Advancing Pacific Collaboration: Ports, Coastal Resiliency, and Ocean Innovation
🌊 Dive into Partnerships and Innovation for Coastal Resiliency and Blue Prosperity 🌊
Our ocean, covering 71% of Earth’s surface, generates over half the oxygen we breathe, regulates the climate, provide 20% of the world’s animal protein, and transports 80% of global goods. Yet, coastal communities face mounting risks from sea level rise, extreme weather, coastal erosion, and water contamination—threats projected to cause over $19 billion in damages in Hawai‘i alone. Addressing these challenges demands bold, innovative solutions and collaborative efforts to strengthen coastal resiliency and support the livelihoods that depend on the ocean.
Hawai‘i, situated in the heart of the Pacific, is uniquely positioned to lead as a resilient blue economy in the Pacific Islands. With over 80% of its imports arriving by sea, Hawai‘i’s ports and harbors are vital to the state’s economy in transportation and trade, while its natural coastal ecosystems, such as coral reefs and wetlands, provide essential protection against rising sea levels and extreme weather events. In June 2025, ThriveHI’s World Ocean Month event provided a glimpse of Hawai‘i’s ecosystem of ocean innovators, spotlighting technologies and entrepreneurial efforts that contribute to our state’s blue economy.
This panel discussion continues that momentum, bringing together thought leaders, innovators, and our Pacific partners from San Diego to the Blue Pacific Continent to explore how Hawai‘i and regional collaboration can shape the future of ports, coastal infrastructure, and ocean stewardship. By fostering partnerships, driving innovation, and aligning strategic business and policy efforts, we can position Hawai'i and the Pacific as a leader in coastal resiliency.
🎤 Featured Speakers
Veronica Rocha, Co-Administrator of Hawai’i Seaglider Initiative
Jason Giffen, Chief Sustainability & Innovation Officer at Port of San Diego
Rayne Sullivan, Founder of Seastoria; TED Countdown Vision Council; Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance Steering Council; Fauna & Flora Board; Former United Nations Y4C U.S. Delegate; Former Co-Chair of Sustainable Ocean Alliance Youth Policy Advisory Council; Former Advisor to the President and Government of Palau at COP27 and COP28
Jarod Baker, Co-Founder of Pacific Economics; Representative of the Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity initiative
Keli'i Kotubetey, Co-Founder & Assistant Executive Director at Paepae o He’eia
Doreen Wong, Contributing Member to the 1000 Ocean Startups coalition, Diversifying the Ecosystem Working Group; Advisor & Coach at NOAA-funded Ocean Enterprise Accelerators, StartBlue & VentureWell
🗓️ Agenda
3:00 PM - Arrival
3:15 PM - Opening Remarks
3:20 PM - Panel Discussion
4:20-5:00 PM - Q&A & Networking
✨ Who Should Attend
Whether you’re an ocean advocate, tech enthusiast, entrepreneur, investor, policymaker, researcher, or just curious about the blue economy, this event is your chance to connect with changemakers who are shaping the future of coastal resiliency and ocean innovation.
📍 Parking
Parking is available at Lot C—look for the white-striped stalls. Payment info is on the signage, and designated Entrepreneurs Sandbox parking is reserved for members and tenants. Limited 1 hour parking is available as well.Please contact Secure Parking for any parking questions.
This event is a part of Honolulu Tech Week—a week of events that unifies Hawaii’s tech ecosystem and those connected to it globally. This event is also recognized by the 1000 Ocean Startups coalition as a Member and Community Initiative.
💡 About 1000 Ocean Startups
The 1000 Ocean Startups is a global network of incubators, accelerators, competitions, matching platforms, and venture capital firms committed to supporting 1,000 transformative startups focused on ocean impact by the end of the UN Ocean Decade (2030). Since its launch in 2021, the coalition has grown to include 56 members managing over $2.5 billion in assets, driving innovation and investment in ocean health worldwide. As a founding member and Implementation Partner of the GEOS UN Decade Program, the coalition aligns with the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy’s recommended transformations and the UN Ocean Decade challenges to achieve collective impact.