Local high school students who want to compete in the regionals of the FIRST Robotics Competition no longer have to travel to the Mainland to do so.

Inventor Dean Kamen yesterday joined with Gov. Linda Lingle and Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona at the University of Hawai'i's Stan Sheriff Center to announce that Honolulu will host one of FIRST's regional robotics competitions next year.

Kamen, who created the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology Robotics Competition in 1991, said he was confident the Hawai'i event, scheduled for March 27 to 29, would be well attended.

"It could break every record for a rookie regional," said Kamen, who is perhaps best known for inventing the Segway HT electronic transporter.

This year, more than 30,000 high school students on more than 1,300 teams from around the world competed in 37 regional events across the United States.

Punahou sophomore Bill Casey said he was excited about plans to bring the regional event to Honolulu.

"The good thing about FIRST is it's not only about scoring points," Casey said. "The real winners are students who get the most out of the experience ... They can overcome seemingly impossible tasks. That's what FIRST is all about."

Fewer students in the United States are pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and math than in many other countries, according to a recent study published by the National Academy of Engineering. In many cases, the study said, Americans who pursue engineering are gradually falling behind engineers in other countries, who are taking top government positions in their native countries and emerging from the behind-the-scenes role historically associated with the career.

Kamen said the declining interest in science and technology among America's youth helped inspire him to found FIRST. "They should be placing a value on things other than entertainers and sports stars," Kamen said.

In addition to learning science and technology skills through the robotics competition, students also can build self-confidence, leadership and life skills, he said.