Hawai'i Sea Grant to Receive Funding for Coastline Protection

WASHINGTON – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) today announced approximately $4.5 million in grants to help communities reduce their vulnerability to natural hazards and climate change. The University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program will receive $1,317,745 in funding to protect vulnerable coasts including $845,160 from NOAA and $472,585 in matching funds.

“We know that climate change is taking place and having an impact on coastlines around the world,” said U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard. “As an island state, we know these threats all too well. These funds will help protect our coastal communities against the threat of climate change and natural disasters.”

The grant will be used by the Sea Grant College Program to fund a project titled ‘Building Resilience to Coastal Hazards and Climate Change in Hawai‘i.’ This project will work to protect the state’s vulnerable coastlines against threats such as sea-level rise, flooding, and erosion.

This project is being conducted in partnership with the State of Hawai?i Department of Land and Natural Resources, State of Hawai?i Office of Planning, University of Hawai?i School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, the National Disaster Preparedness Training Center, and the Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System.

To read more about the Hawai‘i Sea Grant, click here.