SEA GRANT COLLEGES 161 



ganization and is building facilities in ocean science and technology 

 through the Hawaii Institute of Geophysics, the Hawaii Institute of 

 Marine Biology, and the Pacific Biomedical Research Center. 



S. 2439, if enacted into law, Avould greatly enhance Hawaii's role 

 in our national oceanic field. It would give financial support to the 

 University of Hawaii in improving and expanding facilities, and make 

 possible a larger stall' of scientists and support personnel. 



Beyond its immediate and direct impact upon the academic commu- 

 nity, S. 2439 would stimulate the industrial and business community 

 to greater efforts in developing the commercial potentials of the 

 oceanic field. 



In 196-1, tlie Hawaiian business community, acting through the 

 Hawaiian Electric Co., engaged a nationally known researcli firni to 

 ■appraise Hawaii's potential in oceanics, with particular reference to 

 its promise for future economic growth in the islands. According to 

 the survey, oceanics activity in Hawaii can grow in dollar volume from 

 $41/2 million in 1964 to as high as $25 million by 1970. The projected 

 levels for Hawaiian oceanics activity were based on the then existing, 

 t[iliescent levels of national planning and support. The report added 

 the significant note that — ■ 



When and if oceanics breaks out of tliis current level, and if Hawaii mean- 

 while has developed a strong foundation within economically viable bounds, the 

 field could become a major "industry" for the islands, in the $100 million class. 

 Even if oceanics does not break out, its economically sound development within 

 the State makes sense and will help to enrich the community intellectually, 

 socially, and economically. 



The survey concluded that the most promising activities for Hawaii 

 are oceanographic research and development, fishery research, man-in- 

 the-sea and life support programs, Mohole project. Navy tactical and 

 calibration ranges, underwater test facilities, and Plawaiian-based 

 ocean surveys. 



These are areas of activities which come within the stated purposes 

 of S. 2439. The National Science Foundation would be directed under 

 S. 2439 to carry out marine science programs through contracts with, 

 and grants to suitable public or private agencies, public or private 

 institutions of higher learning, museums, foundations, industries, 

 laboratories, corporations, organizations, or groups of individuals con- 

 cerned with activities in the marine sciences. 



Financing for the program would be derived from using 10 percent 

 of the annual revenues from rents, royalties, and bonuses from offshore 

 oil properties under Government lease. This would be a logical source 

 of financing for the sea grant college program since the revenues come 

 from the ocean. 



The author and sponsor of S. 2439 (Senator Pell) has stated that the 

 proposed sea grant colleges "should be fostered and developed in 

 those areas that have made a beginning and have the capabilities and 

 resources for such an undertaking. Obviously, geography too is an 

 iinportant consideration." 



Hawaii fits both descriptions. As pointed out earlier, the University 

 of Hawaii already is embarked on a strong program of oceanographic 

 activities, having attracted scientists of wide renown to its campus 

 and having developed facilities for extensive researcli and 

 development. 



