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Pilina Kanaloa Ocean Day at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol has become a cornerstone event for Hawaiʻi’s ocean conservation community, and a driving force behind it is HPU alumna Carissa Cabrera ‘18. As the primary organizer for the event since its inception (Resources Legacy Fund and Maui Ocean Center have been the primary facilitators), Cabrera has helped shape Pilina Kanaloa into an influential advocacy gathering that not only educates the public about critical ocean conservation issues but also engages Hawaiʻi's lawmakers in meaningful policy discussions.

Now in its third year, Pilina Kanaloa has grown exponentially, with 35 organizations participating and more than 20 legislative meetings taking place in 2025. The event consists of two key components: outreach and advocacy. Attendees can connect with ocean organizations and learn about the pressing issues facing Hawaiʻi’s marine environment, while also meeting directly with lawmakers to discuss policies that can drive real change.

“The event has really grown over the years, and this year was the biggest turnout yet,” Cabrera says. “We want to reach as many people as possible and show them that ocean conservation is not just about research, it’s about the community coming together to take action.”

Cabrera’s work on Pilina Kanaloa is part of her broader commitment to advocating for sustainable policies that support Hawaiʻi’s natural resources. A major focus this year was pushing for new measures to fund conservation efforts, such as the creation of an environmental stewardship fee, which would fund climate resilience programs. Cabrera is also part of the Ocean Hui, a coalition of ocean leaders dedicated to advocating for effective ocean policies. Pilina Kanaloa was originally an idea of Ocean Hui.

As Cabrera reflects on her role in Pilina Kanaloa, she highlights the importance of educating lawmakers on the urgency of protecting Hawaiʻi’s oceans. “We’ve met with key legislators like Rep. Nicole Lowen, Rep. Poepoe, and others who are huge allies in this work,” she says. “Through Pilina Kanaloa, we’re able to show them that ocean conservation is critical, not just to our environment, but to the community’s future.”

This success speaks to Cabrera’s expertise and passion for community-driven conservation work. At HPU, she earned a Master of Marine Science degree with a focus on applied, non-research-based conservation work.

Cabrera moved to Oahu in 2016 and had never visited Hawaiʻi before. While her initial studies involved dolphins and whales, she found herself increasingly drawn to the broader issues facing Hawaiʻi’s oceans, which led her to her current work in nonprofit development and advocacy.

“I wasn’t planning to stay in Hawaiʻi at first, but I realized this is a very special place, especially in how the community works together on issues,” Cabrera recalls. “There was such a need for nonprofit leadership, and I decided to start my consultancy, FutureSwell, to help develop programs that would address ocean conservation from a community perspective.”

Since founding FutureSwell, Cabrera has worked with numerous organizations to build programs that focus on outreach, strategic communications, and creative video production, all aimed at raising awareness about ocean conservation issues. Her work has expanded to include organizing large-scale events like Pilina Kanaloa, where she uses her skills to bridge the gap between the community and policymakers.

Cabrera is also part of the Care for Aina Now initiative, which advocates for an environmental stewardship fee for visitors. This fee would provide much-needed funding for the restoration and protection of Hawaiʻi’s natural resources. As an Ecuadorian American, Cabrera draws inspiration from similar programs that she knows quite well, particularly a green fee program that helps fund environmental education and conservation efforts in Ecuador’s national parks, including the Galápagos Islands of Ecuador.

“I believe Hawaiʻi could learn a lot from these programs,” Cabrera says. “It’s a model for how to distribute funds to environmental causes in a way that benefits both the people and the land.”

Looking ahead, Cabrera is excited about the future of Pilina Kanaloa and the ongoing work of FutureSwell. “We want to make it bigger and better each year,” she says. “This year, we even added a pau hana and awards ceremony to recognize ocean champions, legislators, community leaders, and organizations that make a real impact.”

Is there a future in politics? Cabrera is tempted but remains steadfast on her strategic role in ocean conservation, though she acknowledges the possibility of becoming more involved in policy.

“I’d love to work as an advisor for ocean policy,” she says. “Ocean conservation doesn’t always make the priority list, but I believe that’s where I can make a difference—by helping shape policy that reflects the needs of the community and the ocean.”

To learn more about Carissa Cabrera’s work with FutureSwell, visit .