(BIVN) – The life and legacy of Kona-born astronaut Ellison Onizuka, Hawaiʻi’s first NASA astronaut, was celebrated during an event at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo on Saturday. 

Astronaut Ellison Onizuka Science Day was held on the 40th anniversary of Space Shuttle Challenger tragedy, which claimed the life of Onizuka and his crew. 

“We’re trying to continue his legacy,” said Ellison’s younger brother, Claude Onizuka, who worked to bring the event back to Hawaiʻi Island after a five-year hiatus. “He inspired a lot of people and he wanted to encourage the youngsters to work hard, study hard, and never give up on their dreams.” 

Claude Onizuka attends Astronaut Ellison Onizuka Science Day, from video courtesy the University of Hawaiʻi

From a University of Hawaiʻi news release:

Organized by the Pacific International Space Center for Explorations Systems (PISCES) in partnership with UH Hilo, the Onizuka Memorial Committee, and the Hawaiʻi Science and Technology Museum, the day marked a return for the beloved community tradition, paused since the pandemic.

The event featured a keynote by NASA astronaut Donald R. Pettit, PhD, whose appearance was funded by American Savings Bank. Pettit, who has spent 590 days in space and is part of the team preparing for the Artemis II mission, challenged young attendees saying, “I want them to think, ‘Wow, flying into space, it’s exploration, it’s tough, it’s difficult, but it’s something I want to do!’ and I hope everyone of these students to come and arm wrestle me for my job!”

image from video courtesy the University of Hawaiʻi

Approximately 650 attendees — including students ages 3-12, parents, robotics teams, and over 150 volunteers — participated in hands-on workshops from building volcanoes to learning traditional Polynesian canoe lashing and ham radio operation. Interactive exhibits featured liquid nitrogen demos, Maunakea Observatory displays, and a state-qualifying VEX IQ Robotics tournament hosted by Waiākea Intermediate School.

Lunch for all keiki and volunteers was sponsored by KTA Super Stores. Organizers say the event would not have been possible without community support and the blessing of the Onizuka ʻohana, who hope this annual event will inspire future scientists, engineers, and space explorers.

Ellison Onizuka was the first Asian American and first person of Japanese ancestry to reach space when he completed the Space Shuttle Discovery mission in 1985. He remains the only NASA astronaut from Hawaiʻi.