DLNR to Host Public Meeting About Sea Level Rise

The Department of Land and Natural Resources will host a public information meeting regarding sea level rise vulnerability and adaptation on Thursday, March 23, 2017.

The meeting is one of a series of public information meetings being held statewide to educate people about the impacts of sea level rise, and to gather comments and input about key issues and concerns regarding preparedness and adaptation.

West Maui Honoapiilani erosion, file photo by Wendy Osher.

“We are in the process of developing a Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and Adaptation Report that is to be submitted in anticipation of the 2018 Hawai‘i State Legislature, and we are interested in hearing from our island communities to help us complete the report,” said DLNR Chair Suzanne Case.

The DLNR states that climate change has the potential to profoundly impact our wellbeing and way of life. In particular, rising sea levels will increase the occurrence and severity of coastal erosion and flooding, threatening coastal communities and natural resources concentrated along low-lying shores.

“This SLR Report is the first state-wide assessment of the impacts of sea level rise on our coastal areas. Using the best available scientific knowledge and local experience, it will help us prepare for future sea level rise and present recommendations to reduce our exposure to SLR hazards such as erosion and extreme flooding,” said Sam Lemmo, co-chair of the Interagency Climate Adaptation Committee.

The meeting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Planning Conference rooms located in the Kalana Pāku‘i building at 250 S. High Street, room 200, in Wailuku.