A TSUNAMI HAS BEEN GENERATED THAT COULD CAUSE DAMAGE ALONG COASTLINES OF ALL ISLANDS IN THE STATE OF HAWAII. URGENT ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN TO PROTECT LIVES AND PROPERTY.

A TSUNAMI IS A SERIES OF LONG OCEAN WAVES. EACH INDIVIDUAL WAVE CREST CAN LAST 5 TO 15 MINUTES OR MORE AND EXTENSIVELY FLOOD COASTAL AREAS. THE DANGER CAN CONTINUE FOR MANY HOURS AFTER THE INITIAL WAVE AS SUBSEQUENT WAVES ARRIVE. TSUNAMI WAVE HEIGHTS CANNOT BE PREDICTED AND THE FIRST WAVE MAY NOT BE THE LARGEST. TSUNAMI WAVES EFFICIENTLY WRAP AROUND ISLANDS. ALL SHORES ARE AT RISK NO MATTER WHICH DIRECTION THEY FACE. THE TROUGH OF A TSUNAMI WAVE MAY TEMPORARILY EXPOSE THE SEAFLOOR BUT THE AREA WILL QUICKLY FLOOD AGAIN. EXTREMELY STRONG AND UNUSUAL NEARSHORE CURRENTS CAN ACCOMPANY A TSUNAMI. DEBRIS PICKED UP AND CARRIED BY A TSUNAMI AMPLIFIES ITS DESTRUCTIVE POWER. SIMULTANEOUS HIGH TIDES OR HIGH SURF CAN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE THE TSUNAMI HAZARD.

THE ESTIMATED ARRIVAL TIME IN HAWAII OF THE FIRST TSUNAMI WAVE IS 1105 AM HST SAT 27 FEB 2010.

Latest updates:

• Honolulu Star-Bulletin
• Honolulu Advertiser
• Hawaii News Now (Video)
• Twitter tag #hitsunami

Resources:

• Tsunami Evacuation Zones for the State of Hawaii
• Disaster Preparedness (Hawaii State Civil Defense)

Lava advances in “two steps forward, one step backward” style

Long-time Kilauea Volcano watchers know the drill when the supply of magma to the active vent on the volcano’s east rift zone is interrupted—abandonment of the “old” lava tube system, breakout of new surface flows, an evolving tube network, and eventually a new ocean entry.

This drama is unfolding again as many small `a`a and pahoehoe flows spread through what is left of the Royal Gardens subdivision and move a short distance across the coastal plain. The flows are providing sporadic, distant views of incandescent lava, glow, and burning vegetation from the Hawai`i County viewing area in Kalapana.

These flows are the consequence of a temporary decrease in magma supply to the active vent, beginning December 29 and lasting nearly 6 days. The decrease corresponded to a pronounced deflation of the summit and east rift zone area, followed by several days of only slight inflation as recorded by sensitive tiltmeters.

Scientists interpret deflation as an indicator of a relative decrease in magma supply and inflation as an increase in magma supply.

When the December 29 deflation event began, lava was pouring into the ocean at Waikupanaha, and more than 1,000 people per day were visiting the Hawai`i County lava viewing area. Within a few days, however, the entry shut off completely. Lava stopped entering the ocean by January 4, but some lava continued to move through the uppermost part of the tube system within about 3 km (2 miles) of the TEB vent.

The upper tube system lies within a complex series of rootless shields tens of meters (yards) tall that were built by thousands of overlapping small flows between November 2007 and February 2008. Near the lower end of these rootless shields, the original tube system became blocked as the Waikupanaha entry shut off, forcing lava to break out onto the surface at several locations between the shields and the top of Royal Gardens.

These flows are slowly creating a new but unstable tube system as the supply of magma to the vent continues to fluctuate. Seven deflation-inflation events have occurred since December 29.

During the inflation periods, new breakouts from the tube have generally formed longer flows that reached lower and lower elevations on the pali. Breakouts from the next inflation period often start lower than the previous breakout—evidence that the tube system was elongating and forming longer flows. The overall result of this pattern, as described by scientists, is a “two steps forward, one step back”-style of flow advancement and tube development.

Continued small fluctuations in magma supply as a consequence of small deflation-inflation cycles will likely promote growth of the new tube system all the way to the coast, west of the Waikupanaha entry. But a larger- or longer-than-usual deflation event may cause the young tube system to stagnate and trigger new breakouts above Royal Gardens in a sudden step backward.

Kilauea Activity Update

Surface flows have been active on the lower pali and coastal plain within the Royal Gardens subdivision. These flows have largely stayed close to the base of the pali but had extended halfway to the coast by Thursday morning. A deflation/inflation cycle, which started on Tuesday at Kilauea’s summit, caused these flows to slow down by mid-week. Surface flows in the same general area will likely be renewed when the volcano re-inflates.

At Kilauea’s summit, a spattering and roiling lava surface, deep within the collapse pit inset within the floor of Halema`uma`u Crater, was sporadically visible via Webcam. On several occasions, the lava surface rose slightly briefly covering the floor of the pit, but activity, for the most part, has remained fairly steady. Volcanic gas emissions remain elevated, resulting in high concentrations of sulfur dioxide downwind.

There were no felt earthquakes during the past week.

Visit the HVO Website for detailed Kilauea and Mauna Loa activity updates, recent volcano photos, recent earthquakes, and more; call (808) 967-8862 for a Kilauea summary; email questions to askHVO@usgs.gov.

Volcano Watch is a weekly article and activity update written by scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

Photo: Aerial view of Kilauea Volcano’s south flank shows new lava flows in Royal Gardens subdivision (center) and the coastal plain (bottom center). Blue smoke (center right) is from burning vegetation caused by active lava flows. The developing lava-tube system is marked by the linear alignment of fume left of the burning vegetation, extending to the horizon. U.S. Geological Survey photograph by Jim Kauahikaua, February 11, 2010.

Hawaiian’s on-time performance for all of 2009 averaged 92.1 percent highlighted by its leading the industry in each month for the entire year (Hawaiian ranked #1 in December at 87.0 percent). Hawaiian has led the nation’s carriers in on-time performance every year since 2004 and during that span has earned the #1 ranking in 63 out of a possible 72 months.

“The employees of Hawaiian Airlines know what customers care about most is arriving on time, and for the last six years, no one’s been better at this than Hawaiian Airlines,” said Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian’s president and CEO.

Hawaiian also finished 2009 as the nation’s top-ranked carrier for fewest flight cancellations based on data reported monthly by DOT. Hawaiian averaged an industry-best 0.2 percent for flight cancellations in 2009, and either led all carriers or tied for the top spot in nine of the 12 months. In December, Hawaiian was nearly perfect at finishing #1 with only two cancellations out of 5,833 total flights.

Hawaiian earned the second-highest overall score for baggage handling in 2009 averaging 1.90 mishandled baggage reports for every 1,000 passengers served during the year. In December, Hawaiian recorded the industry’s top score with 1.66 mishandled baggage reports per 1,000 passengers.

Hawaiian also ranked second overall nationally in fewest oversales for 2009, reporting only 22 involuntary denied boardings out of more than 8.3 million passengers served during the year.

Hawaiian is the nation’s largest provider of air service to Hawaii from the Western U.S., as well as the leading carrier for interisland service between the islands of Hawaii. The DOT report covers 19 airlines, including nine carriers providing service to Hawaii, and is available online.

Fun and informative festivities include demonstrations on avocado grafting and growing, an avocado recipe contest, free guacamole sampling, farmer’s market, arts and crafts, healing arts, agriculture and sustainable living displays, a green fashion show, raffle benefit for Innovations Public Charter School, exciting keiki games, healthy organic foods and a beverage booth serving refreshing smoothies, juices and kava drinks and a chic green fashion show, a living Eco Village pavilion, a silent auction presented by Innovations Public Charter School, arts and crafts, healing arts, sustainable living displays and exciting keiki games.

Experts with UHʼs College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) and the Hawaiʻi Tropical Fruit Growers Assoc. will host demonstrations on avocado culture, including growing varieties suited to Hawaiʻi, plus grafting techniques, organic management and bee keeping and pollination. Also on tap is a panel discussion, “Putting the Culture Back into Agriculture.”

New to this yearʼs festival is a demonstration of “figure casting” by Josef Hadley aka Brudajo. Also on display will be original festival art by Shirley Pu Wills, a Chinese brush painting titled “Avocadoes in the Breeze.” The art will be sold on prints and T-shirts and Wills will be available to sign prints.

For information, contact Randyl Rupar at (808) 936-5233 or randyldna@earthlink.net, or visit www.manakeasanctuary.org.

The grant money, $1,097,200 this year and $1,708,000 in the next fiscal year, is designed to help foster robotics education and expand students’ learning of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) throughout their schooling, while preparing them for careers in the global economy.

“Robotics education has become an integral part of our efforts to prepare Hawai‘i students for the global economy,” said Governor Lingle. “While we work to develop an innovation economy with high-technology careers based in Hawai‘i, we must also ensure our state’s workforce is ready for the future opportunities. Robotics students will be among those who develop viable solutions to our local, national and global challenges. They will ensure Hawai‘i stays at the forefront of the global economy.”

The funds will be used to purchase robotics kits and curriculum packages for schools, provide teacher workshops and professional development training as well as cover operating costs of competitive robotics events which occur year-round.

“The robotics programs are truly effective in engaging our youth – our future – in the excitement and wonder of science, technology engineering and math,” said University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw. “All of the partners, certainly including highly committed teachers, sponsors, mentors and volunteers, contribute to the success of these programs and such efforts have a positive impact on Hawai‘i’s future. UH-Mānoa is also definitely excited about having the participants as our students in the future.”

The Hawai‘i Robotics Organizing Committee (ROC) was formed last year to bring together the six robotics programs – FIRST LEGO League, FIRST Robotics, Botball, VEX Robotics, Underwater Remote Operating Vehicle and Micro Robotics – which previously operated independently. This is the first time all six of the robotics programs have coordinated their efforts to promote robotics education in elementary, middle and high schools statewide.

Over the past 3 years, student participation in robotics education has grown tremendously. Currently, 182 public, charter and private schools have robotics teams in one or more of the six robotics programs, accounting for 47 percent of Hawai‘i’s schools.

Robotics education is a key component of the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s Hawai‘i Innovation Initiative, which seeks to transform Hawai‘i’s economy from one based on land development to one based on the innovative capacity of Hawai‘i‘s residents, especially our youth.

The $2.8 million funding is being made available to the state under the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund, Part B as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) that was passed by Congress last February. Governors have discretion over how to use Part B funds, which for Hawai‘i total approximately $35 million. Governor Lingle has elected to dedicate all of the Part B funds toward public education, with a focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

The Walt Disney Company President and CEO Bob Iger met with Governor Lingle on Friday to share the news that the islands of Kaua‘i and O‘ahu will be sites for the production of the feature film, which will begin shooting this summer and is slated to be released in summer 2011. The production is expected to generate an estimated $85 million in direct and indirect spending in Hawai‘i, providing a needed economic boost for the state’s economy as well as creating hundreds of jobs for local residents.

“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” will star Johnny Depp, returning to his iconic role of Captain Jack Sparrow. The film is produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, and directed by Rob Marshall. The writers are Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio, and the executive producers are Mike Stenson, Chad Oman, Barry Waldman, Elliott, Rossio and John DeLuca.

“Disney’s long-term commitment to Hawai‘i – from ABC’s ‘LOST’ to the new Disney resort on O‘ahu scheduled to open in 2011, and now the upcoming filming of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’ – is a testament to the company’s confidence in our state as a great place to do business,“ said Governor Lingle.

“The Walt Disney Company has a great relationship with Hawai‘i that we’re looking forward to building upon with the filming of the latest adventures of Captain Jack Sparrow and his crew,” said Iger. “I thank Governor Lingle and her team for their tremendous support of the projects Disney has underway in this great state.”

“We’ve always sought out the most extraordinary and exotic locations for the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ films,” said producer Jerry Bruckheimer, “and previously shot briefly on both Maui and Moloka‘i for ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.’ Hawai‘i provides an amazing range of both land and seascapes, and we’re delighted to return for ‘On Stranger Tides.’”

The state’s Creative Industries Division and the Hawai‘i Film Office, which are housed in the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, began working with Disney last year and organized a series of meetings and conference calls to help secure the business.

Georja Skinner, the State’s Creative Industries Division administrator who oversees operations of the Hawai‘i Film Office, worked collaboratively with the Governor’s office, Department of Taxation and Tourism Liaison Marsha Wienert, along with Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau, Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau, the Kaua‘i Film Office, the City and County’s Honolulu Film Office, The Resort Group, Ko Olina Resort and Disney Vacation Club to help secure “Pirates of the Caribbean” for Hawai‘i.

“Hawai‘i competes on a global basis for productions and to have Disney choose Hawai‘i over other states and countries is a huge win for us,” said Skinner. “Creative industries are by nature collaborative and what I think made a difference for us is the combination of our tax incentive as well as local film, travel and destination industry support.”

“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” joins a growing list of feature film and television productions slated to film in Hawai‘i this year. Warner Bros. feature “Hereafter,” directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Matt Damon completed filming on Maui last week. Pre-production is also beginning for the feature film “The Descendents,” starring George Clooney and directed by Academy Award®-winning writer/director Alexander Payne. The film is based on the book by Hawai‘i resident Kau‘i Hart Hemmings. Several network pilots, as well as a Japanese drama series and a Korean drama series are also scouting Hawai‘i for projects this year.

“For too long marine debris has marred the natural beauty of our ocean and threatened our marine ecosystem,” said Sen. Daniel K. Inouye of Hawaii. “I have long championed a coordinated effort to mitigate the many tons of debris that suffocate our coral, kill our fish and aquatic mammals and blanket our coastlines. This is a critical issue for our state and I am proud that Hawaii is taking the lead in finding a solution to this global problem.”

For the last two years, numerous governmental, non-governmental, academic, industry, and private business partners from across the state worked alongside NOAA’s Marine Debris Program to develop the Hawaii Marine Debris Action Plan. Building on significant ongoing and past marine debris community efforts, the plan establishes a comprehensive and cooperative framework for marine debris activities and projects across the state to reduce:

• the current backlog of marine debris;
• the number of abandoned and derelict vessels;
• land-based debris in waterways; and
• fishing gear and solid waste disposal at sea

Numerous strategies and activities fall under each of these goal areas, many of them already underway by Hawaii’s marine debris partners. These include debris removal efforts, emergency response, prevention and outreach campaigns as well as increasing research and technology development. Progress will be tracked and measured for each of these areas.

“We’ve all been working to address marine debris in Hawai‘i in our own way for years. It’s great to have a plan that we can all contribute to and work together on to tackle marine debris in Hawaii,” said Marvin Heskett, member of the Surfrider Foundation’s Oahu Chapter.

“This roll-out demonstrates NOAA’s continued commitment to working with partners from across the state of Hawai‘i on the issue of marine debris,” said David M. Kennedy, acting assistant administrator for NOAA’s National Ocean Service. “We are proud to take part in the development of the nation’s first marine debris action plan in Hawaii.”

The plan, supported and coordinated by NOAA with assistance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is available online. Video is also available for download on the site.

NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources.

FIRST stands for “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology.” This year’s competition called for teams of 9 to 14 year-old students to research and present their own creative solutions to one of today’s most relevant topics: gaining efficiency in transportation systems.

The Champions Award was presented to Punahou School’s team, Punabots Blue. ‘Iolani School’s Roboraiders Zoom team was named runner-up.

As the state champion, Punahou School will represent Hawai‘i at the FIRST LEGO League World Festival, to be held in conjunction with the FIRST Championship, April 15-17, 2010 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia.

Other award winning schools include:

• King Kamuali‘i – Judges Award
• Waimea Canyon Middle – Rising Star Award
• ‘Aina Haina Elementary – Team Spirit Award
• Pauoa Elementary – Core Values Award
• Highlands Intermediate – Gracious Professionalism Award
• Kaunakakai Elementary – Creative Presentation, first place
• Emmanuel Lutheran School – Creative Presentation Award, second place
• ‘Iolani School – Innovative Solution Award, first place; Research Quality Award, second place
• Kapolei Elementary – Innovative Solution Award, second place
• Holomua Elementary – Research Quality Award, first place
• Punahou School (Team Firewall) – Robot Design Award, first place
• Hawai‘i Baptist Academy – Robot Design Award, second place
• Mid Pacific Institute – Team Work Award, first place
• Honolulu Christian Homeschoolers – Team Work Award, second place
• Punahou School (Team Buff n Blue 100) – Robot Performance Award, first place
• Punahou School (Team Firewall) – Robot Performance Award, second place

Student teams programmed their robots to complete “missions,” including how to plan efficient routes and sequences, climb steep ramps, respond to changing conditions, travel along narrow bridges with no guard rails, and endure successful crash tests. Through this research and competitive play, students are exploring the growing questions around how to make transportation more efficient.

The FLL competition is judged in four areas: project presentation; robot performance; technical design and programming of the robot; and teamwork. The highest honor will go to the team that best exemplifies the spirit and values of the program.

In addition to the Championship competition, nearly 200 Junior FIRST LEGO League participants displayed their LEGO models and research projects. Junior FIRST LEGO League is geared toward 6 to 9 year-olds, introducing them to the wonders of science and technology through traditional, open-ended LEGO building with an age-appropriate challenge based on the FIRST LEGO League theme. Hawai‘i currently fields 45 Junior FLL teams.

Participation in the FIRST LEGO League and Junior FIRST LEGO League programs in Hawai‘i has skyrocketed from six to a record 172 teams, in the six years of the programs operation in Hawai‘i.

This weekend’s FLL Hawai‘i State Championship Tournament was sponsored by Hawai‘i Robotics Organizing Committee (ROC), Women in Technology, Hawaiian Electric Company, TESORO Corporation, City & County of Honolulu – HTA – CPEP, UH Manoa College of Engineering, Honolulu Community College – Construction Academy, Department of Education and isisHawaii.

FIRST LEGO League is one of six major programs in which Hawai‘i students can participate. The six programs which fall under the umbrella of the Robotics Organizing Committee (ROC) include FIRST LEGO League, FIRST Robotics, Botball, VEX Robotics, Underwater Remote Operating Vehicle (ROV), and Micro Robotics.

Recognizing the importance of promoting robotics at an early age and sustaining students’ interest in STEM education throughout their schooling, the six robotics programs which previously operated autonomously joined together to form the Hawai‘i Robotics Organizing Committee (ROC) (www.robotics.hawaii.gov). This is the first time all six of the robotics programs have coordinated their efforts to promote robotics education in elementary, middle and high schools statewide.

To learn more about student robotics in Hawai‘i as well as to view highlights and photos of the Hawai‘i FLL State Championship, visit www.hawaiiroc.org.

The following schools and youth organizations will participated in the “Smart Move” Challenge this weekend:

O‘ahu

• Aina Haina Elementary School
• Hawai‘i Baptist Academy
• Highlands Intermediate School
• Holomua Elementary School
• Honolulu Christian Home Schoolers
• ‘Iolani School
• Kāne‘ohe Elementary School
• Kapolei Elementary School
• Kapolei Middle School
• Lehua Elementary School
• Ma‘ema‘e Elementary School
• Makalapa Elementary School
• Mid Pacific Institute
• Mililani Mauka Elementary School
• Moanalua Elementary
• Noelani Elementary School
• Pearl City Elementary School
• Pearl Ridge Elementary School
• Punahou School
• Sacred Hearts Academy
• Salt Lake Elementary School

Maui

• 4-H Maui
• Emmanuel Lutheran School
• ‘Īao School
• Queen Ka‘ahumanu Elementary School
• Seabury Hall
• St. Josephs School
• Moloka‘i
• Kaunakakai Elementary School

Lāna‘i

• Lāna‘i Elementary School

Big Island

• Keaukaha Robotics Program
• Myron B. Thompson Academy, PCS
• Pauoa Elementary
• Waiākea Elementary
• Waiakeawaena Elementary
• West Hawai‘i Explorations Academy, PCS

Kaua‘i

• King Kaumuali‘i Elementary School
• Kōloa Elementary School
• Waimea Canyon Middle School

ABOUT FIRST

Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With the support of many of the world’s most well-known companies, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST Robotics Competition and FIRST Tech Challenge for high-school students, FIRST LEGO League for children 9-14 years old, and Junior FIRST LEGO League for 6 to 9 year-olds.

FLL is an international program for 9 to 14 year-old children (10 to 16 outside the U.S. and Canada) created in a partnership between FIRST and The LEGO Group in 1998 based on their common belief that fun and learning go hand-in-hand, and that an inspired mind can accomplish anything. Each September, FIRST LEGO League announces the annual challenge to teams, engaging them in authentic scientific research and hands-on robotics design. Using LEGO MINDSTORMS technologies and LEGO play materials, children work alongside adult mentors to design, build, and program robots to complete missions based on real-world challenges. After eight intense weeks, the competition season culminates at high-energy, sports-like tournaments.

ABOUT THE LEGO GROUP

LEGO Systems Inc. (LSI) is the Americas (North America and Latin America) division of The LEGO Group, a privately-held firm based in Billund, Denmark. The LEGO Group is committed to the development of children’s creative and imaginative abilities through high-quality, creatively educational play materials, and its employees are guided by the motto adopted in the 1930s by founder Ole Kirk Christiansen: “Only the best is good enough.”

This Friday, December 11, and again on Saturday, December 19, from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., Sea Life Park Hawaii will be offering special “Snow by the Sea” events at the Park’s Meadow where keiki can build a snowman, make snow angels, snowball fight and pose for pictures. In addition, the kids can enjoy an inflatable bounce house.

“Christmas is never quite Christmas without snow,” said Jesus Bravo, general manager of the Park. “While our snow at Sea Life Park may not come from the sky, it still offers the unique feel of playing in the snow and will help get the whole family in the holiday spirit. Make sure the kids are bundled up in hats, snow pants, and gloves!”

“Snow by the Sea” is free with Park admission, and after playing in the snow, families can enjoy the Park’s regular attractions. For more information, call Sea Life Park at 259-7933.

Sea Life Park offers a variety of marine-life shows, exhibits and educational programs for all ages and is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Among its most popular features are the swim-with-dolphin programs.  For more information, visit the Park’s Web site at www.sealifeparkhawaii.com.

“This month’s Innovation Award Winners have demonstrated that developing innovative solutions to improve our community is important in every sector of our society,” said Governor Lingle. “One recipient is leading the way in using science and technology to develop innovative retina treatments. Another is employing innovative ideas and partnerships to ensure that our youth do not miss out on athletic opportunities due to the current economic and fiscal challenges. Our third recipient is a government agency that has a proven record of developing innovative programs to help prepare those who made mistakes in the past to lead productive lives in our community.”

The recipients of the Governor’s Innovation Award for November 2009 are:

Innovation by an Organization: Retina Institute of Hawai‘i

The Retina Institute of Hawai‘i is regarded as one of the nation’s leading retina treatment practices, especially for its research and clinical trials. The Institute is currently participating in 13 clinical trials that allow it to offer Hawai‘i residents the latest state-of-the-art treatment and therapies. The Institute is also in the process of securing at least four patents on several types of retina surgeries. In addition to its advanced research and clinical trials, the Retina Institute of Hawai‘i has invested more than $300,000 to launch “Project Vision,” an innovative, non-profit mobile office that provides free retinal screenings via a converted 35-foot bus that is furnished with an examination laboratory and digital imaging equipment.

Innovation by an Individual: Keith Amemiya

Since taking the position of executive director of the Hawai‘i High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) eleven years ago, Keith Amemiya has devised innovative ways to increase and enhance opportunities for Hawai‘i’s youth to participate in high school athletics. Without counting on State funding, Amemiya formed strategic partnerships with Hawai‘i’s businesses and the community to expand the number of state championship tournaments, providing more opportunities for more student athletes – both boys and girls – from across the state to become involved. Hawai‘i now has the most high school sports championships in the nation – thanks to the pioneering work by Amemiya to find creative ways to establish championship tournaments in sports such as girls wrestling, air riflery, cheerleading, girls golf, girls water polo and judo.

This year, facing what could have been a monumental challenge when the Department of Education cut $1.2 million from Hawai‘i’s public school athletic departments, Amemiya used his innovative skills to form the HHSAA Save Our Sports campaign. Since July, the campaign has raised more than $1.3 million in private donations, ensuring that our student athletes will not miss out on opportunities to participate and excel in their chosen sports, despite the current economic and fiscal challenges. Amemiya will step down as executive director at the end of the year, but through his innovation, he leaves HHSAA with a stronger future and a winning record for Hawai‘i’s student athletes.

Innovation in Government: Dept. of Public Safety, Hawai‘i Correctional Industries

Hawai‘i Correctional Industries (HCI) continues to implement innovative solutions that allow inmates to learn job skills, while saving the State and private companies valuable resources. HCI, a self-sustaining division of the state Department of Public Safety, provides inmates with real-world work opportunities to help increase their employment prospects upon release. HCI has developed inmate work programs that provide printing services, labor resources, furniture making, and construction services. Over the years, HCI work crews have constructed playgrounds at elementary schools, installed office furniture at state agencies, cleared weeds and brush along State highways and packaged papayas for a Hilo company. The labor provided to the government agencies comes at significant cost savings, which is especially helpful as the State works to provide quality services with fewer resources. Inmate labor costs only 50 cents per hour and the inmates gain a positive work ethic while learning real-world skills that they can use to turn their lives around and create a stronger future for themselves when released back into the community.

About the Governor’s Innovation Awards

Governor Lingle initiated the Innovation Awards in May 2008 to acknowledge and encourage innovation across all sectors statewide. The awards recognize deserving individuals, companies, nonprofits, organizations and government agencies that are developing innovative products, services and processes. The award is part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s Hawai‘i Innovation Initiative, a comprehensive plan to transform Hawai‘i’s economy from one dependent on land development to one that builds on human ingenuity and the ability of Hawai‘i’s people to innovate.

The Governor’s Innovation Awards nominees are evaluated monthly by a 15-member selection panel comprised of industry, education and government representatives statewide. Nominations are submitted online and are judged on creativity; effectiveness in achieving a goal or purpose; transferability and adoptability by others; and significance in addressing an important local or global issue, problem or opportunity. The selection committee provides final recommendations to Governor Lingle for her approval.

For additional information or to submit a nomination, visit www.hawaii.gov/gov/innovation-award.