Chancellor Rose Tseng today announced the appointment of Ka‘iu Kimura (at left) as interim executive director of the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai‘i. Kimura replaces Peter Giles, who served as ‘Imiloa’s executive director since 2005.

Kimura joined ‘Imiloa as the Hawaiian content research specialist during its planning phase in 2001 and later served as the center’s experience coordinator. She most recently held the position of associate director with the additional responsibility for all visitor experiences as well as planetarium, educational, exhibit, cultural and cultural landscape programming.

“Ka‘iu brings a wealth of experience to this position, combined with energy and drive,” Tseng said. “She also embraces ‘Imiloa’s mission to integrate science and culture, which will enable her to build on the center’s accomplishments and take it to the next level.”

Kimura was raised in Waimea and graduated from Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus. She returned to the Big Island to attend UH Hilo where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Hawaiian studies. Kimura says she is humbled and excited about the opportunity to head ‘Imiloa.

“I’ve watched and participated as the center has evolved from its development, through its opening and beyond to its operational phase,” Kimura explained. “And I’m constantly amazed at how ‘Imiloa pursues its greater mission to inspire and provide greater opportunities for our youth and the community-at-large in the area of scientific innovation through a living and dynamic world view of our Hawaiian culture.”

Kimura said she wants to see ‘Imiloa develop more creative educational programming to engage Hawai‘i’s youth and inspire them to become the next generation of innovation leaders. She also plans to continue developing ‘Imiloa as a place for meaningful dialogue to promote scientific advancement and innovation.

Big Island Video tapes Yahoo! co-founder Jerry Yang delivering the keynote address at UH Hilo’s spring commencement on Saturday. Click on photo above or link here to Part One of keynote. Link here to Part Two.

Reported by Tim O Bryan:

The University of Hawaii at Hilo featured one of the biggest names of the Internet era when Yahoo! Inc. co-founder and part-time Hawaii resident Jerry Yang delivered the keynote address at university’s spring commencement on Saturday.

The 40-year-old Yang was born in Taipei, Taiwan and moved to San Jose, California at the age of eight with his mother and brother. Yang earned B.S. and M.S. degrees in electrical engineering from Stanford University where he was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. He has maintained ties to his alma mater, and is presently on leave from the University’s electrical engineering Ph.D. program.

Yang emerged as one of the stars of the dot-com explosion while still in college, when he teamed with David Filo to create an Internet website consisting of a directory of other websites in 1994. “Jerry’s Guide to the World Wide Web,” was later renamed Yahoo!, leading to Yang and Filo co-founding Yahoo! Inc. the following year.

What began as a web portal with an extensive directory of products and services for online activities has since grown to become a leading global Internet brand and one of the most heavily trafficked networks.

The company provides services in more than 30 languages and in more than 30 countries, regions and territories, including localized versions of Yahoo! As a key member of the executive management team, Yang’s focus at Yahoo! throughout the years has included corporate strategy, technology vision, strategic business partnerships and international joint ventures and talent recruitment.

Yang is also a member of the company’s board of directors, in addition to sitting on the boards of Yahoo! Japan, Cisco Systems, Alibaba, the Asian Pacific Fund and Stanford University Board of Trustees.

In addition to his high tech achievements, Yang has earned a reputation as a philanthropist through his generous support for higher education. In 2007, Yang and his wife, Akiko Yamazaki, donated $75 million to Stanford University, with $50 million designated to support environmental research. His previous gifts to Stanford have funded scholarships, undergraduate education, and other campus programs at the School of Engineering, the Asia Pacific Research Center, the Stanford Japan Center, and the Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve.

Yang was honored during the UH Hilo Commencement with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree for his achievements as a global visionary and for his charitable contributions.

A total of 487 students representing the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management, College of Business and Economics, and Ka Haka `Ula O`Ke`elikolani College of Hawaiian Language got their degrees at the ceremony held at Hilo’s Edith Kanaka`ole Stadium.

###

Link

Chancellor’s Message
Chamber Connection
May 2009

Mauna Kea Comprehensive Management Plan approved

I am happy to inform you that the Mauna Kea Comprehensive Management Plan was unanimously approved by the Board of Land and Natural Resources. Mahalo for your support! A special thanks to Barbara Hastings and others for testimony, members for participation in the April 6 rally, support of the CMP on the Chamber’s website and through email notices. Your support was invaluable and I sincerely thank each and every one of you.

I’m pleased and proud to commit the University of Hawaii at Hilo to take the lead in implementing the Comprehensive Management Plan. We recognize that stewardship of Mauna Kea needs to be from the Big Island. In the year 2000, UH changed the organizational structure for the management of Mauna Kea, and UH Hilo assumed responsibility.

We’ve been the lead campus for the past eight and a half years, working through our Office of Mauna Kea Management. Its mission is to find harmony, balance and trust in the sustainable management and stewardship of the Mauna Kea Science Reserve. We involve the public in preserving and enhancing the natural, cultural, and recreational resources of Mauna Kea. We also aim to provide a world-class center for education, research, and astronomy.

The Office of Mauna Kea Management has made sure that no change is made on Mauna Kea without considerable community oversight and involvement. The Mauna Kea Management Board advises OMKM and me on stewardship issues. It’s a hard-working, community-based board that actively helps to manage the mountain. All its meetings are open to the public. Mahalo to Barry Taniguchi for his leadership as board chair.

The Kahu Ku Mauna Council and Environment Committee also volunteer many hours to study stewardship issues and provide thoughtful input to OMKM and the board. Kahu Ku Mauna means “guardians of the mountain,” and they provide guidance on cultural matters.

I’m proud UH Hilo has the expertise and capacity to implement the CMP. We’ve been growing steadily over the past 11 years. With over 600 employees, we are the second largest employer in East Hawaii. Moreover, we’re a comprehensive university with expertise in Hawaiian language and culture as well as degree programs in many other relevant subjects, including conservation biology, environmental studies, astronomy, geology, and other disciplines.

We pride ourselves on being able to integrate culture and science. We run special science programs to give first-generation college students and other under-represented groups opportunities to succeed in science studies. We are increasing the numbers of Native Hawaiian students majoring in the sciences and achieving degrees, and do a lot of K-12 outreach. We built ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center to bring science and culture together.

The Office of Mauna Kea Management and the Mauna Kea Management Board have already made great strides in managing the Mauna Kea Science Reserve. We have brought transparency and accountability to the Science Reserve. We’ve already laid the foundation for implementing the CMP recommendations.

UH Hilo is a community-driven university. We work for the community, and the community has always supported us in a true partnership. Mauna Kea is important to the community and UH Hilo together. We’re all the more ready to support the recommendations of the CMP because they were developed with wide and deep community input. Again, mahalo to the Chamber for all your support in our efforts.

Last month, I told you about our Spring Commencement keynote Jerry Yang, co-founder and Chief Yahoo at Yahoo! I wanted to tell you that UH Hilo nominated Mr. Yang to receive an honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters, from UH.  Mr. Yang was chief executive officer of Yahoo! from June 2007 to January 2009. He co-developed Yahoo! in 1994 while he was working toward his Ph.D. in electrical engineering at Stanford University. Mr. Yang currently serves on the board of directors of Cisco Systems, Yahoo! Japan, and Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., and is also on Stanford’s Board of Trustees. He holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in electrical engineering from Stanford and is currently on a leave of absence from Stanford’s electrical engineering Ph.D. program. I’ve known Jerry many years from when I lived in Silicon Valley, and I look forward to hearing his remarks at Spring Commencement on May 16. I know he’ll be an inspiration to our graduates.

Mahalo for all you support. When we all work together, great things happen!

Rose Tseng

Have you ever wondered who to call when you see an injured turtle on the beach? Or how to culture a black pearl? How small is a fish that is too small to keep?

Find out the answer to these and other fascinating questions concerning the ocean surrounding us at the 3rd annual Ocean Day Hawaii, hosted by the University of Hawaii at Hilo Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center (PACRC, pictured above) and Marine Science Department, in partnership with the University of Hawaii Sea Grant and Hilo Jaycees.

Admission is free for this family-friendly event on Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at PACRC on Kalanianaole Avenue in Keaukaha.

Ocean Day Hawaii is a community outreach event designed to increase public awareness of ocean issues such as conservation, ocean resources and ocean safety through fun, interactive displays, activities and booths. Over 1,000 people attended last year’s event. This year’s Ocean Day promises to be bigger and better, with additional and more diverse displays.

All ages will enjoy the hands-on activities prepared by UH Hilo Marine Science researchers and partners, including the Hawaii Division of Aquatic Resources, Marine Mammal Response Network, Hawaii Wildlife Society and Mokupapapa. For the keiki, there are fishing games, touch-tank exploration and face painting plus crafts and activities, including a poi pounding workshop. Artwork of our coastal Hawaii nei by Keaukaha keiki will be displayed as well as underwater remote operated vehicles (ROVs) courtesy of local robotics groups. Site tours will also be given.

In addition to providing information on current topics such as why plastic is harmful to marine life and what we can do to help identify and control aquatic invasive species, other booths will focus on our coastal heritage here in Hawaii. Information will be available on how to get involved with beach clean-ups, what you can do to help preserve and protect our ocean resources, and how to gain a career in the ocean sciences.

There will be a welcome by Patrick Kahawaiolaa of the Keaukaha Community Association and UH Hilo Chancellor Rose Tseng. For more information, e-mail Sharon Ziegler-Chong at ziegler@hawaii.edu or Michele Kubojiri at mkubojir@hawaii.edu or call 933-3289.

Chancellor Tseng, at center in red, at US-China Energy Conference held at UH Hilo

From Big Island Video News:

March 19, 2009 – Hilo, Hawaii
VIDEO: David Corrigan

An international meeting of the world’s top two energy consuming countries took place on the Big Island Wednesday, as the Committee on U.S. – China Cooperation on Electricity from Renewables convened in Hilo.

The University of Hawaii at Hilo was the host for the joint U.S.-China delegation, which was comprised of leading scientists and experts on renewable energy from the National Academies of Science and Engineering in both countries.

According to a university press release, the committee met at UH Hilo to learn more about how the Big Island’s renewable energy strategies, initiatives and research can strengthen the economic foundation of the community.

Chancellor Rose Tseng, who greeted the Chinese delegates in their own language, took a moment to do a video interview about the important meeting.

Joining the two countries’ leading renewable energy researchers were representatives of Mayor Billy Kenoi, Hawaii Electric Light Company, Kanoelehua Industrial Area Association and local agriculture businesses.

A UH-Hilo press release notes that the U.S. and China rank as the world’s top two energy consumers, but remain largely reliant on fossil fuels.

The delegation is also visiting other parts of the state.

From West Hawaii Today:

by Jason Armstrong
Sunday, January 25, 2009

Two-time space voyager Astronaut Daniel Tani, the keynote speaker at Saturday’s ninth annual Astronaut Ellison Onizuka Science Day on the University of Hawaii at Hilo campus, wows his audience with footage of the October 2007 blastoff of the Space Shuttle Discovery on its 16th flight to the International Space Station. Tani spent 120 days living and working aboard the station, during which he performed numerous robotic operations and carried out five extra-vehicular spacewalks. – William Ing | Stephens Media

HILO — An estimated 600 Big Island students spent Saturday learning about science, space exploration and the experiences of a NASA astronaut.

“Today was really a fun day,” said Lauren Miho, a Waiakea High School freshman and Key Club chairwoman for the 2009 Astronaut Ellison Onizuka Science Day held at the University of Hawaii at Hilo campus.

The free, daylong event featured interactive science displays, various workshops and a humorous demonstration on the effects of air pressure.

“I think Ellison is very happy,” said Shirley Matsuoka, older sister of the Kealakekua native who was aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger when it exploded 73 seconds after launching Jan. 28, 1986.

“It was very exciting to see the students enjoying themselves and absorbing all the science they can,” Matsuoka said of the annual event. “It was great.”

The Onizuka family, the Onizuka Memorial Committee, the Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka Space Center, Future Flight Hawaii, the Hawaii Space Grant Consortium and UH-Hilo co-sponsored the event.

Also invaluable were corporate sponsors, including American Savings Bank, which has backed the event from its inception.

“It takes a lot of people to make it happen, and we’re very fortunate to have a lot of support,” said Claude Onizuka, Ellison’s brother.

Read the rest of this entry »

From The Honolulu Advertiser:

HILO — Vern and Cathi Yamanaka, president and vice president of Yamanaka Enterprises Inc., have established an endowed scholarship to benefit students at the University of Hawai’i at Hilo. Several additional members of the Yamanaka family have pledged to support the fund with contributions as well. Yamanaka Enterprises Inc., a real estate brokerage firm that specializes in commercial and large parcel acquisitions, management and consultation, is ranked among the top real estate firms in Hawai’i. Several of Vern and Cathi’s children are employed at the firm.

Hiromu Yamanaka received his BA from the University of Hawai’i at Mnoa in 1943. After a 20-year career as a teacher in vocational agriculture he started his own realty company, Hiromu Yamanaka Realty, Inc. He was an integral player in the Hilo community and for many years was instrumental in the development of the University of Hawai’i at Hilo, serving as an officer of the Friends of the University of Hawai’i, Hilo

Campus and co-chairing the UH Hilo Fund in 1971. He was instrumental in organizing the Hawai’i Island Board of Realtors and served as its first president in 1966. He was then appointed by the Governor to serve as Real Estate Commissioner from 1965-73.

Helen Yamanaka was a graduate of Kapi’olani Business College and worked for 26 years in a civilian capacity as an administrative assistant at Kilauea Military Camp. She also served as secretary/treasurer of Hiromu Yamanaka Realty, Inc.

The fund will benefit undergraduate students in any field at UH Hilo. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, financial need will be a criterion and preference will be given to students who have graduated from high school on the Big Island.

Vern Yamanaka currently serves as a member of the UH Hilo Chancellor’s Advisory Board.

“It’s such a privilege to receive the gift of a permanent scholarship from a family whose members has been so closely linked to UH Hilo over three generations,” said UH Hilo Chancellor Rose Tseng.

Photo by John Oshima

In today’s Honolulu Advertiser:

KAILUA, KONA, Hawai’i — The Big Island may become the center of the universe for U.S. space projects. At least that is the vision of the director of a space research program at the University of Hawai’i-Hilo.

Frank Schowengerdt, director of Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems, or PISCES, said the Big Island is the ideal spot on Earth for kick-starting NASA’s plans to put men and women on the moon and Mars permanently. “We’re going back (to the moon) and we’re going back to stay by 2018 or 2020,” he said. “We want a permanent presence on the moon, and PISCES has a permanent place on the Big Island.”

The PISCES program, which scored $400,000 last year from the Legislature, bills itself as an international research and education center for the development of technologies to sustain human life on the moon and beyond.

Its mission is to advance the settlement of space through partnerships with industry, academia, NASA and space agencies around the world, Schowengerdt said. Future funding likely will come from federal and state sources, as well as private donations and grants.

The program last month was instrumental in NASA’s successful tests of equipment to turn soil into oxygen and water on the slopes of Mauna Kea.

Link

The 19th century Native Hawaiian artist, after whom UH Hilo’s Hawaiian language immersion school in Keaau is named, now also has a crater on Mecury named after him.

From The Honolulu Star Bulletin:

Heavenly honor bestowed on Nawahi

The native of Puna was an artist, teacher, lawyer, publisher

When the Messenger spacecraft begins orbiting Mercury in March 2011, it will look down on “Nawahi Crater.”

A little smaller than Kauai, the crater is named for Kahooluhi Nawahi, also known as Joseph Kahooluhi Nawahiokalaniopuu.

The self-taught artist from Puna, who died in 1896 at age 54, was known as a Renaissance man with many talents and interests from art, law and teaching to newspaper publishing.

Jeffrey Gillis-Davis, University of Hawaii-Manoa planetary researcher and member of the Messenger space mission team, proposed Nawahi’s name for the crater in Mercury’s Calloris Basin after consulting the Honolulu Academy of Arts.

A Hawaiian language immersion school in Keaau on the Big Island, Ke Kula O Nawahiokalaniopuu Iki, also bears the artist’s name.

Tonight’s guest on Focus on UH Hilo cable TV show is Hawaii Small Business Development Center Network’s state director William Carter. Carter will discuss the business incubator’s role in development of small enterprises and services that promote job and sales growth.

The 30-minute show airs live tonight on local cable Channel 55 starting at 8:00 p.m. For those who do not have cable, please contact the marketing and alumni office for DVD of show.

Focus on UH Hilo, hosted by Chancellor Tseng and moderated by Ken Hupp, highlights UH Hilo programs, developments and partnerships with community organizations.

For more information, email Michelle Araki at melander@hawaii.edu.