Aloha once again from sunny and warm Hawai’i. We have finished a unit on renewable energy. Throughout this unit we visited a variety of renewable energy plants. A location in Hilo was Puna Geothermal Venture where electricity is generated from steam produced within the earth. As we made the move to Kona on the west side of the island we were able to visit other plants. Here we were able to visit NELHA (Natural energy laboratories of Hawai’i authority), where they take warm water from the top of the ocean and cold water from water very deep in the ocean and use them for various applications, one being electric generation. In addition they have created buildings that are self- sufficient when it comes to electricity, water, and air conditioning. Our last stop during this unit was to Parker Ranch, a local cattle ranch in Hawai’i. Here they have to pump water to their cattle. To help offset the cost of energy they have set up a wind and solar panel farm.

Since we have been in the sunny city of Kona we have experienced more sun and no rain. We are all having a great time and looking forward to the adventures that are to come as we dive into oceans and coastlines.

Our feature students are Jaime and Rachel.
Jaime is a sophomore psychology major from Spokane Valley WA. She has enjoyed looking at the beautiful plants in the botanical garden and is excited to visit the coffee plantation. When not busy taking notes in class she enjoys tanning in the blazing sun and sampling smoothies and Hawaiian shaved ice.

Rachel is a sophomore communications major from Ephrata WA. She has enjoyed Waipi’o Valley and the green sand beach. She is looking forward the astronomical observatory. In the mean time she is also busy applying aloe vera to her newly sun burned skin. She enjoys boogie-boarding and fresh island pineapple when not hard at work.

Hillmans Hawaiian Posse