Molokai Communities Develop Sea Level Rise Adaptation Strategies Through Workshops

In a recent government meeting focused on Maui County's climate resilience, officials discussed critical strategies to address the impacts of sea level rise on local communities. The meeting highlighted the importance of community engagement and scientific mapping in developing effective adaptation plans for the future.

The discussions began with a review of community workshops held across four areas: Mauna Loa, Ho'olehua, Kalapu, and Kanakakai. These workshops, which took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, aimed to educate residents about potential sea level rise and its implications for local infrastructure, including roads, wastewater systems, and essential services like hospitals and stores. The initial mapping efforts provided a visual representation of areas at risk and identified potential relocation sites for communities.

Participants expressed a strong desire to remain in their multigenerational homes, prompting discussions about alternative strategies such as shoreline restoration and the re-establishment of fishponds to mitigate erosion. The community's input was crucial in determining priority areas for infrastructure improvements, resulting in a list that expanded from five to thirteen sites.

The meeting underscored the collaborative approach taken by county and state agencies, as well as community organizations, to ensure that the selected priority sites do not overlap with existing plans. This comprehensive strategy aims to prepare for the anticipated effects of climate change, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts among all levels of government.

Additionally, engineering consultants from Sea Engineering were engaged to conduct site surveys and assess vulnerabilities along the coastline. Their work included mapping critical infrastructure and evaluating the current conditions of land in relation to ocean dynamics, which will inform future planning efforts.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to develop short-term, mid-term, and long-term strategies for climate adaptation. This structured approach will help the community take actionable steps now and in the coming decades to safeguard their homes and resources against the challenges posed by climate change. As Maui County continues to navigate these pressing issues, the emphasis on community involvement and scientific data will be vital in shaping a resilient future.