Community groups and media have been relying on University of Â鶹´«Ã½ researchers for their expertise in sea-level rise and the state’s record high tides. UH is also seeking the public’s help and involvement.

• Related UH News story: Summer flooding expected after water levels break 112-year record, May 19, 2017

The (Â鶹´«Ã½ Sea Grant CCSR), and (PacIOOS) have been tracking high ocean water levels in the region, and are advising that the state likely will continue to experience unusually high tide levels through the summer, in part because of peak astronomic or ”king tides.”

The Â鶹´«Ã½ Sea Grant CCSR is asking residents to help document high water levels and related impacts through the Â鶹´«Ã½ and Pacific Islands king tides “citizen science” project by submitting photos online. For more information please visit .

Community members, businesses, and agencies also are encouraged to regularly check PacIOOS’ and to help increase preparedness and resiliency. Visit for more resources and information on how to get involved.

—By Kelli Trifonovitch

The highest water levels of the summer are expected around the upcoming peak astronomic tides of the year, known as “king tides,” occurring over a few days around May 26, June 23 and July 21 in Â鶹´«Ã½. These may produce flooding events similar to what occurred in late April, and University of Â鶹´«Ã½ researchers say summer will provide a glimpse of what will eventually become routine with continued global warming and sea-level rise.

Localized impacts may include coastal erosion, wave over-wash and temporary flooding in low-lying backshore areas around storm drain systems. Impacts may be more severe if the upcoming king tides coincide with an elevated surf event, which occur most often on south and east shores this time of year, and/or during heavy rains. Actual water levels along exposed coasts will largely depend on wave heights during the high tides.

The University of Â鶹´«Ã½ (Â鶹´«Ã½ Sea Grant CCSR), and (PacIOOS) have been tracking high ocean water levels in the region, and are advising that the state likely will continue to experience unusually high tide levels through the summer.

“The oceanic and atmospheric processes that contribute to this prolonged period of high water levels in the Â鶹´«Ã½ region occur naturally in cycles. But as sea levels continue to rise with global warming, we will see more and more instances when not just king tides but ordinary high tides combine with high water levels to reach flood stage, with adverse impacts to our beaches, coastal infrastructure, wetlands and low-lying areas of the islands,” said , a UH Mānoa professor, who also serves as director of Â鶹´«Ã½ Sea Grant CCSR and UH Sea Level Center.

Help document king tides
The Â鶹´«Ã½ Sea Grant CCSR is asking residents to help document high water levels and related impacts through the Â鶹´«Ã½ and Pacific Islands King Tides “citizen science” project by submitting photos online. For more information please visit .

Water levels above predicted tidal heights

Data from NOAA tide stations around Â鶹´«Ã½ show that observed water levels have been 3–6 inches above predicted tidal heights since early 2016. In late April, levels peaked at more than 9 inches above predicted tides at the Honolulu Harbor tide gauge, resulting in the highest daily mean water level ever observed over the 112-year record. The combination of elevated water levels, seasonally high tides and a large south shore surf event resulted in flooding on April 28, 2017.

The elevated water levels are attributed to an unusual combination of ocean eddies with high centers, Pacific-wide climate and sea level variability associated with recent El Niño events and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, and sea-level rise from global warming. Based on ocean model forecasts and satellite observations of sea level, UH Sea Level Center researchers indicate that elevated water levels are likely to persist through the summer.

Public should prepare

Property owners who have experienced flooding and erosion problems in the past, particularly those on south and windward shores, should anticipate impacts similar to those experienced during the high tides of late April. Boating and ocean recreation such as paddling and fishing may also experience unusual water levels and currents in addition to navigation hazards.

, associate dean of the , adds “Water levels may reach more than 1 foot above typical high tide and produce unusual flooding in low-lying regions. Within a few decades this will be the new normal. Â鶹´«Ã½ should consider this a practice run, and reevaluate policies and development practices accordingly.”

Community members, businesses, and agencies also are encouraged to regularly check and to help increase preparedness and resiliency. Visit for more resources and information on how to get involved.

—By Cindy Knapman

The University of Â鶹´«Ã½ (Â鶹´«Ã½ Sea Grant) formed its newest center of excellence to assist coastal communities throughout Â鶹´«Ã½ and the Pacific islands prepare for the impacts of both natural and human-induced coastal hazards.

Â鶹´«Ã½ Sea Grant’s brings together world-renowned university scientists and outreach professionals with government and community partners to focus on critical issues relating to increasing coastal hazards. This is particularly important in the Pacific since most of the development and infrastructure are concentrated on or near low-lying coasts, making island communities highly susceptible to these threats.

By creating an interdisciplinary center of excellence that brings together top university expertise in diverse fields such as oceanography, geology, engineering, law and community planning, it ensures that the proposed solutions take into account all viewpoints, and incorporate the latest scientific findings.

Increasing coastal resilience

One of the signature projects for the new center is Building Resilience to Coastal Hazards and Climate Change in Â鶹´«Ã½, an $845,160, three-year project funded by NOAA’s Regional Coastal Resilience Grants Program. This project, led by Coastal Management Specialist , aims to increase Â鶹´«Ã½’s resilience to coastal hazards and also inform and build upon ongoing planning efforts including development of a Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and Adaptation Report by the State of Â鶹´«Ã½ and Interagency Climate Adaptation Committee.

“I have been working in Â鶹´«Ã½ and throughout the Pacific islands for decades, and have seen firsthand how the changing climate is directly impacting the economy, the culture, and the health and wellbeing of people living in these extremely vulnerable island communities,” said new center Director . “By bringing together experts in many different fields and, together, identifying potential solutions to some of the most pressing issues the islands face, I am confident the new center will bring about lasting and meaningful change where it is needed the most.”

—By Cindy Knapman