Honoring Hawai`i's Innovators

The recipients, three each for March and April, include private sector organizations, government entities and private citizens. The winners have developed innovative solutions to address pressing issues facing Hawai`i, invented and implemented new technologies with worldwide applications, and contributed to the creation of a stronger economic future for the state.

"It is important to highlight the innovation that is happening daily in Hawai`i and across all sectors, as this is a quality we need to promote and cultivate in order for Hawai`i and its people to compete successfully in the global economy," said Governor Lingle. "These award winners are noteworthy for taking steps to protect and conserve our precious natural resources, diversify our economy and increase Hawai`i residents' quality of life."

The Governor's Innovation Award recipients are:

March Innovation by an Organization: PhotonWorks
PhotonWorks is a Honolulu-based company that specializes in the design, integration and manufacturing of commercial and residential photovoltaic systems for both grid-tied and off-grid applications.

April Innovation by an Organization: Keahole Solar Power (KSP)
KSP is a Hawai`i-based solar project and technology developer. Using different solar technologies, including MicroCSP from Sopogy (a September 2008 Innovation Award winner), KSP is developing new proprietary methods for energy storage, installation and operation for solar farms that will help Hawai`i reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels.

March Innovation by Individuals: `Iolani School's Real World Design Challenge Team
`Iolani School's Real World Design Challenge team captured the national championship title in the U.S. Department of Energy's inaugural Real World Design Challenge (RWDC) in March. Team "NDC", an all-girls teams comprised of six `Iolani seniors, beat out 54 high school students from 10 states to earn the top title in the competition held at the Air and Space Museum's iMax Theater in Washington, D.C.

April Innovation by Individuals: Wayne Karo and Eric Griffith
Wayne Karo and Eric Griffith are co-founders of Pipeline Micro, a Hawai`i-based company with offices in Asia and the U.S. mainland that produces small liquid cooling systems for electronics that increase their energy efficiency and allow them to last longer.

March Innovation in Government: Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
DBEDT recently was recently honored with a 2009 Hawai`i Green Business Award for certifying the State Office Tower as a U.S. EPA Energy Star Building. Energy Star buildings are in the top 25 percent of comparable buildings for energy efficiency.

April Innovation in Government: Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS), Central Services Division
DAGS Central Services Division was also honored with a 2009 Hawai`i Green Business Award for implementing several water conservation and energy efficiency measures at DAGS-operated state buildings. These steps include the removal of about 11,000 fluorescent lamps in common areas, for a savings of 29,333 kilowatts, and the installation of moisture sensors that prevent automatic irrigation when grass and other landscaped areas are already wet.

Governor Lingle initiated the Governor's Innovation Award last year to acknowledge and encourage innovation across all sectors statewide. The awards, which are presented monthly, recognize deserving individuals, companies, nonprofits, organizations and government agencies that are developing innovative products, services and processes. The award is part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s Hawai`i Innovation Initiative, a comprehensive plan to transform Hawai`i's economy from one dependent on land development to one that builds on human ingenuity and the ability of Hawai‘i’s people to innovate.

• For more information about the Governor's Innovation Awards, or to nominate innovators, please visit: www.hawaii.gov/gov/innovation-award