Senator Mazie K. Hirono honored Maui County students who were finalists for the Daniel K. Inouye Innovation Award at Maui Economic Development Board’s 10th Annual Ke Alahele Education Fund Dinner. The dinner also highlighted science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs in Hawaii schools.
“For Hawaii and our nation to succeed in building a high tech, 21st century economy, we must create millions more STEM jobs nationwide, including thousands here at home,” said Senator Hirono. “Programs supported by the Ke Alahele Education Fund have kept Hawaii teachers on the front lines of STEM education, successfully encouraging students to pursue STEM pathways through community-based projects.”
Senator Hirono introduced King Kekaulike High School student Maya Ooki and Maui High School student Jett Bulosan, who along with two other teams of finalists, received awards from the Maui Economic Development Board and the Daniel K. Inouye Institute to continue innovative projects that impact their local communities.
Earlier this month, Senator Hirono chaired a Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee hearing at Maui High School on growing Hawaii’s STEM pipeline. Senator Hirono has introduced several pieces of legislation to encourage traditionally underrepresented groups to pursue STEM careers.