Public Meeting on Sea Level Rise in Kaunakakai, Sept. 12

The Department of Land and Natural Resources will hold a public information meeting on sea level rise vulnerability and adaptation on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017, at the Mitchell Pau‘ole Community Center in Kaunakakai, Moloka‘i.

Kepuhi Beach, West End, Molokai. Photo by: Rose Braverman

This will be the sixth meeting that is 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.

Officials say that climate change has the potential to profoundly impact the wellbeing and way of life for Hawai‘i residents. 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.

“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 soliciting input from our island communities to help us complete the report,” said DLNR Chair Suzanne Case.

“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 first meeting was held on O‘ahu last June, a second one in January on Kaua‘i, a third one in March on Maui, and a four and fifth one on Hawai‘i island in August.

The meeting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. The Mitchell Pau‘ole Community Center is located at at 90 Ainoa Street.

Anyone with special needs requiring accommodations or assistance, is asked to contact OCCL at least four days prior to the public hearing. For more information contact the Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands at (808) 587-0377 or visit their website.