MATE-BIRR Steering Committee

Hilo Intermediate School is the Planning Home for the Annual MATE-BIRRCompetition with sponsorship provided by our Hilo-Laupahoehoe-WaiakeaDistrict.

We currently provide the Ranger Class Competition(middle and high school levels) and the Scout Class (upperelementary/lower middle school).  We are working on buildingrelationships with the local colleges to eventually have the ExplorerClass.

Last year, a steering committee was set up to allow forbetter planning and long-term sustainability for this underwaterrobotic competition on the Big Island of Hawaii for our island youth. There has been a need to develop positive high-caliber academiccompetitions on the big island without the overhead of travel toanother island.

With this focus in mind, we have been able togather a number of dedicated professionals from the community, industryand government that are involved with organizing and planning thisannual event.

Some organizations involved include: 
    Keck Observatory
    Institute for Astronomy
    Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope
    Joint Astronomy Centre
    County of Hawaii
    HELCO (Hawaii Electric Company)
    University of Hawaii - Manoa:  SOEST & Engineering
    University ofHawaii - Hilo
    Kapu Racing
    Cycle Counters Inc.
    Women In Technology - IsisHawaii; roboticshawaii.org; (Maui)
    HawaiiSpace Grant Consortium
    H.I.S. Builders Club(Kiwanis)
and countless local businesses.

If you are interested in joining the MATE-BIRR Steering Committee or helping outthe competition in any way, please contact Mrs. Cindy Fong at HiloIntermediate School, 587 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo, Hawaii  96720. clfong@hawaii.edu or clfong@hilorobotics.org

Big Upcoming Goal:  Have the MATE International ROV Competition here in Hilo, Hawaii in 2010.  Help us make this happen!