Ross Barnes, marine operations superintendent at the University of Hawaiʻi Marine Center, was honored as 2018 Tenant Environmental Manager of the Year. The state Department of Transportation, Harbors Division, annually recognizes the tenant environmental manager who has implemented exemplary environmental and safety practices, and for continued efforts to implement and maintain post-construction best management practices.
“This award acknowledges the continuous positive contributions that you and the University of Hawaiʻi Marine Center have made toward protecting our valuable ocean resources,” said Governor David Ige in a congratulatory letter to Barnes. “The initiatives taken at your facility to include promoting proactive environmental awareness and reducing environmental risks as key components of the UH Marine Center culture are truly noteworthy. Your program is a positive example for others to follow.”
Supporting ocean research and stewardship
“As a tenant of Honolulu Harbor and as members of our community, we take great pride in protecting our waters and natural resources,” said Anita L. Lopez, director of research vessel operations at UH Marine Center, which is coordinated by the UH Mānoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST). “Healthy harbors mean healthy oceans. We all depend on our waters for sustainment, commerce, recreation and livelihoods. I’m thrilled that Ross Barnes and the rest of the team have been recognized for this award.”
“Being a part of UH and managing research vessels, protection of the environment is very important to me,” said Barnes, who has been with the UH Marine Center for 39 years. “It is our goal here to do the best we can to meet and exceed the requirements of protecting the waters of Honolulu Harbor. This recognition is significant because it helps show the UH Marine Center team that all their hard work does not go unnoticed.”
The UH Marine Center was selected from 55 tenant programs.
For the full story, see the SOEST website.
—By Marcie Grabowski
