"A new age in ocean technology, sustainability, and logistics requires a New Blue Economy founded on the improved collection, analysis, and dissemination of ocean and coastal-derived data and information to support economic growth, protect the ocean’s health, and address societal challenges and inspire their solutions, while protecting ocean health and ensuring social equity."

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2023

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The Mission of the Governor’s Committee on Marine Affairs

Hawai'i, an archipelago of islands in the Pacific, is naturally America's Pacific State, Island State, and Ocean State. As the United States charts a national path for the 'New Blue Economy,' Hawai'i must articulate a 'New Blue Economy' framework for the archipelago.

Hawai'i's New Blue Economy must build on the vision articulated by the State of Hawai'i in the 1974 report Hawai‘i and the Sea. In 1969, the State of Hawai'i's began crafting a new plan for state coordination on marine affairs. The report resulted in the passage of the Marine Affairs Coordinator Act on June 22, 1970. Marine affairs remained within the Governor’s office until 1982, when the position was abolished and its functions absorbed by the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. Since the abolition of the Marine Affairs Coordinator position in 1982, the State has not centralized efforts pertaining to marine affairs.

After decades of neglect, Hawai'i's marine future requires a plan. As a national framework, the New Blue Economy can reinvigorate Hawai'i's marine affairs strategy while prioritizing the sustainable use, conservation, and stewardship of marine resources for the benefit of present and future generations. The Governor's Committee on Marine Affairs shall:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of the current state of marine policy in the State of Hawai‘i.

• Identify key challenges and opportunities for the State of Hawai'i.

• Develop a set of actionable recommendations for the Governor and the State Legislature.

Amidst a growing interest in the future of 'Blue Economics' across the Pacific, the Green Administration is committed to addressing the impact of marine affairs on Hawai'i. The Committee’s main subjects will include:

1. Research & Education
2. Fisheries & Aquaculture
3. Tourism & Recreation
4. Conservation & Stewardship
5. Workforce & Economic Diversification
6. Natural Resources
7. Transportation & Commerce

The Committee will be comprised of a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from private industries, the not-for-profit sector, education, and various levels of government.

Following the publication of the U.S. Commission on Marine Science, Engineering, and Resources' final report on January 16, 1969, the State of Hawai‘i quickly issued its own report, "the quickest response-in-kind in the nation to the U.S. Commission's report." Hawai‘i must meet its own standards in setting an aggressive source for the stewardship of our ocean and its resources. The future is today!