

In July, Gov. Josh Green (, Act 186) that lays the groundwork for cohesive management of ±á²¹·É²¹¾±ʻ¾±¡¯²õ blue economy—centralizing marine affairs oversight and formally designating the state as a hub for ocean innovation and stewardship. The bill transforms the , which has several University of Âé¶¹´«Ã½ members, into the new state Marine Affairs Governing Board; and re-establishes the position of Marine Affairs Coordinator.
“John Craven was the first and, to date, only State of Âé¶¹´«Ã½ Marine Affairs Coordinator,” said Dave Karl, UH Mānoa professor and director of the in the UH Mānoa (SOEST) who has been the of the Marine Affairs Advisory Committee since Earth Day 2024 and attended the bill signing.
“The re-establishment of this key leadership position is timely and important,” he said. “A key goal is to support marine research and education, and to promote novel blue economy partnerships throughout the state and across the Pacific basin. UH is well-positioned to contribute to this new marine vision.”
Sustainable use of resources, preservation of ecosystems
As shared in the , ±á²¹·É²¹¾±ʻ¾±¡¯²õ “blue economy” is defined by the sustainable use of ocean and aquatic resources to support economic growth and job creation, in turn ensuring the preservation of essential marine ecosystems. Âé¶¹´«Ã½ stands as a national leader, driven by its unique position as the only U.S. island state in the Pacific and its long-standing cultural, economic and scientific ties to the ocean.
“SOEST is deeply committed to advancing ±á²¹·É²¹¾±ʻ¾±¡¯²õ blue economy by integrating world-class research with education in ways that strengthen student engagement, expand workforce opportunities, and accelerate innovation,” said SOEST Dean Chip Fletcher. “Our responsibility is not only to generate new knowledge, but to apply those discoveries to improve the resilience and well-being of Pacific communities.”
As shared in the Governor¡¯s office press release, “a centralized office allows the state to focus its efforts on advancing ±á²¹·É²¹¾±ʻ¾±¡¯²õ blue economy while eliminating the fragmented approach of the previous system.”
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