‘Iwa App: Automated Machine Learning Model & Marine Debris Identification Mobile App wins Rep. Jill Tokuda’s 2025 Congressional App Challenge in Hawaii’s Second District.

When asked what inspired the creation of ‘Iwa App: Automated Machine Learning Model & Marine Debris Identification Mobile App, Michael Kai Hochart said, “My personal interest is keeping our oceans clean to help reduce the threat of marine debris on marine life, human health, and the livelihoods of our coastal communities. Growing up in Hawaii, my passion is spending time in the ocean, sailing, canoe paddling, kayaking, surfing, and wing-foiling. I also race competitively in single-handed sailing, kayaking, and outrigger canoe paddling at national and international levels. My time on the water has strengthened my commitment to ocean stewardship and my personal interest has grown to supporting efforts that help keep our oceans safe and healthy for future generations.

‘Marine debris is one of the most widespread pollution problems facing our oceans. Our oceans are filled with huge amounts of plastic waste, abandoned fishing gear, and trash. An estimated 1 million seabirds and more than 100,000 marine mammals die from plastic ingestion or entanglement every year. Abandoned derelict fishing nets are known as, the silent killers of the sea, wreaking havoc on underwater habitats and destroying ecosystems that sustain the ocean environment. By assisting with the removal efforts of these abandoned fishing nets, ‘Iwa App provides a solution to reducing the threat of marine debris on the marine life, ecosystems, and overall health of our oceans.”