Research Projects

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

Aerial view of one section of beach and near offshore, with numbers superimposed showing depths along traverses perpendicular to the coastline

A next generation beach observing system for Hawai‘i

PI: Charles Fletcher, Professor of Earth Sciences, UH Mānoa
Co-PI: Anna Mikkelson, Department of Earth Sciences, UH Mānoa
Funded: FY2018

A brown landscape is dotted with dead tree trunks.

Working with natural resource managers to co-produce drought analyses in Hawaiʻi

PI: Christian Giardina, Research Ecologist, Inst. of Pacific Islands Forestry, US Forest Service
Co-PI: Abby Frazier, Research Fellow, East-West Center, UH Mānoa
Funded: FY2018

Large horned mammals run across the field of view, backed by Hawaiian forest plants.

Managing non-native game mammals to reduce future conflicts with native plant conservation in Hawaiʻi

PI: Steve Hess, Research Wildlife Biologist, USGS Pacific Islands Ecosystem Research Center
Funded: FY2018

Student controls a drone that has lifted off from an orange landing spot in a scrubby landscape.

Developing geospatial models in Hawaiian watersheds to mitigate erosion and climate change

PI: Ryan Perroy, Assistant Professor of Geography and Environmental Studies (TCBES), UH Hilo
Co-PIs: Kimo Melcher, Tropical Conservation Biology & Environmental Science, UH Hilo; Rebecca Ostertag, Professor of Biology (TCBES), UH Hilo
Funded: FY2018

Map of Waimea area with superimposed color illustrating flooded areas at 3.2 feet of sea level rise

Integrating climate science with local knowledge through community vulnerability assessment on Kaua‘i

PI: Daniele Spirandelli, Asst. Professor of Urban Design and Planning, UH Mānoa
Co-PI: Alisha Summers, Department of Urban and Regional Planning, UH Mānoa
Funded: FY2018

A small historical hut backed by palms sits on a rocky headland with waves in the foreground.

Supporting sea-level rise preparedness in Hawaiian National Parks

PI: Philip Thompson, Assoc. Director of UH Sea Level center, UH Mānoa
Funded: FY2018

Wind-swept waves tumble towards a rocky shoreline.

Near-term climate projections to inform adaptation in the Hawaiian Islands

PI: Thomas Giambelluca, Professor of Geography, UH Mānoa
Co-PI: Han Tseng, Department of Geography, UH Mānoa
Funded: FY2017

Local children wade through calf-high dirty water, past flood accumulated trash and a flooded house.

Understanding the effect of climate change on the migration of Marshallese Islanders

PI: Maxine Burkett, Professor of Law, UH Mānoa
Funded: FY2016

Impacts of climate change in loko i‘a (traditional Hawaiian fishponds) management I

PI: Steven Colbert, Assistant Professor of Marine Science, UH Hilo
Co-PI: Cherie Kauahi, Tropical Conservation Biology & Environmental Science, UH Hilo
Collaborator: Noelani Punawai, Assistant Professor, Kamakakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies, UH Hilo
Funded: FY2016

Several volunteers work on the rock pile bordering a stream of water leading from the fishpond.

Impacts of climate change in loko i‘a (traditional Hawaiian fishponds) management II

PI: Steven Colbert, Associate Professor of Marine Science, UH Hilo
Co-PI: Kamala Anthony, Tropical Conservation Biology & Environmental Science, UH Hilo
Collaborator: Noelani Punawai, Assistant Professor, Kamakakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies, UH Hilo
Funded: FY2016

A large spreading tree with white trunks and branches fills the view.

Changes in water flow through Hawaiian forests due to invasive species and changing rainfall patterns

PI: Lucas Fortini, Research Ecologist, USGS Pacific Islands Ecosystem Research Center
Funded: FY2016

Underwater picture of a large rice coral outcrop

Mitigating climate change impacts: What drives thermal resiliency in Hawai‘i’s coral reefs

PI: Ruth Gates, Director of Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology, UH Mānoa
Co-PI: Shayle Matsuda, Department of Marine Biology, UH Mānoa
Funded: FY2016

Empty desks face a blackboard in a classroom

Improving culturally relevant educational resources in lesson plans on climate science in Guam

PI: Romina King, Assistant Professor of Geography, University of Guam
Co-PI: Cassandra-Jay T. Flores-Hughes, School of Eduction/Geography Department, University of Guam
Collaborator: Suzanne Bells, Assistant Professor, School of Education, University of Guam
Funded: FY2016

A family wades across a flooded road in Tumon, Guam

Developing resilience for small businesses affected by climate change

PI: Romina King, Professor of Geography, University of Guam
Co-PI: Marcel Higgs, Micronesian Studies Department, University of Guam
Funded: FY2016

Evaluating the economic impacts of climate variability and change on Maui’s freshwater resources and ecosystem services

PI: Kirsten Oleson, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, UH Mānoa
Co-I: Victoria Keener, PacRISA, East-West Center, UH Mānoa
Collaborator: Carlo Fezzi NREM, UH Mānoa
Funded: FY2016