Towards Coastal Adaptation Through Planning: An Evaluation of Plans, Processes, and Challenges in U.S. Island Jurisdictions

Abstract

This mixed-methods study evaluates coastal adaptation planning in U.S. Island jurisdictions – American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands – areas where the climate threat and adaptation challenge are great but that have received little planning research attention. This research conceptualizes an evaluation framework based on established plan quality methods and proposed coastal adaptation principles. Employing this framework, the study consists of a quantitative plan quality evaluation of coastal management and hazard mitigation plans across the island jurisdictions. This is complemented by qualitative analysis of interviews with adaptation practitioners, such as coastal managers and hazard mitigation planners. Combined, these approaches provide key insights into the progress and challenges of adaptation on islands and the use of existing planning mechanisms for adaptation planning. The research identifies key recommendations and lessons to be shared across islands, coastal communities, and the federal agencies that support them.