Building Resilient Ports Through Partnership: Port of Hueneme and Port of Hilo Strengthen Collaboration on Cargo, Sustainability, and Community Engagement

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Port of Hueneme Contact: Zach Baliva
Director of Communications & PIO
zbaliva@Portofh.org
(805) 616-6881

Hilo, Hawaii — Monday, January 26 – Port of Hueneme Harbor Commission President Jason Hodge visited the Port of Hilo, Hawaii Friday as a guest of the port to participate in discussions focused on cargo movement, environmental initiatives, and community engagement.

The visit highlighted the many similarities between the Port of Hueneme and the Port of Hilo. Both ports operate with a small physical footprint while supporting extensive off-port operations, emphasize cargo velocity as a key driver of growth, and are closely integrated with surrounding communities.

“Ports like Hueneme and Hilo prove that size doesn’t limit impact,” said Jason Hodge, President of the Port of Hueneme Harbor Commission. “We face many of the same challenges and opportunities, and there is real value in sharing strategies that improve efficiency, protect our communities, and address climate change.”

(L to R: Guy Serikaku, Jason Hodge, Ikaika “KK” Nacua)

Guy Serikaku, Operations Manager for Hawaii Stevedores Incorporated, led a tour of the Port of Hilo facilities. He discussed the challenges of operating a small port with limited berthing capacity as well as Hawaii’s unique inter-island goods movement model. “Operating a small port requires careful coordination and efficiency at every step,” said Serikaku. “Our system is designed to keep cargo moving quickly and reliably across the islands, and it was valuable to exchange perspectives with a port facing similar operational realities.”

Ikaika “KK” Nacua, Marine Cargo Specialist, outlined ongoing efforts to electrify the wharf and advance environmental initiatives. He also shared about planned wharf improvements and grant funding strategies. “We are focused on modernizing our facilities in a way that supports both operational needs and environmental responsibility,” said Nacua. “Learning from the Port of Hueneme’s experience in port electrification and sustainability helps accelerate what’s possible for ports like Hilo.”

During the visit, the ports committed to continued collaboration and future engagement, including leveraging the Port of Hueneme’s expertise in port electrification and environmental initiatives. The Port of Hueneme is recognized as an industry leader in addressing climate change through innovative sustainability practices, clean energy projects, and emissions-reduction efforts.

“Climate leadership at ports is no longer optional — it’s essential,” Hodge added. “Hueneme has shown that environmental progress and economic performance go hand in hand, and we’re excited to support other ports pursuing similar goals.”

Additional discussions included community engagement, port safety, and shipboard firefighting, reinforcing a shared commitment to operational excellence, environmental stewardship, and public safety.

The visit underscored the importance of collaboration between ports facing similar operational and community challenges and the value of sharing best practices to support resilient, efficient, and climate-responsible maritime operations.

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About the Port of Hueneme

The Port of Hueneme is one of the most productive and efficient commercial trade gateways for niche cargo on the West Coast. Five locally elected Port Commissioners govern the Port. The Port consistently ranks among the top ten U.S. Ports for automobiles and fresh produce. Port operations support the community by bringing $2.8 billion in economic activity and creating 25,000 trade-related jobs. Trade through the Port of Hueneme generates more than $236 million in direct and related state and local taxes, which fund vital community services. In 2017, the Port of Hueneme became the first Port in California to become Green Marine certified and was voted the Greenest Port in the U.S. at the Green Shipping Summit.