U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) today announced that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has awarded the University of Hawai‘i $210 million to create and fund a new Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (CIMAR).
According to NOAA, a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce charged with understanding and protecting our natural world: “The mission of the Institute is to conduct research and disseminate knowledge necessary for understanding and predicting environmental change in the Indo-Pacific region, for conserving and managing coastal and marine resources in the Hawaiian Islands and the U.S.-affiliated Pacific Islands, and for meeting the country’s economic, social and environmental needs in the region.”
“As a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Science and Justice with jurisdiction over NOAA, I welcome this award, which recognizes and builds on Hawaii’s strengths, from our premier scientists to our NOAA research ships and Mauna Loa Observatory and more,” said Case. “CIMAR will only amplify our world-class position in all things relating to our oceans and our atmosphere at such a critical time for our world.”
“The award also further highlight the role the University of Hawai‘i plays in our local economy, as summarized in the recent report by the University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization. That report showed that the 10-campus university system had a $3.6 billion impact on the state’s economy in 2020.”
“The University of Hawai‘i has been a magnet in drawing millions in federal dollars to the state, while also generating high-paying jobs and critical research and building the workforce necessary to diversify our economy.”