HONOLULU — Coinciding with Ocean Week 2024 when global events recognize the ongoing efforts to steward ocean resources, Gov. Josh Green appointed new members to the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Marine Affairs on Friday.

What You Need To Know

  • Green conveyed confidence in the newly appointed members’ expertise and dedication, emphasizing the importance of their contributions to the preservation and sustainable management of the state’s marine resources

  • The new committee members come from government, business, education and community-based organizations

  • As chair of the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Marine Affairs, Karl will gather members to plan and execute on the principles of the blue economy, “collaborating among stakeholders to develop tangible recommendations for sustainable ocean-related policies and initiatives”

The formation of the committee was initially announced on Earth Day, April 22, with Green designating David Karl, Ph.D., as committee chair, signifying the state’s commitment to address environmental challenges and advance initiatives for sustainable development.

“With Professor Karl’s leadership, I am confident that these distinguished individuals bring invaluable expertise and commitment to the preservation of Hawaii's marine resources,” said Green in a news release. “Their contributions will be crucial in guiding the state toward a sustainable and thriving marine ecosystem.”

Green conveyed confidence in the newly appointed members’ expertise and dedication, emphasizing the importance of their contributions to the preservation and sustainable management of the state’s marine resources, according to the release.

The new committee members come from government, business, education and community-based organizations:

  • Greg Asner, director, Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science, Arizona State University
  • Gregory Barbour, executive director, Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority
  • Michael Bruno, provost, University of Hawaii at Manoa
  • Suzanne Case, director, Office of Land and Ocean Conservation Futures, University of Hawaii
  • Dawn Chang, chair, Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources
  • Makena Coffman, director, Institute for Sustainability and Resilience, University of Hawaii at Manoa
  • Kisan Jo, executive vice president, Retail and Wealth Markets, Central Pacific Bank
  • DreanaLee Kalili, deputy director, Harbors Division, Hawaii Department of Transportation
  • Charles Littnan, director, Pacific Island Fisheries Science Center, NOAA
  • Kuʻuhaku Park, senior vice president, Government and Community Relations, Matson Navigation Inc.
  • Greg Rocheleau, chief executive officer, Makai Ocean Engineering
  • Patrick Sullivan, president and CEO, Oceanit
  • Vassilis Syrmos, vice president, Research and Innovation, University of Hawaii System
  • Jennifer Walsh, senior vice president and provost, Hawaii Pacific University
  • Andy Winer, executive vice president, Strategies 360

According to the release, members of Hawaii’s Congressional Delegation are expected to collaborate with the advisory committee in an ex officio capacity.

“We’ve recruited many of Hawaii’s top leaders from the field of marine conservation and sustainability,” said Karl, who has been working to recruit members since April. “Today’s announcement marks the start of the next stage in our work.” Karl is a distinguished professor of Oceanography at the University of Hawaii and director of Daniel K. Inouye Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education.

As chair of the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Marine Affairs, Karl will gather members to plan and execute on the principles of the blue economy, “collaborating among stakeholders to develop tangible recommendations for sustainable ocean-related policies and initiatives.”