State studies feasibility of volunteer-led natural solutions for beach erosion

Volunteer efforts to restore an eroding shoreline in Windward Oʻahu are being observed for a new feasibility commissioned by the Hawaiʻi Climate Change Commission, DLNR, UH Sea Grant, and Oʻahu MPO, in contract with Sea Engineering.

“Historically, the response to beach erosion has been shoreline hardening, or construction of sea walls and sloping rock reventments, to protect the infrastructure from these threats,” stated the study. “Unfortunately, this often leads to beach loss as the eroding beach is narrowed and ultimately “pinched off” between the landward moving ocean and seawall.”

Over recent years, temporary erosion control measures have been implemented at the Punaluʻu Beach Park, such as large sandbags and “geotextile” cloth mattresses. In contrast, this study seeks to examine nature-based solutions applied at Punaluʻu for use in similar situations.

The collaborative effort began with a community workday in March of this year and the community’s engagement with this nourishment project is ongoing.

The spring workday involved 75 volunteers between the ages of 6-80, collaborating to plant native plants and perform other restorative efforts at the beach park. Native vegetation was chosen for its ability to secure sand in place and create a natural barrier to erosion, while also allowing for the ocean’s natural ebb and flow. Volunteers cleared sand from a blocked drainage culvert to prevent flooding, prepared 950 square feet of sand for planting, built fences around the newly planted vegetation and installed dune nourishment signs at all planting sites.

Volunteers from a multitude of community organizations including the Punaluʻu Community Association, the Hau‘ula Community Association, and Keiki O Ka ʻĀina Family Learning Centers and farms have also participated in the effort. “It was wonderful to see the turnout for the workday and people’s ongoing care for the plants,” said Racine Hee, president of the Punalu‘u Community Association. “The Punalu‘u community truly cares about our park, and I hope that this project will inspire others to malama ʻāina so that our future generations can enjoy this special place.”

Residents and visitors are encouraged to take the State Climate Change Commission’s community engagement survey so that feedback can be implemented into long-term planning. Many potential solutions are being considered to contend with erosion.

To follow sea level rise in the state, click here. For more information on the feasibility study, click here.