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Photography by Baron Sekiya | Hawaii 24/7

Working in the complex world of submerged electronics, students and their mentors have created remotely operating vehicles (ROVs) which are driven from a control system above the water’s surface.

In the underwater obstacle course, students must use their robot to complete complicated tasks, called missions.  This year’s competition theme centered on the recent Gulf of Mexico oil spill and how ROV’s played a vital role in correcting the problem.  Students also prepared technical documents and poster displays.

The 12 teams competing Saturday (April 16) at Hilo High School’s pool were:

Ranger Class

• Earl’s Garage
• Hilo Intermediate School
• Hilo/Waiakea Alliance (Hawaii 808 Ninjas)
• Haili Christian School
• Ke Kula o Nawahiokalaniopuu
• Kealakehe High School
• Kealakehe Intermediate School
• Waimea High School

Scout Class

• E.B. de Silva Elementary School (2 teams)
• Earl’s Garage
• Mt. View Elementary School

Coming up: On Saturday (April 30) The Hawaii Underwater Robotic Challenge (HURC) is scheduled to be held at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. HURC is the second underwater ROV competition for Hawaii’s teams.

Results of the Big Island Regional ROV Underwater Robotics Competition

Judges awards:

• Aloha Spirit: Waimea (Kauai) High
• Outside Da Box: Hilo Waiakea Alliance
• Rookie of the Year: Haili Christian School
• Guts & Glory: Hilo Intermediate
• Engineering: Kealakehe Intermediate

Overall Score awards

Scout Class: Elementary

1. E.B. DeSilva
2. Mt. View Elementary
3. Earl’s Garage

Ranger Class: Intermediate

1. Kealakehe Intermediate
2. Haili Christian School
3. Ke Kula o Nawahiokalaniopuu PCS

Ranger Class: High School

1. Hilo Waiakea Alliance
2. Kealakehe High School
3. Waimea (Kauai) High School

Overall Winner and qualifier for international competition:
Hilo Waiakea Alliance

Explorer Class (also qualify for international competition):
University of Hawaii-Hilo