RESEARCH

Research Projects

RESEARCH PROJECTS

PI-CASC supports research that generates actionable climate science within several key focus areas defined by regional stakeholder needs.

Image looking up the trunk of a light-barked tree

Comparing arbuscular mycorrhizal diversity among different life stages of Intsia bijuga (Colebr.) Kuntze in Guam’s Limestone Forests

PI: Alexander Kerr, Professor of Marine Biology, University of Guam
Co-PI: Charles "CJ" Paulino, Environmental Science, University of Guam
Funded: FY2020
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A dry grassy landscape of gently rolling hillocks and occasional trees.

Optimizing techniques to restore forest to increase endangered species habitat and mitigate future drought

PI: Jonathan Price, Professor of Geography , UH Hilo
Co-PI: Amberly Pigao, Tropical Conservation Biology & Environmental Science, UH Hilo
Funded: FY2020
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An inner slope of the cone shows grass and sparse trees

Understanding plants of the past to inform community reforestation efforts in the future

PI: Jonathan Price, Professor of Geography , UH Hilo
Co-PI: David Russell , Restoration & Outplanting Field Assistant, Nāpuʻu Natural Resources Management
Funded: FY2020
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Underwater scene of colorful corals and fish

Sea-level rise impacts on coral reef and mangrove interactions and resulting coastal flooding hazards

PI: Curt Storlazzi, Research Geologist, USGS Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Co-I: Karen Thorne, Research Ecologist, USGS Western Ecological Research Center
Funded: FY2020
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A scrubby landscape in the foreground is backed by mist and a low, ground-hugging rainbow.

Identifying the risk of runoff and erosion in Hawaiʻi’s National Parks

PI: Lucas Fortini, Research Ecologist, USGS Pacific Islands Ecosystem Research Center
Co-PI: Victoria Keener, Research Fellow, PacRISA, East-West Center, UH Mānoa
Funded: FY2018
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Green bushes dot a brown, scrubby landscape looking toward distant coastal clouds.

Effectiveness of high-elevation habitat restoration for increasing resiliency of the palila honeycreeper

PI: Pat Hart, Professor of Biology, UH Hilo
Co-I: Kahua Julian, Department of Agriculture, UH Hilo & Technician, Mauna Kea Forest Restoration Project
Funded: FY2018
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Close-up of many fresh green sprouts against dark soil

Impacts of climate changes on a native and an invasive Hawaiian plant using a newly developed Intelligent Plant growing System (IPS)

PI: Camilo Mora, Assoc. Professor of Geography, UH Mānoa
Co-PI: Devon DeBevoise, Department of Botany, UH Mānoa
Funded: FY2018
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A pile of mulch sits in a green field

Albizia as a solution for climate change mitigation and sustainable agriculture

PI: Rebecca Ostertag, Professor of Biology, UH Hilo
Co-PI: Joanna Norton, Tropical Conservation Biology & Environmental Science, UH Hilo
Collaborators: Bruce Mathews, Professor of Soil Science, UH Hilo; Flint Hughes, Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, US Forest Service
Funded: FY2016
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Image shows dense, lush tropical trees and bushes

Developing an agroforestry dashboard for the Marshall Islands

PI: Maria Haws, Assoc. Professor of Aquaculture, UH Hilo
Funded: FY2014
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A native shrub overhangs a rocky stream

Assessing the potential effects of climate change on vegetation in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

PI: Jim Jacobi, Biologist, USGS Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center
Funded: FY2014
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A measuring tape runs off through trees.

Archipelago-wide demography of Hawaiʻi’s most abundant, but declining, native tree

PI: Kasey Barton, Associate Professor of Botany, UH Mānoa
Co-I: Tiffany Knight, iDiv German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research
Funded: FY2013
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An ʻōhiʻa lehua tree

Establishing climate change vulnerability rankings for Hawaiian native plants

PI: Lucas Fortini, Research Ecologist, USGS Pacific Islands Ecosystem Research Center
Funded: FY2013
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View of forested hillsides

Understanding the response of native and non‐native forests to climate variability and change

PI: Thomas Giambelluca, Professor of Geography, UH Mānoa
Funded: FY2013
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Tall trees of various species cluster around a watchtower framework.

Stand level water-use in forests of contrasting rainfall regimes

PI: Rebecca Ostertag, Professor of Biology, UH Hilo
Funded: FY2013
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Overview of a large Hawaiian valley, looking out to the sea beyond

Modeling climate-driven changes to dominant vegetation in the Hawaiian Islands

PI: Jonathan Price, Assoc. Professor of Geography, UH Hilo
Co-PI: James Jacobi , Biologist, USGS Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center
Funded: FY2012
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