Stories of water, stories of resilience: community voices of Hāmākualoa

Abstract

Climate change is shifting rain patterns and increasing flooding globally. The benefits and challenges of water shape the stories of people and places worldwide, influencing cultures, livelihoods, and ecosystems. In Hawaiʻi, wai (freshwater) is foundational to life, identity, and connection. Community members from Hāmākualoa, Maui, know deeply about their water, streams, and watersheds. They also face uncertainties as increased floods and droughts, exacerbated by climate and land use changes, threaten their homes and livelihoods. Severe flood events in Hāmākualoa, including a dam breach in 2021, highlight the urgent need for community-driven solutions. Guided by the Hawaiian proverb “I kahiki ka ua, ako ʻē ka hale” (While the rain is still far away, thatch the house; Be prepared), the primary objective of this project was to weave the stories of water and resilience in Hāmākualoa, integrating ʻike Hawaiʻi (Indigenous knowledge) and community voices with scientific insights to strengthen preparedness. Through a participatory approach, this study amplifies the voices of Hāmākualoas people—those who have lived through and learned from these events. A community survey (n=33) found that 64% have experienced flooding firsthand, with significant concerns including property damage, blocked waterways, and poor road conditions. Semi-structured interviews (n=9) with residents revealed that traditional stream stewardship once helped regulate water flow, but modern disruptions, such as diversions, climate change, and increased development, have altered natural hydrological patterns. Many emphasized the need to restore traditional stream stewardship practices, to reinforce that resilience is rooted in knowing and caring for the land, and to embrace the unknown. This project has taken meaningful steps toward strengthening community resilience. Specifically, through hosting a stream restoration event that engaged residents in education of stream names/histories along with an activity to create stream name signs for local bridges, reinforcing education and awareness as a step into resilience. These efforts have deepened community awareness, strengthened local stewardship, and provided a foundation for continued collaboration between residents, researchers, agencies, and policymakers. The stories of water in Hāmākualoa are equally stories of resilience, offering lessons for this community and others facing similar climate challenges.