 |
| Slingatron, a technology for launching small packages into space, received some funding from the U.S. Army. A different technology is proposed by SpinLaunch, with one of the potential sites above Pohu‘e Bay. Image from nextBigFuture |
According to the Ahu Moku Advisory Committee, representing SpinLaunch will be Ryan
Hampton and Raphael Feldman. Also attending will be state Sen. Glenn Wakai, of O‘ahu, who
introduced the Special Purpose Revenue Bond measure into the Hawai‘i
Legislature to help SpinLaunch raise some $25 million for the project. SB2703 is cosponsored by Sen.
Kai Kahele of Hilo . The companion bill HB 2559 was introduced by
Rep. Cindy Evans who represents North Kona and Kohala in the state House of Representatives.
 |
| O‘ahu Sen. Glen Wakai will meet with Ka‘ū residents on April 16. He introduced the $25 million Special Purpose Revenue Bond into the Hawai‘i Senate to help fund SpinLaunch. |
Members of the Ahu Moku Advisory
Committee have provided
testimony to the legislature, questioning the project and asking for the public
meeting in Ka‘ū.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SPINLAUNCH PROPOSAL come from Ililani Media's Henry Curtis, of Life of the Land. Curtis is an energy expert who frequently testifies, with standing, before the state Public Utilities Commission.
SpinLaunch proposes to launch small packages and satellites into space by using a spinning machine that would fling them into orbit at a far lower cost than traditional, larger rockets. The company proposes to use only about eight acres, plus a large solar farm for energy to run the project, and a large buffer zone between the launch site and the public. One of the possible sites, around Pohu‘e Bay, is 16,000 acres and for sale for $18 million.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SPINLAUNCH PROPOSAL come from Ililani Media's Henry Curtis, of Life of the Land. Curtis is an energy expert who frequently testifies, with standing, before the state Public Utilities Commission.
SpinLaunch proposes to launch small packages and satellites into space by using a spinning machine that would fling them into orbit at a far lower cost than traditional, larger rockets. The company proposes to use only about eight acres, plus a large solar farm for energy to run the project, and a large buffer zone between the launch site and the public. One of the possible sites, around Pohu‘e Bay, is 16,000 acres and for sale for $18 million.
On Ililani Media, Curtis asks why legislators are not asking more questions of the SpinLaunch team? He noted that Regenerative Breaking is one element of the new technology of SpinLaunch. Curtis writes: "Regenerative Breaking is a method of braking in which energy is extracted
from the parts braked, to be stored and reused. Why would Regenerative Breaking
help launch satellites? No legislator asked."
He also points out that SpinLaunch was created when "oneCalifornia
individual formed a mainland company with only one officer, himself. The
company is not registered to do business in Hawai‘i. Life of the Land
questioned this, but no answer was provided."
Curtis questions, "Would the use of renewable energy for launching satellites compete with other demands for renewable energy? What is the greenhouse gas impacts form launching Hawai‘i satellites? The questions were not asked or answered."
He also points out that SpinLaunch was created when "one
Curtis questions, "Would the use of renewable energy for launching satellites compete with other demands for renewable energy? What is the greenhouse gas impacts form launching Hawai‘i satellites? The questions were not asked or answered."
 |
| Rep. Cindy Evans, who represents North Kona and Kohala, introduced the SpinLaunch bill intothe state House of Representatives. |
Curtis points out that "Hawai‘i
has 2045 goals and is now passing laws encouraging the adoption of U.N.
sustainability goals for 12 years from now." SpinLaunch
proposes to, "use a vast amount of energy from some source to create
ground-based electricity to propel satellites into orbit without the need for
rocket ships....SB
2703 states that SpinLaunch will grab a share of the growing Hawai‘i market
of 'abundant, infinite, renewable energy resources' to provide the necessary
launching power, and the system will also use 'regenerative braking', whatever
that means.
"This upshot
will allegedly be a multi-million dollar construction and launching industry in
Hawai‘i. This will facilitate a 'pro-growth environment for the developing
commercial space industry' that will 'contribute to space exploration,
observation, and transportation,'" Curtis quotes the proposal before the legislature.
He states that "The
substantive totality of the SpinLaunch CEO's testimony before the Senate
Economic Development, Tourism and Technology Committee was brief." It includes the statement "SpinLaunch's adoption in Hawai‘i will facilitate a pro-growth
environment for the developing commercial space industry on the Islands,
bringing a unique capability to market that will facilitate new satellite based
business models. SpinLaunch will contribute to the continued development of the
Hawai[i aerospace presence with new technologies, creating a diversity of 21st
century jobs locally, while educating communities and improving on the
sustainability of Hawai‘i."
Late testimony at the legislature was submitted by the SpinLaunch Project Manager: "I have recently become
acquainted with Hawai‘i and have found the people of the Islands to respect and
honor the value and prestige of the land in a way more passionately than I have
seen in most other places around the world. SpinLaunch aims to uphold and honor
these values while working with communities to help propel economies of new
technology."
 |
| Henry Curtis questions the energy needed for SpinLaunch to take packages to space. Photo from Ililani Media |
Curtis states that SpinLaunch
added new voices to the testimony when it went before the Senate
Ways and Means Committee: The Director of Launch
Site Development at SpinLaunch Inc. wrote that "Recently my family and I moved to the Pāhoa area of the Big Island Hawaiian Islands . I see SpinLaunch
development on the Islands as a way to continue the rich
history of navigation, exploration and discovery while stimulating and
encouraging technological advancements and education that can help humankind
understand more about our planet, our universe and ourselves."
The O‘ahu County
Committee Legislative Priorities Committee of the Democratic Party of
Hawai‘i testified in favor of the bill for many reasons, states Curtis,
including that it "uses an abundant, infinite, renewable energy resources
- solar energy and regenerative braking - to provide electrical loading."
An article from nextBigFuture describes the SpinLaunch plan: "SpinLaunch is raising $30 million to use large centrifuges to power catapult to launch payloads into space. They use large centrifuges to store energy and will then rapidly transfer that momentum into a catapult to send a payload to space at up to 4,800 kilometers per hour (3,000 mph). If successful, the acceleration architecture is projected to be both lower cost and use much less power, with the price of a single space launch reduced to under US$500,000.
"SpinLaunch was founded in 2014 by Jonathan Yaney, who previously started Titan Aerospace, a solar-powered drone company and subsequently sold it to Google. They raised $1 million in equity in 2014, the year SpinLaunch was founded, $2.9 million in equity in 2015, $2.2 million in debt in mid-2017 and another $2 million in debt in late 2017. SpinLaunch has raised a total of $10 million to date.
The article talks about the bill "proposed in the Hawai‘i state senate to issue $25 million in bonds to assist SpinLaunch with 'constructing a portion of its electrical small satellite launch system.'"
The nextBigFuture article compares SpinLaunch to a different technique for space launches proposed in 1979 by Derek A. Tidman. He called it the Slingatron. The idea is to launch the Slingatron from a mountain, high up where the earth's atmosphere is thin and much easier to penetrate, requiring less energy than at sea level. The U.S. military conducted some testing. One of the military concerns for Slingatron and and apparent challenges for SpinLaunch is whether delicate instruments could survive the high amount of G Force during the launch.The Slingathron and several other launch initiatives are further described on the website, nextBigFuture.
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| The U.S. Army put money into a related idea for a cheaper launch mechanism into space. It was called the Slingatron. Image from nextBigFuture |
The article talks about the bill "proposed in the Hawai‘i state senate to issue $25 million in bonds to assist SpinLaunch with 'constructing a portion of its electrical small satellite launch system.'"
The nextBigFuture article compares SpinLaunch to a different technique for space launches proposed in 1979 by Derek A. Tidman. He called it the Slingatron. The idea is to launch the Slingatron from a mountain, high up where the earth's atmosphere is thin and much easier to penetrate, requiring less energy than at sea level. The U.S. military conducted some testing. One of the military concerns for Slingatron and and apparent challenges for SpinLaunch is whether delicate instruments could survive the high amount of G Force during the launch.The Slingathron and several other launch initiatives are further described on the website, nextBigFuture.
 |
| Jennifer Potter, nominated to the Public Utilities Commission by Gov. David Ige. |
Prior to joining the
Institute, Potter was a senior scientific engineering associate in the
Electricity Market and Policy group at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. While
there, she was the project lead on the 2025 California Demand Response
Potential Study for the California Public Utilities Commission. Potter also
worked at the Sacramento Municipal Utility District in various positions,
including enterprise performance data manager, principal market analyst, and
project manager. She was also an electric analyst for the City of Roseville
in California .
Potter earned her
Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies and Economics from Southern
Oregon University, and her Master of Science degree in Public Policy and
Management from Carnegie Mellon
University
"Jennifer
has a solid background and extensive experience that will enable her to serve
well on the Public Utilities Commission. I look forward to working with her to
achieve a 100 percent clean energy future," Gov. Ige said.
"I am deeply
honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve as commissioner to the
Public Utilities Commission. I am dedicated to serving the people of Hawai‘i
and supporting the state's clean energy and resiliency goals," said
Potter.
Potter begins her
six-year term on July 1, 2018 .
She will replace Lorraine Akiba, whose term expires on June 30, 2018 .
"We thank
Commissioner Akiba for her distinguished public service, expertise and
leadership. She has played a key role in representing Hawai'i
in the state's renewable energy transformation. I wish her well in all her
future endeavors," Gov. Ige said. Potter's nomination is subject to Senate
confirmation.
DEPARTMENT OF WATER SUPPLY ADVISES CUSTOMERS TO CHECK FOR PLUMBING LEAKS this week, during Fix-A-Leak Week, through Saturday.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the average American home can waste more than 10,000 gallons of water every year from running toilets, dripping faucets, and other household leaks.
To check for leaks, residents should observe their water meter after turning off all faucets, spigots, and other household appliances (dishwashers, clothes washers, etc.). If the meter is still moving, a leak may be present. Customers should also review their water bill for spikes in water usage.
For more leak detection and water conservation tips, visit the Department of Water Supply website at hawaiidws.org or the United States Environmental Protection Agency website at epa.gov/watersense/fix-leak-week.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
VOLCANO ART CENTER ANNOUNCES KIMCHI WORKSHOP CANCELLED for Sat, Mar. 31. See volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222 for more details.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP ANNOUNCES AN EASTER BRUNCH EVENT for Sunday, Apr. 1, from 9 a.m. to noon., at Crater Rim Café - within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The buffet menu includes: Ham, Beef Pot Roast, and Breakfast Veggie Stir Fry. No reservations are required, though attendees must pay $17 per adult guest and $9.50 per child guest (ages 6 to 11 years old).
KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more details, call 967-8356, or visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
KA‘Ū TROJANS GIRLS SOFTBALL played against green this past Saturday, with an away game at Kona. Ka‘ū scored 1, but Kona won with 11.
Next game played today, with Ka‘ū hosting KHS. Ka‘ū Boys Volleyball also has a home game today, hosting Pāhoa. See the game scores in tomorrow's briefs.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
KA‘Ū TROJANS SPORTS SCHEDULE
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
TUESDAY, MARCH 20
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
KĪLAUEA MILITARY CAMP ANNOUNCES AN EASTER BRUNCH EVENT for Sunday, Apr. 1, from 9 a.m. to noon., at Crater Rim Café - within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The buffet menu includes: Ham, Beef Pot Roast, and Breakfast Veggie Stir Fry. No reservations are required, though attendees must pay $17 per adult guest and $9.50 per child guest (ages 6 to 11 years old).
KMC is open to all authorized patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. For more details, call 967-8356, or visit kilaueamilitarycamp.com.
KA‘Ū TROJANS GIRLS SOFTBALL played against green this past Saturday, with an away game at Kona. Ka‘ū scored 1, but Kona won with 11.
Next game played today, with Ka‘ū hosting KHS. Ka‘ū Boys Volleyball also has a home game today, hosting Pāhoa. See the game scores in tomorrow's briefs.
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
 |
See public Ka‘ū events, meetings, entertainment at kaucalendar.com
/janfebmar/februaryevents.html. See Ka‘ū exercise, meditation, daily,
weekly events at kaucalendar.com/janfebmar/februarycommunity.html.
February print edition of The Ka‘ū Calendar is free to 5,500 mailboxes
throughout Ka‘ū, from Miloli‘i through Volcano. Also available free on
stands throughout the district. Read online at kaucalendar.com.
|
Girls Softball: Thursday, Mar 22, @ Hilo
Saturday, Mar 24 @ Kealakehe
Saturday, Mar 31 @ Honoka‘a
Monday, Apr 2, @ Kohala
Saturday, Apr 7, Hawai‘i Prep @ Ka‘ū
Monday, Apr 9, @ Pāhoa
Wednesday, Apr 11 @ KSH
Saturday, Apr 14, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū
Boys Volleyball: Friday, Mar 23 Pāhoa @ Ka‘ū
Tuesday, Apr 3, @ Waiakea
Wednesday, Apr 11, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū
Friday, Apr 13, Honoka‘a @ Ka‘ū
Monday, Apr 16, @ Hilo
Friday, Apr 20, Parker @ Ka‘ū
To read comments, add your own, and like this story, see Facebook. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. See our online calendars and our latest print edition at kaucalendar.com.
TUESDAY, MARCH 20
WALK INTO THE PAST WITH DR. THOMAS A. JAGGAR, Tuesdays, Mar 20 and 27, at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m., at Kīlauea Visitor Center. Each performance lasts about an hour. To find out more about this living history program, visit the park website: nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/walk
_into_the_past.htm
THE WONDERFUL WORD OF WINE AND WATERCOLOR, Tue, M
_into_the_past.htm
DISCOVERY HARBOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT. Meeting, Tue, Mar 20, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net
SENIOR BINGO DAY, Wed, Mar 21, free lunch 11 a.m. , free bingo 1 - 2:30 p.m. , Pāhala Community Center
FRIDAY, MARCH 23
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY HOSTS A VOLUNTEER WORKDAY on Friday, March 23, at its Kona Hema Preserve Honomolino (located across Hwy 11 from Miloli‘i), from8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
SATURDAY, MARCH 24
WRITING FOR INNER EXPLORATION AND LIFE REFLECTION, Sat, Mar 24, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Volcano Art Center. No previous writing experience necessary. $65 per VAC member and $75 per non-member. Bring lunch and pictures of parent/parents. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222.
MONGOLIAN BBQ, Sat, Mar 24,5 - 8 p.m. Kīlauea Military Camp's Crater Rim Café, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
JAZZ IN THE FOREST, a monthly event held at the Volcano Art Center in the Village, has been moved to the last Saturday in March, the 24th.
SUNDAY, MARCH 25
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21
SENIOR BINGO DAY, Wed, Mar 21, free lunch
THURSDAY, MARCH 22
STEWARDSHIP OF KῙPUKAPUAULU takes place every Thursday in March: 22 and 29. Participants meet at Kīpukapuaulu parking lot, Mauna Loa Road , off Highway 11, at 9:30 a.m. Volunteers should bring clippers or pruners, sturdy gloves, a hat and water; wear closed-toe shoes. Clothing may be permanently stained by morning glory sap. New volunteers, contact Marilyn Nicholson at nickem@hawaii.rr.com.
KA‘Ū COMMUNITY CHILDREN'S COUNCIL, Thu, Mar 22, noon - 1 p.m. , Punalu‘u Bake Shop. Meeting provides local forum for all community members to come together as equal partners to discuss and positively affect multiple systems' issues for the benefit of all students, families, and communities. Chad Domingo, omingoc1975@yahoo.com, ccco.k12.hi.us
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY HOSTS A VOLUNTEER WORKDAY on Friday, March 23, at its Kona Hema Preserve Honomolino (located across Hwy 11 from Miloli‘i), from
STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT Fri., March 23. Participants meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center at 8:45 a.m. Volunteers should wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants, and bring a hat, raingear, day pack, snacks, and water. Gloves and tools provided. Parental or guardian accompaniment, or written consent, required for volunteers under 18. Visit park website for additional planning details: nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm.
ARTS & CRAFTS: SPRING FLOWER COLLAGE, Fri, Mar 23, 2:45 - 3:45 p.m., Kahuku Park, Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. For ages 6 - 12 years. Free. Register Mar 19 - 22. Teresa Anderson, 929-9113, hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
EDIBLE WILD PLANTS: A
KAIKI STAINED GLASS, Sat & Su
MONGOLIAN BBQ, Sat, Mar 24,
JAZZ IN THE FOREST, a monthly event held at the Volcano Art Center in the Village, has been moved to the last Saturday in March, the 24th.
This month's performance offers exciting original compositions by pianist/composer Loren Wilken, and the beautiful Brazilian samba sounds of vocalist/trumpet stylist Andrea Linborg, along with Jean Pierre Thoma on winds, Brian McCree on bass, Russ on drums, and Luke on acoustic guitar.
As usual, the concerts will be at 4:30 & 7 p.m., and refreshments will be available. Tickets are available online, and are $18 per VAC member/$20 non-member. Call 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org for more details.
FINAL DAY OF TĪ AND SEAS ART EXHIBIT at Volcano Art Center Gallery featuring oil paintings by Pāhoa resident Steve Irvine, open to the public through Sun., Mar. 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily - volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.
KEIKI STAINED GLASS, Sun, Mar 25, 9 a.m. to noon, Volcano Art Center. Beginners workshop for keiki ages 11 & up - must be accompanied by an adult. Register in advanced; class limited to 6 children. $50 per VAC member and $55 per non-member, plus $10 supply fee. volcanoartcenter.org, 967-8222.
PALM TRAIL, Sun, Mar 25, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. , Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes
National Park
ONGOING
KDEN HOW THE OTHER HALF LOVES - March 9 through 24. Performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m, Kīlauea Military Camp's Kīlauea Theater, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Kīlauea Drama & Entertainment Network performance. KMC open to authorized KMC patrons and sponsored guests. Park entrance fees apply. Call KDEN for ticket info, 982-7344.
TĪ AND SEAS ART EXHIBIT at Volcano Art Center Gallery, featuring oil paintings by Pāhoa resident Steve Irvine, is open to the public through Sun, Mar 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily - volcanoartcenter.org or 967-8222.
TŪTŪ AND ME OFFERS HOME VISITS to those with keiki zero to five years old: home visits to aid with helpful parenting tips and strategies, educational resources, and a compassionate listening ear. Home visits are free, last 1.5 hours, two to four times a month, for a total of 12 visits, and snacks are provided. For info and to register, call Linda Bong 646-9634.
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