Paul Hanneman

Jul 14

Paul Hanneman was more than a fisherman or a legislator. He was a storyteller, a builder, a policymaker, and a fierce advocate for Oregon’s coastal way of life. His legacy runs as deep as the waters off Cape Kiwanda and continues to shape the community he helped build.

Champion of the Dory Fleet

Before Paul ever stepped into public office, he was already preserving the heritage of Pacific City’s beach-launched fishing fleet. He built his own double-ended dory, the Kiwanda Klipper, while still a student at Nestucca High School. That same passion led him to co-found the Pacific City Dorymen’s Association with Jerry Buxton and to help create the first Dory Days Festival in 1959, an event that still brings the community together every summer to celebrate the fleet.

Boat Builder and Storyteller

Paul’s connection to the sea went beyond fishing. He founded Cape Kiwanda Boat Builders, where he built dories that were known for their seaworthiness and craftsmanship. As the unofficial historian of the fleet, Paul made it his mission to record its stories, honoring the generations of fishermen whose lives were shaped by the ocean and the sand.

A Voice for Oregon’s Coast

In 1965, Paul was elected to the Oregon State Legislature, where he served an impressive 13 consecutive terms. He became a leading voice on issues related to natural resources, public lands, and coastal economies. His fingerprints are on two of Oregon’s most iconic pieces of environmental legislation.

Paul was a co-author of the Bottle Bill, the nation’s first container deposit legislation aimed at reducing litter and promoting recycling. He also played a key role in the passage of the Beach Bill, which ensured that all Oregon beaches remain open and accessible to the public. Both laws have become models for other states and symbols of Oregon’s environmental values.

A Life of Service and Stewardship

The Paul Hanneman exhibit at the Dory Center honors a man who helped preserve the soul of Pacific City while shaping the future of the state. His life reminds us that heritage, community, and conservation are deeply connected—and that one person’s dedication can make a lasting impact on generations to come.