Dated February 15, 2018 For Immediate Release:
The 2018 DXpedition to Baker Island is proud to commemorate the 81st anniversary of Amelia Earhart’s disappearance on July 2, 1937 near Baker & Howland islands, as well as the commitment and sacrifices made by the Hui Panalā’au students from Hawaii, who lived on Baker, Howland and Jarvis from 1935-1942.
Not many people know that these Hui Panalā’au students were unsung heroes. They were part of the American Equatorial Islands Colonization Project, which helped establish Baker, Howland and Jarvis as legitimate US territories by forming settlements on Baker and and Howland.
The settlement on Baker was named Meyerton, after Captain H.A. Meyer of the US Army, who helped establish the Hui Panalā’au camps in 1935. Itascatown, on Howland Island, was named after the USCGC ship Itasca which transported the students to the islands from Hawaii. Some of these young men lost their lives during the simultaneous attacks on Pearl Harbor & Baker-Howland-Jarvis on December 7- 8, 1941.
There is a strong connection between Earhart’s trip around the world, and these Hui Panalā’au colonists. The students helped build the landing strip on Howland for Earhart’s arrival and were waiting to welcome her on both Baker and Howland.
Itasca was anchored at Howland and in constant communication with Earhart as she made her final approach to Howland, but then disappeared presumably in the vicinity of Baker-Howland, which are only 40 miles apart. From some reports, a few students were also on the Itasca during those final hours.
Our DXpedition not only honors Earhart, often cited as a role-model for young girls because of her independence, persistence, and courage, but also recognizes the important role the brave young Hui Panalā’au students played in US history.
KH1 is the 5th most wanted entity. Our plans are to bring the KH1 entity to as many operators, and countries as we can. We hope adding these historical elements to our adventure makes it more interesting and enjoyable to our audience and raises awareness of our hobby in the general public.
As with any DXpedition to the really rare ones, this will be another large budget operation. The operator team will contribute over 50% of the expected budget of $400,000. You can help make this DXpedition happen by visiting our website, and contributing today. http://www.baker2018.net/pages/donate.html
Thank you in advance for your support. The Baker Island 2018 Team
