HAWAII Pacific state of the
US, consisting of the Hawaiian Islands, an archipeiago near the geographic center of the North Pacific ocean, 8 main
islands an 124 islet, reefs and shoals. The 8 main islands are Hawaii, Maui,Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau and Kahoolanwee.
Hawaii entered the union on August 21, 1959 as the 50th state. It is called the Aloha state and has an area of 10,932
square miles (28,313 sq km). It is the 43rd largest state in the US. The name of the state was taken from the island of Hawaii.
The meaning of the Polynesian word or name is unknown. In the 19th century, the name was extended to the entire
archipelago.
HOVERCRAFT (also known as
AIR CUSHION VEHICLE) An amazing craft that operates above the surface of water or land while supported on a
cushion of air 4-8 feet thick. The air cushion is provided by a large fan that pushes air downward within a flexible skirt
attached around the bottom of the vehicle. This skirt makes the hovercraft appear to be operating only a few inches above
the surface. The vehicle is moved forward by propellers mounted above the vehicle or by controlling the air exhaust
through small openings around the skirt. Breaking is controlled by reversing the pitch of the propeller or changing the
direction of air.
Most hovercrafts are designed for amphibious operation over water, marshy ground and beaches
and the operating controls are basically like those found in an airplane. A control wheel adjusts the pitch of the vehicle
and rudder pedals control side-to-side movement. The speed over water is limited by wave height and wind speed. The operation
of the hovercraft is pretty much the same when moving from water to land or from land to water. The air cushion prevents
the hull from striking the ground when the terrain changes for a smooth, unnoticable transition. Lifeguards and other
lifesaving teams use them in emergency situations for victims that must remain immobile during transport from
the rescue site to an ambulance waiting at the beach. [Information is repeated
under AIR CUSHION VEHICLE]
