Today, the popular oceanography program which gives high school students hands-on training in marine science is near the end of its lifeline because of budget cuts at the Waikiki Aquarium, its parent agency.

The aquarium is using special funds to keep the program afloat this year.

About $200,000 annually is needed for operations. The bulk of that money goes toward rental of the University of Hawaii research vessel Kila.

"This is a unique educational program, homegrown in Hawaii, with a proud tradition of high quality, dedicated students and staff, powerful lifelong impacts on all its participants, and an important source of marine knowledge and skills for the state's leaders and citizens," said Maynard, director of the University of Hawaii Marine Option Program.

"For students who come aboard the teaching ship, this is an important experiential learning opportunity, for many it's the first chance to see their home from the sea," Maynard told the House Finance Committee on Wednesday.

The committee is considering a bill that would give the Blue-Water program $140,000 for the next two years if matching funds are found. House Bill 1498, if approved, would take effect on July 1.

Christy Martin, the program's support staff coordinator, said recent budget restrictions to the aquarium eliminated funding for the program last year.

Loss of the program "will have a significant financial impact on the operation of this vessel," Martin said. "Even sitting idle at dock, insurance for the RV Kila costs $32,000 per year."

Started by the university and the state Department of Education to provide high school students with half-day shipboard experiences, the program has traveled to all of the neighbor islands and has served more than 70,000 students to date.

Currently, Blue-Water officials have applied for a four-year, $498,000 grant from the Howard Hughes Foundation. If awarded, the grant would fund up to $71,000 a year to charter a ship, with an additional $50,000 for staffing and supplies.

Rep. Felipe Abinsay Jr. (D, Moanalua-Kapalama) asked Martin what would happen if the Legislature failed to pass the measure.

Her reply was that the program would be beached indefinitely.

"If we're unable to get a vessel, we may have to move to a shore-based program until funding is available," she said.