Assessing the Impact of Tidal Flooding on Cultural & Recreational Assets on O’ahu Using Crowdsourcing and Survey Data

Abstract

It has been noted in literature that coastal regions will be negatively impacted by flooding as sea-level rise (SLR) increases. The impacts of coastal flooding will change the way residents interact with the land. Many of the locations that have been impacted by tidal flooding are highly used for recreational and cultural activities. Infrastructure vulnerability resulting from tidal flooding has been well studied and documented in literature (Habel, Fletcher 2020). However, there is a lack of research and understanding of how tidal flooding will impact cultural and recreational assets. This study highlights the impacts that projected SLR would have on Hawaiian cultural activities along the coast as well as general outdoor and water-related recreational activities. Using data from the 2015-2019 Hawaiian King Tides Photo Project and community surveys, cultural and recreational assets affected by tidal flooding on the island of Oahu were mapped and overlaid with the projected SLR flooding maps. By considering how the current tidal flooding affects the various kinds of cultural and recreational activities, community concerns, and risk perceptions this study can help develop potential adaptation strategies that accommodate community needs.