David Y. Ige

HONOLULU – The High Technology Development Corporation (HTDC) is sponsoring the third annual Honolulu Mini Maker Faire on Saturday, June 25, from noon to 5 p.m., at Iolani School.

“Makers of all ages will be displaying their work,” said Robbie Melton, executive director and CEO of HTDC. “More than 1000 attendees and participants are expected at this event, which will showcase new concepts and products by individuals and groups that are not well known.”

The Honolulu Mini Maker Faire takes after the national Maker Faire by Maker Media, which launched in the Bay Area in 2006 and spawned more than 100 independently produced events worldwide. A call for local makers resulted in more than 35 individuals and teams from technology, electronics, arts and crafts, science and design industries set to present their creations. Some companies are from HTDC’s incubator Manoa Innovation Center.

“This unique event brings together a variety of industries and age groups, and showcases makers who are exploring new forms and new technologies,” said Luis P. Salaveria, director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, which oversees HTDC and promotes Hawaii’s innovation economy. “It’s an opportunity to highlight the thriving underground network of talent we have – right here in Hawaii.”

Noted presenters include Iobotics, a team from the Sullivan Center for Innovation and Leadership at Iolani School; programming bootcamp DevLeague; Makers at Punahou; product design firm 3D Innovations; and TEDxHonolulu.

Hawaii Drone Club will be holding a competition for drone pilots, with speed and skills courses set up to test the piloting abilities of youth and adult participants. 3D-printed objects, soldering and Raspberry Pi workshops, unique crafts and DIY robots round out the diverse lineup of products and activities.

“We are incredibly excited to sponsor this event for the third year in a row,” said Melton.   “The creative makers have our full support as they boost the limits of invention and innovation, while celebrating the importance of learning and making.”

HTDC’s sponsorship will allow organizers to bring in some makers from the neighbor islands, including Maui Makers and Kauai Makerspace. Other event sponsors include Iolani School, Maui Makers, SOEST Advanced Network Computing Lab, HICapacity, Entrepreneurs Foundation of Hawaii, Computational Thinkers, and Oahu Makerspace.

Tickets to the free event are available at: honoluluminimakerfaire.eventbrite.com.

For a full list of makers who will be at this year’s event, visit: makerfairehonolulu.com/2016-makers/.

About Maker Faire

Maker Faire is the Greatest Show (and Tell) on Earth — a family friendly showcase of invention, creativity and resourcefulness, and a celebration of the Maker movement. It’s a place where people show what they are making, and share what they are learning. Makers range from tech enthusiasts to crafters to homesteaders to scientists to garage tinkerers. They are of all ages and background

About HTDC (High Technology Development Corporation)

HTDC is a state agency, attached to the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT). The agency was established by the Hawaii State Legislature in 1983 to facilitate the development and growth of Hawaii’s commercial high technology industry. The state views high technology as an important driver in the diversification of Hawaii’s economy and one that provides quality, high-paying jobs for Hawaii residents.

ABOUT DBEDT (Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism)
DBEDT is Hawaii’s resource center for economic and statistical data, business development opportunities, energy and conservation information, and foreign trade advantages. DBEDT’s mission is to achieve a Hawaii economy that embraces innovation and is globally competitive, dynamic and productive, providing opportunities for all Hawaii’s citizens. Through its attached agencies, the department fosters planned community development, creates affordable workforce housing units in high-quality living environments, and promotes innovation sector job growth.

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Media Contacts:

Robbie Melton
High Technology Development Corporation
Office: (808) 539-3615
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.htdc.org

Christine Hirasa
Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
Phone: (808) 587-9006
Mobile: (808) 286-9017
Email: [email protected]
Website: dbedt.hawaii.gov