HAWAII OCEAN SAFETY TEAM
Advisory Board Meeting
January 14th, 2021
Virtually by Zoom
Attendance:
Mike Anderson Jr., William Anonsen, John Bishop, John Bravender, Mimi Cleary, Tom Collins, Ethan Creps, Erika
Janzen, Neil Kanemoto, Kevin Knodell, Michael MacDonald, Crescent Moegling, Steve Morita, Peter Pillone,
Gabe Nelson, John Titchen, and Susan Yamamoto were in attendance virtually.
1. Call to Order: 2:04 pm. The meeting was called to order by Michael MacDonald.
2. Treasurer’s Report:
a. No expenditures. Current balance is $7149.83.
b. Neil Kanemoto is working on back taxes, which must be completed by the end of 2021 or HOST will lose
501(c)(3) status.
3. Old Business:
a. State recognition of HOST’s role: Draft resolution for legislature will be sent to Peter Pillone for review
prior to submittal.
4. New Business:
a. Honolulu Harbor Festival: Bill Anonsen, who was an organizer for the HHF, spoke about the event and its
purpose to provide awareness of maritime industry’s role to the community. The festival has not run in
roughly 20 years, but was a cultural, community & educational activity which engaged, in particular,
keiki & families. It was a single-day event at Aloha Tower & Hawaii Maritime Center including tugboat
hula, guided harbor tours, live entertainment, booths, lectures, the Pacific Fleet Band, a Coast Guard
Search and Rescue demo, working vessel tours & open houses, a canoe race, and many other features.
The event was funded by commercial sponsors & the Hawaii tourism authority. The event drew in
roughly 7,000-8,000 people.
i. Michael MacDonald suggested the standing up of a working group under Bill Anonsen’s
leadership to explore the possibility of reviving the festival. He also suggested that a target date
of International Maritime Day in September of 2022.
ii. Peter Pillone expressed personal enthusiasm for the idea, then brought up port security
concerns, and the challenge of finding pier space for the event while construction is underway
on the Kapalama Container Terminal.
iii. Bill Anonsen agreed to head up an exploratory subcommittee to discuss putting the event on
again. Neil Kanemoto offered to join, as did Susan Yamamoto and Gabe Nelson. HOST
participants interested in joining/assisting the subcommittee are urged to email HOST at
info@hosthawaii.org for more information.
b. Kevin Knodell, a reporter from Civil Beat is looking into how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected
maritime safety. He asked that his contact information be shared with the group, so that members could
reach out to him to discuss the various safety issues that mariners face. He can be reached at
kknodell@civilbeat.com or (808)650-1188.
c. Possible General Membership Meeting Topics:
i. Dredging presentation is off the table.
ii. Honolulu Harbor Festival input from membership.
5. USCG:
a. Erika Janzen reported that the 4th revision of the MSIB related to maritime credential extensions has
been released. The information bulletin extends expiring Merchant Mariner Credentials until June 30th,
2021.
b. No involvement from active-duty Coast Guard personnel. Gabe will reach out to ensure that the Coast
Guard can attend future Advisory Boards.
6. State:
a. Peter Pillone reported that the Honolulu Harbor maintenance dredging has been delayed. Dredging
could start next month, but he is awaiting updates and will relay them as he gets them.
b. Peter also reported that Phase II of the Kapalama Container Terminal Project was awarded and notice to
proceed issued. The project is expected to last roughly 1,000 days. While under construction, the harbor
will be losing significant pier space for lay berthing, and some vessels can expect berthing impacts as a
result.
7. City and County:
a. John Titchen reported that as a part of building Ocean Safety’s Dawn-to-Dusk program, his organization
has been training on jet skis obtained from HFD. Ocean Safety has also been training for joint Search and
Rescue missions with the Coast Guard using these jet-skis. John believes that this will prove to be a very
effective lifesaving partnership.
b. John also reported that Ocean Safety has done some recent training with the Secret Service in
preparation for an ex-President’s taking up residence in Waimanalo, that surf contests have been
cancelled due to COVID-19, and a TV show featuring Honolulu Ocean Safety can be watched on A&E.
8. NOAA/NWS:
a. Crescent Moegling reported that NOAA is soliciting nominations for membership on the Hydrographic
Services Review Panel (HSRP), a federal advisory committee that advises the NOAA administrator on the
agency’s hydrographic programs, products, data, and technology. Nominations must be received by
April 26, 2021, for a term that starts in 2022. Information on the position will be sent out by HOST.
b. Joe Bishop from NOAA introduced himself to the group.
9. Hawaii Pilots: None.
10. Announcements: Michael MacDonald solicited for the Honolulu Harbor Festival Subcommittee and asked the
group to begin thinking of the next group of officers for HOST.
11. Next Meetings:
a. Advisory Board Meeting: 2pm February 11, 2021
b. General Membership Meeting: 2pm, March 18,2021
12. Adjourn 3:07 pm.