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HWEA will be the organization of dedicated and knowledgeable professionals
recognized for preserving and enhancing the water environment in the Pacific Island Region.

This year’s Pacific Water Conference marked the return of the annual conference as an in-person event. It was so nice to reconnect with colleagues and friends at the Hawaii Convention Center on February 6-8, 2023. Everyone showed up in full-force with this year’s conference garnering over 790 attendees for the 2-day portion of conference and 137 exhibitor booths. In total, there were more than 1,000 individuals participating in this year’s conference.

We would like to extend a huge mahalo to the conference planning committee! The committee spent countless hours and over eight-months planning every detail of this year’s conference ranging from the technical program to the food and refreshments to the golf tournament, as well as many other components related to the conference itself. In addition to our committee, we also have many volunteers that provide the day-of manpower helping with registration, moderating sessions, lei pickups, and the golf tournament check-in and games. Thank you to all our volunteers and the entire committee for their role in making this year’s conference a success!

There were nearly 300 people in attendance at this year’s Tuesday Pre-Conference workshops that were held on February 6, 2023. The Pre-conference workshops featured five tracks this year: 1) Climate Change, 2) Wastewater Operations and Technology, 3) Wastewater Operators, 4) Water Operators, and 5) Young Professionals.

The main 2-day Conference was held on Wednesday and Thursday, February 7-8 and the theme was Mhala i ka wai ka maka o ka pua which translates to Life Thrives Where There is Water. The theme was intended to highlight the importance of water and the critical role it plays in sustaining and supporting our communities. Our keynote speaker was Mami Hara, CEO of the U.S. Water Alliance.

She emphasized the importance providing sustainable and equitable infrastructure and how it is our responsibility to work together as a community to tackle the challenges we face in the water industry together. The keynote served as a great reminder of the key role that water and wastewater industry professionals serve and helped bring everyone together as we kicked off the conference.

The main 2-day conference had a total of 6 tracks with over 102 presentations. Similar to previous years, the Wednesday evening Meet and Greet was a popular event that provided attendees with an opportunity to visit the exhibitors while enjoying pupus and drinks.The conference concluded on Thursday evening with the Installation Banquet which included more food, raffle prizes, awards presentations, and installation of the AWWA and HWEA officers. The 2023-2024 HWEA Officers include President Cari Ishida, Vice-President Brandon Uejo,

Treasurer Amanda Tanaka, Secretary Jessica Agsalda, Immediate Past President Alicia Suzuki, PWO Representative Virgil Viernes, and National Delegate Audrey Haerle. The officers were installed by Ifetayo Veneer, the current Water Environment Federation President.

The golf tournament was held on the Friday following the conference, February 9th. There were over 180 golfers this year that enjoyed even more food, drinks and fellowship at the Hawaii Prince Golf Course. The conference week concluded with the AWWA and HWEA Community Service event on Saturday, February 10th at the Loko I’a Pa’aiau fishpond. At this event, volunteers learned the history of the local watersheds dating back to the Hawaiian royalty and of the restoration efforts of the community group that brought the fishpond back to life.

It was great seeing everyone in-person again this year. Mahalo to everyone for their support in making this year’s conference possible and we look forward to seeing everyone again next year.

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Contact Info

Hawai‘i Water Environment Association
PO Box 2422
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96804
General Inquiries: info@hwea.org