Kūkulu Waiʻanae

Kūkulu Waiʻanae: Building Adaptive Strength through Science and Community Vision Wai‘anae is on the front lines of climate risk, threatened by wild fire, extreme heat, drought, flooding, coastal erosion, and rising sea levels. Building true resilience means knowing exactly which assets—homes, schools, roads, cultural sites—are vulnerable. This project, led by the University of Hawaiʻi, uses high-resolution climate modeling and a community-driven risk and vulnerability analysis to deliver that knowledge. By mapping hazards and working alongside local leaders and residents, we identify the most critical threats and co-develop practical adaptation strategies. These results are more than data—they empower local action, guide investments, and ensure that resilience plans are fundamentally based on the realities, values, and priorities of Wai‘anae’s people. Only by combining cutting-edge science with local wisdom can we safeguard the future for this uniquely vulnerable region.