[waialua359]

I wanted to respond here for several emails/messages that I've been getting about how the funding became a reality.
I can only speak for our team and what we have done the last several years (but it certainly hasnt happen without a core group in the Hawaii Robotics community....i.e. team 368, 1056, and others).

Over the years, what started with pursuing a resolution with one of the representatives, getting the message out via the media, and working with local companies-ultimately turned into a technology innovation plan that our Governor initiated during her 1st term in office.

Both team 359 and 368 had to deal with major challenges in trying to compete in the mainland and spreading the message of FIRST in its early years, simply because you couldnt compete locally.
Inviting our legislature, business community leaders and our local community to our program, has been the most effective way to convince them that FIRST is a great program to invest in.
Sharing details of our expenses, challenges, and student learning experiences has given them a clear picture of just how tough it is to run a program, meet the challenges of FIRST, and paying for all of the costs associated with participation in competitions.

The sustainability/business plan, IMO, should be regarded as one of the highest awards at a regional competition. Simply put, its the one complaint/challenge that almost every team talks about when trying to participate in FIRST. I would imagine that funding can be the biggest challenge for a team versus fielding a competitive robot.
Our team has never relied on one huge sponsor that provided both mentors and funding. What happens when that sponsor can no longer provide the same level of services due to this bad economy?

Ultimately, the support from our Governor (legislature) has shown me that they are the most effective form of support that any team can garner on their own.
Make the effort!