GOVERNOR LINGLE PRESENTS INNOVATION AWARDS
For Immediate Release: January 28, 2009
HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle today recognized recipients of the Governor’s Innovation Awards for their ingenuity and determination to find creative solutions to critical issues facing Hawai‘i.
The honorees for December 2008 have excelled in developing and implementing innovative products and processes that are helping to increase Hawai‘i’s energy independence, protect the islands’ unique environment and improve emergency disaster medical response.
“While we focus on addressing immediate needs and overcoming the current economic situation, these innovators are helping our state remain focused on creating a stronger future for Hawai‘i,” said Governor Lingle. “Their innovative ideas, tenacity and willingness to try new approaches will ensure Hawai‘i is well-positioned to lead in the 21st century.”
The Governor’s Innovation Award recipients for December 2008 are:
Innovation by Individuals: Jeff Bushman and Kyle Bernhardt
Master surfboard shapers Jeff Bushman and Kyle Bernhardt have found innovative solutions to protect Hawai‘i’s precious environment while perpetuating the sport of surfing and launching it into the 21st century. Bushman and Bernhardt founded Country Feeling Surfboards, which is devoted to surfboards made with environmentally friendly material, including soy- and sugar-based foams; plant-based and solar-activated resins; as well as hemp, silk, and bamboo cloth. The enviro-friendly, biodegradable surfboards represent another example of Hawai‘i’s innovation leadership and have practical applications to transform the surfing industry worldwide.
Innovation by an Organization: Visionary Insulation Products, Ltd.
Visionary Insulation Products, Ltd. is a distributor of a new insulation product that has 45 percent less heat loss than commonly used industrial insulation material. The new insulation product, called HITLIN™ (high temperature layered insulation), is typically used on piping, vessels, tanks and other equipment within the power and petro-chemical industries. HITLIN has the potential to replace basic, less efficient insulation products which were originally developed when oil cost $10 to $15 per barrel. In addition, it takes 50 percent less labor to install HITLIN and the product is also reusable.
Innovation in Government: Aaron Ueno
Acting District Health Officer Aaron Ueno was named State Manager of the Year in October 2008 for building capacity within the Hawai‘i Island District Health Office to respond to bioterrorism, disasters and pandemic emergencies. Ueno worked with state and county agencies and the community to establish the Hawai‘i County Medical Reserves Corps (MRC) which uses volunteers who are trained to respond to emergencies within their own communities. The Hawai‘i’s MRC is organized by the Department of Health and operated by the Hawai‘i District Health Office in cooperation with the Healthcare Association of Hawai‘i, University of Hawai‘i, Hawai‘i State Civil Defense, and Hawai‘i County Civil Defense. The MRC helps fill gaps in medical and public health response not covered by other agencies. Ueno successfully partnered with various state and county agencies, allowing him to bring the Hawai‘i District Health Office Civil Defense Procedures up-to-date. The MRC program currently has over 120 trained volunteers ready to provide much needed emergency personnel should a disaster occur.
Governor Lingle initiated the Governor’s Innovation Awards in May 2008 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.
The Governor’s Innovation Awards nominees are evaluated monthly by a 15-member selection panel comprised of industry, education and government representatives statewide. Nominations are submitted online and are judged on creativity; effectiveness in achieving a goal or purpose; transferability and adoptability by others; and significance in addressing an important local or global issue, problem or opportunity. The selection committee provides final recommendations to Governor Lingle for her selection.
For additional information or to submit a nomination, visit www.hawaii.gov/gov/innovation-award.
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For more information, contact:
Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: (808) 586-7708
Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: (808) 586-0043
