Hawaii Regional 2008

[TKM.368]

20 out of 37 teams are rookies? Well, doesn't seem like it's going to be an easy regional after all with the six regional champions who are going to be in attendance:

25 - New Jersey
233 - Florida
254 - Silicon Valley
337 - Pittsburgh
368 - Oregon
968 - San Diego

In fact, it should be quite exciting!

People have been asking about webcasts - not even sure if the arena will have internet to do so (are there other ways to get a webcast out and not spend $10,000??).

Can't go without saying congratulations to all the Hawaii teams coming back home with awards:

359 - Entrepreneurship, Website, and Quality Awards in Virginia
2024 - Engineering Inspiration and Regional Finalists in San Jose
2437 - Rookie All Stars in Wisconsin

[tyron256]

this is going to be an interesting regional to say the least. lets hope everything goes well for this, as for internet im not sure if the arena is equiped with it or not either.

also congratulations to the hawaii teams for representing well once again.

[waialua359]

20 out of 37 teams are rookies? Well, doesn't seem like it's going to be an easy regional after all with the six regional champions who are going to be in attendance:

25 - New Jersey
233 - Florida
254 - Silicon Valley
337 - Pittsburgh
368 - Oregon
968 - San Diego

In fact, it should be quite exciting!

People have been asking about webcasts - not even sure if the arena will have internet to do so (are there other ways to get a webcast out and not spend $10,000??).

Can't go without saying congratulations to all the Hawaii teams coming back home with awards:

359 - Entrepreneurship, Website, and Quality Awards in Virginia
2024 - Engineering Inspiration and Regional Finalists in San Jose
2437 - Rookie All Stars in Wisconsin

you forgot to mention directly that you folks, 368, won gold in Oregon along with the industrial design award for your lift system.
I must have bragged over 100+ times about you folks to all of the East Coast teams.:D :D I'm not kidding!

[SU 39]

846 is looking forward to the Hawaii regional. We'll try to bring you some competition but it seems like you guys have that covered already.

[MarkJ]

I'd add 846 to that list of top teams. what I watched today in san Jose, 846 had the most impressive starting program I saw. amazing what your team did, seemed your alliance always had a big lead before the match even started thanks to you. I think any team in hawaii is going to be lucky to have you on their alliance in the playoffs.

[TKM.368]

Aloha folks,

Just some updates regarding the regional next week.

Where to begin...

First off, the only thing the arena has to cover the basketball court with is - carpet. 7 teams (5 veteran, 2 rookie) will have their pits in another room which is also carpeted. Not good news, but it is what it is. Sparks flying are definitely going to be an issue. It's going to be fun vacuuming the place up when the regional is over as well. Looking into plywood (or something similar) for pit space flooring - there are no funds to cover the entire pit area unfortunately. 10 teams on the outer perimeter will be on concrete (and partially on carpet, I think). Teams, please let your safety captains know. Due to carpet, we've also requested to make sure that all crates are oriented so that they open towards the pit space. For those that keep their crates in their pits, please be aware that dragging will not really be an option as the carpet will bunch up easily.

Let's see, the UH College of Engineering will be providing lunch to teams on Thursday (yay), but you have to walk a little to Holmes Hall to pick it up (and see the displays they have, etc). On this map (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=3373771167482859383,21.295008,-157.818488%3B8689989987163890887,21.296424,-157.816062&saddr=21.293788,-157.819113&daddr=Dole+St+%4021.296424,+-157.816062&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=0&sz=18&sll=21.295152,-157.818325&sspn=0.003579,0.008052&ie=UTF8&ll=21.295382,-157.817938&spn=0.003579,0.008052&t=h&z=18), pretend A connected directly to B. Of course, outside food is not allowed in the arena, but it's free. Hamburgers and hotdogs, from what I understand. Teams will receive tickets which are the same amount as was requested for the Team Social for Friday.

Internet access for the event is being installed (not for teams - sorry! but to send live scores to FIRST, etc). From what I understand, this can be used to webcast. Someone from Team 2024 might be taking care of this? To be seen what happens here - hopefully this actually comes to fruition.

That's all I can think of for now. Feel free to PM me if you have any more specific questions!

Looking forward to the event!

[monster1018]

I was wondering how to find out information about where the Hawaii Regional will be taking place. My family is going on spring break to Hawaii and I wanted to stop by and see part of the regional. Thanks.

[waialua359]

I was wondering how to find out information about where the Hawaii Regional will be taking place. My family is going on spring break to Hawaii and I wanted to stop by and see part of the regional. Thanks.
You can just google map the University of Hawaii Stan Sheriff Center. The parking entrance is from Dole St. which will take you to the parking garage adjacent to the arena.:D

[ajisjesus]

People have been asking about webcasts - not even sure if the arena will have internet to do so (are there other ways to get a webcast out and not spend $10,000??).

yes and if we want a web cast we need to get on it and get on it now
all we need is a high speed connection and a feed... theres a few hosting services online and oceanic time warner should be able to do a momentary drop so its not complicated just streesing due to the lack of time :ahh:

[tyron256]

we are officially in the last few days before the first ever FIRST hawaii regional, i hope everyone has prepared well because by the looks of it, its going to be a fierce competition.

[ajisjesus]

ok so an update on the video feed...

it looks like the video feed is coming together (a big thank you to so many people) ill try to keep you updated as much as possible... we should know for certain if its going to happen or not by tomorrow (monday)

just keep your fingers crossed!

[waiakea2024]

YAY only four more days till the regional!!! WOOT WOOT! Cant wait for the regional. I am anxious to see how this plays out.

[waialua359]

early prediction:
25, 233, 254, 337, 359, 368, 968, 846, 597, 2024 and roughly 2/3 of the teams participating making the elimination rounds (of course). I have yet to see others in action.
Post what you got!:ahh:

[Cory]

early prediction:
25, 233, 254, 337, 359, 368, 968, 846, 597, 2024 and roughly 2/3 of the teams participating making the elimination rounds (of course). I have yet to see others in action.
Post what you got!:ahh:

The winning alliance will have one(or two)of: 25, 233, 359, 368, or 968 on it.

Too easy, I know ;)

[monster1018]

Thank you I really hope I can make it it should be fun to see another regional so is it true this is the first one in Hawaii?

[ajisjesus]

Thank you I really hope I can make it it should be fun to see another regional so is it true this is the first one in Hawaii?

yes this is the absolutely first FIRST competition in hawaii... its going to be exciting :D

[sanddrag]

This is definitely (http://picasaweb.google.com/generaldave/Hawaii/photo#5180081987039006338) the (http://picasaweb.google.com/generaldave/Hawaii/photo#5180081841010118210) regional (http://picasaweb.google.com/generaldave/Hawaii/photo#5180743300333440946) to (http://picasaweb.google.com/generaldave/Hawaii/photo#5180743394822721634) be (http://picasaweb.google.com/generaldave/Hawaii/photo#5180743437772394674) at (http://picasaweb.google.com/generaldave/Hawaii/photo#5180743459247231186) this (http://picasaweb.google.com/generaldave/Hawaii/photo#5180743489312002306) year (http://picasaweb.google.com/generaldave/Hawaii/photo#5180743515081806130). :)

[Guy Davidson]

You're making me very, very jealous :P

This also reminds of the a trip I took to (in my mind) the highly underrated big island a few months ago. It's such a gorgeous, beautfiul place, and yet everybody wants to visit Honolulu :P

[waiakea2024]

yes the first FIRST regional in Hawaii!!! We are really super proud that we have recruited at least 20 more teams of nerds to participate :D.

[Alexa Stott]

We'll be leaving our school in about an hour, then taking a midday flight out.

Aloha, New Jersey. Aloha, Hawaii. :D

[SU 39]

Heading off to Hawaii nice bright and early tomorrow at 6AM.
I'm still undecided as to whether or not I want to see 3 "super-teams" where the 6 regional winner teams get together, or see them captain their own alliances.

[TKM.368]

Hi folks,

Just a few updates that I've been asked to pass along.

First of all, load in on Thursday will be 3 team members (students or adults) at 7:45. No in-and-out privileges. This will take place at the entrance at the base of the three flagpoles downstairs. Other bulky items that need to go to your pit will be allowed through that door after 8:30.

The general public will be entering the arena upstairs at entrance B (clearly marked above the entrance).

Parking is $3 per day and supposedly you can reenter with the same pass (I thought it was after 1:30pm, but someone mentioned getting a stamp as you leave).

There unfortunately (as you probably already figured out by now) will be no pre-order lunches. There is a Burger King and 7-Eleven within relatively close walking distance (as well as some other eateries). Keep in mind the College of Engineering will be providing lunches on Thursday. (By the way, I understand the event staff will not be checking bags as you enter the arena.)

Webcast is still iffy for the moment.

The more things I hear regarding the Team Social, the better and better it seems like it's going to be.

I think that's about it for now.

[Chris Herold]

Hey,
I am really excited about this regional. We, the Skunkworks team 1983- were pretty lucky to see some of the robots that are competing in Portland and Seattle but there will be an impressive bunch of robots around.
I really hope there will be a web cast. If so, I know what I spend my free hours after school on...
I hope we'll see some awesome games. Good luck everyone!

Chris
Team 1983 - Skunkworks
Autodesk Inventor Designer

[ajisjesus]

THERE WILL BE A WEBCAST FROM THE HONOLULU REGIONAL!!!!!

[Richard McClellan]

THERE WILL BE A WEBCAST FROM THE HONOLULU REGIONAL!!!!!

Awesome!! Is anyone else watching the webcast right now? It's a fairly still image of a Hawaii lay (sp?), but the background noises are kind of funny....there are dogs barking and chickens clucking, and MSN chat message sounds.

[ajisjesus]

Awesome!! Is anyone else watching the webcast right now? It's a fairly still image of a Hawaii lay (sp?), but the background noises are kind of funny....there are dogs barking and chickens clucking, and MSN chat message sounds.

hahahah so... im sorry about the ambient noises we were testing the feed this morning

[TKM.368]

Perhaps some teams may find this of interest for Sunday:


Updated at 7:48 p.m., Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Star Wars pinball machine available at Blaisdell show
Advertiser Staff

A working original Star Wars pinball machine, old comics and aloha shirts will be among the thousands of memorabilia items up for sale at Sunday's "Wiki Wiki One Day Vintage Collectibles & Hawaiiana Show" at Blaisdell Center's Hawai'i Suites from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All items are 20 years or older and the show features 91 tables and 70 vendors. General admission is $4 and $2 for children 7-11 years of age.


Getting something like that home however, that's another story.

[jackie Ha]

Is the webcast working for you guys, because it isn't working for me?

[Joe_Widen]

Anyone have a link so I can look at the picture of hawaii and listen to the sounds too?!!

[AustinSchuh]

I am having trouble with the webcast too. I get a "connection timed out" message every time I try.

The list of webcasts is here (http://robotics.arc.nasa.gov/events/2008_frcwebcasts.php#webcasts) and the Hawaii one is here (mms://sargasso-3.arc.nasa.gov/hawaii2008)

[Richard McClellan]

I was able to access it yesterday when they were testing it, but it's not working for me today, probably since it's just the practice rounds

[CraigHickman]

...Just watched 254 and 968 on the same alliance in a practice match. All I can say is WOW, look out Hawaii!

[Eugene Fang]

the webcast has been working for me since about 1pm pacific time. it wasnt working around 12pm pacific though.

[billbo911]

the webcast has been working for me since about 1pm pacific time. it wasnt working around 12pm pacific though.

Makes sence. Remember, 1:00 PM PDST = 10:00 AM HST

[Eugene Fang]

Makes sence. Remember, 1:00 PM PDST = 10:00 AM HST

yup! also makes sense that they're on lunch break now.

[billbo911]

yup! also makes sense that they're on lunch break now.

Good background music though!

[xcentrix]

the webcast has been working for me since about 1pm pacific time. it wasnt working around 12pm pacific though.

We've been on a lunch break. It's a little after 1 pm now. We should be back up in about an hour.

See you then.

[Tom Bottiglieri]

How are things going down there?
I heard 254 has improved?

[Jetweb]

How are things going down there?
I heard 254 has improved?

From the matches i have seen in the webcast they have been doing great. hurdling like crazy, and picking up the ball quickly.

I haven't seen them try auton. since there last regional when the hit the wall...

233,25, and 968 are also doing good as expected,

[wendymom]

GO PINK

From all your buddies in Florida:)

[AustinSchuh]

Anyone know why 254 missed a match?

[jackie Ha]

Anyone know why 254 missed a match?
I believed that they fried their Robot Controller that match.

[xcentrix]

Hey!!! If you're watching the webcast from Hawaii tell me

[Joe Ross]

Hey!!! If you're watching the webcast from Hawaii tell me

I'm watching it loud and clear from California. Thank you!

[JaneYoung]

I'm not getting it in Austin.
Yesterday, it was beautiful just beautiful.

[xcentrix]

I'm not getting it in Austin.
Yesterday, it was beautiful just beautiful.

try pointing your windows media player to:

mms://128.102.151.19/hawaii2008

[JaneYoung]

try pointing your windows media player to:

mms://128.102.151.19/hawaii2008

It's working, yea!
Thank you!!

[Joe Ross]

1. 233 254 2454
2. 968 25 2459
3. 359 368 2437
4. 2024 846 2460
5. 1378 337 2504
6. 1572 2090 1834
7. 2444 2455 1138
8. 597 362 2443

[Winged Wonder]

aloha~

just tuned into the regional; i thought i had missed it but thankfully for time zone differences, i get to watch the finals matches. :)

There are some truly wonderful robots out there, and the energy sounds amazing. Great music and i'm happy to see that for their first FIRST regional, Hawaii seems to know exactly how to hold a regional. :)

on a slightly different note, 254's hurdles are just beautiful. i must say, wow. i havent really had a chance to keep up with scouting and watching all the regionals (passing college classes takes precidence), but realy, i'm pleased to see such success all over the board, especially with the rookie teams in Hawaii.

Good job everyone :) Mark wasn't lying when he said you are all winners. Just showing up with something that functioned is an amazing feat in itself. (So is the feat of having Mark lose his voice, thats not very easy to do) I hope you all had fun, because really, thats all the regional competition is about. What really matters is that you came away with this experience with knowledge and inspiration for the future. :)

[Raul]

1. 233 254 2454
2. 968 25 2459
3. 359 368 2437
4. 2024 846 2460
5. 1378 337 2504
6. 1572 2090 1834
7. 2444 2455 1138
8. 597 362 2443

Wow, I think this is the first time in FIRST history that a 15 seed got to be an alliance captain.

The only way this can happen is for every team above the 15th seed to be picking or picked before it got to them.
1 picks 3
2 picks 8
4 picks 14
5 picks 6
7 picks 9
10 picks 11
12 picks 13
then finally
15 picks 19
Amazing! I thought this would never happen. That is FIRST for you - doing the amazing!

Raul

[AustinSchuh]

Anyone else appalled at both of the penalty free matches where Pink was tipped?

[DhavalP]

it definitely looked intentional

[chaoticprout]

I'm sitting in the stands now during the timeout after Semi 1-2 and I just have to say that that wasn't GP AT ALL. 2 matches in a row of drive teams cheering (I'm right behind them) when Pink tipped is not cool, plain and simple.

[Vikesrock]

Anyone else appalled at both of the penalty free matches where Pink was tipped?

Which one, the first or the second? :eek:

[jackie Ha]

The first time 233 was either hurdling or removing the ball on the overpass and was hit from behind, second time was a side hit, how they fell I don't really know, but that was what I saw.

[Schnabel]

OH NOES! The webcast died for me right as they were setting up for finals.

[JaneYoung]

OH NOES! The webcast died for me right as they were setting up for finals.

OH NOES! waaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.

Ok, that was very mature of me....*sigh*

[Michael Corsetto]

Yeah, it just died for me too, anyone know why?

[Winged Wonder]

the webcast just stopped working for me too :( maybe they have a time limit set up for the competition and they stop broadcasting after a certain time?

and yeah, it was hard to see the tip overs; i can understand the first one, but the second one doesn't make sense unless 233 was pushed over from a high point. we're really good about making the center of gravity of the robot as low as possible, so the side tip couldnt have happened unless it was tipped over from higher up. :( oh well. a single loss isnt the end of the world. the lack of GP is disheartening though. Hopefully we won't see things like this at the other regionals or at the Championship.

[SizzelChest330]

It appears to be down for everyone else ive talked to also!
bad timing!!!

[Schnabel]

OH NOES! waaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.

Ok, that was very mature of me....*sigh*

Anything you do is mature Jane, duh. lol And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

[Ericgehrken]

It's back up!

[SizzelChest330]

F1 148-58

[Michael Corsetto]

and yeah, it was hard to see the tip overs; i can understand the first one, but the second one doesn't make sense unless 233 was pushed over from a high point. we're really good about making the center of gravity of the robot as low as possible, so the side tip couldnt have happened unless it was tipped over from higher up.

From what I saw, it was 2024 pushing hard into the side of 233 that caused 233 to pop up, and then 2024 continued to push against the bottom of 233 until they were over. I definitely don't enjoy watching matches won by virtue of the other alliance's members being out of commission. This reminds me of the Davis regional last year when a team managed to flip 100 and 997 in a single match just by pushing them from the side, popping their base up, and continuing to push until they flipped. I know the days of wedgebots are over but that doesn't mean its impossible to flip an opponent if you want to.

Mike C.

[xcentrix]

OH NOES! The webcast died for me right as they were setting up for finals.

it's back up sorry

[Michael Corsetto]

F1 148-58

In whose favor?

[SizzelChest330]

233s Alliance

(And it may have been 140-58)

[Winged Wonder]

110 - 54, red alliance wins

Congrats 233, 254, and 2454.

[SizzelChest330]

Congradulations teams 233 254 & 2454!

[Bharat Nain]

A huge congratulations to 254, 233 and 2454. Very well played and definitely deserved.

Another huge congratulations to our finalist and top hawaiian teams - 359 368 and 2437. I know both 359 and 368 are well-established hawaiian teams who work hard in their region.

[Schnabel]

A huge congratulations to 254, 233 and 2454. Very well played and definitely deserved.

Another huge congratulations to our finalist and top hawaiian teams - 359 368 and 2437. I know both 359 and 368 are well-established hawaiian teams who work hard in their region.

Ugg I'm too lazy to retype what other people said. lol Congrats to those listed above.

[Pjohn1959]

Congrats to teams 233, 254 and 2454. That was the most physical semi finals that I have seen this year, and no penalties???? Great job 254, keeping the alliance in the match after 233 got knocked over twice.

[Winged Wonder]

the webcast is down again... do they just not show awards? :( i like watching the awards ceremonies.

[ShaneP]

Yep, congratulations to 233, 254, and 2454.

233 and 254 have beautiful machines - I'll have to stop by in Atlanta and check out pink's pretty machining (or breath take would be the proper word).

[galewind]

I really wanted to watch the awards. I just got back from a family thing and I wanted to see the awards ;(

[galewind]

its back up!

[Pjohn1959]

It back up

[Winged Wonder]

the Pacific Buhhdist Academy drummers get tons of points for being awesome. maybe they can come perform in Atlanta too?

[xcentrix]

the webcast is down again... do they just not show awards? :( i like watching the awards ceremonies.

it's up, again somebody go to pit admin and gt me a nail gun

[Alexa Stott]

I would just like to say congratulations to the winning alliance, as well as everyone who received an award, but most importantly the state of Hawaii and the regional planning committee for pulling off such an amazing event. I have honestly never had this much fun at a regional. The luau was absolutely amazing (and yes, we did try the poi!). The entire event had such a positive, welcoming attitude; the spirit of aloha was everywhere this weekend. I loved all the "local flair" of the regional.

If you ever get the chance to go to the Hawaii Regional, DO IT!

[Un Luchador]

Glad to hear of the Hawaii regional's success! Congratulations to all of the award winners and finalists :)

[waialua359]

Wow, I think this is the first time in FIRST history that a 15 seed got to be an alliance captain.

The only way this can happen is for every team above the 15th seed to be picking or picked before it got to them.
1 picks 3
2 picks 8
4 picks 14
5 picks 6
7 picks 9
10 picks 11
12 picks 13
then finally
15 picks 19
Amazing! I thought this would never happen. That is FIRST for you - doing the amazing!

Raul

Raul,
You are very observant!
In fact, we were planning on selecting with our second pick,
in this order, team 2090, 597, and 2437.
2090 was selected in the 1st round.
I stood next to Darrel of team 597 in the pits and watched as the teams were being selected, thinking that we would probably get him.
Then all of a sudden, Darrel was like "holy crap," we moved up to the 8th seed. He was so worried, hoping that his student rep would be OK in selecting, not expecting at all to be choosing as an alliance captain.

[Q. Sheets]

I was watching the webcast yesterday and heard Dean announce new homework to the teams at this regional. But since I was only half-listening, I'm not 100% sure that I heard it correctly. Could someone who heard it (and is 100% sure) please repeat it here.

[Lavapicker]

Just to answer the question, we weren't trying to tip anyone over, in fact, we were tipped over in a quarterfinal match. The first tip happened in Hybrid mode when our alliance partner hit the back of 233 pink as they were going for their third line. We noticed that 233 had to back up after knocking balls off the overpass so we tried to block them in to slow them down. They were a hurdling monster so we knew we had to do something. The second time they went over we hit them broadside on a turn as they were carrying a ball. All of this was bumper to bumper and just good hard play. The third time was the same situation as the first. If you're not going to allow defense then you might as well hand them the trophy. No one is going to out-hurdle 254 poofs and 233 pink. We only took them to a third match by playing hard defense and hurdling like crazy too. It worked for us in SVR with team 100 and 254 too. I hope Nationals will be called the same way or no one else has a chance.
233 and 254 drive teams seemed to be ok with the matches and we were estactic to just be able to keep the matches close with them. Your bots are great! Hope you all had as good of time as us in the Hawaii Regional. We can't believe a member from Team Pink won the Poi chugging contest at the Luau! Thank you 846 - funky monkeys and 2460 for going to battle with us. We had a high-spirited alliance that had fun! Hope to see you all at Nationals!

[Jeff K.]

Just to answer the question, we weren't trying to tip anyone over, in fact, we were tipped over in a quarterfinal match. The first tip happened in Hybrid mode when our alliance partner hit the back of 233 pink as they were going for their third line. We noticed that 233 had to back up after knocking balls off the overpass so we tried to block them in to slow them down. They were a hurdling monster so we knew we had to do something. The second time they went over we hit them broadside on a turn as they were carrying a ball. All of this was bumper to bumper and just good hard play. The third time was the same situation as the first. If you're not going to allow defense then you might as well hand them the trophy.

Watching from 233's side of the field, it didn't really look like that. Pink was tipped intentionally. Never have I seen the crowd cheer so loudly when a robot was tipped. They were able to right themselves, but then the other alliance tipped them once again. This time when they were down, they were pushing the robot and hitting the gripper. Bumper to bumper?!?

Not only against the Florida-California-Alliance, but the California-New Jersey-Hawaii Alliance. 968 lost two victors because of apparent "bumper to bumper" contact when another robot was inside of their robot during the semifinal match. There were times when I could see a robot cross back over the line dividing the track about a good six inches to a foot and no penalty was assessed. Where were the penalties when properly due?

Just my $0.02

Other than that, it was an amazing regional. We were feeling the Aloha spirit the whole time we were there and we thank the Hawaiian teams for that. It was fun seeing old friends from over the summer. Such a competitive group of teams from all over. It was definitely a fun trip for our team. This regional has definitely been a first with easily most epic team social ever, and opening and closing ceremonies. A big thanks to Alex Ho for putting this together and Jim Beck, Dave Lavery, and Mark Leon. This is a sign of the direction where FIRST is going. Congrats to 233, 254, and 2454.

[Lavapicker]

When you're laying down across the field blocking the entire lane as they were you're going to get hit in places you don't want. I'm just stressing that the initial hits were bumper to bumper. We were accused of hitting above the bumper and I can assure you our arm system would have bent to pieces before it pushed another bot over and was in no way used to tip anyone. Fact is that 233 was kind of tippy. They would rock quite a bit. Like I said in another post, we were hit broadside while carrying a ball in the semi's and went over for the first time in two tournaments and we're quite stable. BTW, We asked 233 about their arm after the tipping match and they said it was just fine. It was a monster like their entire bot. You've got to build your bot for contact. Poofs rammed us good at the end of the third match and knocked a pwm cable out and killed a motor. As rough as it looked to folks in the stands it was going both ways and we weren't crying over it...neither did I hear drive teams from either side complaining.
As for calls...I agree there appeared to be some small overlooked ones but the matches played and were ultimately determined like I think they were supposed to be. I think the ref's in Hawaii did an overall excellent job! I questioned one about a few obvious ones and he said they wanted to call but saw the same thing on both sides so decided to make it a no call. In SVR you had both teams in the challenge box after every single match trying to figure out what wasn't and was called...it was a pure mess. It was extremely frustrating to watch and play and was worse yet, inconsistant. In Honolulu the calls were very consistant and fair in my opinion....and we didn't win!! We sure had a blast though! Aloha,

[chaoticprout]

When you're laying down across the field blocking the entire lane as they were you're going to get hit in places you don't want. I'm just stressing that the initial hits were bumper to bumper.

Having the drive teams on your alliance cheer as 233 tipped over the SECOND match, however, is not part of the competition, no matter which way you try to spin what you just did.

[MasterRobot]

does anyone know if there is going to be an archive of the webcasts? I kinda wanted to re-watch the 2nd semi-final where team 233 was flipped by the other alliance a number of times.

It was an awesome match

[RobJ]

does anyone know if there is going to be an archive of the webcasts? I kinda wanted to re-watch the 2nd semi-final where team 233 was flipped by the other alliance a number of times.

It was an awesome match

I have all our matches on video, I am hoping to put them on our website when the season is over.

[ejSabathia]

I just want to take the opportunity to thank all the Hawaiian teams for their hospitality. Personally, I've never had so many friendly faces greeting me @ a FIRST event. From the students to the adults everyone was very welcoming. Please excuse me for not remembering every name and number...But in particular the people from 359 (Glenn), 368 (Alan), 2454, 2024, 2090... thank you all!

As far as play goes on the field, things always get emotional and i try never to hold any action against any individual after the buzzer has sounded. With that said, I'm not going to say anything negative. What i will say is that a rookie team, 2454, played some of the best defense of the event. When we discussed strategy as an alliance we made it clear to all the drivers that when going after high scoring opponents to AVOID robot contact. The most effective way to shut down an offensive robot is to take away the scoring object. In the finals you can watch 2454's driver trying to stay a quadrant ahead of 368. The last half of the match they placed themselves between 368 and the ball and strafed side to side keeping them from picking it up.

my 2 dollars and .54 cents

~EJ

[Q. Sheets]

WHAT IS DEAN'S HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT FROM THE REGIONAL????

:confused:

[David Guzman]

Congratulations to 233, 254, and 2454.

[dlavery]

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/img/f58/f5870e960a947182294cc5f872cc72f7_l.jpg
While driving past Waialua High School (Team 359) on Oahu yesterday, there was an amazing rainbow that seemed to be coming down right on top of the building. I just could not resist taking this picture. Given their Regional Chairmans' Award win this weekend, it seemed amazingly fitting (if you look closely, you will notice that it is actually a double rainbow - even better!).

Given this signal from above, I wonder if there might be a little divine intervention in the offing to help the Hawaiian Kids do well in Atlanta. :)

-dave


.

[ajisjesus]

WHAT IS DEAN'S HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT FROM THE REGIONAL????

:confused:

help to make Hawaii the poster child of FIRST and make FIRST available to every student in Hawaii... in other words make all Hawaii schools have a FIRST team...

which i must admit would be pretty sick :cool:

[hoorayforpink]

The first FIRST Hawaii Regional was easily one of the best experiences of my life. The competition was fierce and the matches were exciting. The first couple of days of competition you could tell many of the rookie teams didn't get it, but by the third day they had it. The crowd was loud and created an awesome atmosphere for the event.

Hanging out with 254 was so much fun. I especially love watching the poofs running through the streets of Honolulu, from a hotel room 22 stories up;). I really do hope we hang out in Atlanta and thanks for being such an amazing partner. During competition you guys were a bit quiet to begin with, but by the end of the competition days the poofs were making themselves heard. Thanks for making me those five bucks.:D

2454 did some great defense and we couldn't have won the semi-finals without their last second heroics. In our second semi-final match 2454 's knocking a ball off and keeping the other alliance from crossing their finish line won us the match and allowed us to ultimately win the event. Thanks for being a great alliance partner.

Congrats to team 359 on Chairmans and good luck to all in Atlanta.

And finally thanks to all of the planners, volunteers, sponsors, and anybody who made the event possible.

ps-Special thanks to Mark Leon, Dave Lavery, and Dean Kamen for coming on the trip and making the Hawaii regional even better than it already was. And uh thanks for signing my shirt to all three.

[riskkeeper205]

Hanging out with 254 was so much fun. I especially love watching the poofs running through the streets of Honolulu, from a hotel room 22 stories up. I really do hope we hang out in Atlanta and thanks for being such an amazing partner. During competition you guys were a bit quiet to begin with, but by the end of the competition days the poofs were making themselves heard. Thanks for making me those five bucks.


i was one of the guys running from the hotel room that sunday night :) and i gotta say it was awesome getting being cheered on from the pink team's balcony as we ran. it was kinda lame that the last image they got of us in Hawaii was us running out of the hotel and down the street :D. i was disappointed that i didnt get a chance to say bye. o well i had a lot of fun hanging out with Pink and i must say that Pink is awesome. i am awaiting the pants story and the pics.



GO PINK !!!!!!!

[Wayne C.]

I just got back to New Jersey today and I wish to congratulate the Hawaiian Regional Committee on hosting a unique and wonderful event. Our team has been to Regional Competitions all over the country and I can confidently state that we all felt that this was one of the most welcoming we have ever experienced. Many of the Veteran Regional Committees should take a lesson from Hawaii and follow their lead.

[TySSM]

Yes hawaii was fun and i think everyone one are team is wants to see the pictures

[TySSM]

i meant to say everyone on our team wants to see the pics

go pink!

[waialua359]

A special thanks to the mainland teams for coming, especially 25, 233, 254, 597, 846, 968, and 1572 as we have seen them on several past regional tournaments in the past ranging from San Jose to Las Vegas to New Jersey.
You all made it a great show for our audience and for showing especially the rookie teams many of your experiences ranging from GP to robot design, to veteran leadership.
It really was for three days, like being in the zone where you forgot about everything else (work and school) and had a grand ol time. I cant say enough how you've impacted many of our rookie teams and ourselves as we try to up the level of all of our programs to be as successful as yourselves.

Wayne, you are really making it tempting for us to go back to NJ. Maybe this time, you can take us as your 3rd partner after 103. :D
To Cory and EJ, maybe we can partner up again like the good ol days back in San Jose.
Darrel, we will always get a chance to partner up again in the near future like 2006.
And to Ms. P., if we decide to go to your FL double field regional next year or in the near future, our team made me ask you for pink shirts! They are so jealous that I got one and will wear it at CMP this year.
It looks like Dorothy and Toto will meet the Hawaiian Kids next year, as we travel to Kansas, Hawaii, ????? (East Coast) VCU again? and if we qualify, CMP.
:p

[MasterRobot]

i would just like to echo what waialua359 said and really thank all the mainland teams for coming down. this has been the first live FRC competition that i have ever seen, and it was amazing. one of the reasons i want to especially thank them is that the mainland teams made the competition really interesting. for example, the 2nd semi-final match was one of most awesomest and amazing events that i have ever seen. im happy that all the mainland teams enjoyed hawaii and i hope you come back soon.

[waialua359]

i meant to say everyone on our team wants to see the pics

go pink!

Some of our dear friends took 100's of pics with links to them. Email waialuateam359@yahoo.com and I will forward the link. Its has many of the mainland teams also in there as they took pictures of everything the entire weekend. :D

[SU 39]

Besides the great competition, I thought one of the best parts was the (by my estimate) approximately $50,000 team social. I've never ever seen or heard about a social that was that big and entertaining. The food, the fireworks, the entertainment were all great. I only wish I had heard about the poi chugging contest. Sadly, I was on the far side of the luau and didn't hear about it till hours afterwards, otherwise I definitely would've been there to down some poi.

[Yohan]

Aloha teams!

As the captain of Team Kika Mana (368), we would like to thank the many people and organizations involved in making the Hawaii Regional a success.

To Governor Lingle and Dean Kamen, we're very thankful to each of you for getting the Hawaii Regional started in record time. The Governor and Lt. Governor's "Innovation Initiative" is the cornerstone of economic change that our team has been advocating for years.

To NASA and Dave Lavery, we're very thankful for the generous grants you donated to the Hawaii rookies as well as veteran teams throughout the country which made this regional so competitive. Without your support, the budding Hawaii Regional would not have even been conceivable.

To Jim Beck and Alex Ho, Western and Hawaii Regional Directors, we would like to thank each of you for taking on the enormous task to bring about the sudden emergence of a new regional especially with all the unique challenges that needed to be overcome. We would also like to thank both of you for your everlasting support of our team.

To Mark Leon, we thank you for supporting our team and Hawaii throughout the years and for bringing your entertaining yet insightful message with you. To Blair Hundertmark, we thank for coming all the way to Hawaii to be such an awesome game announcer and emcee.

To Art and Rene Kimura, two very special people who started robotics in Hawaii, we owe you our thanks. For all that you have done to advance robotics in Hawaii over the many years, it was most appropriate for you to receive the first Volunteer of the Year Award for the Hawaii Regional.

We would also like to thank Team 359, The Hawaiian Kids, for choosing us to be an alliance partner. It was awesome to be finally working together with you after five years and with your guidance, we once again made it together to the finals.

We would also like to thank Team 2437, Lancer Robotics, for being such awesome rookies. When we talked strategy, you girls knew what needed to be done without a doubt. Without you, we definitely wouldn't have made it to the finals.

Congratulations to Team 233, Team 254, and Team 2454 for winning the first-ever Hawaii FIRST Robotics Regional. We would have liked to have given you folks more of competition in the finals, but we unfortunately suffered a major mechanical failure and became crippled in the end (a roll pin in our AM SuperShifters failed and broke into three pieces, causing our clutch to be stuck in and out of neutral for most of both final matches).

And finally, thank you all the judges, referees, volunteers, Hawaii rookie teams, and mainland teams for making the inaugural Hawaii FIRST Robotics Regional so fantastic!

See you all in Atlanta for our last Overdrive!

John Paik

[ducttapedude]

i meant to say everyone on our team wants to see the pics

go pink!

The Hawaii Regional was definately the funnest regional I have ever attended, I made quite a few new friends and had quite a good time with kids from team 254 and 1138.

Also, I was completely amazed with all of the Hawaii'n teams and how amazingly GP they all were. The govenor gave us a Very very warm welcome every day of competition and Hawaii itself was just plain beautiful.

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone, kids, mentors, and volunteers that attended this competition.:)

Btw: Go Poof Pants : D

[TKM.368]

By the way, the photo montage played on Saturday before the elimination matches can be found here (http://firstinhawaii.org/media/videos/firstinhawaii2008.html) for those who want to relive the memories.