As the only state that is entirely surrounded by the ocean, Hawai‘i faces unique challenges regarding coastal natural hazards. It is vital that coastal communities are prepared for the potential impacts of coastal natural hazards including coastal erosion, tsunamis, coastal storms, and hurricanes. UH Sea Grant is committed to helping communities throughout the state achieve greater awareness, preparation and response to these events.

Sea level rise, increased number and intensity of coastal storms, and other climate-related changes are placing more people and property at risk throughout the state of Hawai‘i and the nation. These changes have major implications for human safety and the economic vitality of coastal communities in the coming decades.

UH Sea Grant, with its strong education and outreach capabilities, is dedicated to helping local citizens, decision-makers and businesses understand and plan for coastal natural hazards as well as maximizing community and household preparedness before, during and after a storm.

Research
UH Sea Grant researchers conduct the cutting-edge research and often develop the engineering tools and models useful in predicting the effects of both natural and anthropogenic changes on natural systems throughout the state.

Extension and Outreach
UH Sea Grant extension agents play a vital role in providing local communities, individuals, businesses and agencies throughout Hawai‘i with the resources necessary in making informed plans and decisions regarding coastal natural hazards. When faced with the effects of climate change, often times, the resilience of a coastal community may be best achieved by adapting to such changes.

Sea Grant Contributions to Hawai‘i and the Pacific Region:
Building the Future on Successes of the Past

• Beach Restoration
UH Sea Grant received a 2008 Best Restored Beach Award from the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association for restoration of Kuhio Beach in Waikiki. It was selected as one of only six beaches nationwide to receive this honor.

• Shoreline Erosion Setbacks
The County of Kaua‘i adopted the shoreline setback rule outlined in the UH Sea Grant publication Coastal Hazard Mitigation Guidebook, which is now one of the strongest in the nation and a model for others to follow. Similar progressive building setbacks were also implemented for the County of Maui with assistance from UH Sea Grant.

• Coastal Erosion Mitigation
UH Sea Grant assisted Maui County in developing progressive
coastal management practices including an ordinance prohibiting the grading of coastal dunes.

• Sea Level Rise Studies
UH Sea Grant supported investigations into the potential impacts of higher sea levels on shoreline stability around the state, which has far-reaching implications throughout the Pacific region.

• Tsunami Research
UH Sea Grant has supported cutting-edge tsunami research including an improved prediction model for tsunami run-up and coastal inundation. This model has already been implemented by the Chilean Navy and adapted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory into a tsunami forecasting tool. UH Sea Grant has also contributed to the development of a probabilistic approach for tsunami inundation mapping. This is the first step in assessing vulnerability of infrastructure and buildings impacting future land-use policy.