SUPPORTING EDUCATION--State Sen. Lorraine Rodero Inouye joined business
leaders, educators, astronomers and community volunteers to support the
Journey Through The Universe program. From left, Ron Koehler, manager of
Mauna Kea Support Services, Sen. Inouye, Doug Simons, director of Gemini
Observatory, Janice Harvey, administrator of Education, Outreach and Media
at Gemini Observatory and Inge Heyer, Public Information and Outreach at
Joint Astronomy Centre.
SEN. INOUYE SUPPORTS SCIENCE EDUCATION
State Senator Lorraine Rodero Inouye received a warm welcome from educators,
business leaders, astronomers and community volunteers when she recently
presented a special State Senate Certificate congratulating the Journey
Through The Universe program.
Journey Through The Universe combines the talents of renowned astronomers
and Hawai'i Island teachers to inspire and educate students in science,
math, technology education and the joys of learning.
Now in its fourth year, Journey has reached thousands of students and has
assisted teachers in the instruction of science and math. The program is
supported by the Department of Education, Gemini Observatory, 'Imiloa Astronomy
Center of Hawai'i, the Joint Astronomy Centre, Mauna Kea Observatories,
and local businesses and volunteers.
"I want to thank our astronomers, businesses, teachers and volunteers
for bringing this very special educational opportunity to our young people,"
Sen. Inouye said at the gathering sponsored by the Hawai'i Island Chamber
of Commerce.
"Through programs such as this, we hope our students will be encouraged
to study math and science and chose to work at our observatories and other
high tech industries on the Island of Hawai'i. We also hope the students
of today will become our teachers of tomorrow," Sen. Inouye said.
The Senator also expressed her support for our astronomers, noting that
while serving on the Hawai'i County Council, she introduced street lighting
measures that now protect the clear viewing conditions on Mauna Kea. As
a State Senator, she has introduced similar lighting bills to expand protection
of this unique and special resource.