 |
| Learn to make Hawaiian cordage, Kaula, at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on Mar. 14. See story below. Photo by Michael Szoenyi, National Park Service |
SPINLAUNCH, THE COMPANY PLANNING TO START A MINI SPACEPORT ON HAWAIʻI ISLAND, with a possible location in Kaʻū and a bill before the Hawaiʻi Legislature, is profiled in a recent posting on the online TechCrunch by Josh Constantine.
The SpinLaunch idea is to reduce the cost of taking small satellites and packages into space. According to the story, SpinLaunch founder Johnathan Yaney said SpinLaunch is targeting a per-launch price of less than $500,000, while "all existing rocket-based companies cost between $5 million and $100 million per launch." The company is attempting to raise $25 million through Special Purpose Revenue Bonds, under consideration at the Hawaiʻi state House and Senate.
Asks TechCrunch, "What if instead of blasting cargo into space on a rocket, we could fling it into space using a catapult? That's the big, possibly crazy, possibly genius idea behind SpinLaunch." TechCrunch reports that SpinLaunch was "secretly founded in 2014 by Jonathan Yaney, who built solar-powered drone startup Titan Aerospace and sold it to Google. Now TechCrunch has learned from three sources that SpinLaunch is raising a massive $30 million Series A to develop its catapult technology."
The SpinLaunch idea is to reduce the cost of taking small satellites and packages into space. According to the story, SpinLaunch founder Johnathan Yaney said SpinLaunch is targeting a per-launch price of less than $500,000, while "all existing rocket-based companies cost between $5 million and $100 million per launch." The company is attempting to raise $25 million through Special Purpose Revenue Bonds, under consideration at the Hawaiʻi state House and Senate.
Asks TechCrunch, "What if instead of blasting cargo into space on a rocket, we could fling it into space using a catapult? That's the big, possibly crazy, possibly genius idea behind SpinLaunch." TechCrunch reports that SpinLaunch was "secretly founded in 2014 by Jonathan Yaney, who built solar-powered drone startup Titan Aerospace and sold it to Google. Now TechCrunch has learned from three sources that SpinLaunch is raising a massive $30 million Series A to develop its catapult technology."
 |
| A render of a SpinLaunch hangar, with evolving technology to catapult small satellites into space, as shown to and published by TechCrunch. |
The writer states that Yaney confirms "SpinLaunch has raised a total of $10 million to date, and that he's personally an investor. As for the next $30 million, he says, 'The current status of our Series is that we are still taking meetings with potential investors and have not yet received an executed offer.'"
TechCrunch writer Constantine wrote that he "scored an interview" with the SpinLaunch founder "after four years in stealth." TechCrunch reports founder Yaney explaining the SpinLaunch idea as a "sustainable way to get things like satellites from earth into space without chemical propellant. Using a catapult would sidestep the heavy fuel and expensive booster rockets used by companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin."
TechCrunch writer Constantine wrote that he "scored an interview" with the SpinLaunch founder "after four years in stealth." TechCrunch reports founder Yaney explaining the SpinLaunch idea as a "sustainable way to get things like satellites from earth into space without chemical propellant. Using a catapult would sidestep the heavy fuel and expensive booster rockets used by companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin."
 |
SpinLaunch founder Johnathan Yaney, as seen on TechCrunch. |
TechCrunch visited a SpinLaunch hangar with the SpinLaunch founder, who told the reporter, "Since the dawn of space exploration, rockets have been the only way to access space. Yet in 70 years, the technology has only made small incremental advances to truly commercialize and industrialize space; we need 10x tech improvement."
The TechCrunch writer said that he interviewed sources who quoted physicists who discussed potential challenges including, "air resistance on the cargo when the catapult fires. Earth's atmosphere is so dense that it could be like the cargo was hitting a brick wall upon ejection. Any electronics or other sensitive materials in the cargo might have to be engineered to withstand intense G-forces. This all explains the pointy, aerodynamic launch vehicle shown in the hangar render," shown above.
TechCrunch wraps up its story by saying, "If SpinLaunch can overcome the technical barriers, it could democratize access to space by lowering launch costs. That could accelerate a new era of zero-gravity innovation, from space travel to mining to what we once thought of as mere science fiction." Read much more and the entire article at TechCrunch. See the testimony regarding the legislative bills at SB2703 and HB2559.
THE PROPOSAL FOR $25 MILLION IN SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS to fund SpinLaunch is making its way through the Hawaiʻi Legislature. Most opposition testimony focuses on the possibility of locating the project in Kaʻū, particularly in the Pohuʻe Bay area where opponents say they want the land preserved for conservation and cultural purposes.
Positive testimony comes from scientists and business people who support advancing the new technology and the possibility of reducing the cost of space launches. Several businesses organizations have issued letters, touting the possibilities of employment and economic development.
Senate Bill 2703 passed the Senate Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs; Economic Development, Tourism, and Technology; and Ways and Means Committees. Neither Kaʻū Senator, Russell Rudernman nor Josh Green, serve on those committees.
House Bill 2559 passed the House Committee on Economic Develpment and Business, and the Finance Committee. Neither Kaʻū Representative, Richard Creagan nor Richard Onishi, serve on those committees. The House has sent its bill to the Senate for consideration. See the testimony at SB2703 and HB2559.
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.
The video follows a crew working in constant wind and ran and ends showing a thick cable pulley, dragging a mass of nets the size of a small car up a makeshift ramp, into the back of a truck, while three people steady its progress.
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.
![]()
THE PROPOSAL FOR $25 MILLION IN SPECIAL PURPOSE REVENUE BONDS to fund SpinLaunch is making its way through the Hawaiʻi Legislature. Most opposition testimony focuses on the possibility of locating the project in Kaʻū, particularly in the Pohuʻe Bay area where opponents say they want the land preserved for conservation and cultural purposes.
Positive testimony comes from scientists and business people who support advancing the new technology and the possibility of reducing the cost of space launches. Several businesses organizations have issued letters, touting the possibilities of employment and economic development.
Senate Bill 2703 passed the Senate Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs; Economic Development, Tourism, and Technology; and Ways and Means Committees. Neither Kaʻū Senator, Russell Rudernman nor Josh Green, serve on those committees.
House Bill 2559 passed the House Committee on Economic Develpment and Business, and the Finance Committee. Neither Kaʻū Representative, Richard Creagan nor Richard Onishi, serve on those committees. The House has sent its bill to the Senate for consideration. See the testimony at SB2703 and HB2559.
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.
 |
| Kamilo net mass, with Scientist Sarah-Jeanne Royer, left, and another researcher, taking samples. Photo from Hawaiʻi DLNR |
THE HUGE MASS OF NETS AND ROPES THAT WASHED ONTO THE KAʻŪ COAST AT KAMILO is shrinking, and some of it may have washed back to sea, say researchers and volunteers working on its removal.
A video posted by Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources shows interviews about the origin of the mass, research, and efforts to remove it.
Scientist Sarah-Jeanne Royer is shown crawling over the ropes and nets with another researcher, taking samples."We have been cutting a few pieces of rope - different colors, different types - and I plan on studying what's living on the ropes, to see if we have invasive species." She said she wants to identify the species living in the mass and also estimate the age of the ropes and nets to determine their origin.
Scientist Sarah-Jeanne Royer is shown crawling over the ropes and nets with another researcher, taking samples."We have been cutting a few pieces of rope - different colors, different types - and I plan on studying what's living on the ropes, to see if we have invasive species." She said she wants to identify the species living in the mass and also estimate the age of the ropes and nets to determine their origin.
In early February, a "huge island of nets" was floating in the ocean ten miles south of Diamond Head . It broke apart and drifted to multiple ‘Oahu beaches. Royer speculated that the Kamilo mass might have been part of that "island."
"There's a lot in the ocean," and where the plastics, ropes and nets drift is "really weather-dependent," Royer said. "Its always there. If not on the shore, it's in the water."
A man in a Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund truck, who has been involved in many debris removal efforts, said, "That mass is going to have to be cut up some way. A lot of the nets we get here, like we just loaded in the truck, we can kind of stretch them out, so it makes it easier to cut them into pieces. That bundle is not going to stretch out," he said. "I can't even guesstimate how many truckloads that may be to get that out of here."
 |
| Huge net mass that washed ashore at Kamilo Beach earlier this month. Photos show Scientist Sarah-Jeanne Royer, in orange, and another researcher, taking samples, and helping a man from Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund to load a smaller net mass onto a truck to haul it away. Photos from Hawaiʻi DLNR |
Watch the whole video here: https://vimeo.com/257203587.
Volunteer for Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund by emailing megan@wildhawaii.org.
Volunteer for Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund by emailing megan@wildhawaii.org.
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN-KONA will give three $2000 scholarships to female college-bound high school seniors with financial need. Kaʻū High School and West Hawai'i high school students are eligible. Application packets were sent to high school counselors in February and are also available on the AAUW Kona website at: https://kona-hi.aauw.net.
The criteria for choosing the recipients are: academic achievement; high school and community involvement and/or employment performance; essay; financial need. The scholarship committee will review all complete applications. Incomplete or late applications will not be reviewed. The deadline for applications to be postmarked is Monday, April 2, . Application packets include a list of requirements.
Chloe Gan, a 2017 graduate of Ka‘ū High was one of last year's three scholarship winners. Gan is in her second semester at University of Portland
With questions, contact co-chairs of the AAUW scholarship committee : Madalyn McWhite -Lamson at madmclam@gmail.com or Doris Massey-Karsznia at dmasseykarsznia@yahoo.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.
With questions, contact co-chairs of the AAUW scholarship committee : Madalyn McWhite -Lamson at madmclam@gmail.com or Doris Massey-Karsznia at dmasseykarsznia@yahoo.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.
 |
| Cordage made from native Hawaiian plants is demonstrated by Uncle Larry on March 14. Photo from Instagram |
Uncle Larry Kuamo‘o demonstrates how to make traditional cordage from native Hawaiian plants like hau and hala. Kaula making was a necessary skill for making tools, wa‘a (canoes), hale (homes) and much more. The free event is part of Hawai‘i Volcanoes’ ‘Ike Hana No‘eau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Park entrance fees apply.
For more, visit nps.gov/HAVO.
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.
Geologist Janet Babb, and other representatives from USGS HVO, will be available at VAC from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., to mark the 10th anniversary of Kīlauea Volcano's ongoing summit eruption.
 |
| Observe the 10th anniversary of Kīlauea Volcano's summit eruption at Halema‘uma‘u by viewing a film screening of USGS's recently released 24-minute documentary. Photo from volcanoartcenter.org |
The event is free; however, a $5 donation to VAC is suggested.
Thursday Night at the Center is a once-a-month series at the Volcano Art Center, focusing on art, Hawaiian culture, and environment. The series is intended to inspire and enhance appreciation of art and life experience, while fostering community connections.
For more, visit volcanoartcenter.org or call 967-8222.
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.
KAʻŪ HIGH BOYS VOLLEYBALL STARTED SPRING SEASON OFF by hosting Kealakehe on Feb. 27. JV started the night off strong, winning both games, at 25-15 and 25-21. The three Varsity games played had the challengers in the lead, with scores of 25-17, 25-10, and 25-14.
The next three games are all away, with the Trojans heading out to Hawai‘i Prep on March 5, Kohala on March 9, and Makua Lani on March 12. See full Spring schedule, below.
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: Saturday, Mar 3, Kohala @ Ka‘ū
Wednesday, Mar 7, Waiakea @ Ka‘ū
Friday, Mar 9, @ Hawai‘i Prep
Tuesday, Mar 13, @ Hilo
Saturday, Mar 17 @ Konawaena
Monday, Mar 19, KSH @ Ka‘ū
Saturday, Mar 24 @ Kealakehe
Saturday, Mar 31 @ Hōnoka‘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: Monday, Mar 5, @ Hawai‘i Prep
Friday, Mar 9, @ Kohala
Monday, Mar 12, @ Makua Lani
Wednesday, Mar 14 Ehunui @ Ka‘ū
Friday, Mar 16 @ Konawaena
Monday, Mar 19 @ KSH
Friday, Mar 23 Pāhoa @ Ka‘ū
Tuesday, Apr 3, @ Waiakea
Wednesday, Apr 11, Kea‘au @ Ka‘ū
Friday, Apr 13, Hōnoka‘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.
‘O KA‘Ū KĀKOU ACCEPTING SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS for school year 2018-2019. Scholarships available to high school or home-schooled graduating seniors and to undergraduate college students. March 1 deadline, application form at www.okaukakou.org. Questions? Call Babette Morrow at 929-8076.
REGISTER FOR GIRL'S DAY HEADBANDS CLASS until Mar 1, for keiki ages 6 to 12 years, for Fri, Mar 2, 2:45 - 3:45 p.m., at Kahuku Park in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. Call Teresa Anderson at 929-9113. For more about these and other recreation programs: hawaiicounty.gov/pr-recreation
KAHA KIʻI CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION is open to high school students. Digital files of 2D artwork due by March 5 at haearts@gmail.com. More info at: gabbard.house.gov/serving-you/student-resources/art-competition
ARTS & CRAFTS: SPRING BUTTERFLY CRAFT, register until Mar 6. Event is Wed, Mar 7, 3:30 - 5 p.m. , Pāhala Community Center
 |
| Keiki Spring Butterfly Craft open for registration through March 6 Detils, right. Photo from Hawaiʻi DLNR |
MY HAWAI‘I 2018 CREATIVE WRITING CONTEST is open to all 6th through 8th grade students in the state. Submit story or poem that addresses the theme, "Ulu ka lālā i ke kumu: From a strong foundation grows an abundant future," to align with the 2018 Hawai‘i Conservation Conference. Submit online at hawaiiconservation.org/my-hawaii/my-hawaii-story-project-2018 by 5:00 p.m., March 9. Email questions to myhawaiistory@gmail.com.
THURSDAY, MARCH 1
HAWAI‘I DISABILITY LEGAL SERVICES, Thu, Mar 1, 8:30 a.m. - noon, Ocean View Community Center. ovcahi.org, 939-7033, ovcahawaii@gmail.com.
 |
| Kōlea lau nui in Kīpukapuaulu. Participate in the stewardship of this land - details to the left. Photo from Hawaiʻi DLNR |
VETERAN'S CENTER AND VA MEDICAL SERVICES, Thu, Mar 1 & 15, 8:30 a.m. - noon, Ocean View Community Center. No appointment needed to visit with VA counselor and benefit specialist. Contact Matthew at 329-0574 - ovcahi.org
STEWARDSHIP OF KῙPUKAPUAULU takes place every Thursday in March: 1, 8, 15, 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.
OCEAN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH meeting, Thu, Mar 1, 6 - 7 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
HULA VOICES with Kumu Hula Kainani Kahauhaele, Thu, Mar 1, 7 - 8 p.m., Volcano Art Center Gallery in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Desiree Moana Cruz moderates event. Free, educational event occurring on the first Thursday of each month (excluding Apr. and Dec. 2018). volcanoartcenter.org
SATURDAY, MARCH 3
SECOND ANNUAL RAPID ʻŌHIʻA DEATH SYMPOSIUM-WEST, Sat, Mar 3, 8:30 a.m. - noon, West Hawaiʻi Civic Center, County Council Chambers. East-side symposium Mar 17. Register at www.RapidOhiaDeath.org
HAWAI‘I WILDLIFE FUND VOLUNTEER BEACH CLEAN UP, Sat, Mar 3, 8:45 a.m., meet at Wai‘ōhinu Park. Help clean up trash and debris washed up on the shore at Kamilo on the Ka‘ū Coast below Nā‘ālehu. Reserve a spot in a 4WD vehicle with HWF in advance. Free; donations appreciated. kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com, wildhawaii.org
STEWARDSHIP AT THE SUMMIT, Mar 3, 9, 16, 23 & 31, 8:45 a.m. Meet Paul and Jane Field at Kīlauea Visitor Center in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Volunteers help remove invasive, non-native plant species that prevent native plants from growing. Free; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/summit_stewardship.htm
HI‘IAKA & PELE, Sat, Mar 3, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Kahuku Unit of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Discover the Hawaiian goddesses and the natural phenomena they represent on this free, moderate, one-mile walk. nps.gov/HAVO
ZENTANGLE: BASICS, Sat, Mar 3, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Volcano Art Center. Learn the foundations of Zentangle art form and the philosophy behind it from Certified Zentangle Teacher Dina Wood Kageler. All art supplies provided. $30/VAC members, $35/non-members, plus $10 supply fee. Bring a light refreshment to share. Register online, volcanoartcenter.org.
SUNDAY, MARCH 4
HAWAI‘I WILDLIFE FUND NEEDS VOLUNTEERS TO HELP LOAD NETS - previously collected from the coast - into a container at Wai‘ōhinu Transfer Station on Sun, Mar 4, starting at 9 a.m. Bring personal drinking water. To sign-up, email kahakai.cleanups@gmail.com.
HAM RADIO POTLUCK PICNIC, Sun, Mar 4, noon - 2 p.m., Manukā State Park. Anyone interested in learning about ham radio is welcome to attend. Sponsored by South Point Amatueur Radio Club and Amateur Radio Emergency Service. View sites.google.com/site/southpointartc or sites.google.com/view/southhawaiiares/home. Rick Ward, 938-3058.
MONDAY, MARCH 5
MONDAY, MARCH 5
OCEAN VIEW VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEETING, Mon, Mar 5, 4 - 6 p.m., Ocean View Community Center. 939-7033, ovcahi.org
TUESDAY, MARCH 6
WALK INTO THE PAST WITH DR. THOMAS A. JAGGAR, Tuesdays, Mar. 6, 20, and 27, at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m., at Kīlauea VisitorCenter. 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
DISCOVERY HARBOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT. Meeting, Tue, Mar 6, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net
DISCOVERY HARBOUR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT. Meeting, Tue, Mar 6, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Discovery Harbour Community Hall. 929-9576, discoveryharbour.net
AFTER DARK IN THE PARK: THE FIRST TEN YEARS OF KĪLAUEA VOLCANO'S SUMMIT ERUPTION, Tue, Mar 6, 7 p.m., at Kīlauea Visitor Center Auditorium. Free; park entrance fees apply - nps.gov/HAVO
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7
DEMOCRATIC PRECINCT MEETING, Wed, Mar 7, 6 - 8 p.m. , Ocean View Community Center
OPEN MIC NIGHT, Wed, Mar 7, 6 - 10 p.m., Kīlauea Military Camp’s Lava Lounge in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Singers, Bands, Comedians, etc. Call 967-8365 after 4 p.m. to sign up. Open to authorized patrons and sponsored guests 21 years and older. Park entrance fees apply. kilaueamilitarycamp.com
ONGOING
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.
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.
![]()
![]()
![]()
