The University of Hawaii at Manoa is launching a new center aimed at giving students hands-on legal and scientific experience on ocean and climate issues, a move that's good news for Hawaii's coastal communities and future environmental policy work.

The center is a joint effort between Manoa's Department of Oceanography and the law school, pairing science and legal training in one place.

Students will get real-world experience through clinics, capstone projects, and advocacy work instead of just classroom theory.

One of the first initiatives pairs law and oceanography students together, who will partner with nonprofit groups on ocean-related projects.

Outlook: Expect the center to roll out more joint student projects and partnerships with environmental nonprofits in the coming months.