Robotics: Equipping Kapolei Students for Future

I have envisioned our state hosting an exciting and successful FIRST in Hawai‘i Robotics Regional Competition since I went to the national championships last year in Atlanta. What took place inside the Stan Sheriff Center for three days at the end of March far exceeded my expectations.

The Kapolei High School robotics team competed well in the inaugural Hawai‘i regional competition. They were among the 37 high school robotics teams from Hawai‘i, California, Florida, New Jersey, and West Virginia who were actively engaged in science, technology, engineering, and math. Through their participation in robotics, the "varsity sport of the mind," these students have become valuable members of teams, gained recognition at their schools, and become engaged in their communities.

Our administration's goal is to expand the program to every high school in Hawai‘i to ensure all students have access to this type of hands-on educational and life skills-building experience. Ninety-five Hawai‘i schools currently have some type of robotics program. Prior to this year's competition, only four Hawai‘i schools had FIRST Robotics teams. By hosting a regional competition, the number of Hawai‘i schools able to compete jumped to 25, including Kapolei High. As the program grows in the year ahead, we will need more mentors and sponsors to step forward to support the teams.

Providing students with this opportunity is changing young lives in a way that will lead to a brighter future for our entire state. Robotics develops characteristics that are highly coveted in employees, including innovative and critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and teamwork.

Also prominently on display was gracious professionalism. This highly touted FIRST robotics principle teaches students that fierce competition and mutual gain are compatible, and it encourages high-quality work, alliance building, and respect for others.

As much as I look forward to the National Championships and even to next year's FIRST in Hawai‘i regional, I'm most excited and optimistic about our state's long-term future. This event showcased the unlimited potential of human ingenuity among our students. To increase our quality of life and protect our natural resources in Hawai‘i, we must light the spark of innovation in our young people. They are our future, and robotics is an ideal vehicle to take us there.

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