HONOLULU — Gov. Josh Green signed legislation this week creating a dedicated Office of Marine Affairs to consolidate ocean-related responsibilities formerly handled across several agencies, a move officials say is intended to strengthen Hawaii’s so-called blue economy.
Centralizing ocean policy and economic strategy
The new office, created by Senate Bill 2907 and now designated Act 186, will be administered by the Hawai‘i Technology Development Corporation (HTDC). Lawmakers and advocates say the change is meant to provide a single state entity to develop a statewide marine affairs strategy for ecosystem management, marine tourism and other ocean-dependent industries.
“It’s difficult to articulate just how important the ocean is to our people,” Green said at the bill signing. “That relationship is at the heart of Hawaii’s identity, shaping our communities in every way. Protecting marine health and utilizing resources sustainably and with intention is a necessary commitment to our past and our future.”
Sen. Glenn Wakai, who co-introduced the bill, emphasized policy goals that include addressing Hawaii’s reliance on imported fish and improving swim education to reduce drowning fatalities among young children. The measure shifts duties previously housed in the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism and aims to streamline collaboration among agencies that manage ocean resources.
Why the change matters locally
Hawaii’s economy and culture are deeply tied to ocean resources — from commercial fishing and aquaculture to tourism and recreation. Proponents argue that a focused office can more efficiently coordinate conservation and economic development, attract investment, and better align state support for industries that rely on healthy marine ecosystems.
- Administration: Office of Marine Affairs to be run by HTDC.
- Primary aims: Ecosystem management, marine tourism strategy, and support for ocean industries.
- Policy priorities cited: Reducing fish imports and expanding swim education.
Other measures signed the same day
SB 2907 was one of seven bills Gov. Green signed on the same day. Among them, SB 2580 became Act 185, raising the motion picture, digital media and film production tax credit. Additional signed measures included bills related to state enterprise zones, economic development, development projects, the food and product innovation network and filming incentives.
| Bill | Result |
|---|---|
| SB 2907 | Act 186 — Office of Marine Affairs |
| SB 2580 | Act 185 — increased film production tax credit |
| SB 2360 | Signed (relates to state enterprise zones) |
| HB 2583 | Signed (relates to economic development) |
| SB 2599 | Signed (relates to development) |
| SB 3320 | Signed (food and product innovation network) |
| HB 1576 | Signed (relates to filming) |
Supporters describe the office as a tool to coordinate policy and grow ocean-dependent sectors. Critics elsewhere have questioned whether reorganizations deliver results without adequate staffing and funding; details on the new office’s budget and timeline for standing up remain to be clarified by state officials.
For Hawaii, where the ocean shapes both livelihoods and cultural identity, the new office represents a concentrated effort to balance economic growth with marine stewardship. How effectively it aligns agencies, resources and local communities will determine whether the change yields the policy coherence lawmakers are seeking.
— Leilani Akana, News Block
