Hawaiʻi Sea Grant’s Darren Lerner chosen as Hawaiʻi’s 2026 Manager of the Year
Darren Lerner
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Darren Lerner, director of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant, consortium director of the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center and interim associate dean for research in the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, was honored at the Governor’s Awards for Distinguished State Service as the 2026 Manager of the Year. Lerner, other award winners and nominees were recognized with a ceremony at the State Capitol by Gov. Josh Green on September 15. Members of Lerner’s Sea Grant team accepted the award for him, while he was working in Seattle.
Lerner was recognized for transformational leadership that has strengthened Hawaiʻi Sea Grant and expanded its impact across the university and the state. He has overseen more than $100 million in extramurally funded projects focused on improving the resilience of Hawaiʻi’s and the Pacific’s coastal ecosystems and communities. His leadership through periods of uncertainty has allowed the program to continue growing while supporting research, education and community partnerships that address critical environmental challenges.
“Honestly, as I’ve said to the team, who went to the event and received the award on my behalf, I am just floored, really floored,” said Lerner. “And you know, beyond that, and the team gives me a hard time for saying it, but it’s all them. There’s no way I would even be considered in this position if it wasn’t for our team at Sea Grant.”
The awards honor the state’s executive branch employees and managers who exemplify the highest caliber of public service and dedication to serving the people of Hawaiʻi.
In addition to Lerner, Kapiʻolani Community College’s Darsh Davé and the Hawaiʻi Papa o ke Ao Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Advancement Office were selected as the UH nominees for the Governor’s Awards for Distinguished State Service.
Commendation letter from Gov. Green
September 15, 2026
I commend you for being selected as the 2026 State of Hawaiʻi Manager of the Year, in recognition of your visionary leadership, innovative program development, and unwavering commitment to advance community-centered coastal resilience throughout Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.
Under your leadership, the University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program has become a national model for integrating cutting-edge coastal research with meaningful public service. Your efforts secured a historic $68.5 million grant to advance climate resilience through the restoration of traditional Hawaiian moku systems and expanded initiatives that combat marine debris, strengthen fisheries education, and expand research capacity across the Pacific.
Your service spans across Hawaiʻi and the nation, including directing the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center and serving as Interim Associate Dean for Research in the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology. You led projects leveraging over $80 million to restore over 1,000 acres of coastal habitats, educated thousands of students, and engaged residents statewide. As President of the Sea Grant Association, you advanced Hawaiʻi’s priorities nationally and championed Indigenous leadership in federal science policy.
Prioritizing workforce development, you developed specialized fellowships that train and foster the next generation of local coastal leaders. National reviewers recognized your mentorship as a best management practice model for building engaged, interdisciplinary teams.
I express my deepest gratitude for your extraordinary contributions, steadfast guidance, and enduring impact on coastal resilience, education, and community well-being across the State. Congratulations on your achievements, and best wishes as you continue your outstanding service.
Mahalo,
JOSH GREEN
Governor, State of Hawaiʻi
Read more on UH News and the Governor’s press release.