Hawaii Annual Code Challenge set for record-breaking year

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed ongoing modernization projects within the state, emphasizing the importance of updates from these initiatives to the Information Technology Steering Committee (ITSC). A proposal was made to invite project leaders with Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) oversight to provide progress reports and identify areas where the ITSC could offer support.

The meeting also highlighted the upcoming Hawaii Annual Code Challenge, now in its ninth year. Thelma Lane, the event's lead coordinator, reported a successful fundraising effort, with $40,000 in cash and an additional $32,000 in in-kind donations secured. The kickoff event is set for this Saturday, with 137 participants already registered, including professionals, college students, and high school students.

Lane detailed the expanded program this year, which includes not only technical training workshops but also professional development sessions. Notable contributions from sponsors like Verizon have enabled workshops on resume writing and interviewing skills. The initiative aims to address feedback from employers regarding the need for soft skills among young professionals.

This year's challenge features six projects, the most ever, including a digital navigator app, an AI concierge bot, and a digital equity dashboard. Additionally, community-focused projects include a game promoting Hawaiian bird conservation and an interactive energy display for a local museum. The presentation day for the Hawaii Annual Code Challenge is scheduled for November 16th at West Oahu, promising to showcase innovative solutions from the civic tech community.