RESEARCH PROJECT

Groundwater springs are fundamental to providing nutrients to coastal environments. However, these systems are challenging to understand due to the complex interactions between hydrogeologic, oceanographic, and climatologic processes. In Hawai‘i groundwater plays a significant role in the functioning and sustainability of coastal loko i‘a (fishpond), so understanding the interactions between groundwater and seawater in these environments is important to their persistence. The focus of this project is to identify how groundwater flow changes over different timescales at three loko i‘a in Keaukaha, Hawai‘i. The work will also examine the socio-ecosystems of place by soliciting information from the perspectives of various individuals who have an experience-based relationship to these loko i‘a. This research will provide fishponds managers details of groundwater flow changes through time that can be used to enhance loko i‘a practices and sustainability.

Project Collaborators

Masters Student

• Cherie Kauahi, Graduate Student

Faculty Advisor

• Steven “Steve” Colbert, Associate Professor of Marine Science, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo

Committee Members

• Noelani Puniwai, Assistant Professor, Kamakakūokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies
• Jene Michaud, Professor of Geology, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
• Kēhau Springer, Conservation International Hawaiʻi

Additional Collaborators

• Luka Mossman, Manager, Hale o Lono Fishpond, Edith Kanakaʻole Foundation and Conservation International Hawaiʻi
• John Burns, Lecturer/Researcher, Marine Science, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
• Jason Adolf, Associate Professor (Marine Science), Dept. of Biology, Monmouth University