Jennifer Walsh.
HPU Provost and Senior Vice President Jennifer Walsh, Ph.D., was recently appointed to Governor Josh Green’s “Governor’s Advisory Committee on Marine Affairs.” The announcement was made to coincide with Ocean Week 2024, which features a “week of global events that recognize ongoing efforts to steward ocean resources and celebrate innovative solutions around the protection of the Earth’s oceans,” according to a statement from the Governor’s Office.
Governor Green has designated David Karl, Ph.D. to serve as chair of the Committee. The Committee consists of 15 distinguished individuals from across government, business, education, and community-based organizations.
The Committee’s mission statement states that Hawai‘i, as America’s Pacific, Island, and Ocean State, needs to develop a “New Blue Economy” framework in line with the national agenda. Building on the 1974 report titled "Hawai‘i and the Sea," the state began coordinating marine affairs in 1969, leading to the Marine Affairs Coordinator Act in 1970. Marine affairs were managed by the Governor’s office until 1982, when the position was abolished, and its functions were taken over by the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. Since then, Hawai‘i has lacked centralized efforts in marine policy.
The New Blue Economy aims to reinvigorate Hawai‘i’s marine resources for the benefit of present and future generations. The Committee’s goals include conducting a comprehensive review of the current state of marine policy, identifying key challenges and opportunities for Hawai‘i, and developing a set of actionable recommendations for the Governor and State Legislature.
With her extensive experience in academic leadership and policy analysis, Walsh is well-positioned to contribute to the committee's goals. Her dedication to excellence in education and her research interests in public policy and governance make Walsh a valuable addition to the advisory committee in addressing the critical issues facing our oceans.
