HONOLULU — Hawaii’s state legislature awarded the University of Hawaii Community Design Center $350,000 to create a framework for a future Waikiki resilience and sea-level rise adaptation plan, according to a UH news release. 

Waikiki is the epicenter of tourism in Hawaii, and it is threatened by flooding from sea-level rise, an increase in large rainfall events from climate change and water overflowing from the Ala Wai Canal. The Army Corps of Engineers estimated a major flood could damage 3,000 structures and cost more than $1.14 billion.

The study, which is expected to be completed by May 2024, will consider different time frames and urban design strategies for sea-level rise adaptations in Waikiki. It was developed after a year of conversations with a working group guided by State Sen. Sharon Moriwaki, with input from decision-makers, UH experts, agencies and stakeholders. 

The project team is led by School of Architecture Professor Judith Stilgenbauer and Community Design Center Director Cathi Ho Schar, and it will include other UH faculty, staff and students. 

For the project, the Community Design Center is partnering with the UH Sea Grant College Program, which is represented by Extension Agent Dolan Eversole, a coastal geologist. 

“Stakeholders in Waikiki and throughout the state have expressed strong interest in the development of plans and policies that identify adaptation pathways and options for planned resilience to climate change,” said Eversole.

Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.