-
Pilina Kanaloa Ocean Day 2026 was the largest yet in its four-year history with over 50 participating organizations and about 40 community members participating in legislative meetings.
-
HPU's Center for Marine Debris Research's table at this year's Pilina Kanaloa Ocean Day at the Hawai'i State Capitol.
HPU's Center for Marine Debris Research (CMDR) received some exciting news on March 10, 2026, when it won the "Ocean Champion Award" at this year's Pilina Kanaloa – Ocean Day at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol. The award, which recognizes outstanding leadership and capacity building work in ocean conservation, was voted on by the community and partner organizations who participated in the event. Hundreds of people gathered early in the open-air capitol rotunda to enjoy a concert featuring hula and live music, and to learn from the many nonprofit organizations that had set up informational booths.
HPU's Center for Marine Debris Research won the 'Ocean Champion Award' at this year's Pilina Kanaloa Ocean Day.
"It was a huge honor to be recognized in this way," said HPU CMDR Megaplastic Program Director Mafalda de Freitas, M.Sc., who helped represent CMDR at the event alongside CMDR Director Jennifer Lynch, Ph.D. "It has generated a lot of excitement in the CMDR team to continue persevering in our endeavor for a trash-free ocean."
Pilina Kanaloa – Ocean Day has become one of the most important gatherings for Hawaiʻi's ocean conservation community. The event was the largest yet in its four-year history with over 50 participating organizations and about 40 community members participating in legislative meetings. The annual event brings together ocean-focused organizations from across the state to raise awareness among lawmakers and the public about the pressing issues facing Hawaiʻi's marine environment. Participants advocated for many priorities, with key focuses on cesspool conversions, ocean conservation green fee projects, and protection of Hawaiʻi coral reefs and reef fish.
CMDR was among the many organizations that made the most of the advocacy opportunities. Lynch and de Freitas participated in separate small groups that met with Hawaiʻi State Senators, Representatives, and staff members at the Capitol, discussing the Center's work protecting Hawaiʻi's waters and marine biodiversity.
Pilina Kanaloa – Ocean Day is the brainchild of the Ocean Hui, a coalition of ocean leaders advocating for effective ocean policy and has been organized since its inception by HPU alumna Carissa Cabrera '18. Cabrera, who earned her Master of Marine Science degree from HPU, founded the consultancy FutureSwell to build community-driven conservation programs, and has been a driving force in growing the event each year.
Receiving the Ocean Champion Award reflects the sustained, community-rooted work that CMDR has committed to year after year. To learn more about the Center and the important work being done, visit: www.hpu.edu/cmdr.
