Kaua‘i Sixth-Graders Makayla Oliver, Ella Bresnahan Advance to Hawai‘i State Science Fair

Two sixth‑grade students from Hanalei School, Makayla Oliver and Ella Bresnahan, will represent Kaua‘i at the 69th Hawaiʻi State Science and Engineering Fair in April at Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall in Honolulu after earning top honors at the Kaua‘i regional fair held Feb. 7 at the Kaua‘i War Memorial in Līhuʻe.

Makayla Oliver’s project, titled “Fantastic Flour,” examined how different types of flour affect cupcake density and looked at the carbohydrates present in each flour type as well as the chemical reactions that occur during baking. Ella Bresnahan also advanced to the state fair; reporting did not include a project title or project details for Bresnahan.

The Kaua‘i regional fair drew students in grades 6–12 from eight Kaua‘i schools, who presented posters and research to volunteer judges. The judges named in coverage included park rangers Tom Randolph and Kyra Costar, hydrologist Ayahna Monoghan, science educator Vicki Randolph, and software engineer Errol Adams. Many students received recognition from the nonprofit Kaua‘i Student Research for outstanding work in science and engineering, and a Silent Auction was held at the event to support the students who will be competing in the statewide fair.

Paulette Adams, science academic coach at Hanalei School, noted the emotional and logistical significance of this year’s advancement, saying, “We had three projects going to the state fair in 2020, and the students did not get to go because of COVID.” Adams said she is excited that two Hanalei students will now travel to the state competition after the interruption of the pandemic-era cancellations.

The statewide context highlights both opportunity and equity issues. The Hawaiʻi State Science and Engineering Fair returns to in-person exhibition this April at Neal Blaisdell, and past state fairs have included explicit efforts to recognize Hawaiian-language science projects. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs recognized four students whose Hawaiian language projects qualified for the state fair on April 12, 2017, awarding each a $100 scholarship and an ipu heke; OHA Chair Colette Y. Machado said, “We are so proud of these haumāna (students). They carry on the legacy of our kūpuna’s brilliance and serve as an inspiration for our Lāhui.” Sen. J. Kalani English emphasized that Hawaiian immersion students can advance to the highest levels of achievement, reinforcing the broader statewide push to ensure language and cultural access within science education.

Community support and volunteer involvement made the Kaua‘i regional fair possible, but the need for a Silent Auction to underwrite travel and competition costs raises questions about how island students access statewide opportunities. Hanalei School will send Makayla Oliver and Ella Bresnahan to Honolulu in April to join finalists from across the islands at the 69th Hawaiʻi State Science and Engineering Fair, marking a return to state competition for students from the school since pandemic cancellations in 2020.