsey F. Poulsen, Mikhail A. Romantchouk, Kristen L. Ross, Karyle K. Saiki, Shannon N. T. Sampaga, Aaron Sanchez Robles, Thomas Jay T. Shigemoto, Ji Hye Shin, Kun H. Sigrah, Brandi Lei H. Smith, Logan M. Snell, Jana Soli, Travis T. A. Stancil, Mark Tokuuke, Risa Watabiki, and Kayla S. Yugawa.

Filed under: Announcements, Education, Kids, UH Hilo | Tagged: University of Hawaii Hilo | Leave a Comment »

Los Angeles Lakers Chris Duhon Announced as Special Guest for 2013 Hawaii Island Hoops Summer Camp

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Damon

Hawaii Island Hoops (HIH) is happy to announce and welcome Los Angeles Laker and former Duke Blue Devil Chris Duhon as our special guest at the HIH 13 College Prep Basketball Camp from June 3- 7, 2013 at the Kekuaokalani Gym in Kailua-Kona.

Chris Duhon was a high school McDonald’s All-American and a four year starter for Duke University. In his freshmen year, he helped the Duke Blue Devils win the 2001 national championship, defeating Arizona in the finals. Duhon finished his career as Duke’s all-time leader in steals (300) and minutes played (4,813), and second in assists (819). He left as the only Atlantic Coast Conference player to record 1,200 points, 800 assists, 475 rebounds, 300 steals, and 125 three-point shots.

In June 2004, Chris Duhon was selected as the 38th pick in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls. During his time with the New York Knicks, On November 29, 2008, in a game against Golden State Warriors, Duhon set a new Knicks single-game record with 22 assists in one game. Now currently with the Los Angeles Lakers, Chris Duhon has been a solid contributor at the point guard position.

To register for the camp visit: Hawaii Island Hoops

Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Education, Hawaii, Kids, Kona, Sports | Tagged: Basketball Camps in Hawaii, Chris Duhon, Hawaii Island Hoops, Los Angeles Laker | Leave a Comment »

Video: Punahou Pole Vaulter Snaps Pole During State Meet

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Damon

Pole vaulting is a sport for the brave!

A Punahou Pole Vaulter, Quinn Cassid, snapped his pole during the recent state meet held at Mililani High School:

Another angle:

Cassid was fine and later went on to take second place in the event.

Filed under: Hawaii, Sports, Kids, Oahu, Comedy, Unexplained Phenomenon | Tagged: Pole Vaulting, Pole Snaps, Quinn Cassid, Punahou Track and Field | Leave a Comment »

UH Hilo Captures Microsoft Academic National Championship

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Damon

A student team from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo recently won the prestigious 2013 U.S. Microsoft Imagine Cup Championship held in San Jose, California. The team now heads to St. Petersburg, Russia for the Imagine Cup Worldwide Finals in July.

Imagine Cup is Microsoft’s premier student technology competition that honors technology innovations addressing the world’s toughest problems as student innovators from around the world use Microsoft resources to take their one-of- a-kind, ground breaking application ideas from concept to the marketplace. The national finals featured the top 10 U.S. teams pitching their ideas and solutions to investors, entrepreneurs, and technology professionals for a chance to win cash prizes and support for their businesses.

Team Poliahu – Featured from left to right: Ryder Donahue, Kayton Summers, Wallace Hamada, Professor Edwards and Mike Purvis.

UH Hilo’s Team Poliahu, comprised of seniors Mike Purvis, Kayton Summers, Wallace Hamada and junior Ryder Donahue from the UH Hilo Computer Science Department, topped the field of competition with their application entitled “Help Me Help,” which focused on community help for disaster relief efforts. The program aids the community and emergency response personnel in disaster situations by allowing users to upload images of nearby hazards through the use of smart phones.

Team Captain Purvis said the idea grew out of a senior project to design software that could track native and invasive plant species.

“We realized tracking that kind of information could be applied to a larger scale with more impact,” said Purvis. “So we decided to rewrite our entire idea for disaster response.”

Team Adviser Dr. Keith Edwards, associate professor, computer science, said the student’s achievement is evidence of what hard work and creative thinking can accomplish.

“As a professor, I am always the most pleased when students are able to transcend the material taught in the classroom to develop knowledge and capabilities beyond what is presently known,” Edwards said. “The success achieved by these students is a perfect representation of how the tremendous creative possibilities at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo can have a worldwide impact.”

Filed under: Announcements, Education, National Affairs, Technology, UH Hilo | Tagged: Microsoft, U.S. Microsoft Imagine Cup Championship, UH Hilo Team Poliahu, University of Hawaii Hilo | Leave a Comment »

Fukushima Friends Benefit Concert – Japan Kids to Come to the Big Island for Respite, Rest and Fun

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Damon

Please help the children and young adults that desire to come to the Big Island from the disaster area of Fukushima, Japan, in July and August, 2013 by attending the Fukushima Friends Relief Concert on May 26th at the East Hawaii Center for Spiritual Living.

About 20 young people with chaperones from 5th grade up are coming to the Big Island to receive respite, rest, and fun from July 15-Aug 26.

A group will be providing food, shelter, and transportation for one month which is costly. In addition, some of you may not know, but, these children and young adults have suffered the earthquake, tsunami, family suicides, survival camps, and high radiation exposure for 2 years. They are in need of fresh air, ocean swimming, and rest for their physical and mental health. They have been living inside locations without being able to play outside, touch the ground, or eat Fukushima food because of the radiation dangers. Please help us provide for these young people. Please come to the concert or you may donate any amount to the fund.

Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Community, Entertainment, Hawaii, Kids, National Affairs, Puna | Tagged: 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, Fukushima, Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, Fukushima Prefecture, Hawaii, Japan, Youth | Leave a Comment »

UH Hilo Announces Year-End Award Recipients

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Damon

A student, staff, and faculty members were honored at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo 2013 Awards and Recognition Celebration held recently on campus.

Xietan Kawai Anuhea Dutro, a student fiscal/administrative assistant at Ka Haka `Ula O Ke`elikōlani (KHUOK) College of Hawaiian Language, was honored as Student Employee of the Year. Dutro has worked at the College since 2008 and is an integral part of its preparation and planning for events and activities as well as being the College’s representative on the Merrie Monarch Parade committee.

The Outstanding University Support Employee Award was presented to Shana Kaneshiro whose work as an office assistant in the Financial Aid Office positively affects the 8,200 students applying for financial aid each year. Kaneshiro redesigned all the FAO forms that can now be done online, and each year volunteers for the College Goal Sunday events in Hilo and Kona that help up to 400 students and their families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). She has served as president of the UH clerical support group Nā Laulima, and has been the campus clerical representative on the UH Hilo Chancellor’s Professional Development Committee since 2011.

College of Continuing Education and Community Service (CCECS) Program Coordinator Corinne Tamashiro, who began working for the College as a student in 1971, received the Professional Staff Award. A former Interim and Acting Dean, Tamashiro played a significant role in planning and establishing the North Hawai’i Education and Research Center (NHERC) in Honoka`a, and single handedly built UH Hilo’s summer session program into what it is today.

This year’s Taniguchi Excellence & Innovation Award went to Dr. Philippe Binder, professor of physics, and Dr. Ramon Figueroa-Centeno, associate professor of mathematics. Binder and Figueroa-Centeno were recognized for their work on three-dimensional visualization of complex mathematical objects in `Imiloa’s 16-meter state-of-the-art stereoscopic planetarium. Their work offers significant advances in the presentation of complex mathematical data sets, which allow data to be manipulated so that it can be better understood and become a powerful tool in physics and mathematics courses. The first of its kind to be presented in a planetarium environment, the data has been presented at a national level visualization conference and used in university classes.

The event also recognized retirees and employees receiving various years of service awards.

Filed under: Announcements, Education, Kids, UH Hilo | Tagged: College of Hawaiian Language, Education, FAFSA, Hilo, Hilo Hawaii, Honoka, University of Hawaiʻi, University of Hawaii Hilo | Leave a Comment »

Seven Big Island Organizations Recipients of the 2013 Malama Honua Awards

Posted on May 12, 2013 by Damon

A total of seven (7) Big Island organizations were awarded with the 2013 Malama Honua Award, funded by Aloha Grown. Each received a $500 award towards a specific project, program or initiative that embodies Aloha Grown’s philosophy to “Support Local, Sustain the Aina & Share the Aloha.”

From L-R: Tracey Akau (Parker Ranch Store – Manager), Carl Sturges (Parker School – Headmaster), Holly Sargeant-Green (Malaai – Garden Leader), Hayley Blondin (Waimea Country School – Teacher/Garden Coordinator) and Camille Kalahiki (Parker Ranch Store – Assistant Manager). Missing Dashiell Kuhr (Hawaii Institute of Pacific Agriculture – Executive Director)

Congratulations to the following 2013 Malama Honua Award recipients! Following are their projects/programs that promote sustainability (in alphabetical order):

Hawaii Institute of Pacific Agriculture – “Aloha Classroom” project
Hilo Downtown Improvement Association – “Lets Grow Hilo” project
Hilo Intermediate School Parent & Community Networking Center – “Learning Garden/Aquaponics System” project
Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin – “Grow our Garden” initiative
Malaai: The Culinary Garden of Waimea Middle School – “Farm Stand” program
Parker School – “Kihapai Hooulu” project
Waimea Country School – “Na Keiki Aloha Aina” program

“We were extremely pleased to see such a great response to our Aloha Grown Malama Honua Fund program,” said Aloha Grown Store Manager Tyler Owens. “We received a number of applications and essays from well-deserving organizations.”

From L-R: Connie Kurohara (Aloha Grown – Vice President), Richard Onishi (Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin – Kyodan President), Jon Kirby (Hilo Intermediate School Parent & Community Networking Center – Century 21 Garden Coordinator), Samantha Robinson (Hilo Downtown Improvement Association – Let’s Grow Hilo Coordinator) and Tyler Owens (Aloha Grown – Store Manager).

Parker Ranch Store Manager Tracey Akau noted, “it was inspiring to see how many organizations are committed to sustainability efforts in our Big Island communities.”

Aloha Grown is committed to supporting sustainability efforts on the Big Island. Two percent of every Aloha Grown sale goes to the Malama Honua Fund, which awards local nonprofits, schools, organizations and initiatives with similar sustainability missions.

To view the essays submitted by all 2013 Malama Honua Award recipients, visit www.alohagrown.com/malama-honua-fund.html.

For more information on Aloha Grown, visit www.alohagrown.com.

Filed under: Agriculture, Announcements, Big Island, Community, Education, Environment, Hawaii, Hawaiian, State Affairs, Sustainable Living | Tagged: 2013 Malama Honua Awards, Aloha Grown, Support Local, Sustain the Aina & Share the Aloha | 1 Comment »

Island Youth Earn Summer Internships at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park

Posted on May 12, 2013 by Damon

Nearly 50 Hawai‘i Island high school youth have completed training for eight-week summer internship programs with Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park starting in June.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Entrance

Graduation ceremonies were held on Thursday, May 9th, at the Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus and again on Friday, May 10th.

The park’s non-profit partner, Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, was awarded grants from the Cooke Foundation, Ltd., the Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Foundation, Kamehameha Schools ‘Āina Education Program, and the Hawai‘i Pacific Parks Association to continue the park’s Youth Ranger Internship Program (YRIP), now in its fourth successful year.

In addition, generous donations from Volcano Art Center, KTA Superstores, Target, Nui Pohaku, and Safeway will support the graduation ceremony.

“We are so grateful to our community for embracing this life-changing program. Over $90,000 has been donated to give these great kids a chance to make a real contribution to caring for their park,” said Park Ranger Kūpono McDaniel, who oversees the program. “I have really enjoyed getting to know these kids from Ka‘ū, Pāhoa, and Kea‘au high schools and Hawai‘i Academy of Arts and Science, and now we will get to see them in action,” he said.

The Youth Ranger Internship Program provides education and career preparation to youth in rural East Hawai‘i. Youth train with park rangers in six different divisions within the park, including Interpretation, Natural Resources, Cultural Resources, Maintenance, Protection, and Administration. After training, as many as 33 successful candidates will be hired to these divisions.

“The Youth Ranger Internship Program is designed to empower local students to affect change in the world and to expose them to meaningful career options. The skills they learn will make them better candidates for any career they choose to pursue,” McDaniel said.

Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Education, Hawaii, Kids | Tagged: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Internships in Hawaii | Leave a Comment »

Applications Available for UH Hilo Environmental Summer Program

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Damon

This summer the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo provides three different one-week environmental day camps for Hawaiʻi Island high school students. The application deadline is May 17.

East Hawaiʻi students entering grades 9 – 12 this fall are encouraged to apply for the 2013 Mānowai o Hanakahi summer program. This year’s program focuses on exposure to Hawaiʻi’s regions while participants develop skills used in data collection for ecological monitoring, spatial analysis and data visualization. Applicants can select from:

• June 10 – 14 Mālama Mauna Kea: discover landscapes, native ecosystems and the origins of our water

• June 24 – 28 Mālama Kīlauea: encounter lavaflows and discover the relationship between life and lava

• July 22 – 26, Mālama ke Kai: become familiar with coral tidepools and the delicate ecosystems they support

Applicants may apply for one or all camps. For more information, visit http://stem.uhh.hawaii.edu/Manowai or contact Erika Perry at 933-0707 or hperry@hawaii.edu.

Filed under: Announcements, Education, UH Hilo | Tagged: Summer School in Hawaii, University of Hawaii Hilo | Leave a Comment »

UH Hilo Hosts Abraham Lincoln Symposium

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Damon

In conjunction with the 150th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation, the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo hosts the James Oliver Horton Symposium on Abraham Lincoln on Saturday, May 25 from 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. in UCB Room 100. A second day of the symposium will be held at UH Manoa on Sunday, May 26.

The symposium, named after James Oliver Horton, the Benjamin Banneker Professor of American Studies and History at George Washington University and Historian Emeritus of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History, features a trio of renowned and respected guest speakers.

The President William McKinley Distinguished Professor of Law and Public Policy at Albany Law School, Paul Finkelman presents “How a Railroad Lawyer Became The Great Emancipator.” Finkelman, who has lectured throughout the U.S., Europe, Asia and Latin America has authored over 30 books, along with various legal opinions which have been cited by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Orville Vernon Burton, distinguished professor of humanities, professor of history and computer science at Clemson University, and the director of the Clemson Cyber Institute, speaks on “Lincoln, Emancipation, and Education.” A prolific and acclaimed author and historian, Burton’s The Age of Lincoln (2007) won numerous awards, was nominated for a Pulitzer, and had one reviewer proclaiming that, “If the Civil War era was America’s ‘Illiad,’ then historian Orville Vernon Burton is our latest Homer.”

University of Richmond President Edward L. Ayers presents “Where Did Freedom Come From?” Awarded the National Professor of the Year from the Carnegie Foundation, his numerous awards include the Bancroft Prize for Distinguished Writing in American History and the Beveridge Prize for the Best Book in English on the history of the Americas since 1492 for In the Presence of Mine Enemies, Civil War in the Heart of America (2004). Ayers is also a co-host of Back Story with the American History Guys, a nationally syndicated radio show that ties history to the present day.

The program will be followed by a light reception from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. in UCB 127 where members of the audience will have an opportunity to meet and talk with the guest speakers.

Tickets for these limited seating events, including the reception, are $8 and available online at http://lincoln.hawaii-conference.com/ or by calling the UH Hilo Conference Center at 974-7555.

The symposium is largely underwritten by generous grants from the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Foundation, Hawaiʻi Council for the Humanities, and the Dorrance Scholarship Programs’ Charitable Fund. Additional funding and support for the symposium comes from UH Hilo, UH Hilo Student Activities Council and UH Manoa College of Education.

For more information about the symposium, visit http://lincoln.hawaii-conference.com/.

Filed under: Announcements, Hawaii, UH Hilo | Tagged: Abraham Lincoln symposium, UH Hilo | Leave a Comment »

Department of Education Implements Guidelines for Displaying Third-Party Materials at School Campuses

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Damon

The growing number of promotional brochures and flyers being issued and distributed on public school campuses has prompted a new set of guidelines by the Hawaii State Department of Education (DOE).

The guidelines restrict the dissemination of school-approved third-party marketing, advertising and/or promotional materials to the following distribution methods:

Posting on a school’s community bulletin board.
Placing the brochures in a magazine rack display.
Leaving a stack of registration forms at a side counter or table in the school front office.

These guidelines do not apply to programs or activities that the DOE or the school has affirmatively endorsed or sponsored, including programs or activities conducted by county agencies or federal agencies. School resources, staff and teacher time while on campus should remain dedicated to students. This principle is consistent with the State’s Ethics Code that bars use of public school supplies, equipment, or instructional time to promote private business purposes. The DOE is particularly sensitive to any elements that may distract students on campus or in their classrooms.

The DOE recognizes that some parents may want information about enrichment activities for their children such as private tutoring, music lessons or sports camps. These types of promotional materials may be displayed in a designated area at the school. The school may also refuse to display any material that is deemed inappropriate, offensive or promote illegal activity.

The DOE remains committed to ensuring that school campuses are healthy learning environments for students and staff. For more information, please see hawaiidoe.org.

Filed under: Announcements, Education, Hawaii, Kids, State Affairs | Tagged: Hawaii Department of Education | Leave a Comment »

Governor Abercrombie’s Statement on the Resignation of UH President

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Damon

Gov. Neil Abercrombie issued the following statement this afternoon regarding the announcement by M.R.C. Greenwood that she will resign her position as president of the University of Hawaii this September.

Gov. Abercrombie stated:

“From the moment I met President Greenwood, I was impressed with her commitment and her desire to give her very best effort on behalf of the University of Hawaii. She brought a wealth of experience and determination to put that to work for the university. I personally wish her every good fortune in the years to come.

“As for the university and the presidency, I will be contacting the Board of Regents and the wider university community as we chart our next steps.”

Filed under: Abercrombie, Announcements, Education, UH | Tagged: M.R.C. Greenwood Resignation, Neil Abercrombie | Leave a Comment »

Governor Abercrombie Recognizes State’s Inaugural Transformation Internship Program Participants

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Damon

Upon the completion of the state’s first Transformation Internship Program (TIP) session, Gov. Neil Abercrombie recognized the spring 2013 participants in a special ceremony held today in Executive Chambers. The innovative internship program provides Hawaii undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to work alongside innovators within state government and gain hands-on experience in a wide range of areas.

“TIP represents an investment in those who have likewise invested in themselves through higher learning,” Gov. Abercrombie said. “This public-private partnership offers a unique opportunity for college and university students to gain training and experience while taking part in our ongoing transformation of state government. The students emerge ready and empowered to take an active and leading role in shaping Hawaii’s future, particularly as they begin their respective careers in an increasingly technological global marketplace.”

At the ceremony, the Governor presented certificates of appreciation to more than 20 students able to attend with friends and family (A total of 45 students participated in the spring session). He also recognized state Chief Information Officer (CIO) Sanjeev “Sonny” Bhagowalia, Deputy CIO of Business Transformation Randy Baldemor, Department of Human Resources Development (DHRD) Deputy Director Leila Kagawa, and Enterprise Honolulu President and CEO Pono Shim for their part in the session’s success.

In December 2012, the state Office of Information Management Technology (OIMT), led by Bhagowalia, first announced the internship program in partnership with DHRD and Enterprise Honolulu, which provided featured speakers to enhance the program.

In addition to OIMT and DHRD, participating state agencies included the Departments of Agriculture, Public Safety and Taxation, with students participating from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Kapiolani Community College, Brigham Young University – Hawaii, Hawaii Pacific University, and University of Phoenix.

Through the program, students had the opportunity to:

earn academic credit while gaining “real-world” experiences;
participate in meaningful work assignments relevant to academic area of study;
apply business, communications, public administration, information technology, and engineering classroom concepts to work assignments;
be exposed to public service careers; and
develop a network of professional contacts for future opportunities.

For example, students interning at OIMT were supervised by Baldemor and worked with program teams to evaluate challenges and assist in the implementation of the State of Hawaii’s IT Transformation Plan improvements throughout the state’s various departments. They interacted with, met and interviewed state employees, as well as summarize research results and present findings through presentations, reports, white papers, dashboards, and scorecards.

TIP is open to students in a wide range of majors including business administration, management information systems, computer science, social sciences (research focus), political science, public administration, human resource development, communications, engineering and other related fields.

The TIP Summer 2013 Session starts in June, with applications being accepted through June 8. Applicants must be currently enrolled as a graduate student or undergraduate student with junior or senior status, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher, and have the ability to work well in a team with a broad range of stakeholders (e.g. state employees, outside consultants and private organizations) and communicate effectively at multiple levels. Applications can be submitted online at: http://www.dhrd.hawaii.gov

Filed under: Abercrombie, Announcements, Education, Kids, State Affairs, Technology | Tagged: Chief Information Officer, Hawaii, Neil Abercrombie, Transformation Internship Program | Leave a Comment »

Free Value-Added Guide for Hawai’i Producers Released

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Damon

A free 58-page guide entitled, Adding Value to Locally Grown Crops in Hawai‘i: A Guide for Small Farm Enterprise Innovation is now available. Because of the high cost of labor, land, and materials in Hawai‘i, family farms are only economically sustainable if they can produce high-quality products that are valued above cheap imports.

Front cover: Adding Value to Locally Grown Crops in Hawai‘i: A Guide for Small Farm Enterprise Innovation

This guide helps growers add value to all aspects of their farm enterprise and offers resources for further developing their strategies. “If you cherish the farming lifestyle and want to keep farming, you have to make your farm profitable. This guide goes a long way towards showing how to escape from the fatal trap of commoditization by adding value for the consumer,” observes Dr. Kent Fleming, an extension economist who has developed numerous cost-of-production spreadsheets for the University of Hawai’i and other organizations worldwide.

The guide was authored by Craig Elevitch and Ken Love with input from agricultural professionals statewide. Elevitch is an agroforestry educator whose most recent book Specialty Crops for Pacific Islands (2011) provides insights into sustainable cultivation and processing techniques for local and export markets with an emphasis on production methods, postharvest processing, and marketing. Love, widely known as a passionate advocate for the innovative small farm, is co-owner of Love Family Farms in Kona, Hawai’i, which produces a range of value-added products including jams, jellies, dried fruits, and coffee.

“Adding value is an essential component of small farm sustainability,” says Love, who has extensive experience working with farm enterprises. “There are many different ways to add value in growing, processing, and marketing products. This guide is about finding ways of adding value to your operation that are best suited for you and that are ultimately profitable.”

The publication was produced with funds from the State of Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture, the Agribusiness Incubator Program of the University of Hawai‘i, and the County of Hawai‘i Department of Research and Development. The guide is available as a free download and a limited number of free hard copies will be available throughout Hawai’i. Distribution locations and a link to download the free guide are listed at www.valueadded.info.

Filed under: Agriculture, Environment, Health, Sustainable Living, Food & Drink, Hawaiian, Something New?, Hawaii, Education, Economy, Announcements, aloha | Tagged: Agriculture, Ken Love, Hawai, Craig Elevitch | Leave a Comment »

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