30th International Symposium 
on Remote Sensing of Environment
will convene 2003 in Honolulu, Hawai`i

          Aloha! It is our pleasure to welcome you to the 30 ^th International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment which will be held in Honolulu, Hawai`i, November 10-14, 2003. The symposium will bring together the knowledge and experience of experts from around the world in remote sensing of environment, and you are invited to be a part of it. In our commitment to sustaining development into the new millennium, specific perspectives will be featured in the technical program of this international assembly of the remote sensing community, the themes of Hazards & Disasters, Global Change, Natural Resources, and Technology and Infrastructure.

The 30th International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment is being organized by the International Center for Remote Sensing of Environment, and the U.S. host-organizers, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in conjunction with the East-West Center, the Pacific Disaster Center and Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Honolulu, O`ahu

O’ahu, known as the “Gathering Place.” A fitting description for an island considered by most as the melting pot of the Pacific due to its rich ethnic diversity. Almost one million people populate this Island paradise. Tourism dominates the economy, but efforts are being made to diversify into science and technology, film and television production, sports, ocean research and development, and diversified agriculture and floral and specialty food products.

Honolulu covers most of the Island of O’ahu from the financial center in Downtown to the scenic sights of Waikiki. Wandering around, you can soak up the sun and the spirit of aloha that is all around.

Waikiki

Enjoy the sights and sounds of Waikiki as you stroll along Kalakaua Avenue. Currently, some of the free entertainment to be enjoyed by all are a Hawaiian music and hula show near the Duke Kahanamoku statue from Thursday to Sunday evenings, a concert at the Kapiolani Bandstand on Friday evenings, a movie on the beach on Saturdays and Sundays, and a historical walking tour of Waikiki.

Waikiki is a happening place from morning to night. If you are into sports, you can enjoy watching soccer matches or flying kites at Kapiolani Park, learn to surf, canoe or parasail at Waikiki Beach or go hiking up Diamond Head crater. During the day you can take in the Waikiki Aquarium, the third oldest public aquarium in the United States designated as the Coastal Ecosystem Learning Center for the Pacific Island Region; the Honolulu Zoo with its main attraction the Komodo Dragons; or the International Marketplace with its flurry of kiosks and shops. At night, take in the sounds of the pounding surf during a moonlit walk or take in one of many shows and nightclubs that the hotels have to offer.

For a calendar of events, go to the following website: http://calendar.gohawaii.com.

Other Attractions

Honolulu is home to ‘Iolani Palace, the only state residence of royalty in the U.S. Just across the street from the Palace is the statue of King Kamehameha, who united all of the Hawaiian Islands.

Outside of Honolulu is Pearl Harbor, home to the USS Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri. To the north, is the Polynesian Cultural Center featuring seven different Polynesian island nation cultures including Samoa, Tonga, and Tahiti. The Center was founded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Also to the north are Sunset Beach and Waimea Bay, known for their high surf during the winter months. Waves have reached as high as 30 feet or 9.144 meters.

Dining Out

Asian-Pacific cuisine probably best describes the type of food served at most restaurants in Honolulu. If you are interested in trying Hawaiian delicacies, there are several restaurants and luaus that offer the more popular dishes such as pork or chicken laulau (pork or chicken wrapped in taro leaves with a small chunk of black cod fish), poi (a taro paste), lomilomi salmon (bits of salmon, diced tomatoes and sweet onions, and green onions), and chicken long rice. For good Chinese food, head out to Downtown Honolulu to Chinatown for delicious dim sum, roast pork and roast duck.

A visit to Hawai`i is not complete without trying “shaved ice” from the Waiola Store on Kapahulu Avenue in Waikiki or the famous Matsumoto Store in old Haleiwa Town on the North Shore.

Entertainment and the Arts

Honolulu has many cinemas, a concert hall, and several theaters. For information on what’s playing during your visit, check out the following websites:

For symphony concerts (classical or pop): http://www.honolulusymphony.com.
For theater offerings at the historical Hawai`i Theatre: http://www.hawaiitheatre.com.
For activities being held at the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena, Concert Hall, Exhibition Hall and the Waikiki Shell, go to: http://www.blaisdellcenter.com/calendar/index.cfm.

Honolulu also has many museums of interest. The Bishop Museum tells the full story of Hawai`i in relationship to its place in the Pacific and the world. The Honolulu Academy of Arts houses a fine collection of Western and Asian art. The Contemporary Museum occupies a historic home in residential Honolulu and is the only museum to display only contemporary art.

Local Handicrafts and Gifts

Chocolate covered macadamia nuts are not the only things Hawai`i has to offer. Other local gift ideas are Hawaiian heirloom jewelry, lauhala weaved bags, ornamental hat decorations, various types of coffees, unique cookies such as the macadamia with seaweed cookies from Big Aloha Cookies and the pineapple shaped cookies from the Honolulu Cookie Company, koa wood items such as jewelry boxes, clocks, name card holders, and many, many more gift ideas.

Hiking

If you are an avid hiker, Hawai`i offers many wonderful and scenic hiking trails. For more information on hiking opportunities, you may want to log on to the following websites:

http://www.hejoly.demon.nl/countries/hawaii.html.
http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Trails/3660/htmhgoah.html.

One hike you won’t want to miss is the Makapuu Trail Hike. Along the path of this trail, you may see humpbacked whales swimming in the distance. The view at the top is spectacular. For more information on this hike, check out the following website:

http://hotspotshawaii.com/melpages/Around_Oahu/makapuu1.html.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation of registrations, field trips, workshops or the luau must be done in writing and faxed or emailed to the Symposium Registrar at isrse@email.arizona.edu or fax (520) 621-3816 before September 1, 2003. Registration cancellation received before September 1, 2003 will be refunded 100% of the registration fees received, less an administrative fee of US $50. No refunds for cancellations received on or after September 1, 2003 will be provided, however an alternate or substitute attendee can be arranged. This applies to all registration categories and events.

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Travel Information

All airlines flying into Honolulu arrive at the Honolulu International Airport. Departure taxes for Honolulu are usually included in the cost of your air ticket.

Airline Information

United Airlines has been selected as the official airline for the 30^th International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment.    Click here for discount information

Entry Formalities

All visitors need a current passport. Citizens from most countries must obtain a visa to travel to the U.S. For more information, contact the nearest American Embassy or Consulate or visit http://travel.state.gov/visa_services.html.

IMPORTANT VISA APPLICATION NOTE - Please be aware that the time required for processing of visa applications for entry into the United States has increased substantially - often in excess of 2 months, therefore it is important that you check with the nearest U.S. Consulate/Embassy regarding visa application processing time and requirements. Due to newly introduced Department of Homeland Security procedures and policies, the Organizing Committee has very limited capacity to assist in facilitating visa applications.

Please be sure to check with the nearest U.S. Consulate/Embassy for processing time and requirements to ensure that you will receive your US visa in time to attend the Symposium. If part of the visa requirement is to have an original letter of invitation, please immediately inform us by emailing isrse@email.arizona.edu to allow ample time for the letter to be mailed to you.

What Clothes to Bring

Dress in Hawai’i is comfortable and casual (sport shirts for men, dress or slacks for women). Your own country’s attire is acceptable. Average Honolulu temperatures are approximately 27 Celsius during the day and about 21 Celsius in the evening. Rain is frequent in the winter months, so an umbrella is useful.

Tourist Information

Hawaii Visitors Convention Bureau:
2270 Kalakaua Avenue, Suite 801
telephone: 808-923-1811
fax: 808-924-0293
website: http://www.gohawaii.com

Historic Hawai’i Foundation:
680 Iwilei Road, Suite 690
telephone: 808-523-2900
fax: 808-523-0800
website: http://www.historichawaii.org/tours.html
email:hhfd@lava.net

Oahu Visitors Bureau:
733 Bishop Street, Suite 1520
telephone: 808-524-0722
website: http://www.visit-oahu.com

Currency

The official U.S. currency is the dollar. Foreign currency can be exchanged at the Honolulu Airport, at banks near the hotel, and at foreign exchange bureaus in Waikiki.

Gratuities

Gratuities or tipping for services received in a restaurant or to a taxi driver is common in the United States. The standard amount of a tip is usually 15%-20% of the service provided depending on quality of service. Tipping is not automatic, therefore you should always receive change for a bill that you have paid unless you gave the exact amount or unless you specified that the waitress or taxi driver should keep the change. Some hotel restaurants assess a service fee which is the same as a tip so be sure to check your bills carefully.

Working Hours

Banks and Exchange Bureaus:
Mondays to Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Most banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Business Offices: Usually from 7:45 a.m. to 12 noon and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Shops and Commerce:
Usually from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays and 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays. Restaurants:
Lunch usually begins at 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and dinner from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.

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Accommodations

The 30^th ISRSE will be held at the Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort located on the beautiful shores of Waikiki with Diamond Head as a backdrop. Each of the hotel's 1,852 rooms and suites comes with either an unparalleled view of white-crested waves, the Ko'olau Mountains with their majestic silhouettes, or Honolulu's whirling constellation of lights. Over two-thirds directly face the Pacific. Each main building room is equipped with amenities that include a data port, iron with ironing board, hair dryer, mini bar, in-room safe, internet connection through the television (for a fee) and more.

• Two swimming pools
• Water sport facilities for sailing, surfing, snorkeling, outrigger canoe rides, and catamaran rides.
• Fitness facility
• Keiki Aloha Children's Program
• Video check-out
• Voicemail message center
• Twenty gift and specialty shops
• Complimentary Hawaiian entertainment poolside each evening.

The hotel is located at 2255 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815-2579, telephone: 808-922-4422, fax: 808-923-8785. For more information on the Sheraton Waikiki, log onto their website at http://www.sheraton-waikiki.com.

Hotel Rates (Exclusive rates for Symposium participants):

Single or double room: US $112.00 plus 11.416% state/hotel tax per day.

Third person adult charge: US $ 45.00 plus 11.416% state/hotel tax per day.

Children 17 and under incur no additional charges.

Please make your reservations before October 9, 2003 directly with the Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort. Any reservations received after the deadline will be handled on a space-available basis. Above rates are applicable three days before, during, and three days after the official symposium dates of November 10 to 14, 2003.

Hotel check in time is 3:00 p.m.

Select here to view some of the room layouts.

Reservations

For reservations, please go to https://www.sheraton-hawaii.com/secure/sw/conferences.cfm, and click on the 30^th International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment. The password to log into the reservation page is isrse.

Information for Risk Management & Sustainable Development
November 10-14, 2003
Honolulu, Hawaii

You are invited to the 30^th International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment. The overall theme is the use of Earth observation systems in understanding and managing our planet’s environment with particular emphasis on natural hazards and sustainability. The symposium will include oral posters and sessions on vital issues of interest to academia, government agencies, resource managers and decision-makers in public and private sectors.

Symposium Highlights

Technical Program

• The primary forum for the application of Earth observation systems
• Presentations by experts from more than 50 countries
• Special focus and technical sessions on the Asia Pacific region
• Symposium proceedings distributed at meeting and through international network

Exhibition and Displays

• Up to 200 interactive poster presentations
• Up to 50 organizations exhibiting their latest products and services
• One-on-one consultation (get instant feedback on your application problems)
• Student Programs
• Valuable job-seeking advice from experienced professionals

Workshops

• Pre and post symposium workshops and training sessions

Social Program and Accompanying Persons’ Program

• Will include cultural events and tours

Related Attractions

• Whale Watching
• Volcanoes
• Iolani Palace and Museums
• World-class Zoo and Aquarium

Conference Hotel

• Sheraton Waikiki

Submit your abstract by March 2003. Instructions for abstract preparation and submission can be found at: www.symposia.com.

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Information for Risk Management & Sustainable Development
Call For Papers
November 10-14, 2003
Honolulu, Hawai`i

The 30th ISRSE Program Committee will consider and evaluate all abstracts received for possible inclusion in plenary, poster or parallel sessions. Potential topics are listed in the table below. Abstracts submitted should focus on one of the four categories: Hazards & Disasters, Global Change, Natural Resources, and Technology & Infrastructure. Additionally abstracts should address one or more of the following themes:

1. Science, phenomenology and integrated observations
2. Applications and decision support tools
3. Socio/economic impacts and benefits as they relate to sustainable development.

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Social Events

      *Optional events. They are not included in the registration fee and must be pre-booked and paid for.
    **Book through Sheraton Travel Services (see below)
  ***Book through on-line registration

Reservation and Payment for Sunset Dinner Cruise

Please contact Nina Ganal at Sheraton Travel Services, email: nina.ganal@sheraton.com, tel: 808-931-8072, fax: 808-923-8657 to make a reservation for the Sunset Dinner Cruise. Payment may be made via charge card: Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, JCB, and Discover. Be sure to provide the type of charge card, name as it appears on the card, card number and expiration date. Payment may also be made via money order or Cashier's check made payable to "Sheraton Travel Services" and mailed to:

Nina Ganal
Sheraton Travel Services
2255 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation of registrations, field trips, workshops or the luau must be done in writing and faxed or emailed to the Symposium Registrar at isrse@email.arizona.edu or fax (520) 621-3816 before September 1, 2003. Registration cancellation received before September 1, 2003 will be refunded 100% of the registration fees received, less an administrative fee of US $50. No refunds for cancellations received on or after September 1, 2003 will be provided, however an alternate or substitute attendee can be arranged. This applies to all registration categories and events.

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Companions

     *Optional events. They are not included in the registration fee and must be pre-booked and paid for.
    **Book through Sheraton Travel Services (see below)
  ***Book through on-line registration

Tour Options:

A) Pearl Harbor, Arizona Memorial & Historical Honolulu Tour: You will be escorted through the Pearl Harbor National Park Visitors Center to see the pictorial museum and film presentation on the attack of Pearl Harbor. The U.S. Navy shuttle will take you aboard the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial Monument. The tour continues through the Historic City of Honolulu and a narrative drive through the Punchbowl National Cemetery of the Pacific.

Price per person: $23.95
Children (12 & under): $18.74
Duration: 4 and ½ hours
Time of Tours: 8:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
11:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

B) Circle Island Tour: Full day of fun featuring an escorted tour of Waimea Valley. Tour includes the windward Oahu coastline, Mormon Temple, Sunset Beach, North Shore Surfing Beaches, pineapple and sugar cane fields, the Makapuu Lookout, Blow Hole, and Hanauma Bay. Lunch is no-host.

Price per person: $59.00
Children (6 to 11): $48.50
Children (2 to 5): $42.55
Duration: 9 hours
Time of Tour: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

C) Rainforest Waterfall Hike: Experience the tranquility of Hawai'i's enchanting rainforest, giant ferns and lush rainforest plants deep in the Ko'olau mountain range. Includes continental breakfast, bottled water, use of backpack, hiking pole, and rain poncho. Tour includes a stop at the Pali Lookout and a picture stop at the Queen Emma Summer Palace.

Price per person: $41.60
Children (12 & under): $30.20
Duration: 4 and ½ hours
Time of Tour: 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Cancellation Policy - Accompanying Persons Tours

Up to 7 days before first day of the symposium, full refund.

3 days or less before the first day of the symposium, no refund.

In the event of adverse weather or any other unforeseen circumstance occurring after the tour has been booked, the Operator reserves the right, at its discretion, to modify the tour in any way deemed necessary, without liability to the passengers. The Operator takes great care in the execution of its operations as well as in the selection of the suppliers of other services incorporated into its tours. The Operator reserves the right to cancel the tour in the event of an insufficient number of passengers. If the Operator cancels the tours, fees paid by the accompanying persons will be refunded. Comprehensive terms and conditions of the Operator can be provided on request.

Reservations and Payment for Tours

Please contact Nina Ganal at Sheraton Travel Services, email: nina.ganal@sheraton.com, tel: 808-931-8072, fax: 808-923-8657 to make a reservation for the Sunset Dinner Cruise or any of the Tour Options. Tours must be pre-booked and payment made. Payment may be made via charge card: Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, JCB, and Discover. Be sure to provide the type of charge card, name as it appears on the card, card number and expiration date. Payment may also be made via money order or Cashier's check made payable to "Sheraton Travel Services" and mailed to:

Nina Ganal
Sheraton Travel Services
2255 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96830-0559

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation of registrations, field trips, workshops or the luau must be done in writing and faxed or emailed to the Symposium Registrar at isrse@email.arizona.edu or fax (520) 621-3816 before September 1, 2003. Registration cancellation received before September 1, 2003 will be refunded 100% of the registration fees received, less an administrative fee of US $50. No refunds for cancellations received on or after September 1, 2003 will be provided, however an alternate or substitute attendee can be arranged. This applies to all registration categories and events.

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Exhibits

Hawai'i Calls All Exhibitors

Honolulu, Hawai'i is the crossroads of the Pacific and affords companies and non-commercial organizations the opportunity to showcase their latest products and innovations to clients, researchers, stakeholders, decision-makers, and their peers from around the world. This event is dedicated to the Remote Sensing of Environment focusing on Information for Risk Management and Sustainability Development.

Why exhibit at Honolulu 2003?

• The Symposium is dedicated to a niche market and is widely acknowledged to be one of the most significant gatherings of the remote sensing industry.
• It is a unique marketing opportunity to expose products, equipment and services to quality visitors in a short space of time.
• Face to face contact with the industry's Who's Who.
• Investment in cost-effective advertising expenditures.
• This event is the ideal platform to launch new products, make announcements and present the latest innovations and technological developments.
• The Symposium program will feature presenters from around the globe sharing their experiences and knowledge during plenary, breakaway and poster sessions.

Venue and Dates

The symposium and exhibits will take place at the Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort, Honolulu, Hawai'i, November 10-14, 2003.

Full Stand Package Includes:

• Admittance to all Symposium sessions and a copy of the proceedings for one designated exhibitor delegate. (Designated exhibitor should register on-line as "Exhibitor Delegate" to receive one full participant registration as part of the exhibition fee. Additional staff should register on-line as "Exhibitor Staff." Registration fee is US$150.)
• Pre-conference publicity; a listing in the Symposium program; a link to your company web site from the Honolulu 2003 web site at http://www.symposia.org. Full payment received before May 1, 2003 also guarantees an exhibit listing in the preliminary program mailed to a database covering the remote sensing industry throughout the world.
• A post conference mailing list containing fax and telephone numbers of all Symposium registrants.
• Booth with sign identifying your organization/company, panels, pair of spotlights, 6' (1.8222m) skirted table, two chairs, a wastebasket, hotel security, a complete exhibitor's kit.
• Daily aisle cleaning.

Exhibit space will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. A limited number of booths will be made available so don't delay your decision. Booth assignments will be made only after payment is received by the East-West Center. You will be notified of your assigned exhibit space upon receipt of payment. In case of cancellation, a refund for the cost of each booth less US$100 per booth will be possible only if your cancellation is received in writing by Friday, August 8, 2003. No refunds will be made for cancellations received after Friday, August 8, 2003. Please make check payable to "East-West Center." A complete exhibitor's kit will be mailed to exhibitors following information of participation.

Exhibit space will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. A limited number of booths will be made available so don't delay your decision. A complete exhibitor's kit will be mailed to exhibitors following information of participation.

Select here to view the floorplan.

The Honolulu 2003 Floor Plan (Please note that booths 45-63 are reserved for poster sessions):

Stand Costs:
Commercial exhibits:

US$2,000.00 for a stand/booth of 3m x 2m - two or more adjacent booths can be booked.

Non-commercial exhibits:

US$1000.00 for a stand/booth of 3m x 2m - two or more adjacent booths can be booked.

To book space:

Contact:

June Kuramoto
Research Program
East-West Center
1601 East-West Road
Honolulu, Hawaii 96848-1601

Telephone: 1-808-944-7267
Fax: 1-808-944-7380
Email: kuramotj@eastwestcenter.org

Select here to submit request for exhibitors space via electronic form.

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Field Trips

Post-Symposium Field Trips: Several Post-Symposium field trips, both on Oahu and on the neighboring islands are being planned for the weekend (November 15-16, 2003) following the Symposium. Information on the field trips will be available in early March and attendees are encouraged to apply early, as participation will be limited for many of the field trips.

Workshops

Pre-Symposium workshops: A full slate of educational and informative workshops are being planned for the weekend (November 8-9, 2003) immediately preceding the Symposium. Information on the workshops will be available in early March and attendees are encouraged to apply early as participation will be limited for many of the workshops.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation of registrations, field trips, workshops or the luau must be done in writing and faxed or emailed to the Symposium Registrar at isrse@email.arizona.edu or fax (520) 621-3816 before September 1, 2003. Registration cancellation received before September 1, 2003 will be refunded 100% of the registration fees received, less an administrative fee of US $50. No refunds for cancellations received on or after September 1, 2003 will be provided, however an alternate or substitute attendee can be arranged. This applies to all registration categories and events.

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30th International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment  Important Dates

East West Center  *  1601 East-West Road,  *  Honolulu, Hawai`i  *  96848-1601  *  1-808-944-7557  *  Email