Innovation Hubs

Climate, Energy, and Sustainability

Basic Reasoning:

• Sustainability is critical to Maui County

• Maui, Molokai & Lanai’s unique island ecosystem is an excellent laboratory for the study of sustainability.

• The County of Maui Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy report prioritizes developing our economy through various sustainability initiatives.

Key Activities:

• Support and expand the Hulihia Center. Staffing

• Develop curriculum that encompasses Native Hawaiian sustainability principles into the Sustainable Science Management program. [Lui to clarify “a curriculum” or “curricula” (singular or plural)]

• Sustain a water testing lab at UHMC.

• Develop an Energy beta testing site at UHMC.

• Develop a cohort of students to plan a Sustainability conference focused on the Indo-Pacific area.

• Define green jobs and skill requirements to perform these jobs.

Data Science

Basic Reasoning:

• UH system-wide Data Science Institute (HI-DSI) exists at UH Mānoa

• UHMC would extend the work of HI-DSI with projects on Maui

• Partner with local Maui firms such as Pacific Disaster Center

• Data science is the foundation for business decisions

• Remote job opportunities are increasing for data scientists

Key Activities:

• Build on existing Certificate in Data Science in the Applied Business and Information Technology (ABIT) program

• Focus on Data Science Internships with Maui firms

• Conduct Applied Research Projects with partners - Pacific Disaster Center and Vanguard Maui HPCC, and United Way

• Obtain extramural funding , from National Science Foundation and other federal agencies

Cybersecurity

Basic Reasoning:

• ABIT BAS is designated as Center for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity by the National Security Agency (NSA) and United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

• Cybersecurity impacts small businesses, school districts and community hospitals

• Small business owners and school districts are not well trained or prepared for attacks

• Remote job opportunities

Cybersecurity

Key Activities:

• Build on existing Certificates in Cybersecurity

• Launch Professional Education Certificate in Cybersecurity - online, 24 weeks, $5000, 36 Continuing Education Credits

• Create internships opportunities with local businesses

• Conduct Applied Research projects for ABIT students

• Obtain extramural funds from NSA and DHS for cyber projects

Health and Wellness

Basic Reasoning:

• There is an overwhelming need for health professionals in all areas of our community.

• Integrated health needs utilizing western and indigenous approaches are increasing.

• Health and wellbeing are becoming more and more desired in our community.

Key Activities:

• Credit Certificate programs for health and wellness ie: la‘au lapa‘au, ho‘oponopono, ho‘oikaika kino.

• Certificates align with credit courses

• Non-credit evening courses for working professionals in health

• Internships opportunities with local businesses and partners

• Partnerships with medical professionals

• Work with community partners to redefine how kupuna care is offered in Maui Nui.

Food Security and Agriculture

Basic Reasoning:

• Value-Added Food Product Development is important to economic diversification and building a Sustainable Regional Food System and reducing waste

• “Farm to Shelf” Food Product Development is synergistic with Hospitality Industry and a Sustainable Food Systems

• Expertise and capacity building needed in Food Manufacturing, Food Safety, and Food Product Entrepreneurship

Key Activities:

• Continue to develop Maui Food Innovation Center (MFIC) curriculum and programming promoting valueadded food project development and entrepreneurship, mentoring/coaching

• Open new MFIC Pilina Facility, continue existing curricula, and new dry, wet, cold, packaging manufacturing and distribution curricula

• Engage additional industry partners especially Agricultural Producers (Farmers) to increase diversity of value-added product development potential

• Continue to obtain extramural and philanthropic funding support

Strategic collaborations among organizations that have similar values and commitment to serve the Maui Nui community will be crucial in achieving our mission and realizing our vision of a brighter future.

For more information on the University of Hawai‘i Maui College 2023 - 2029 Strategic Directions, or to find out how your organization can become involved, visit maui.hawaii.edu/strategic-directions-2023-2029.