Master’s of Environmental Management (MEM) Capstone Proposals

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Stregthening Community Flood Resilience: A Case Study of Haʻikū, Maui
(2024-05) Davis, Lilia; Tsang, Yinphan; Natural Resources and Environmental Management; Litton, Creighton M.
Hawaiʻi faces an increasing threat from the impacts of climate change, especially from the escalating risks associated with floods. In response to pressing challenges, vulnerable communities must strengthen resiliency and adaptation action. Resilience frameworks are increasingly being used to prepare for, adapt to, and withstand disturbances such as floods and other natural disasters. Motivated by the Hawaiian proverb, “I kahiki ka ua, ako ʻē ka hale. While the rain is still far away, thatch the house. Be prepared” (Pūkui), this research will explore ways for local communities to better prepare in the face of future flood events. Specifically, this proposed research aims to understand the collective concerns of a community in Haʻikū, Maui, which experienced flooding and a dam breach in 2018 and 2021. Employing a participatory approach, the study will weave community place-based knowledge with scientific insights to bridge knowledge gaps and strengthen resilience. Data collection based on triangulation methodology will support four different methods: climate data, participatory mapping, interviews, and a workshop. Documenting the climate history of rainfall, streams, and storms will be essential for future flood predictions. An outreach participatory mapping booth at a local festival will serve as a way to document past flood locations and have conversations with the broad public on general experiences or interests in this project. Interviews will provide more depth into individual concerns and the history of floods in the community. Both climate data, interviews, and participatory will provide a basis for conducting a community workshop on findings, comments, and future needs. Expected outcomes include an accessible website of research progress and findings, a community presentation, a stream clean-up day, and a recommendation report for governmental agencies. Short-term outcomes focus on enhancing community preparedness involvement and knowledge through educational content and outreach, while long-term outcomes aim to tailor future management decisions based on community needs. By fostering collaboration, capacity-building, and community empowerment, the proposed study seeks to enhance awareness, preparedness, and resilience in Haʻikū, and to serve as a model for other communities facing similar challenges statewide and globally.
Farming Practices and Implications for Water Quality and Sustainability on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi
(2024-05) Chhimcanal, Bunneam; Tsang, Yinphan; Natural Resources and Environmental Management; Litton, Creighton M.
Up to 443 million school days are missed annually due to illnesses related to water across the globe (Human Development Report, 2006). Agricultural land runoff is a factor affecting the river and stream water quality, the third-leading source of lake water quality, and the second-largest source of wetland impairment in the continental United States (NWQA, 2017). In Hawaiʻi, the two primary water issues are the presence of potable freshwater and the pollution of surface water by organic or inorganic pollutants linked to both agricultural and non-agricultural activities (USGS, 1999). This proposed study attempts to address the urgent problem of decreasing water quality linked to agricultural activities, 38 percent of water bodies are significantly under pressure from agricultural pollution (WWAP, 2015), using cooperative methods to monitor water quality as influenced by farmers' practices. By comparing recent water quality results with existing data from the previous five years, I will create recommendations for sustainable water management techniques. The proposed research approach integrates technology, analytics, and community engagement focused on Kaiaka Bay, Oʻahu, a region with diverse agricultural landscapes. Water testing will occur semi-annually over a year, targeting three primary agricultural practices: irrigation, fertilizer usage, and manure management. Interviews with farmers will provide insights into farming practices and perceptions regarding water quality enhancement. Anticipated outputs include water quality datasets, spatial maps, insights into the impact of agricultural practices on water quality, best practices in agriculture, and farmer feedback, with intended outcomes including enhancing water quality and providing best practices for farmer groups in Hawaiʻi, influencing local policies, and extending recommendations globally. The project will start in January 2024, data gathering will begin in May 2024, and the report will be completed by May 2025, with partnerships sought with non-profit organizations and the need for a budget to support water quality testing and field visits. Through collaborative efforts bridging scientific knowledge and policymaking, this study acknowledges the substantial influence of agricultural practices on various water bodies and aims to address the urgent problem of decreasing water quality linked to these activities.
Assessing Graduate Student Volunteer Impacts and Stewardship Reciprocity
(2024-05) Boucher, Olivia, E.; Dacks, Rachel; Natural Resources and Environmental Management; Litton, Creighton M.
The profound effects of engaging with nature are widely acknowledged, with a growing interest in the potential advantages associated with purposeful activities within natural settings such as environmental volunteerism. Impacts of engaging with nature can be conceptualized as cultural ecosystem services (CES), encompassing the intangible benefits ecosystems provide, including a sense of connection to both people and place which contributes to overall well-being. The primary objective of the proposed study is to identify the CES gained through participation in biocultural restoration, including positive impacts on mental health, a heightened sense of place, and strengthened social connections. The proposed research will involve qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews of graduate students from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa involved in biocultural restoration projects in He‘eia, Hawai‘i (conducted Spring 2024). Graduate students are a demographic known to face mental health and well-being challenges, and as such CES may hold particular significance. Further, participation in biocultural restoration may be especially valuable in academic contexts. Interview findings will inform the development of a survey (to be conducted Fall 2024), providing valuable guidance for integrating CES assessment into biocultural restoration monitoring and fulfilling a recognized need voiced by environmental stewardship groups in Hawai‘i. More holistic monitoring will facilitate meaningful and effective communication of the comprehensive benefits associated with biocultural restoration to funding entities. Resources needed to complete this project include built relationships with the staff of the Heʻeia NERR, funding for a recording device, transcription software, analysis software, conference registration, and publication costs.
The Effectiveness of Video-Based Education for Marine Conservation
(2024-05) DeBenedictis, Emma; Vaughan, Mehana; Natural Resources and Environmental Management; Litton, Creighton M.
The escalating threats to global marine ecosystems demand innovative management approaches. An increasing emphasis on multimedia, particularly videos, exists in environmental education programs, but there is a substantial gap in understanding their impact, especially in marine education. This shift towards multimedia in education is driven by the recognition of its potential to enhance the effectiveness of conveying complex environmental concepts, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has accelerated the adoption of digital tools for remote knowledge dissemination. The focus on marine education programs is crucial given the vital role of the oceans in supporting ecosystem services and the urgent need to address the threats faced by marine environments due to anthropogenic stressors. This project proposes to study the use of videos in two marine education programs, the Hanauma Bay Education Program (HBEP) and The Coral Triangle Center (CTC), to understand how multimedia can be effectively utilized in informal environmental education. The specific objectives of this study are to investigate: (1) the effectiveness of videos in orienting, guiding, and educating visitors to marine areas; and (2) how videos can be optimally utilized in the field of resource management for educational purposes. Three methods will be used to address these objectives: (i) identification of existing implementations of videos in marine education programs; (ii) development and implementation of video content for informal education programs aimed at orienting, guiding, and educating visitors in marine areas; and (iii) evaluation of the effectiveness of video-based education through surveys, interviews, and educational impact assessments. The proposed outputs include a list of video types and uses for informal marine education, videos for implementation, recommendations for using educational videos, a capstone report, and an oral presentation. The desired outcomes include maximizing the effectiveness of video utilization in informal marine education programs and fostering awareness of marine ecosystems. By raising awareness about the fragility of these ecosystems and the threats they face, individuals are more likely to develop a sense of empathy and concern for their preservation. The study aims to provide insights into best practices, offering practical guidance for informal marine educators.
Lessons in Hawaiian Soils: Pedagogical Tools in Soil Science
(2024-05) Barron, Lydia; Crow, Susan; Natural Resources and Environmental Management; Litton, Creighton M.
Soils are the foundation of life, playing a crucial role in supporting ecosystems and human civilization. However, soil degradation and soil loss pose significant threats to food security, water quality and climate stability. Educating future generations about the importance of soil conservation and management is crucial for sustainable land use practices and environmental stewardship. This study will investigate the impact and effectiveness of soil monoliths as a pedagogical tool when teaching introductory soil science topics to undergraduate students. Soil monoliths are preserved vertical sections of soil that show critical base concepts in soil science such as soil color, structure, and profile. This project will explore methods involving field and lab techniques used to create a soil monolith, including extraction and preservation specific to diverse tropical soils of Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, United States. Using Bloomʻs Taxonomy I will create an undergraduate level curriculum and investigate the educational impacts of monoliths on 3rd and 4th year undergraduate soil science students. The results of this project will provide insight on the effectiveness of interactive, inquiry-based teaching tools in soil science. A primary output of this study will be an effective pedagogical tool and curriculum for teachers to use in undergraduate soil science courses. The created curriculum will be publicly available, allowing teachers to use and further develop it for their own lesson plans. The overall outcome of this project is to encourage teachers, in an educational world that is increasingly online, to use interesting and engaging lessons in and out of the classroom when teaching introductory soil science courses to spark the curiosity and interest of their students. The timeline of this project spans from December of 2023 to May of 2025. Most of the necessary resources are available through the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Additional necessary resources for this project will be funded through the assistance of Dr. Susan Crow.
Exploring the dynamics of women's inclusion in the ranger workforce
(2024-05) Hodges, Kayla; Oleson, Kirsten; Natural Resources and Environmental Management; Litton, Creighton M.
The worldwide conservation goal of protecting 30% of the planet by 2030 (30x30) requires a substantial increase of the global ranger workforce. Recruitment and retention are hindered by poor employment conditions and a significant gender disparity, with only an estimated 3-11% of rangers globally being women. Rangers play a crucial role in safeguarding biodiversity and engaging with communities, yet they face numerous workplace hazards and employment challenges, including human-wildlife conflict, disease, and inadequate training and resources. Moreover, incidents of rangers perpetrating human rights abuses undermine trust and credibility of their positions, which are key to conservation efforts. Understanding the potential contributions of women rangers is essential, as they may mitigate the workforce deficit and bring unique perspectives and skills to the ranger workforce. Drawing from insights in policing and conservation gender studies, this proposed research seeks to explore whether and how the inclusion of women rangers in Asia may add value to the ranger workforce. I propose to use grounded theory, an inductive and iterative qualitative method, to collect and analyze data in collaboration with WWF-Pakistan (World Wide Fund for Nature). Purposeful, nonrandom sampling will identify ~20-30 key informant male and female rangers and community members for focus groups and semi-structured interviews. Data collection will occur between March and November 2024 in Pakistan, an ideal model study site to explore the role and future of women in the ranger workforce. This study will shed light on perceptions about women rangers and how they impact conservation efforts in Asia, resulting in a capstone report, conference presentation, and a collaborative online platform for women rangers as the project ends in May 2025. Ultimately this study will provide insights to inform policy changes and initiatives aimed at enhancing equity, effectiveness, and professionalism within the global ranger workforce.
Testing the insulatory properties of Ulex europaeus as a means of protecting Acacia koa from frost damage in Humuula, Hawaii
(UH Mānoa, 2023-05-03) Wehrman, Aaron CK; Idol, Travis; Natural Resources and Environmental Management; Idol, Travis
The Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) is currently working to increase biodiversity and productivity on Mauna Kea (DHHL, 2009). On the Windward slopes, in a place known as Humuula, the land has been dominated by Ulex europaeus (gorse), an invasive-thorny shrub capable of surviving sub-freezing temperatures. The DHHL is working towards increasing the Acacia koa (Koa) population in these gorse-covered areas on the land that they manage (DHHL, 2009). They are doing this by planting koa in rows, bulldozed into the gorse. A possible concern in this reforestation project is the susceptibility of koa to frost damage (Rose et al., 2020). The objective of this study is to record the temperatures inside of the rows of gorse to see if frost damage will be a concern and to compare these temperatures to previous studies which used conifers to increase temperatures.For the initial planting, five meter wide rows were bulldozed into the gorse field and koa was planted in the middle. In order to test the temperatures, 5 temperature sensors were set up in 4 different rows. Temperature readings will be taken every minute between December-March 2023 & 2024. This data will be extrapolated and turned into figures which clearly show minutes spent below freezing and absolute minimum temperature. I hypothesize that the gorse will provide similar temperatures to the conifers as its high density and height should protect the seedlings from wind and prevent some radiative cooling. Should this be the case, it will show that the risk for frost damage is minimal. If not, then further precautions will need to be taken to prevent frost damage.
Abundance, Biodiversity, and Community Structure Monitoring of Freshwater and Estuarine Communities in Hālawa Stream, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i
(UH Mānoa, 2023-05-03) Rousseve, Alyssandra; Tsang, Yinphan; Natural Resources and Environmental Management; Idol, Travis
In November 2021, it was reported that the U.S. Navy inadvertently contaminated an aquifer that supplied potable water to southern O‘ahu with jet fuel. This initiated the ‘Red Hill Shaft Recovery and Monitoring Program.’ Since January 2022, they have been filtering and discharging water from the aquifer at a rate of approximately five million gallons nearly every day directly into Hālawa Stream. Like many Hawai‘i streams, flow patterns of Hālawa Stream are characterized as intermittent, which determines the community structures of their fluvial ecosystems. This alteration caused the natural flow pattern to change from intermittent to a constant flow. Hawai‘i streams play a key role for Hawai‘i’s ecosystems and maintaining natural streamflow regime is critical to protecting native species. This change in regime has not been studied in Hawaiian streams and thus it is unknown how it will impact the stream’s ecology. I propose to investigate the abundance, biodiversity, and community structures of fish and benthic macroinvertebrates in Hālawa Stream to better understand how the artificial flow will affect the ecology of a naturally intermittent stream. Benthic macroinvertebrates are commonly used for stream monitoring and assessments because of their short-term life cycles and varying sensitivity to disturbances. Benthic ecosystems in tropical streams influence fishes through trophic food chains, including primary production and nutrient cycling. Project updates are presented monthly to the Navy Environmental Planning and Conservation Command (NAVFAC Pacific), the Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM), the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR), and Fisheries and Wildlife Services (FWS). This study provides timely biodiversity monitoring to resource managers, serves as a repository resource of fish and benthic macroinvertebrate community structures at Hālawa, as well as documenting a standard protocol of sampling benthic macroinvertebrates for streams in Hawai‘i. Together, these outcomes will assist managers determine trends and impacts on Hawai‘i’s stream ecosystems. Surveys of Hālawa Stream began in January 2022 and will be collected for a total of two years every quarter. This collaborative effort is assisted by Tsang Lab at UH Manoa, DAR, and CWRM, and is funded by the U.S. Navy with the mandate requested by CWRM, DAR, and FWS.
Correlating the Current and Potential Ranges of Hawaiʻi’s Declining Native Plant Species in Relation to Slope and Aspect on the Summit of Puʻu Kōnāhuanui on the Island of Oʻahu
(UH Mānoa, 2023-05-03) Ragone, Noah L.; Idol, Travis; Natural Resources and Environmental Management; Idol, Travis
The Koʻolau mountain range on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, is home to an exceptional amount of endemic plant life. However, the mountain range’s unique biodiversity is under threat from climate change-induced drought and the spread of invasive species, which is highlighted by declining rainfall patterns (Giambelluca et al., 2013). This study aims to provide an understanding of where certain target species are likely to be found and most resistant to these threats based on the aspect of a slope in relation to Oʻahu’s prevailing trade winds. Specifically, Labordia hosakana and Lobelia gaudichaudii subsp. gaudichaudii will be the two species surveyed for this study (Figures 2 and 4). The study will survey species communities across the upper Mānoa watershed from Puʻu Kōnāhuanui to ʻAwaʻawaloa (Mt. Olympus), with the primary study site being the west, north, and east-facing aspects of Puʻu Kōnāhuanui. These surveys will be used to make predictions of these species communities across Mānoa, and the information will be presented using ArcGIS maps that highlight the most suitable habitat for these species in relation to slope and aspect. This research will provide range information to decision-makers, so that they can be best informed when making management decisions regarding future actions for a specific species of interest across the Koʻolaus. The study will address the lack of on-the-ground data to support modeling work done on all native Hawaiian plants, much of which was based on outdated GPS points for various species that have since contracted for Hawaiʻi’s rarest and declining plant species. The research findings will be valuable for resource managers within the Plant Extinction Prevention Program, the Oʻahu Army Natural Resources Program, and the Koʻolau Mountain Watershed Partnerships for protecting rare and declining plant species on the Koʻolau summit and for making informed management decisions regarding species of concern. This research is on-going as of the spring 2023 semester to be completed with a final capstone project in the spring of 2024
Investigating Factors of Understaffing for Natural Resource Management Agencies in Hawai‘i
(UH Mānoa, 2023-05-09) Kauka, Tatum K.; Chan, Catherine; Natural Resources and Environmental Management; Idol, Travis
Natural resources are an essential part of life, and their increased depletion has encouraged initiatives at various levels to conserve, protect, and manage them. Unfortunately, many of these objectives are impossible to achieve due to current understaffing within natural resource management agencies. This problem is displayed throughout numerous US agency reports including Hawai‘i. Public data from Hawai‘i agencies reveal that excessive staff shortages are a large contributor for failure to meet ecological and social targets. The overarching objective of this proposed study is to better understand the factors which may affect the understaffing crisis across natural resource management sectors of Hawai‘i. Specifically, I will: (1) identify specific recruitment and retention factors using both input from Hawai‘i employees and related literature, (2) evaluate the factors by performing a perception survey amongst potential employee candidates, (3) identify significant barriers and insight for future management. The perception survey will be performed amongst post-secondary students within the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa who are interested in natural resource management occupations. Survey responses will be analyzed using a multiple linear regression analysis which will describe differences and similarities of student groups perceiving retention and recruitment factors which affect the understaffing crisis today. Findings will be presented in several formats including a perception data set, survey report, capstone paper, and capstone presentation. Outputs may identify advantages or barriers for the understaffing crisis across natural resource management agencies in Hawai‘i. Conclusions of this research may lead to staffing improvements and refined management operations in the future. The research project began in February 2023 and will be completed by May 2024. Resources necessary to complete the project include relationships with education divisions and natural resource management agencies, a Quantitative Methods course, proper analysis software, and space and time.
Where Kāhuli Wander: Climate change, home range and a Hawaiian tree snail
(UH Mānoa, 2023-05-10) Hee, Charlton Kūpa'a; Price, Melissa; Natural Resources and Environmental Management; Idol, Travis
Hundreds of Hawai‘i’s native species have no overlap between current and future climate-suitable habitat. Species unable to migrate to these discrete areas may need assistance. However, assisted translocations may risk high mortality in relocated animals establishing novel home ranges to meet their ecological needs. To minimize the loss of individuals during translocation, optimizations of translocation strategies are needed. However, in low reproductive output and slow-maturing species, traditional translocation success metrics such as survival and reproduction are ill-suited for use as short-term success metrics, but metrics such as time to home range establishment and movement distances following translocation may inform both habitat restoration and release strategies. Hawaiian tree snails, kāhuli in the Hawaiian language, have dramatically declined over the last century due to invasive predators, habitat loss, and climate change. Predator-exclusion fences have proven effective in protecting snails from invasive predators such as rats, predatory snails, and Jackson’s chameleons. To address climate change impacts, efforts are underway to translocate captive-bred and remaining wild snails into predator-exclusion fences in climate-suitable areas outside their known historical range. These translocations provide an optimal case study examining the home range establishment of a climate-sensitive species. I will use capture-mark-recapture techniques to evaluate movement patterns and home range establishment of translocated Achatinella concavospira, a species endemic to the Wai‘anae mountains on O‘ahu. Preliminary observations suggest that released individuals establish stable home ranges within 1-2 months, so I hypothesize that after initially large movements over the first month, movement away from the release site will decrease and a stable home range will be established around two months after release. Barring early mortality due to novel threats, I anticipate my study results will demonstrate that translocated populations are likely to persist, establishing novel home ranges when translocated into climate-suitable habitat.
Improving Collaboration between Native Hawaiians and Professionals to Explore Geothermal Energy Potential in Hawaii
(UH Mānoa, 2023-05-09) Kamanā, Noa; Vaughan, Mehana; Natural Resources and Environmental Management; Idol, Travis
Climate change is greatly affecting small island nations like Hawaiʻi. The threats created by climate change such as rising sea levels pose great economic and social risks to vulnerable islands like Hawaiʻi. The development and expansion of renewable energy sources in Hawaiʻi offers the promise of energy independence as well as lessening Hawaiʻi’s overall carbon footprint. Geothermal energy is just one renewable energy source with promising possibilities. Past studies and research into Geothermal resources in Hawaiʻi has shown its capability to contribute to Hawaiʻi transitioning to 100% renewables and achieving the 2045 goal which was set in 2008. Geothermal also presents Hawaiʻi with a renewable energy option that is not condition dependent like that of solar and wind power. However, geothermal has been met with continued opposition from the Native Hawaiian community stemming from Hawaiian cultural identity and beliefs that natural resources are Kūpuna (ancestors) and not just simply resources. Throughout Hawaiʻi’s history, government officials and developers have often excluded and not collaborated with Native Hawaiians on large projects including those that explore Geothermal energy across the island chain. The marginalization of Native Hawaiians has created barriers that make it difficult to receive recognition in current decision-making processes and environments. Current processes are built upon Western ideals and overlook the cultural implications of a decision. Improving the collaboration that occurs between Native Hawaiians and decision-makers on these policies and projects is the necessary first step if achieving geothermal energy expansion in Hawaiʻi is the goal. Interviewing individuals from the energy sector, government, and Native Hawaiian community is one way that knowledge gaps and barriers can be identified so that solutions may be developed to improve future geothermal and other renewable energy developments in Hawaiʻi.
Ecological Emotions and Engaging in Environmental Stewardship in Hawai‘i
(UH Mānoa, 2023-05-10) Fong, Breanne; Trauernicht, Parker Clay; Natural Resources and Environmental Management; Idol, Travis
The effects of the climate and ecological crises have triggered an increase in the prevalence of ecological emotions, or climate-related mental health issues. Negative ecological emotions, also eco-emotions or Earth emotions, such as eco-anxiety, have become more widespread, impeding people’s daily lives and functioning. However, these negative emotions can be redirected toward motivating people to engage in positive environmental behavior and actions by restoring the environment. Globally, environmental volunteering and stewardship elicit positive benefits for mental well-being, including in places most susceptible to climate change like Hawai‘i. In Hawai‘i, culture plays a significant role in people’s environmental stewardship experiences, specifically biocultural restoration, which centers on fostering relationships between people and place [1]. However, eco-emotions and environmental stewardship are insufficiently researched in Hawai‘i. Thus, this project has three main objectives: 1) to understand how people’s eco-emotions are related to the motivations for and benefits from their engagement in environmental stewardship, specifically biocultural restoration; 2) to determine how the frequency of stewarding a place influences one’s eco-emotions and relationship to ‘āina; 3) to compare and contrast local and Native Hawaiian perspectives of eco-emotions to what is described in eco-emotions literature. I will be conducting at least 30 key informant interviews with staff and volunteers from environmental groups with whom I have an established relationship, such as 808 Cleanups and Protect and Preserve Hawai‘i. Interviews will be transcribed and analyzed with a place-based cultural ecosystem services framework. The common themes found in interviews will then be used to compare and contrast findings from a systematic literature review on eco-emotions that I have already started to conduct. A better understanding of the relationship between eco-emotions and people’s motivations to engage in biocultural restoration will allow environmental organizations to improve outreach to new volunteers and staff and develop stronger relationships with current ones. These findings can also help these environmental non-profits secure grants to fund their programs in stewarding the environment. Further, this project’s study will show how partaking in biocultural stewardship, can serve as a form of eco-therapy, a type of therapy focused on connecting with nature to improve well-being.
Assessing Hawai'i's native forest resiliency in the face of an increasing fire regime: a case study in West Maui
(UH Mānoa, 2023-05-10) Carter, William; Friday, James B; Natural Resources and Environmental Management; Idol, Travis
Hawaiʻi has been experiencing a dramatically increasing wildfire regime in recent decades, largely thanks to human activity. Native ecosystems did not evolve to face this threat and managers are struggling for solutions. Among many unprecedented fires across Hawaiʻi, the Kauaʻula fire in November of 2022 burned roughly 2,000 acres of land along the leeward slopes of Mauna Kahalawai in West Maui. The extent of the burn spanned from low elevation invasive grass dominated landscapes up to roughly 4,300 feet in elevation, well into pristine native forest on the ridgeline to Helu summit. Wildfires were historically rare in Hawaiʻi, but have become commonplace as a result of climate change, invasive species, and human behavior. With ongoing drought conditions, the frequency and intensity of wildfires in Hawaiʻi is increasing. Organizations such as the Mauna Kahalawai Watershed Partnership, who manage the area burned by the Kauaʻula Fire, need to know how native ecosystems respond to these novel disturbances in order to adapt and evolve their management and restoration efforts.. This study will aid future management decisions in three ways: 1) Monitoring plots in the upper reaches of the burn zone will be established with comparison plots in adjacent unburned areas to assess which species are more resilient to fire, and which species regenerate first; and 2) A determination of post-fire alien plant invasion through the comparison of past weed transect data with post-fire regrowth along the elevation gradient of the burn zone; and 3) a native and invasive species catalog for the unique ecosystem of Helu. This study will take place over the course of one year post-burn. It will provide initial data and insight into the immediate effects wildfire has on pristine, fully intact native forest structure and composition in a highly unique area of West Maui. Lessons learned will highlight the increasing need for fire research and response in Hawaiʻi as the state continues to adapt to an ever-changing fire regime.
Nurturing Leaders: A Holistic and Trauma-Informed Evaluation of the Hui Alaloa Summer Internship Program in Biocultural Restoration
(UH Mānoa, 2024-01-23) Carbi, Olivia; Idol, Travis; Natural Resources and Environmental Management; Idol, Travis
This capstone project is motivated by the aspiration to create a transformative and impactful internship experience for undergraduate students within the University of Hawai‘i (UH) System. In collaboration with the UH Office of Indigenous Knowledge and Innovation (OIKI) and Mālama Pu‘uloa, we have developed a pilot curriculum for the Hui Alaloa Summer Internship Program that focuses on biocultural restoration in Pu‘uloa (Pearl Harbor) and the ‘Ewa Moku through the implementation of experiential learning grounded in Hawaiian cultural practices. The pedagogical frameworks taken to create this curriculum are rooted in holistic and trauma-informed teaching practices and Kanaka ‘Ōiwi (Native Hawaiian) knowledge and protocol. This capstone project aims to assist OIKI with the long-term implementation of this internship program by documenting the curriculum and its effectiveness based on participant feedback and evaluating the impact of the holistic and trauma-informed teaching approaches. Google forms will be used to receive participant feedback on the curriculum itself and semi-structured interviews with the interns will be conducted, transcribed, and analyzed to evaluate the impact of the pedagogical frameworks. Thematic analysis will be used to identify emerging themes and patterns that shed light on the interns’ perspectives for each teaching approach and cross-analysis will be used to consider how these two approaches intersect or complement each other in the overall experience of the interns. As a result of this research, a recommendations report will be shared with OIKI to provide practical guidance for future curriculum adaptations based on intern experiences and feedback. By thoroughly documenting and evaluating the internship program’s curriculum, we will gain a deeper understanding of the program’s strengths and areas for improvement. These insights can not only help OIKI but also other educators who wish to evolve the educational landscape and implement mindful teaching approaches.
Informing Place-Based Equity for Hawaiʻi's Local Producers
(UH Mānoa, 2023-05-10) Apilado, Destiny M.; Crow, Susan; Natural Resources and Environmental Management; Idol, Travis
The burdens of meeting aggressive green mandates, competing in a diversified local economy, and achieving food security rest on the shoulders of Hawaiʻi producers. To provide the necessary support to farmers and ranchers in establishing climate-conscious markets, USDA and Hawaiʻi state resources are becoming increasingly available. However, USDA policies that insufficiently address the context of inequities experienced in Hawaiʻi raise the risk of negative equity feedbacks that can disqualify the viability of government interventions for climate-smart outcomes. Local Hawaiʻi producers face unique circumstances shaped by Hawaiʻi’s agrarian and cultural history and geographic isolation. These factors that set Hawaiʻi producers apart from contiguous US producers result in an inherently different complex of barriers to accessing government resources. This proposal justifies a cross-sectional methodology to investigate the gaps within the government’s understanding of “historically underserved producers” with the objective of improving participation by local and small Hawaiʻi producers in transitioning to a climate-smart economy. This work will inform state climate-smart initiatives and governmental agencies of policy needs. Overall, this work will document barriers producers face to accessing government support and propose policy modifications to state and federal decision-makers that intend to improve contextual equity and reduce burdens associated with being an agricultural producer in Hawaiʻi. Upon capstone panel approval, the project will be conducted from May 2023 through May 2024.
Benefits of Vegetation Management for the Reduction of Fire Risk
(2022-05) Oxley, Katherine; Trauernicht, Parker; Litton, Creighton M.
Invasive grasses and woody tree species in Hawai’i play a significant role in wildfire behavior. Depending on the conditions, these plants influence fuel loads and cause significant harm to native ecosystems. Volcanoes National Park has been trying to manage the infestations through herbicide treatments supported by fire funding. This study will provide evidence of the effectiveness of the treatments in order to maintain funds available. Overall, the continuation of fire fuel management can provide insight to prevent future wildfires. Methods involve cleaning up data to analyze trends in fuel loads and treatment over time. A belt transect tree survey and photo series will be implemented for field work. Results will support the claims that use of herbicide treatment reduces fire risk. Conclusions drawn from this research will provide the park with visual and numerical evidence to support the effectiveness of the herbicide treatments.
Determining Predictors of Oʻahu ʻElepaio (Chasiempis ibidis) Nesting Success Between Rodent-Controlled and Uncontrolled Areas
(2022-05) Preston, Nicole; Price, Melissa R.; Litton, Creighton M.
The use of rodenticides and trapping to reduce invasive rodent populations is common when protecting endangered birds, but questions remain regarding whether the benefits of these practices extend to nearby areas without predator control. Nesting success of breeding populations of Oʻahu ʻElepaio (Chasiempis ibidis) has increased following rat control over the last decade. As a result of this success, populations have expanded with dispersing individuals now establishing breeding territories in nearby areas without rat control. This may leave ʻElepaio nests in these newly-occupied areas vulnerable to rat predation. In this study I will identify nestsite characteristics associated with nesting success for ʻElepaio in two adjacent areas, one with rat control and one without, to inform future rat control efforts. Rat tracking tunnels will be utilized to evaluate rodent presence, since even with rat control there is typically some level of continuing rat activity. At least fifteen nests at each site will be monitored and nest site characteristics including tree height, nest height, nest branch diameter, forest community composition, precipitation, temperature, humidity, rodent abundance, and fruiting presence will be documented. Nesting success and potential causes of nest failure will be determined using motion-activated game cameras placed near nests, as well as direct observations. Logistic exposure models will be used to investigate relationships between the survival probability of nests and nest-site characteristics. A t-test will be utilized to evaluate whether the number of chicks fledged differs between rodent controlled and uncontrolled sites. Outputs include a capstone report and a scientific manuscript, outcomes will aid stakeholders and managers identify strategic areas that can benefit from rodent control. Field work will occur from January- November 2022 and the capstone will be completed by May 2023. Resources will be supplied by the Price Lab and Army Natural Resource Program on Oʻahu (ANRPO). For conservation management programs like ANRPO, the ability to relate rodent abundance to ʻElepaio reproductive success allows for more accurate cost-benefit analysis and prioritization of limited management resources. Managing sites not just for rodents, but also for habitat characteristics that support nesting success, will be critical for the persistence of this species moving forward.
No Ka Lāhui: Using IUCN Data to Inform Recovering Imperiled Species of Hawaiʻi, for Hawaiʻi
(2022-05) Christophersen, Brissa; Price, Melissa R.; Litton, Creighton M.
Extinction rates have been increasing over the past century, a trend that is likely to continue with the increasing prevalence of threats such as climate change and invasive species. Hawaiʻi has earned the moniker of “extinction capital of the world”, with 586 species listed as either threatened or endangered according to state and international listings (IUCN Red List). Collaborative efforts that integrate multiple knowledge systems, communities and approaches are critical to recovering endangered species, yet conservation efforts are often siloed among taxonomic groups, ecosystems, and land owners (e.g., state, federal, private, non-profit), limiting potential for collaboration and increased efficiency in resource allocation when addressing threats that impact multiple taxonomic groups or adjacent ecosystems. Despite these increasing extinctions, a recent study suggests solutions exist for the majority of at-risk species (Price et al., in prep). I hypothesize that potential synergies and collaborative solutions exist across taxonomic groups to better inform proactive conservation management. To achieve this, I will utilize the IUCN Red List data regarding at-risk species in the Hawaiian Islands to: (1) evaluate threats and potential solutions across taxonomic groups; (2) discern whether recovery actions to address the threat of climate change are explicitly addressed in Red List data; (3) explore the incorporation of Indigenous knowledge and values in the IUCN Red List data. Expected outcomes will allow resource managers to improve allocation of limited resources to achieve ʻāina momona (thriving and abundant landscapes and communities). The anticipated output will be a published peer-reviewed scholarly article, and a public capstone presentation. The timeline of this capstone project will be broken up into five parts: capstone project proposal and presentation, IUCN Red List review & analysis, data compilation for figures, manuscript, and capstone project final presentation. All resources needed have been obtained.
Lessons from the loʻi: Hoʻokuaʻāina and biocultural restoration
(2022-05) Farrant, Vance Kaleohano; Vaughan, Mehana Blaich; Litton, Creighton M.
Indigenous peoples and local communities around the world are actively taking steps to increase the biocultural (biological+cultural) wealth of their beloved landscapes, which are threatened by dominant global models of resource extraction. Over the past 50 years, the people of Hawaiʻi have provided many examples of community initiatives to love, care for, and protect ʻāina (land; that which feeds). A multitude of ʻāina-based organizations have formed to promote biocultural wealth at specific ceremonial and agricultural sites. These ʻāina-based organizations are doing important work that addresses many of Hawaiʻi’s sustainability and equity issues simultaneously. However, they often struggle to receive adequate funding, volunteers, and research to scale their efforts. Published materials about these organizations are minimal. Therefore, creating more literature about these organizations could increase support for their efforts. Hoʻokuaʻāina is a nonprofit based in Kailua, Oʻahu that grows community through the cultivation of kalo and educational programs at their farm site. They provide a useful case study to illustrate the diverse contributions of ʻāina-based organizations in Hawaiʻi because of their well-established farm site and community programs. For my capstone project, I propose to conduct 15 interviews with Hoʻokuaʻāina community members, convert the interview transcripts into short essays, and edit these essays with the interviewees. Interviewees will include staff, interns, board members, funding partners, volunteers, long-time supporters, kalo customers, and kūpuna (elders) to capture the diversity of people involved with Hoʻokuaʻāina. I will edit this collection of essays with Hoʻokuaʻāina leadership, and together we will publish these essays as a book, in addition to sharing essays and excerpts through social media and Hoʻokuaʻāina’s website. This capstone project will increase awareness, understanding, and support of Hoʻokuaʻāina from inside and outside of Hawaiʻi. My methods also may be used by future researchers and organizations to empower other communities. Lastly, this project will contribute to a more comprehensive literature on the benefits of ʻāina-based organizations, particularly from the perspective of community members, which is critical for advancing bold visions of biocultural wealth globally.

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