Stregthening Community Flood Resilience: A Case Study of Haʻikū, Maui

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2024-05

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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.

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Communities--Research, Flood damage prevention, Hazard mitigation

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18 pages

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Hawaii-Maui

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In Copyright

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Davis, Lilia

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