On August 21, 2017, Honolulu Harbor observed the highest hourly water level since tide gauge record collection began in 1905. Throughout the course of 2017, the gauge registered an unprecedented number of high-water events. These record high sea levels were the result of a series of compounding factors: ongoing sea-level rise, seasonally-elevated high tides, and a region of warm water combining with ocean eddies. The threat of rising sea levels to the essential infrastructure and cultural assets of island communities is well known. However, inadequate information limits the ability of resource managers to predict and prepare for the impacts of sea-level rise and associated inundation. Researchers will address this issue by collaborating [...]
Summary
On August 21, 2017, Honolulu Harbor observed the highest hourly water level since tide gauge record collection began in 1905. Throughout the course of 2017, the gauge registered an unprecedented number of high-water events. These record high sea levels were the result of a series of compounding factors: ongoing sea-level rise, seasonally-elevated high tides, and a region of warm water combining with ocean eddies.
The threat of rising sea levels to the essential infrastructure and cultural assets of island communities is well known. However, inadequate information limits the ability of resource managers to predict and prepare for the impacts of sea-level rise and associated inundation. Researchers will address this issue by collaborating with the National Park Service to identify the specific needs of managers at two national parks in Hawaiʻi: the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument (VALR), which is home to the USS Arizona Memorial, and Pu‘uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park (PUHO). These parks were impacted by the high water levels observed in 2017. Boat docks at VALR were compromised, and culturally sensitive archeological features were inundated at PUHO. As a result, park managers are trying to understand the implications of these events for the future of park assets and operations.
Building upon previous research efforts to better understand the frequency and implications of future coastal flooding and inundation events in the Pacific Islands, researchers will develop tools that provide the current status and advanced notice of the various oceanic conditions that contribute to high water levels. Researchers will work with park managers to determine relevant water level thresholds and planning horizons for VALR and PUHO, and identify at-risk assets and assess their vulnerability. The informational tools that will be developed will directly benefit these parks and will also serve as a basis for the development of similar products to aid managers of other coastal areas that are vulnerable to sea-level rise.
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Purpose
The threat of rising sea levels to the essential infrastructure and cultural assets of island communities is well known. Unfortunately, inadequate information limits the ability of resource managers and decision makers to motivate investment, take action, and mitigate the impacts of sea level rise. In this supplement to ongoing work (Grant No. G15AP00140), we will address these limitations by working directly with partners at the National Park Service (NPS) to address specific needs of decision makers at two national parks in Hawai‘i: the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument (VALR; home of the USS Arizona Memorial) and Pu‘uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park (PUHO; an important Hawaiian cultural site). Both parks are charged with managing critical assets that are at risk due to sea level rise, and both parks have been impacted by recent high water levels experienced around the state of Hawai‘i over the past year. The primary objective of this supplement is to build upon state-of-the-art methods already developed under Grant No. G15AP00140 and demonstrate the benefit of working directly with resource managers and stakeholders to develop tools that maximize utility for decision makers. In the process, we will develop tools and informational products based on ongoing work that will directly benefit our NPS partners, but these outcomes may also serve as a basis for products tailored to other vulnerable coastal areas.
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Technical Summary
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The threat of rising sea levels to the essential infrastructure and cultural assets of island communities is well known. Unfortunately, inadequate information limits the ability of resource managers and decision makers to motivate investment, take action, and mitigate the impacts of sea level rise. In this supplement to ongoing work (Grant No. G15AP00140), we will address these limitations by working directly with partners at the National Park Service (NPS) to address specific needs of decision makers at two national parks in Hawai‘i: the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument (VALR; home of the USS Arizona Memorial) and Pu‘uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park (PUHO; an important Hawaiian cultural site). Both parks are charged with managing critical assets that are at risk due to sea level rise, and both parks have been impacted by recent high water levels experienced around the state of Hawai‘i over the past year. The primary objective of this supplement is to build upon state-of-the-art methods already developed under Grant No. G15AP00140 and demonstrate the benefit of working directly with resource managers and stakeholders to develop tools that maximize utility for decision makers. In the process, we will develop tools and informational products based on ongoing work that will directly benefit our NPS partners, but these outcomes may also serve as a basis for products tailored to other vulnerable coastal areas.