Kalukalu at 1624, a project of Kauai Federal Credit Union, is excited to officially welcome Kauai Makerspace as one of its first partners in the former Otsuka building, opened by the credit union as an economic resilience center in February 2024.
“Kauai Makerspace is happy to announce that we are now set up in a new space and fortunate to be a part of Kalukalu at 1624 in Kapaa,” says Richard (Rich) O’Reilly, a retired mechanical engineer and president of Kauai Makerspace since 2018.
Equipped with 16 3D printers, laser cutting machines, CNC routers, sewing machines, a wood lathe, drill press, band saw, vinyl cutters and four Raspberry pi units, Kauai Makerspace is a community-operated 501(c)3 where people with common interests, often in computers, machining, technology, science, or electronics, can meet, socialize and collaborate.
Kauai Makerspace will open at Kalukalu at 1624 in early September. Memberships are available to middle school students and adults for a monthly fee of $20 to cover rent and supplies. Classes will also be offered to home school students and other groups interested in using the space for STEM camps and workshops.
Rich O’Reilly, with a lifetime passion for machining and years of experience in injection mold making and product design in the aerospace, industry will teach classes in Robotics (including Aduino and Raspberry pi), CAD design, White Metal (Pewter) Casting, Resin Casting, Metal Embossing and more.
“We are excited to open our doors in partnership with the Kauai Makerspace, as an incubator for experiential, hands-on learning in STEM in a family friendly environment,” says Sean Kaley, Interim CEO, Kauai Federal Credit Union. “Our collaboration reflects Kauai FCU’s intention to partner with the community to support innovation and entrepreneurship, especially for youth.”
Local entrepreneur Macey Dickerson is one of the first members to test out the Makerspace at Kalukalu at 1624, using the laser cutter to custom design jewelry constructed from local wood, preserved plants and microplastics gathered from the east side shoreline. She calls the Makerspace “a super accessible, amazing resource.”
As a small business owner rooted in nature inspired art, Dickerson donates 25% of her jewelry sales to Black to the Land’s Urban Forest School, empowering black and brown children through outdoor education. Through hiking, exploration and outdoor learning, the program fosters sustainable practices and cultural appreciation, nurturing a legacy of environmental stewardship for generations to come.
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