12. Research
Several University of Hawaii research projects have focused on Maui County's coastal and marine resources. These projects have greatly increased our knowledge of the coastal and marine environments and processes and have led to improved management of the coastal zone. Further research is necessary to increase our understanding of coastal and marine science and to insure the effective and efficient management of the coastal zone.
Hawaii Sea Grant can help identify new projects and potential funding partnerships. The most likely partners would be Sea Grant, DLNR, DOH, DBEDT's Coastal Zone Management Program, the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and NOAA's Hawaii Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.
An important component of research is monitoring. Monitoring involves the periodic collection of data to study changes in an environment through time. Two important studies relevant to beach management carried out by volunteers on Maui include the monitoring of algal blooms and the biannual collection of beach profiles (Figure 23). The collection of data on nuisance algal blooms was initiated in 1995 by Na Maka'ala and is currently being carried out by Na Pale O Ke Kai. Na Pale O Ke Kai also collects water samples and analyzes turbidity.
The monitoring of beach profiles is an on-going UH-Manoa and USGS cooperative effort. Researchers involved in this joint study have monitored 32 profile lines on Maui beaches twice yearly since January 1995. The analysis of sequential beach profiles provides data on seasonal and longer-term changes in beach volume. This information is needed to complement aerial photograph analyses of coastal erosion and to help plan beach restoration projects.
Vertical aerial photographs of the shoreline provide valuable information to coastal zone planners and developers. Recent aerial photographs of a given shoreline area can be compared with historical aerial photographs to determine rates of coastal erosion. The county currently maintains a limited archive of aerial photographs, with complete sets from 1967, 1988, and 1993. This database should be updated at least every 5 years.
Figure 23. USGS - UH beach profile survey.
Objective
12.1) To continue to help fund research in coastal and marine science and marine policy
12.2) To continue to closely monitor shoreline trends such as coastal erosion and beach loss as well as algal blooms
Recommendations
12.1a) Commission new research projects in coastal and marine science and marine policy on all scales
12.1b) Fund studies that seek to better understand site-specific causes of coastal erosion and beach loss
12.1c) Help fund a study that quantifies sand production on coral reefs
12.1d) Help sponsor a study of the economic, legal, and political challenges associated with requiring rate-based building setbacks
12.1e) Encourage Maui Community College to take a more active role in marine science education and research by further developing its Marine Option Program
12.1f) Seek participation in research on marine issues from other universities, ocean user groups, and other government agencies
12.2a) Update the County's database of coastal aerial photographs at least every five years so that county planners can make informed decisions with reasonably up to date information on shoreline development
12.2b) Help maintain and expand the island-wide network of beach profiles
12.2c) Help support the continued collection of data on water quality and algal blooms
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|