Gabbard Visits OTEC, Marine Mammal Center

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard was in attendance at Friday’s dedication ceremony for the Makai Ocean Engineering Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion power plant as part of her visit to the Big Island.

Congresswoman Gabbard toured the Kona facility along with other dignitaries, including Governor David Ige, facility engineers, and operators.

“Hawaii’s abundant and diverse natural energy sources make our state an ideal location for innovation and growth in the renewable energy sector,” said Congresswoman Gabbard. “Kona hosts the world’s largest operational ocean thermal energy conversion plant, which represents the potential that exists for a secure and energy independent future for Hawaiʻi. This project displays what can happen when you have a successful public-private partnership that will serve as a model for clean energy technology worldwide.”

On Friday, Congresswoman Gabbard also spent time with constituents and acknowledged United Parcel Service Circle of Honor awardee Myron Yamaguchi of Kona.

Yamaguchi was awarded the honor with local and international recognition for having zero accidents, infractions, or injuries in his 25 years with the company. An Air Force veteran, Yamaguchi has driven over 947,700 miles in his time with UPS. The distance driven is the same as driving to the moon and back almost four times.

While on the west side of the Big Island, Congresswoman Gabbard visited the Ke Kai Ola Marine Mammal Center. During her visit, operations manager Deb Wickham briefed Congresswoman Gabbard on the program, which provides emergency medical care to sick and injured Hawaiian monk seals.

Photo courtesy Office of Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard.

Photo courtesy Office of Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard.

Photo courtesy Office of Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard.

Photo courtesy Office of Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard.

Photo courtesy Office of Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard.

Photo courtesy Office of Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard.

Photo courtesy Office of Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard.