-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
1/70
University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program
Year 45 Extension Annual Report for Impacts and Accomplishments
Reporting period: February 1, 2012-January 31, 2013
I. Focus area: Sustainable Coastal Development
Title:
Hawaii Sea Grant supported shoreline access activities in the County of Maui
(Accomplishment-Owens)
Primary Focus Area:
Sustainable Coastal Development
RECAP:
Hawaii Sea Grant worked with state and county agencies to identify and implement opportunitiesto create or restore shoreline access on Maui.
RELEVANCE: Access to and along the shoreline are primary tenants of Hawaii's Coastal Zone
Management Act. This law is underscored by the cultural importance and expectation of public
shoreline access by Hawaii residents. Yet shoreline access is still limited in many areas
throughout the state, mainly due to land use development patterns that did not incorporate
shoreline access prior to the adoption of the Hawaii Coastal Zone Management Act into law.
RESPONSE: Hawaii Sea Grant Extension Agent Tara Owens worked with state and county
coastal planners to identify opportunities to create or restore shoreline access on Maui. The agentalso participated in the state's shoreline certification process to identify opportunities for
removing encroachments that may inhibit access along the shoreline and worked with individuals
or groups to improve these conditions.
RESULTS: The agent participated in 20 Maui-based shoreline site visits by the state that
identified encroachments and unauthorized land uses in 30 percent of the shoreline certification
applications. The state required these applicants to remove debris, structures, or vegetation along
the shoreline, thereby restoring shoreline access. In addition, the agent and county planners
identified troubled areas where access to the shoreline was severely limited. In this case,
shoreline access was restored to at least one property.
Associated Goals:
Healthy coastal economies that include an abundance of recreation and tourism opportunities,
and coastal access for all citizens.
1
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
2/70
Partners:
Hawaii Coastal Zone Management Program (HI CZM)
Hawaii Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands (HI DLNR)
County of Maui
County of Maui Planning Department
Title:
Hawaii Sea Grant provided technical advice on beach management planning and coastal
land use to the Hawaii Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands Program
(Accomplishment-Romine)
Primary Focus Area:
Sustainable Coastal Development
RECAP:
Hawaii Sea Grant provided technical support to the Hawaii Office of Conservation and Coastal
Lands on beach management planning and coastal land use to support the states long term goal
of beach and coastal preservation.
RELEVANCE: Roughly 70 percent of beaches in Hawaii are eroding; many kilometers of beach
have been completely lost due to natural and human-induced impacts. The Office of
Conservation and Coastal Lands (OCCL), which is part of the Hawaii Department of Land and
Natural Resources (DLNR), administers a Coastal Lands Program that is responsible formaintaining the delicate balance between preservation and responsible development of marine
and coastal areas. The Coastal Lands Program is involved in initiating and developing innovative
shoreline management techniques that address the states long-term goal of beach and coastal
preservation.
RESPONSE: Hawaii Sea Grant Extension Agent Bradley Romine, who is seconded to OCCL,
provided scientific, technical, and outreach support to the Coastal Lands Program by reviewing
beach management planning and coastal land use. He also conducted site visits, reviewed land
use applications for consistency with the DLNR Conservation District rules and coastal
management plans, and advised OCCL on ways to improve public beach resources.
RESULTS: The agent advised OCCL on the removal of unauthorized structures (e.g., seawalls)
at two sites (Kahala and Mokuleia) on Oahu, which the state determined to be encroaching on
state beaches and limiting public access. Hawaii Sea Grant also provided recommendations on
easements for 10 land owners for authorized structures on state beaches that were determined not
2
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
3/70
inhibit public shoreline access or cause substantial degradation to public beach resources. These
easements provided funding for the OCCL beach fund which is utilized for improving beach
management around the state.
Associated Goals:
Coastal communities that make efficient use of land, energy and water resources and protect the
resources needed to sustain coastal ecosystems and quality of life.
Partners:
Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Office of Conservation and Coastal
Lands (OCCL)
Title:
Hawaii Sea Grant supported the Stables Road beach nourishment and monitoring projecton Maui(Impact-Romine)
Primary Focus Area:
Sustainable Coastal Development
Secondary Focus Area:
Hazard Resilience in Coastal Communities
RECAP:
Hawaii Sea Grant provided technical assistance to the Hawaii Office of Conservation andCoastal Lands on the Stables Road beach nourishment project, which rehabilitated approximately
400 meters of public beach along north Maui as an alternative to coastal armoring.
RELEVANCE: The Hawaii Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands (OCCL) manages a Small
Scale Beach Nourishment (SSBN) program through a stream-lined permitting process for private
and public land owners to nourish degraded beaches and dunes fronting their property. The
SSBN program provides an alternative to land owners, who may otherwise choose hardened
shoreline armoring, to protect their coastal properties from beach erosion while maintaining the
public beach resources fronting their property.
RESPONSE: Hawaii Sea Grant supported the SSBN program by conducting scientific
monitoring of the Stables Road beach nourishment project on Maui. Hawaii Sea Grant Extension
Agent Bradley Romine, who is seconded to OCCL, provided technical assistance to OCCL and
the property owner by conducting ongoing beach performance monitoring including beach
profile measurements and repair of the sand bag structures.
3
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
4/70
RESULTS: The Stables Road beach nourishment project serves as an exemplary model of beach
preservation and an alternative to coastal armoring (e.g., seawalls) found on adjacent sections of
beach. The project maintained the pubic beach resource and public access along approximately
400 meters of formerly degraded (eroded) beach. Approximately 7,500 square meters of beach
were rehabilitated in June 2010 as a demonstration project using sand pumped from offshore and
geotextile sandbag groins as stabilization structures.
Associated Goals:
Coastal communities that make efficient use of land, energy and water resources and protect the
resources needed to sustain coastal ecosystems and quality of life.
Healthy coastal economies that include an abundance of recreation and tourism opportunities,
and coastal access for all citizens.
Restored function and productivity of degraded ecosystems.
Partners:
Hawaii Clean Water Branch (HI DOH)
Hawaii Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands (HI DLNR)
Maui County Planning Department
US Army Corps of Engineers (DOD, Army, USACE)
Title:
Hawaii Sea Grant assisted Forest City Residential Management with reducing energy
consumption in military housing(Accomplishment-Peppard)
Primary Focus Area:
Sustainable Coastal Development
RECAP:
Hawaii Sea Grant conducted energy audits of military housing utilizing university students that
resulted in the development of recommendations to Forest City Residential Management,
affecting the management of 7,000 military residences in Hawaii.
RELEVANCE: Forest City Residential Management is a company managing 7,000 residential
units throughout 37 neighborhoods in Hawaii through a 50-year contract with the US
Department of Defense (DoD). Nearly all the homes are centrally air conditioned and were built
before tight building envelopes were given priority in design of homes in Hawaii. Up to 69% of
the monthly electricity consumption is due to air conditioning.
4
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
5/70
RESPONSE: Hawaii Sea Grant's Center for Smart Building and Community Design completed
energy audits of eight unoccupied homes, 32 occupied homes, and then monitored six homes that
were given different air conditioning and insulation retrofits. Hawaii Sea Grant staff analyzed the
data and calculated the seasonally adjusted energy savings.
RESULTS: The project provided 19 university architecture and engineering students the
opportunity to receive energy auditing training and financial support for applying newly learned
skills that improved conditions in actual buildings. Various audits were completed on 46 homes.
Hawaii Sea Grant shared the information with Forest City along with recommendations for
upgrades and maintenance as well as energy reduction recommendations for residents. Forest
City is planning to roll-out an air conditioning retrofit for one entire neighborhood. Results were
provided to the consulting firm running a resident outreach program for Forest City.
Associated Goals:
Coastal communities that make efficient use of land, energy and water resources and protect theresources needed to sustain coastal ecosystems and quality of life.
Partners:
University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii Natural Energy Institute
Forest City Residential Management
Title:
Hawaii Sea Grant studied the efficiency of solar water heating systems for Forest City
Residential Management(Accomplishment-Peppard)Primary Focus Area:
Sustainable Coastal Development
RECAP:
Hawaii Sea Grant collected solar water heating data from military housing that will help
formulate strategies to improve solar water heating system performance throughout the state.
RELEVANCE: Forest City Residential Management manages 7,000 military residential units in
Hawaii. Although these homes are equipped with solar water heating systems with electric
backup, many of these systems are under performing. Results from Hawaii Sea Grant's previous
research suggest that an estimated 50-65% of solar water heating systems are under performing.
An electric water heater in one of these homes might consume between 10-200 kWh/month or
greater, depending on the efficiency of the solar heating system (and the habits of the residents).
5
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
6/70
RESPONSE: Hawaii Sea Grant conducted ongoing monitoring of 15 homes in 14 different
neighborhoods for one year for energy consumption on multiple circuit breakers, as well as water
temperature and recirculation pump performance of the solar water heating systems. This project
provided an opportunity to collectively address and reduce energy consumption in all homes in
Hawaii with solar water heating systems. It also provided graduate and advanced undergraduate
students with the opportunity to learn new skills, expand their job marketability and to contribute
to large-scale solutions as they elevate the standards of practice in their chosen professions.
RESULTS: One planning graduate student and two advanced Engineering undergraduates
received energy auditing training and were employed part-time on the project. One computer
science graduate student received training in data analysis on this project. Final results will be
available in late 2013, but preliminary results have given a good insight into challenges with
monitoring equipment as well as initial assessment of solar water heating performance.
Associated Goals:Coastal communities that make efficient use of land, energy and water resources and protect the
resources needed to sustain coastal ecosystems and quality of life.
Partners:
Forest City Residential Management
Hawaii Energy
Title:
Hawaii Sea Grant assisted with data collection and analysis for a Maui Smart Grid pilotproject(Accomplishment-Peppard)
Primary Focus Area: Sustainable Coastal Development
RECAP:
Hawaii Sea Grant is assisting in the data analyses of a prototype smart grid on Maui that will
help the state build technical capacity to keep the power quality on the grid stable while
achieving deeper penetration of unstable renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.
RELEVANCE: In order for State of Hawaii to achieve its goal of 70% clean energy by 2030 per
the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, it will need to produce 40% of its current level of electricity
production with renewable sources and reduce consumption by 30% with efficiency measures.
Since renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are very variable and not always
predictable, it is difficult to incorporate them into the grid and maintain a stable power supply.
The grid needs to be updated with sensors to give utility operators feedback regarding power
6
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
7/70
quality on different parts of the grid. With adequate data analysis, algorithms can be formulated
to help predict grid conditions so utility operators can react and make necessary adjustments.
Developing this technology will take painstaking data collection and analysis to achieve.
RESPONSE: With funding from the US Department of Energy, the Hawaii Natural Energy
Institute and Maui Electric will be installing smart meters on 100 homes in one neighborhood in
Maui. Data for energy consumption, photovoltaic power production, and power quality are being
collected. Hawaii Sea Grant staff are constructing a database and will collaborate with
consultants on the project to conduct the data analyses.
RESULTS: Smart meters have been installed at 88 homes to date. Raw data has been collected,
the database is setup, and initial data analysis will begin in 2013.
Associated Goals:
Coastal communities that make efficient use of land, energy and water resources and protect theresources needed to sustain coastal ecosystems and quality of life.
Partners:
Hawaii Natural Energy Institute
US Department of Energy
Maui Electric-add to PIER
Title:
Hawaii Sea Grant partnered with the University of Hawaii School of Architecture to hostan energy simulation class(Accomplishment-Peppard)
Primary Focus Area: Sustainable Coastal Development
RECAP:
Hawaii Sea Grant and partners supported workforce development by taking the first step in
introducing energy simulation to the University of Hawaii School of Architecture curriculum as
well as the local architecture community.
RELEVANCE: In order to achieve aggressive energy savings goals, architects, engineers, and
building managers in Hawaii need to utilize of state-of-the-art technologies for whole building
energy simulation.
RESPONSE: Hawaii Sea Grants Center for Smart Building and Community Design partnered
with the University of Hawaii School of Architecture and the Oahu Workforce Development
7
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
8/70
Board to provide a semester-long whole building energy simulation course for architecture and
engineering students as well as professional architects and building managers who needed to
learn new skills. This will be followed by a paid internship for students to work at local firms to
transfer skills. In addition, training workshops for professionals were also conducted.
RESULTS: The course was taught in spring 2012 to 20 participants. Five students participated in
the summer internship, working at four local firms and for the University of Hawaii Campus
Planning Office. Interns introduced this technology to 59 professionals at firms. Two sessions of
an energy efficient lighting design workshop for professionals and students were held in April
2012 for 59 participants. Four students incorporated this analysis into their doctoral dissertation
topics.
Associated Goals:
Coastal communities that make efficient use of land, energy and water resources and protect the
resources needed to sustain coastal ecosystems and quality of life.
Coastal citizens, community leaders, and industries that recognize the complex inter-
relationships between social, economic and environmental values in coastal areas and work
together to balance multiple uses and optimize environmental sustainability.
Partners:
University of Hawaii at Manoa, School of Architecture
Oahu Workforce Investment Board
Title:Hawaii Sea Grant partnered with the Building Industry Association of Hawaii to monitor
performance of the New Hawaiian Home prototype(Accomplishment-Peppard)
Primary Focus Area: Sustainable Coastal Development
RECAP:
Hawaii Sea Grant provided valuable data feedback on the performance of a model home
designed by the Building Industry Association.
RELEVANCE: Hawaii is in need of projects that demonstrate green building techniques to
educate developers, contractors and construction workers how to build using green techniques.
RESPONSE: The New Hawaiian Home is a collaborative project developed by the Building
Industry Association of Hawaii, Hawaiian Electric Company, and the Hawaii Department of
Business Economic Development and Tourism. The construction of the prototype home was
8
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
9/70
completed in June 2011 and used for educational tours until the end of July. The home was sold
to a sustainability-minded family and part of the agreement with the owners was that the energy
would be monitored for a year. Hawaii Sea Grant Extension Sustainability Specialist Eileen
Peppard conducted the energy monitoring.
RESULTS: The home was monitored from August 2011 to June 2012. The instruments were
removed two months early due to some renovations being conducted in the home. Data was
analyzed and provided to the home owners and the Building Industry Association for their
consideration.
Associated Goals:
Coastal communities that make efficient use of land, energy and water resources and protect the
resources needed to sustain coastal ecosystems and quality of life.
Partners:Building Industry Association of Hawaii
Hawaiian Electric
Hawaii Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism
Title:
Hawaii Sea Grant helped the University of Hawaii at Manoa create a building information
management system(Accomplishment-Peppard)
Primary Focus Area: Sustainable Coastal Development
RECAP:
Hawaii Sea Grant assisted the University of Hawaii at Manoa with modeling 3.5 million square
feet of building space on it campus which provided benefits to campus planning, maintenance,
and security.
RELEVANCE: The University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM) has information about its campus in
disparate databases that lack common access to all those who might benefit from the
information, with no control over editing, and no scheduled updates.
RESPONSE: Under the direction of Hawaii Sea Grants Center for Smart Building and
Community Design Director, Hawaii Sea Grant Sustainability Specialist Eileen Peppard and
employees at the University of Hawaii School of Architecture's Environmental Research and
Design Laboratory are constructing a 3-D, GIS-based model of the campus which will be web-
based and enable more efficient planning of space utilization and future renovations. Tasks
9
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
10/70
include updating building floor plans, verifying space being used, building AutoCAD and Revit
models, and linking various databases in this complex model.
RESULTS: Valuable data was shared UHM administration. Data collection was expanded.
Previously unintended benefits have surfaced, such as campus security planning, which has been
a bonus for the project. The team completed modeling 3.5 million square feet of building space
(51 buildings total, 47 on the main campus and four off-campus). A comprehensive website is
being developed that will allow access to data for many campus entities. There has been
collaboration between several university offices to compile all of the spatial data for the campus.
Student employees are gaining invaluable training and experience in the use of modeling
software and management of work-flow. Over the three years that this project has been in
existence, 43 students have worked part-time on it.
Associated Goals:
Coastal communities that make efficient use of land, energy and water resources and protect theresources needed to sustain coastal ecosystems and quality of life.
Coastal citizens, community leaders, and industries that recognize the complex inter-
relationships between social, economic and environmental values in coastal areas and work
together to balance multiple uses and optimize environmental sustainability.
Partners:
Office of the Vice Chancellor of Administration, Finance, and Operations
Title:Hawaii Sea Grant continued its efforts to support implementation of an energy efficient
retrofit of Kuykendall Hall on the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus
(Accomplishment-Peppard)
Primary Focus Area: Sustainable Coastal Development
RECAP:
Hawaii Sea Grant provided technical support to the Commercial Building Partnership between
the University of Hawaii at Manoa and the Lawrence Berkeley National laboratory by collecting
data from 100 sensors in Kuykendall Hall.
RELEVANCE: In 2006, the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus declared an energy
reduction goal of 50% reduction by 2015. To meet these goals, there needed to be a paradigm
shift in thinking about building retrofits on the campus. Most architecture firms and design
engineers developed their careers in the era of mechanical heating and cooling and are not
10
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
11/70
familiar with passive design techniques. Working with local firms and contractors and making a
shift in campus building design standards is a challenge for the university.
RESPONSE: Hawaii Sea Grant is participating in the Commercial Building Partnership Program
with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to redesign Kuykendall Hall. Hawaii Sea
Grants Center for Smart Building and Community Design provided technical assistance to the
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, energy consultants, local architects and engineers for a
state-of-the art, energy efficient renovation of Kuykendall Hall. It also helped with coordinating
the numerous parties involved in the renovation that will serve as a model of energy efficiency.
RESULTS: The design and energy modeling work was completed. University of Hawaii staff
and students participated in design workshops. This project has helped build energy simulation
capacity within the university and inspired the initiation of a semester-long energy simulation
course at the University of Hawaii School of Architecture in spring 2012. Funding for the retrofit
is pending state appropriations approval. The building's energy and environmental conditions are
continuing to be monitored. These data will be compared to data collected after a retrofit is
completed.
Associated Goals:
Coastal communities that make efficient use of land, energy and water resources and protect the
resources needed to sustain coastal ecosystems and quality of life.
Partners:
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (US DOE)Office of the Vice Chancellor of Administration, Finance, and Operations
Title:
Hawaii Sea Grant partnered with NOAA to offer a coastal community planning and
development training for two communities in Hawaii(Accomplishment-Gonser)
Primary Focus Area:
Sustainable Coastal Development
Secondary Focus Area:
Healthy Coastal Ecosystems
RECAP:
Hawaii Sea Grant in collaboration with the NOAA Coastal Services Center hosted two two-day
trainings in partnership with local community organizations in which over 50 community
11
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
12/70
members participated, including government officials and employees, planning and design
professionals, and neighborhood board members.
RELEVANCE: Coastal and waterfront areas face tremendous development pressure as coastal
communities grapple with ways in guiding development that maximizes benefits and limits
potential negative environmental impacts. How and where growth and development occurs in
coastal communities has huge environmental, economic, and social consequences. As a state
with an active state planning presence and no jurisdictions finer-grained than the counties
(which, for the most part, represent each island), Hawaiis citizens are actively engaged in the
community development process and interested in current information related to coastal hazards
and coastal and marine ecosystems.
RESPONSE: Hawaii Sea Grant engaged the NOAA Coastal Services Center to partner on
offering a Coastal Community Planning and Development training to stakeholders in the Kailua
and Hawaii Kai communities in Hawaii. The workshop informed participants about alternatives
to conventional patterns of development, as well as provided background information, examples,
strategies and resources to support Smart Growth development in their respective communities.
RESULTS: Participants gained an understanding of drivers, consequences and impacts of
conventional development; local development trends in the state; benefits of alternative
development (i.e., Smart Growth concepts for coastal communities in Hawaii); and tools and
resources to aid planning and implementation efforts. They also learned about Environmental
Protection Agency Smart Growth winner case studies, how to conduct a stakeholder analysis,
and how to create a collective vision for how and where coastal communities grow.
Associated Goals:
Widespread use of ecosystem-based approaches to managing land, water and living resources in
coastal areas.
Coastal citizens, community leaders, and industries that recognize the complex inter-
relationships between social, economic and environmental values in coastal areas and work
together to balance multiple uses and optimize environmental sustainability.
Coastal communities that make efficient use of land, energy and water resources and protect the
resources needed to sustain coastal ecosystems and quality of life.
Partners:
Kailua Urban Design Task Force
NOAA Coastal Services Center
NOAA Pacific Services Center (PSC)
Malama Maunalua
12
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
13/70
Title:
Hawaii Sea Grant offered a rainwater catchment workshop for stakeholders in Hawaii
(Accomplishment-Gonser/Donohue)
Primary Focus Area:
Sustainable Coastal Development
Secondary Focus Area:
Healthy Coastal Ecosystems
RECAP:
Hawaii Sea Grant hosted a two-day rainwater harvesting workshop for key university,
government, community organizations, and industry stakeholders who were interested in or
mandated to manage water use in the state; an outcome of the event is the development of a
white paper that outlines steps to be made in the development of water resource management inthe state.
RELEVANCE: Groundwater resources in Hawaii are continually being strained. The
replenishing cycles of precipitation and surface flow have decreased from historical trends, citing
a need to optimize the use of water for Hawaiis growing population. Water catchment can be
employed to meet a spectrum of objectivesas a storm water mitigation measure, for reducing
runoff and associated pollution, or for use as a potable water conservation measure for outdoor
non-potable uses and indoor non-potable/potable uses. This illustrates that water resources
issues, generally, concern both water quantity and quality. Furthermore, the measures to permit,monitor, and regulate the safe practice of water catchment/rainwater harvesting depends on the
communitys desired ultimate use of that water resource.
RESPONSE: Hawaii Sea Grant hosted a two-day workshop to explore the development of
rainwater harvesting in Hawaii. The event provided a forum to share the best-available, fact-
based information regarding the current status and future potential for water catchment. Key
academic, municipal, civic, state and business leaders and decision-makers were invited to the
workshop as well as representatives from the International Association of Plumbing and
Mechanical Officials and American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association.
RESULTS: Hawaii Sea Grant established itself as leader and facilitator in matters of concern to
the state regarding water catchment. The workshop participants identified challenges and
opportunities associated with water catchment. Partnerships to explore opportunities to
collaborate on proposed project ideas were formed. Hawaii Sea Grant is developing a white
paper that outlines steps on water resources management is in development.
13
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
14/70
Associated Goals:
Widespread use of ecosystem-based approaches to managing land, water and living resources in
coastal areas.
Coastal communities that make efficient use of land, energy and water resources and protect the
resources needed to sustain coastal ecosystems and quality of life.
Partners:
University of Hawaii at Manoa, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UHM)
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO)
American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA)
Interface Engineering
Title:Hawaii Sea Grant resurrected its Water Resources Working Group to address water
resource management issues in Hawaii(Accomplishment-Gonser)
Primary Focus Area:
Sustainable Coastal Development
Secondary Focus Area:
Healthy Coastal Ecosystems
RECAP:Hawaii Sea Grant organized a meeting of university researchers, agency resource managers, and
community-based organization staff to share information about their work with respect to water
resources and explore ideas for potential areas of collaboration.
RELEVANCE: Hawaiis increasing population base and community development projects
statewide are increasing the demand on the states limited groundwater resources. Scientists have
predicted that the replenishing cycles of precipitation and surface flow will decrease compared
with historical trends, citing a need to optimize water resource management efforts in the state.
There is also excellent and ongoing research being conducted at the university as well as
proactive management of water resources in Hawaii. However, not all these efforts are known
among those who are engaged in these practices.
RESPONSE: Hawaii Sea Grant reconvened a water resources working group that consisted of
university researchers, government agency staff, and community-based organizations to discuss
14
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
15/70
water resources management issues in Hawaii. The purpose of this initial meeting was to have
the participants share information about the activities they did in their respective organizations
and explore potential areas of collaboration.
RESULTS: The participants greatly appreciated Hawaii Sea Grants effort to reconvene the
group given the urgency to address water resources issues in the state. The group decided to
work towards developing research priorities and coordinated strategic actions, and act as a
clearinghouse of water resources issues and efforts in Hawaii. Suggestions were also made about
relevant stakeholders to invite to future meetings of the working group.
Associated Goals:
Widespread use of ecosystem-based approaches to managing land, water and living resources in
coastal areas.
Sound scientific information to support ecosystem-based approaches to managing the coastal
environment.
Coastal communities that make efficient use of land, energy and water resources and protect the
resources needed to sustain coastal ecosystems and quality of life.
Partners:
City and County of Honolulu, Board of Water Supply
US Geological Survey (US DOI, USGS)
University of Hawaii, Water Resources Research Center
University of Hawaii at Manoa, Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research
University of Hawaii at Manoa, School of Ocean and Earth Science and TechnologyUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources
Hawaii Commission on Water Resource Management
Hawaii Department of Health
Title:
Hawaii Sea Grant established a power purchase agreement for the Hawaii Institute of
Marine Biology(Impact-Donohue/Grau/Meder)
Primary Focus Area:Sustainable Coastal Development
RECAP:
Hawaii Sea Grant assisted in the negotiation of a power purchase agreement to install a
photovoltaic system at the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology which served as a model for
subsequent power purchase agreements implement by the university.
15
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
16/70
RELEVANCE: In order to reach its goal of supplying 25% of its energy from renewable sources
by the year 2020, the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM) administration is exploring
opportunities to reduce its $32 million electricity bill and identify sources of financing in order to
install renewable energy systems on its buildings and research facilities.
RESPONSE: Hawaii Sea Grant Extension Specialist Dr. Mary Donohue, Director Dr. E. Gordon
Grau and Hawaii Sea Grants Center for Smart Building and Community Design Director Dr.
Stephen Meder worked with Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) staff, university
administration, and the State of Hawaii Department of Transportation Airports Division to share
a request for proposals (RFP) to negotiate a power purchase agreement for its most energy
intensive building in the system, the HIMB laboratory on Coconut Island. The planned
photovoltaic array will generate 250 to 310 kW.
RESULTS: The power purchase agreement was completed. The project is in the implementation
stage and going through the permitting process. The photovoltaic system was a donation from
the non-profit Center for Sustainable Futures. This demonstration project sets a precedent for the
university to utilize power purchase agreements for other renewable energy projects on its
campuses system wide and statewide.
Associated Goals:
Coastal communities that make efficient use of land, energy and water resources and protect the
resources needed to sustain coastal ecosystems and quality of life.
Coastal citizens, community leaders, and industries that recognize the complex inter-relationships between social, economic and environmental values in coastal areas and work
together to balance multiple uses and optimize environmental sustainability.
Partners:
University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii Natural Energy Institute
University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii Institute for Marine Biology
Center for a Sustainable Future
Title:Hawaii Sea Grant helped the University of Hawaii at Manoa with campus planning efforts
(Accomplishment-Meder)
Primary Focus Area:
Sustainable Coastal Development
16
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
17/70
RECAP:
Hawaii Sea Grant helped the University of Hawaii at Manoa administration with developing
master plans for its campus.
RELEVANCE: A long-term development plan is in place for the University of Hawaii at Manoa
campus takes dedicated committees of experts to ensure the plan is adhered to during the
planning process of new buildings or any major changes on the campus.
RESPONSE: In summer 2009, the university established a Design Advisory Panel for this
purpose and invited professionals in the fields of architecture, landscaping, historical
preservation, and urban development to serve on the committee. Hawaii Sea Grants Center for
Smart Building and Community Design Director Dr. Stephen Meder is leading the coordination
effort to develop a detailed master plan of each facet of campus planning by utilizing experts in
each of these fields.
RESULTS: The landscape master plan and the transportation management plan have been
completed. The water infrastructure and historic preservation master plans are still in the
planning phase. Hawaii Sea Grant has engaged the City and County of Honolulu to limit vehicle
trips to and from campus by increasing bus and bike ridership.
Associated Goals:
Coastal communities that make efficient use of land, energy and water resources and protect the
resources needed to sustain coastal ecosystems and quality of life.
Coastal citizens, community leaders, and industries that recognize the complex inter-relationships between social, economic and environmental values in coastal areas and work
together to balance multiple uses and optimize environmental sustainability.
Partners:
Office of the Vice Chancellor of Administration, Finance, and Operations
Title:
State-of-the-art community college culinary institute initially designed by Hawaii Sea
Grant received approval for construction(Impact-Meder)
Primary focus area:
Sustainable Coastal Development
17
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
18/70
RECAP: Hawaii Sea Grant provided technical assistance to Kapiolani Community College to
develop a conceptual design and request-for-proposal language that helped secure funding for
construction of the facility.
RELEVANCE: Over 6 years ago, the Culinary Institute of the Pacific at the Kapiolani
Community College (KCC) had developed plans to establish a new kitchen and teaching facility.
KCC sought Hawaii Sea Grants input on how to design resource efficient, environmentally-
friendly buildings.
RESPONSE: Hawaii Sea Grant and KCC co-funded Trenton Lum, a doctoral student in
architecture, to develop a conceptual design of the institute, serve as a community liaison, and
develop sustainable design schemes for the project. Hawaii Sea Grants Center for Smart
Building and Community Design Director Dr. Stephen Meder also provided language to achieve
sustainable design features in KCCs request for proposals (RFP) for the hiring of the architects
and also assisted in the selection of project architects and consultants. The language in the RFP
ensured that the institutes new kitchen, once constructed, will meet the LEED standards.
RESULTS: In July 2012, the University of Hawaii Board of Regents approved key funding for
the $32 million culinary institute, which will jump start construction. The institute will be built in
phases along the side of landmark Diamond Head crater. Phase one will focus on construction of
the laboratories, followed by Phase two, which would include the restaurant, demonstration
auditorium, and administration building. Once built, the institute will serve as a landmark
statement in green building design in the Waikiki community.
Associated Goals:
Coastal communities that make efficient use of land, energy and water resources and protect the
resources needed to sustain coastal ecosystems and quality of life.
Coastal citizens, community leaders, and industries that recognize the complex inter-
relationships between social, economic and environmental values in coastal areas and work
together to balance multiple uses and optimize environmental sustainability.
Partners:
Culinary Institute of the Pacific, Kapiolani Community College
University of Hawaii School of Architecture
18
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
19/70
Title:
Hoopili development project in West Oahu that Hawaii Sea Grant assisted received landuse commission approval to move forward(Impact-Meder/Grau)
Primary focus area:Sustainable Coastal Development
Secondary focus area:
RECAP: Hawaii Sea Grant and the Environmental Protection Agency partnered on a large
development project in West Oahu that received approval for development by the state Land Use
Commission.
RELEVANCE: Hoopili is a master planned development project in West Oahu that could add
11,500 new homes and incorporate the city's proposed $5.3 billion elevated steel rail system into
its community.
RESPONSE: Over seven years ago, Hawaii Sea Grant was invited by the City and County of
Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting to participate in community meetings
addressing developer D. R. Hortons proposed designs for Hoopili. The project involved Hawaii
Sea Grant as the initiator and organizer, Environmental Protection Agencys Office of
Sustainable Communities as the provider of state-of-the-art community design expertise, the City
and County of Honolulu and its Department of Planning and Permitting, local and nationaldevelopers, particularly D. R. Horton, and several community and transportation design firms
with which Hawaii Sea Grant partnered. The Hoopili project was sustainably redesigned as a
result of these interactions. This work was cited by NOAA Administrator Lautenbacher as the
first of ten national Sea Grant highlights for 2006.
RESULTS: In June 2012, the Hoopili project cleared a major huddle. The state Land Use
Commission voted to reclassify about 1,500 acres of agricultural lands belonging to D. R. Horton
for development. The project will create 27,000 jobs in construction and related services over a
20-year period, as well as 7,000 permanent jobs.
Associated Goals:
Coastal citizens, community leaders, and industries that recognize the complex inter-
relationships between social, economic and environmental values in coastal areas and work
together to balance multiple uses and optimize environmental sustainability.
19
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
20/70
Coastal communities that make efficient use of land, energy and water resources and protect the
resources needed to sustain coastal ecosystems and quality of life.
Partners:
City and County of Honolulu, Department of Planning and Permitting
Smart Growth Program (US EPA)
20
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
21/70
II. Focus area: Hazard Resilience in Coastal Communities
Title:
Hawaii Sea Grant increased community capacity to prepare for hazardous events in the
state and Sea Grant network(Impact-Eversole/Hwang)
Primary Focus Area
Hazard Resilience in Coastal Communities
Secondary Focus Area:
RECAP:
Hawaii Sea Grant supported hazard resilience efforts in the state and Sea Grant network through
outreach activities associated with its homeowners handbook publication.
RELEVANCE: Hawaii residents are exposed to multiple natural hazards that include hurricanes,
tsunamis, earthquakes and floods. Many residents are not prepared for dealing with these hazards
and lack the necessary knowledge and information on emergency planning and preparedness.
RESPONSE: Hawaii Sea Grant addressed this need by developing theHomeowners Handbook
to Prepare for Natural Hazardsin 2007. This free publication targeted homeowners and outlines
effective ways to significantly lower serious risks to lives and property. Approximately 45,000
handbooks have been distributed statewide through our partners, community outreach events,workshops, invited presentations, and requests made through our communications office. In
2011, Hawaii Sea Grant included updated information on evacuation guidance for a local
tsunami, a new hurricane plantation tie that was specifically designed for single wall homes,
evacuation shelters, and much more. Our extension faculty also took the lead in organizing a
series of statewide workshops and hazard fairs to disseminate and share information about the
handbook.
RESULTS: The 2011 statewide workshops were a huge success. Our partners took the lead in
organizing six statewide community workshops with Hawaii Sea Grants assistance in 2012.
Hawaii Sea Grant also conducted four workshops for county planning agencies statewide. On a
national level, with assistance from Hawaii Sea Grant, Sea Grant programs in Mississippi,
Alabama, Delaware, Louisiana, and Florida published their own versions of the handbook. In
2013, the College of the Marshall Islands obtained a small grant from the Pacific Islands Coastal
Storms Program to produce a handbook in partnership with Hawaii Sea Grant.
21
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
22/70
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
23/70
RESPONSE: In 2012, the Pacific Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessment (RISA) invited
Hawaii Sea Grant and its Center for Climate Adaptation and Policy to participate as key
contributors on the Pacific Islands Regional Climate Assessment (PIRCA). PIRCA is a regional
collaboration that involved federal, state, and local government agencies, non-government
organizations, academia, businesses, and community groups to inform and prioritize their
activities in the face of a changing climate. Its purpose was to assess the state of knowledge
about climate change indicators, impacts, and adaptive capacity of Hawaii and the US-Affiliated
Pacific Islands. Information gained from PIRCA contributed to the US National Climate
Assessment (NCA), which was conducted under the auspices of the US Global Change Research
Act of 1990.
RESULT: The PIRCA report was published and officially released in December 2012. It is the
first report on the impacts of climate change in the Pacific. Information from the report was
disseminated at a public forum held at the University of Hawaii in December. In addition to
sharing information from the report, the forum provided an opportunity to engage participants ina discussion on how to apply the information from the PIRCA to local decision-making.
Associated Goals:
Widespread understanding of the risks associated with living, working, and doing business along
the nations coasts.
Community capacity to prepare for and respond to hazardous events.
Coastal communities that make efficient use of land, energy and water resources and protect the
resources needed to sustain coastal ecosystems and quality of life.
Coastal citizens, community leaders, and industries that recognize the complex inter-relationships between social, economic and environmental values in coastal areas and work
together to balance multiple uses and optimize environmental sustainability.
Partners:
Pacific Climate Information System (PaCIS)
Pacific Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments (RISA) Program
Pacific Risk Management Ohana (PRiMO)
University of Hawaii
University of Hawaii at Manoa, Department of Geology and Geophysics (UHM)
NOAA Coastal Storms Program
Title:
Hawaii Sea Grant supported the adoption of the State of Hawaiis climate changeadaptation planning priority guidelines(Impact-Eversole)
23
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
24/70
Primary Focus Area:
Hazard Resilience in Coastal Communities
Secondary Focus Area:
Sustainable Coastal Development
RECAP:
Hawaii Sea Grant, through its participation in the Hawaii Ocean Resources Management Plan
working group, helped support the adoption of Act 286, Climate Change Adaptation Planning
Priority Guidelines for the state.
RELEVANCE: The Hawaii Ocean Resources Management Plan (ORMP) is a statewide plan
mandated by Chapter 205A of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. The plan is an integrated, place-
based approach to management of ocean resources in the islands. Climate change impacts andadaptation are highlighted in the ORMP and represent an overarching challenge for state as to
how to best address this issue.
RESPONSE: At the invitation of the State Office of Planning, Hawaii Sea Grant has been
serving on the ORMPs working group. The group is composed of state and county agencies,
federal partners, academia, and community groups. One task of the working group has been to
provide climate policy guidance to the Hawaii Coastal Zone Management Program. Historically,
climate policy in Hawaii has focused on greenhouse gas mitigation rather than addressing
climate impacts or adaptation strategies in land use practices. In 2009, the working groupproduced a report entitled A Framework for Climate Change Adaptation in Hawaii. The report
identified a methodology and approach for developing policies for adapting to climate change in
Hawaii and was shared with decision-makers for policy consideration.
RESULTS: In July 2012, the Governor signed into law Act 286, the Climate Change Adaptation
Planning Priority Guidelines which encourages collaboration and cooperation among county,
state, and federal agencies, policy makers, businesses, and other community partners to plan for
the impacts of climate change. This was in part, due to the efforts of the working group and the
2009 climate framework report.
Associated Goals:
Widespread understanding of the risks associated with living, working, and doing business along
the nations coasts.
Community capacity to prepare for and respond to hazardous events.
24
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
25/70
Healthy coastal economies that include an abundance of recreation and tourism opportunities,
and coastal access for all citizens.
Coastal communities that make efficient use of land, energy and water resources and protect the
resources needed to sustain coastal ecosystems and quality of life.
Coastal citizens, community leaders, and industries that recognize the complex inter-
relationships between social, economic and environmental values in coastal areas and work
together to balance multiple uses and optimize environmental sustainability.
Partners:
NOAA Coastal Storms Program (US DOC, NOAA, NOS, SCS, CSP)
Hawaii Coastal Zone Management Program (HI CZM)
Hawaii Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands (HI DLNR)
Hawaii Office of Planning
Title:
Hawaii Sea Grant conducted a study examining the impacts of climate change on the
visitor industry in Hawaii(Accomplishment-Eversole/Gonser)
Primary Focus Area:
Hazard Resilience in Coastal Communities
Secondary Focus Area:
Sustainable Tourism
Sustainable Coastal Development
RECAP:
At the request of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Hawaii Sea Grant conducted a study that
examined the impacts of climate change on Hawaiis visitor industry and developed a report
outlining potential climate adaptation options for policy makers and the industry to consider.
RELEVANCE: Climate change is expected to impact Hawaiis tourism sector, the states primary
economic engine. Sea level rise threatens resources and infrastructure, including businesses,
hotels, utilities, and transportation assets. Ocean acidification will degrade Hawaiis coral reefs
and other marine resources. Understanding the consequences of climate change on the tourism
industry is necessary to develop targeted adaptation strategies for policy makers and the visitor
industry to consider.
25
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
26/70
RESPONSE: In 2011, the states Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) approached Hawaii Sea
Grant with a request to identify the potential impacts of climate change on the visitor industry
and recommend adaptation strategies for decision-makers to consider. As part of the project
Hawaii Sea Grant collaborated with the University of Hawaii researchers to conduct a climate
change adaptation and policy study. The study was closely tied to a first phase of a sea level riseinundation research project for Honolulu that was being conducted by university scientists. Key
visitor industry stakeholders were also invited to participate in a series of statewide workshops
conducted by Hawaii Sea Grant to learn more about the projected impacts of climate change.
RESULTS: The project produced a report that outlines potential climate adaptation options and
provides a method for prioritizing adaptation actions for local decision-makers. It also increased
awareness and understanding in visitor industry and government stakeholders statewide about
the predicted impacts of climate change on the visitor industry. HTA plans to distribute the
findings of the report to decision-makers for policy consideration.
Associated Goals:
Widespread understanding of the risks associated with living, working, and doing business along
the nations coasts.
Community capacity to prepare for and respond to hazardous events.
Vibrant, attractive, and sustainable tourism experiences which have the smallest environmental
impact.
Coastal citizens, community leaders, and industries that recognize the complex inter-
relationships between social, economic and environmental values in coastal areas and work
together to balance multiple uses and optimize environmental sustainability.Coastal communities that make efficient use of land, energy and water resources and protect the
resources needed to sustain coastal ecosystems and quality of life.
Partners:
Hawaii Tourism Authority
Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association
UHM College of Social Sciences
Title:
Hawaii Sea Grant provided technical support in shoreline processes, coastal hazards, and
climate adaptation to the County of Maui(Accomplishment-Owens)
Primary Focus Area:
Hazard Resilience in Coastal Communities
26
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
27/70
Secondary Focus Area:
Healthy Coastal Ecosystems
Sustainable Coastal Development
RECAP:
Hawaii Sea Grant provided specialized technical expertise in shoreline processes, coastal hazards
and climate adaptation to local land use planners that informed land use planning decision-
making.
RELEVANCE: State and county land use planners who administer Hawaii's Coastal Zone
Management Program are not trained with specific technical expertise in coastal issues. There is
a continuing need for staff in these agencies to have a basic understanding of shoreline processes,
coastal hazards, and climate change impacts in order to make informed decisions on land use
planning.
RESPONSE: Since 1996, Hawaii Sea Grant has been providing specialized technical expertise to
the County of Maui Planning Department. Through a partnership with the county, Hawaii Sea
Grant Extension Agent Tara Owens was seconded to the planning department and provided a
wide range of technical support, project review, and stakeholder coordination activities to
planners. The agent also provided regular presentations to decision-makers, planners, and
community groups on topics such as climate change impacts and adaptation, coastal hazards, and
shoreline processes.
RESULTS: In 2012, the agent served as the primary contact for the public on 25 projects byproviding consultation on permitting procedures and best managements practices. The agent also
advised county shoreline planners on 50 shoreline development applications and gave five
presentations to the community that reached over 200 stakeholders. These actions directly
reduced the daily workloads of county planners who are typically overburdened with processing
permit applications. Another benefit experienced was that projects were streamlined for both
planners and applicants since many issues or challenges were identified early and solved up
front. Overall, implementation of these best management practices resulted in better land use
planning decisions by county planners.
Associated Goals:
Widespread understanding of the risks associated with living, working, and doing business along
the nations coasts.
Community capacity to prepare for and respond to hazardous events.
27
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
28/70
Coastal citizens, community leaders, and industries that recognize the complex inter-
relationships between social, economic and environmental values in coastal areas and work
together to balance multiple uses and optimize environmental sustainability.
Coastal communities that make efficient use of land, energy and water resources and protect the
resources needed to sustain coastal ecosystems and quality of life.
Widespread use of ecosystem-based approaches to managing land, water and living resources in
coastal areas.
Partners:
Maui County
County of Maui Planning Department
Title:
Hawaii Sea Grant improved coastal hazard management practices in the County of Maui(Accomplishment-Owens)
Primary Focus Area:
Hazard Resilience in Coastal Communities
Secondary Focus Area:
RECAP:
Hawaii Sea Grant created opportunities in the County of Maui for improving hazard resilience to
coastal erosion, coastal storms, and sea level rise through funded research projects and policyrecommendations.
RELEVANCE: Many of Hawaii's coastal communities are located in low-lying coastal areas that
are vulnerable to a variety of coastal hazards. In 2003, with guidance from Hawaii Sea Grant, the
County of Maui was the first county in the state to adopt erosion-based setbacks for coastal
development. The associated shoreline policies recognized the shoreline area as a critical natural
resource, and provided a regulatory framework for managing the competing demands of
development and natural resources, as well as minimized the impacts from coastal hazards.
RESPONSE: Hawaii Sea Grant Extension Agent Tara Owens consulted with coastal planners to
identify funding opportunities for improving community hazard resilience on Maui. Activities
involved collaborating with county planners on developing grant proposals that supported
research to address this need, as well as re-analyzed existing policies in a modern political,
social, and environmental context.
28
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
29/70
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
30/70
responses to coastal hazards, such as seawalls and revetments, can damage beaches and other
coastal resources.
RESPONSE: Hawaii Sea Grant Extension Agent Ruby Pap, who is seconded to the County of
Kauai Planning Department, provided a wide range of technical support to the County of Kauai,
including technical assistance on shoreline processes, coastal hazards mitigation, and planning
for shoreline development. In this capacity, the agent carried out site visits in response to public,
private, and agency requests, as well as provided education and technical assistance to
stakeholders for informed decision making.
RESULTS: The agent was requested by county planners to provide a technical review of
consultant reports on the restoration of Lydgate Pond, a popular swimming place which is
suffering from degraded water quality. The input helped clarify the options presented to the
county by the consultants and a need for further study. The agent also provided a technical
review of design revisions to Wailua beach path that included an analysis of the coastalconditions. The report was used by the county as a reference for another review conducted by
the Army Corps of Engineers, and for educating the public and County Council members about
the issue.
Associated Goals:
Widespread understanding of the risks associated with living, working, and doing business along
the nations coasts.
Community capacity to prepare for and respond to hazardous events.
Healthy coastal economies that include an abundance of recreation and tourism opportunities,and coastal access for all citizens.
Restored function and productivity of degraded ecosystems.
Sound scientific information to support ecosystem-based approaches to managing the coastal
environment.
Partners:
Kauai County Department of Parks and Recreation
Kauai County Planning Department
Kauai County Department of Public Works
Title:
Hawaii Sea Grant provided long term coastal planning support to County of Kauai
(Accomplishment-Pap)
Primary Focus Area:
30
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
31/70
Hazard Resilience in Coastal Communities
Secondary Focus Area:
Sustainable Coastal Development
Healthy Coastal Ecosystems
RECAP:
Hawaii Sea Grant provided technical assistance to the County of Kauai on its Shoreline Setback
Ordinance and Subdivision Ordinance to ensure scientific integrity, protection of coastal
resources and property, and adequate pedestrian access.
RELEVANCE: Hazard resilience and sustainable development in coastal communities often
requires long term planning, with policies codified in ordinance. In 2008 the County of Kauai
passed a progressive Shoreline Setback Ordinance (SSO) governing development along the
coastline. This was an 'interim' measure, pending the final publication of a University of Hawaiicoastal erosion study for Kauai. In 2010 the university published the final erosion rates for
shorelines on Kauai. The County of Kauai Planning Department expressed a desire for Hawaii
Sea Grant assistance in incorporating this study into the SSO, as well as to assist with certain
implementation issues. In addition, as part of the county's efforts to implement 'smart growth'
principles, the county has been undergoing an effort to update its subdivision ordinance.
RESPONSE: Hawaii Sea Grant Extension Agent Ruby Pap, with assistance from other Hawaii
Sea Grant coastal processes faculty reviewed the draft ordinance and provided suggestions for
calculating erosion rate-based setbacks. Hawaii Sea Grant also analyzed the ordinance and
suggested areas for improvement to ensure protection of coastal resources and property. Inaddition, the agent provided input on the subdivision ordinance to incorporate pedestrian access.
RESULTS: The Planning Department re-drafted the proposed amendments and the Planning
Commission approved them in November 2012. Hawaii Sea Grants input improved the
ordinances language providing stronger protection and access. An initial hearing was conducted
by the County Council in January 2013. Several more hearings are scheduled at a later date.
Final adoption of amendments is expected in Spring 2013.
Associated Goals:Widespread understanding of the risks associated with living, working, and doing business along
the nations coasts.
Community capacity to prepare for and respond to hazardous events.
Sound scientific information to support ecosystem-based approaches to managing the coastal
environment.
31
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
32/70
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
33/70
television, greatly adding to the numbers that were educated on this issue. The radio program
also reached community members island-wide, as well as people on outer islands. The program
received several interested callers, which added value to the community conversation. The radio
hosts have expressed a desire to do a subsequent program based on community feedback.
Associated Goals:
Widespread understanding of the risks associated with living, working, and doing business along
the nations coasts.
Community capacity to prepare for and response to hazardous events.
Partners:
County of Kauai Planning Department
Friends of Hanapepe Public Library
Friends of North Shore Public Library
Kauai Community Radio (KKCR)
Kauai Surfrider Foundation
Chieftess Kamakahelei Middle School
33
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
34/70
III. Sustainable Coastal Tourism
Title:
Hawaii Sea Grant educated 766,000 visitors annually on marine resource conservation at
the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve(Accomplishment-Maynard)
Primary Focus Area:
Sustainable Coastal Tourism
Secondary Focus Area:
Healthy Coastal Ecosystems
RECAP:
Hawaii Sea Grant promoted marine resource conservation and stewardship in 766,385 visitors
through education and outreach activities associated with its education program at HanaumaBay.
RELEVANCE: The Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a popular tourist destination because of its
beautiful natural scenery and abundant marine life. In 1967, it became Hawaii's first Marine Life
Conservation District and has developed a reputation as one of the premier snorkeling locations
in Hawaii. In addition, the bay has also evolved into ideal site to promote marine education and
coastal stewardship to tourists, residents, school and community groups.
RESPONSE: On behalf of the City and County of Honolulu, Hawaii Sea Grant administered the
year-round Hanauma Bay Education Program (HBEP). Hawaii Sea Grant staff and volunteersmanaged the daily operation of the education program and developed resources that enhanced
ocean literacy and marine resource conservation in visitors. They also staffed an information
booth on the beach to answer visitor questions and introduced a mandatory orientation film in the
theater viewed by all visitors. The film covered topics such as bay formation, important ocean
safety information, introduction to some of the marine life they may encounter, and described
stewardship actions that visitors can employ to help protect the reef.
RESULTS: In 2012, 766,385 tourists and residents were educated by Hawaii Sea Grant on
marine resource conservation and stewardship practices that reduced their environmental
footprint at Hanauma Bay. HBEP conducted 47 weekly public evening presentations for 1,830
community members. It also hosted 286 school and community groups totaling 7,228
individuals. HBEPs 128 volunteer docents contributed almost 12,000 hours annually. Eighteen
school groups participated in service learning activities at the bay.
Associated Goals:
34
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
35/70
Vibrant, attractive, and sustainable tourism experiences which have the smallest environmental
impact.
Widespread use of ecosystem-based approaches to managing land, water and living resources in
coastal areas.
Restored function and productivity of degraded ecosystems.
Partners:
City and County of Honolulu, Parks and Recreation Department
Friends of Hanauma Bay
Title:
Hawaii Sea Grant assessed public opinion toward the development of seawater air
conditioning in Waikiki(Accomplishment-Lilley)
Primary Focus Area:
Sustainable Tourism
Secondary Focus Area:
Sustainable Coastal Development
RECAP:
Hawaii Sea Grant undertook sociological research to examine public knowledge of seawater air
conditioning and assess attitudes toward the installation of such a system in Waikiki.
RELEVANCE: Seawater air conditioning (SWAC) harnesses the cooling properties of cold
seawater to provide cool air for hotels and other large buildings, thereby reducing the amount of
electricity used for air conditioning purposes. SWAC is particularly relevant to Hawaii for two
reasons: first, the proximity of deep, cold, ocean water to areas of high population make Hawaii
an obvious location for implementing the technology; and secondly, with approximately 90
percent of its electricity generated from fossil fuels, Hawaii is the most fossil fuel dependent
state in the nation. Hawaii relies heavily on residual fuel oil (the by-product of refining crude oil
for jet fuel, gasoline, and other distillates) for electricity generation and, as a result, has very high
electricity prices compared to the rest of the country. SWAC has the potential to both cut the cost
of air conditioning and reduce the amount of harmful emissions that are released as a by-product
of generating electricity from fossil fuels.
RESPONSE: Working with colleagues in the College of Social Sciences and the School of
Ocean and Earth Science and Technology at the University of Hawaii, Hawaii Sea Grant
examined potential economic, environmental, and societal impacts of installing a SWAC system
35
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
36/70
in Waikiki. We conducted interviews with key stakeholders, implemented a 2,000-person mail
survey, and held public and stakeholder meetings to present our findings.
RESULTS: Hotel operators and university researchers have a solid understanding of public
interest in, and concerns about, the installation of a seawater air conditioning system in Waikiki.
Associated Goals:
Coastal communities that make efficient use of land, energy and water resources and protect the
resources needed to sustain coastal ecosystems and quality of life.
Coastal citizens, community leaders, and industries that recognize the complex inter-
relationships between social, economic and environmental values in coastal areas and work
together to balance multiple uses and optimize environmental sustainability.
A financially competitive and environmentally responsible visitor industry.
Vibrant, attractive, and sustainable tourism experiences which have the smallest environmental
impact.
Partners:
University of Hawaii at Manoa, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (UHM)
University of Hawaii at Manoa, College of Social Sciences
Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
Title:
Hawaii Sea Grant completed its inaugural Sustainable Coastal Tourism Fellowship
Program(Accomplishment-Konan)
Primary focus area:
Sustainable Tourism
Secondary focus area:
Sustainable Coastal Development
RECAP:
Four University of Hawaii faculty who participated in Hawaii Sea Grants first Sustainable
Coastal Tourism Fellowship Program conducted research to identify a set of valid, reliable, and
regularly updated indicators that could be used to monitor tourism sustainability in Hawaii.
RELEVANCE: While the University of Hawaii possesses the scholarly expertise, capacity, and
capability to assess, and inform solutions to address, complex issues facing tourism in Hawaii,
36
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
37/70
there have been few incentives to do so. The visitor industry would benefit greatly from
university research that is focused on critical issues confronting tourism in the state.
RESPONSE: The Sustainable Coastal Tourism Fellowship Program, a project of Hawaii Sea
Grants Center for Sustainable Coastal Tourism, recently completed its work. The program was
funded by Ernest Nishizaki, President of Kyo-ya Hotels and Resorts, with matching funds from
Hawaii Sea Grant. The inaugural fellows were Drs. Dan Spencer, Travel Industry Management;
Kim Burnett, Economics; David Karl, Oceanography; and Jon Osorio, Hawaiian Studies.
RESULTS: The fellows identified a set of valid, reliable, and regularly updated indicators that
could be used to monitor tourism sustainability in Hawaii and documented trends in these
indicators. Their research revealed that sustainability was highest on Hawaii Island, lower on
Maui, Kauai, and Molokai, and lowest on Lanai and Oahu; none of the islandstourism
sustainability indicators fluctuated dramatically in recent years. Evidence of neither significantprogress nor failure in achieving sustainable tourism in Hawaii emerged, but on balance the
analysis suggested a gradual deterioration in the sustainability of tourism in the state. Thus,
tourism in Hawaii may not be in crisis but it does appear to be in trouble. The fellows developed
a report to share their findings with the states visitor industry and included recommendations to
consider.
Associated goals:
Coastal communities that make efficient use of land, energy and water resources and protect the
resources needed to sustain coastal ecosystems and quality of life.A financially competitive and environmentally responsible visitor industry.
Vibrant, attractive, and sustainable tourism experiences which have the smallest environmental
impact.
Partners:
Ernest Nishizaki, President of Kyo-ya Hotels and Resorts
University of Hawaii at Manoa, College of Social Sciences
University of Hawaii at Manoa Hawaiinuiakea School of Hawaiian Knowledge
University of Hawaii at Manoa, Travel Industry Management
University of Hawaii at Manoa, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology
37
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
38/70
IV. Healthy Coastal Ecosystems
Title:
Hawaii Sea Grant promoted dune restoration, protection, and awareness efforts on Maui
(Accomplishments-Owens)
Primary Focus Area:
Healthy Coastal Ecosystems
Secondary Focus Area:
Sustainable Coastal Development
RECAP:
Hawaii Sea Grant promoted and coordinated a sustained program of coastal sand dune
restoration on Maui for coastal hazard mitigation, beach protection, and coastal natural resourceand habitat protection.
RELEVANCE: Coastal dunes on Maui have suffered from degradation due to improper
development practices and recreational use. Healthy dunes are critical for coastal hazard
mitigation, beach protection, and coastal natural resource and habitat protection.
RESPONSE: Hawaii Sea Grant Extension Agent Tara Owens has been working with community
groups, county and state government agencies, and individuals to improve management and
protection of coastal dunes on Maui.
RESULTS: The agent coordinated efforts with the County of Maui Parks and Recreation
Department and volunteer groups to establish best practices for dune management and assisted
with county permitting procedures for all aspects of dune restoration work. One goal of the dune
restoration program was to reduce damage from human traffic by providing designated pathways
for access to the beach. Incorporating elevated walkovers on dunes is proving to be a good
management option that still allows visitor access while minimizing degradation of the dunes. To
date, this extensive and long-term County of Maui program to restore acres of degraded dunes on
Maui has been very successful.
Associated Goals:
Restored function and productivity of degraded ecosystems.
Healthy coastal economies that include an abundance of recreation and tourism opportunities,
and coastal access for all citizens.
38
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
39/70
Partners:
Hawaii Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands (HI DLNR)
County of Maui Office of the Mayor
County of Maui Planning Department
Maui Nui Marine Resource Council
Napili Bay and Beach Foundation
Title:
Hawaii Sea Grant provided technical assistance on wetland restoration associated with a
hotel resort development project on Kauai(Impact-Asquith)
Primary Focus Area:
Healthy Coastal Ecosystems
Secondary Focus Area:
Sustainable Coastal Development
RECAP:
Hawaii Sea Grant provided science-based information to Ohana Real Estate Investors that
resulted in changes to their initial draft development plan that now reflects a more appropriate
and sustainable project that all project partners approved.
RELEVANCE: As part of its development plans for its Hanalei Plantation property, Ohana Real
Estate Investors (OREI) has committed to utilizing science-based restoration and management
for the Kamoomaikai fishpond on its property. OREI is proposing to build a hotel and residential
project on an approximately 63.6-acre site near Hanalei Bay, Kauai. The project is proposed to
include a total of 120 transient accommodation units consisting of 34 single-family residential
lots and a low-density hotel development comprised of 86 cottage units; and amenities including
a restaurant, meeting facility, spa, and pool area; and enhancement of the fish pond.
RESPONSE: Hawaii Sea Grant provided technical support to OREI that will help guide and
achieve restoration of the fishpond by maximizing the ecosystem, cultural, and social values of
the resource. Extension specialist Adam Asquith acquired and collated existing data onhydrology, palynology, biology, water quality, archaeology, cultural significance, and
community perspectives. The data gathered is being used to develop and/or review a restoration
and management plan for the fishpond.
RESULTS: The specialist, who was brought onto the project in mid-summer 2012, participated
in all OREI planning meetings, reviewed all documents and data, and conducted several site
39
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
40/70
visits at the property. As a result of his efforts, OREI decided to change its initial draft
development plan to reflect a more appropriate and sustainable project that has been approved by
its partners. Hawaii Sea Grant was also asked by OREI to develop a curriculum for field trips
associated with the fish pond.
Associated Goals:
Sound scientific information to support ecosystem-based approaches to managing the coastal
environment.
Restored function and productivity of degraded ecosystems.
Coastal communities that make efficient use of land, energy and water resources and protect the
resources needed to sustain coastal ecosystems and quality of life.
Coastal citizens, community leaders, and industries that recognize the complex inter-
relationships between social, economic and environmental values in coastal areas and work
together to balance multiple uses and optimize environmental sustainability.
Partners:
Ohana Real Estate Investors
Title:
Hawaii Sea Grant supported teacher workforce development through its Teaching Science
Through Inquiry professional development courses(Impact-Seraphin)
Focus Area:
Healthy Coastal Ecosystems
RECAP: Since 2009, Hawaii Sea Grant has been providing professional development for middle
and high school teachers to improve their science teaching pedagogical knowledge and aquatic
science content knowledge through its Teaching Science Through Inquiry courses.
RELEVANCE: There is a tremendous need for a scientifically and technologically literate U.S.
citizenry. However, effective science instruction is compromised by teachers who lack
experience with or understanding of scientific disciplines but are still expected to facilitate
inquiry-based scientific research with their students.
RESPONSE: To address this need, Hawaii Sea Grants Center for Marine Science Education
(CMSE) initiated a state-wide series of Teaching Science Through Inquiry Aquatic (TSI)
professional development courses in 2009. The success of these courses led to a Teacher Quality
grant from the US Department of Education to develop a four-part series of professional
development institutes for middle and high school teachers to improve their science teaching
40
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
41/70
pedagogical knowledge and aquatic science content knowledge. This project, which started in
2010, was based on the TSI Aquatic module developed at the University of Hawaii Curriculum
Research & Development Group (CRDG). The TSI Aquatic project included deliverables such
as professional development for teachers, utilizing online learning communities, and an
evaluation component for middle and high school teachers.
RESULTS: To date, 47 teachers from Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Hawaii Island have received
professional development training through the TSI-Aquatic courses. In spring 2012, 31
additional teachers from Oahu and Kauai participated as our fourth and fifth cohorts. These
teachers implemented the teaching of TSI curricular in their classrooms following their training
over the course of a year. Evaluation data indicated that there was a significant increase in
learning in students and teachers as a result of the TSI training.
Goals:
Sound scientific information to support ecosystem-based approaches to managing the coastalenvironment.
Partners:
NOAA Pacific Services Center
US Department of Education, Institute for Education Science
University of Hawaii at Manoa, Curriculum Research & Development Group
University of Hawaii College of Education
Title:Hawaii Sea Grant involved in the development of a middle and high school science-based
curriculum(Accomplishment-Seraphin)
Focus Area:
Healthy Coastal Ecosystems
RECAP:
Hawaii Sea Grant is developing an Exploring our Fluid Earth curriculum in partnership with the
University of Hawaiis Curriculum Research & Development Group and NOAA that focuses on
the biology, physics, chemistry, geology, and ecology of aquatic systems and is serving as the
content base and support materials for teachers participating in our Teaching Science as Inquiry
professional development courses.
RELEVANCE: Ocean and aquatic sciences are among the most underrepresented disciplines in
K-12 curricula. Even in Hawaii, where the ocean is a daily part of life and traditional knowledge
41
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
42/70
practices recognize the need to protect the connection between the land and sea, traditional
knowledge is rarely connected to learning in schools.
RESPONSE: In 2010, the NOAA Pacific Services Center, University of Hawaii Curriculum
Research & Development Group (CRDG) and Hawaii Sea Grants Center for Marine Science
Education (CMSE) formed a partnership to develop an online middle and high school level,
science-based curriculum in coastal and ocean sciences in Hawaii. Named Exploring our Fluid
Earth (EOFE),the curriculum focuses on the biology, physics, chemistry, geology, and ecology
of aquatic systems. This curriculum is serving as the content base as well as support materials for
teachers engaged in our Teaching Science as Inquiry (TSI) professional development courses.
The teachers have been providing feedback on the curriculum and online navigation.
RESULTS: In 2012, CMSE continued development of the curriculum and website through
testing with teachers participating in TSI. Preliminary findings suggest positive gains in teachers
understanding and implementation of inquiry-based science teaching in the classroom. Teachers
inquiry teaching pre-post gain was significant as were pre-post gains on the Pedagogical Content
Knowledge Scale and on the Self-Efficacy Scale. In addition, pre-post results across all TSI
modules increased from 62-71% of total scores to 72-82%. Students also showed improvements
in scientific process knowledge. Teachers also reported that TSI provided very helpful tools and
approaches for teaching and learning the scientific process.
Partners:NOAA Pacific Services Center
US Department of Education, Institute for Education Science
UHM Curriculum Research & Development Group (CRDG)
UHM College of Education
Goals: Sound scientific information to support ecosystem-based approaches to managing the
coastal environment.
Title:Hawaii Sea Grant supported the development of a Voice of the Sea television show
(Accomplishment-Seraphin)
Focus Area:
Healthy Coastal Ecosystems
42
-
8/13/2019 UH Sea Grant Year 45 Extension Accomplishments and Impacts
43/70
RECAP:
Hawaii Sea Grant is collaborati