Posted on: Thursday, December 19, 2002

EDITORIAL
High-tech work for military pays off

As Hawai'i struggles to develop at least a modest home-based high-tech industry, it shouldn't forget that it has one of the biggest consumers of cutting-edge technology right at its doorstep: the U.S. military.

High-tech activities that have a military application (everything from telemedicine to "wiring" O'ahu with fiber-optic cable) also have valuable and lasting civilian applications.

The latest example is the Honolulu-based Science & Technology International, which recently won a multimillion-dollar federal contract to map Hawai'i's coral reefs. The firm will use high-tech imaging equipment it developed for the military as a submarine and mine detection system.

This is a coup for Science & Technology International. And it could produce long-lasting environmental and scientific benefits for Hawai'i.

No high-tech firm lasts for long unless it has a customer base. The military, with deep pockets and an ongoing need for the latest in technology, fits that bill perfectly.