Kaunakakai Harbor: Impacts Due to Climate Change

The digital twin tool shows projections that most of the Kaunakakai Harbor facility, including the causeway, will be severely impacted by flooding in 2050. Certain portions of the facility may be inoperable for maritime and/or cargo operations. This study will 1) evaluate the impact of the projected climate conditions on the harbor and its causeway, and 2) provide engineering solutions/improvements to support future cargo operations for the island of Moloka‘i. We will take into account the impact of sea level rise, increases in rainfall intensity and frequency, and land use changes on flooding in the harbor.