#Haunani Kane

Scientists and kiaʻi loko (fishpond practitioners) have a new tool to aid their efforts to restore and ensure the resilience of Native Hawaiian fishponds. Researchers from the University of Hawai‘i and fishpond stewards in Hilo, are using uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, to support integrated coastal zone management, including at cultural heritage sites. The study was published in the Journal of Remote Sensing.    

“As descendants of the ocean, the dearth of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in ocean science seems inconsonant,” writes a team of University of Hawaiʻi authors in an article published in a special issue of Oceanography.

A University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo professor is leading a team of scientists to 3D map the planet’s premier surf breaks to help better protect reefs around the world. 

Expanded restoration of Indigenous loʻi systems (taro fields) to address conservation and food-security needs in the Hawaiian islands also will provide new habitat (to help replace habitat lost by ongoing sea-level rise) for endangered waterbirds, according to new research.