(BIVN) – The Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo was packed with robots and technology enthusiasts for the Hawaii Explorations Expo on Sunday.

Philanthropist Henk Rogers and navigator Kalepa Baybayan were featured in a video news release that was distributed by the Hawaii Science and Technology Museum, and both talked about the benefits of the Thirty Meter Telescope.

Rogers said that TMT “is probably one of the most amazing instruments in the world for astronomy, and for us to lose TMT to some other place, makes no sense. This is the biggest opportunity for Hawaii to do something. Hawaii relies on tourism, on supporting the military and construction. This cannot last forever.”

This media release was also shared:

Hundreds of people joined the Hawaii Explorations Expo in Hilo, Big Island of Hawaii to celebrate science and technology for Hawaii’s future. This admission-free, family friendly event featured engaging speakers and fun activities to learn innovation in astronomy, space exploration, agriculture, energy production, underwater robotics and more.

The keynote speaker Henk Rogers, a visionary philanthropist for climate action gave an inspiring talk to the audience. Rogers is known for distributing Tetris to the world. After experimenting a life-threatening illness, he decided to devote rest of his life to climate action and founded the Blue Planet Foundation, a nonprofit organization powering the transition to 100% clean energy in Hawaii. He discussed Hawaii’s renewable energy and ongoing issue on Maunakea.

Kalepa Baybayan, a master navigator of Hokule‘a, also gave a presentation about Polynesian wayfinding.

Waiakea intermediate school’s ukulele band provided entertainment at the main stage.

A panel entitled, “Science, Technology, and their Impacts on Hawaii’s Future” discussed various aspects of science and technology for the future of Hawaii.

“We are so happy! So much of our community came today to explore all the cutting edge scientific research and educational opportunities happening right here on Hawaii island,” said Christian Wong, founder of the Hawaii Science and Technology Museum who hosted today’s expo.
Subaru Telescope and the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan co-sponsored the expo.

“This year marks the 20th anniversary since the Subaru Telescope started observation and we are so honored to be part of this big celebration of science and technology,” says Subaru Telescope Director Michitoshi Yoshida.

The event was also sponsored by donations to the museum, some of which were made in memory of Barry Taniguchi, a businessman and philanthropist of the Big Island.

The Hawaii Science and Technology Museum is a non-profit educational organization founded in 2015 by Wong, a local firefighter and father of two boys who is passionate about innovation and technology for the future of Hawaii. The museum is dedicated to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education on the Hawaii Island and has hosted various outreach programs such as science camps, math tutoring, after school programs, and robotics competitions.

For more information about the event, check out hawaiisciencemuseum.org.