LIHU‘E — A chicken will help the Kaua‘i Bots with their fundraising this year.
The Kaua‘i Bots, an all-island high school FIRST Robotics Competition team, will get the aid of Thunder Chicken, a special coffee blend developed by Lappert’s Ice Cream and Coffee, to help with its expenses and operating costs.
Thunder Chicken coffee is available in 10-ounce bags with no less than 10 percent Kona Coffee and is available at $10 a bag at various locations around the island, including Island School. Kaua‘i Bots students and parents starting distribution early in December.
Locations where the Kaua‘i Bots have set up display boxes include the Chicken in a Barrel in Kapa‘a, Bliss A Salon in Kapa‘a, Tropical Dreams in Kapa‘a, Randy’s Box Lunch in Lihu‘e, Lifeway Pharmacy in Lihu‘e, Lifeway Pharmacy in Koloa, Healani’s Nails in Kalaheo, the Super Duper 2 ice cream shop in Waimea, and at Lappert’s Hawai‘i in The Shops at Kukui‘ula.
In addition to visiting the locations, Thunder Chicken coffee can be ordered by calling (800) 635-7377, according to the Kaua‘i Bots website.
The website also states a special offer of ordering four, or more bags at a discounted $8/bag has been extended. Mailing service is also available.
Proceeds from the sale of Thunder Chicken coffee will support the Kaua‘i Bots.
The Kaua‘i Bots are anxiously awaiting the 2013 season which kicks off starting at 8 a.m., Jan. 5 when project details will be unveiled during a live stream.
Robots which will be involved in short robotic games are designed and built in six weeks from a common set of parts once the details are unveiled.
Under the direction of Island School teacher James Massaro, the team, comprised of students from all of Kaua‘i’s high schools, work under the mentorship of engineers and other technicians to create, program and remotely-control their competitive robot.
The Hawai‘i Regional FIRST Robotics Competition will take place at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa on Mar. 28 through 30, 2013.
Kaua‘i Bots is no stranger to FRC, having earned the Gracious Professionalism Award following its attainment of being a quarter finalist at the 2012 regional competition.
In 2011, the Kaua‘i Bots earned the Team Spirit Award.
During the 2010 regional competition, the Kaua‘i Bots secured the Team Spirit and Engineering Inspiration Award in addition to being an FRC National Participant.
In 2009, the Kaua‘i Bots secured the Judges Award on the heels of its Rookie of the Year award garnered during the 2008 regionals.
One of the requirements for fielding an FRC Team is the need of a minimum of $15,000 funding provided by a single company, a group of companies, or through school fundraising efforts.
Some of the Kaua‘i Bots sponsors include NASA, BAE Systems, Textron Systems, SAIC, Monsanto Hawai‘i, Young Brothers Community Advisory Board, Matson Navigation, Oceanit, The Parker Group, Pioneer Hi-Bred, Syngenta Seeds, Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative, Kaua‘i Economic Development Board, Aqua Engineers, Koga Engineering, Rotary Clubs of Kapa‘a and Po‘ipu Beach, and Unlimited Construction.
Visit www.kauaibots.com for more information.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
