Seventy-one percent of Kaua‘i’s beaches are eroding, states the recent United States Geologic Service National Assessment of Shoreline Change: Historical Shoreline Change in the Hawaiian Islands. “Managing Kaua‘i’s coastal resources may be most effective with a collaborative approach that integrates
Seventy-one percent of Kaua‘i’s beaches are eroding, states the recent United States Geologic Service National Assessment of Shoreline Change: Historical Shoreline Change in the Hawaiian Islands.
“Managing Kaua‘i’s coastal resources may be most effective with a collaborative approach that integrates the science of coastal processes and hazards, community input, public education and a strong planning and management framework,” said Ruby Pap, a coastal land use extension agent with the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program based on Kaua‘i with the county’s Planning Department, in a release.
Pap will be speaking on “Managing Kaua‘i’s Dynamic Shorelines” during a free lecture open to the public at the meeting room of the Hanapepe Public Library from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday.
During her presentation, Pap will present some background on shoreline erosion and impacts, a range of management responses and the existing planning and management framework on Kaua‘i.
Pap acknowledges Kaua‘i has some of the most dynamic and beautiful shorelines in the world, providing important natural, cultural and economic resources to the community and the state.
Kaua‘i’s main attractions, for residents and visitors alike, include pristine natural resources with abundant public access.
A limited extent of high density coastal development, compared to the other Hawaiian Islands, is also an appealing characteristic of Kaua‘i’s shorelines. However, in recent years, development pressure on Kaua‘i’s coast has increased, bringing with it a growing community interest in preservation of shoreline access and protection of coastal natural resources.
Pap works to ensure the most current scientific and planning information is made available to the Kaua‘i community and readily accessible for coastal zone planning, management and educational activities.
She holds a Master of Science degree in Natural Resources Management from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Science from the University of Denver.
She was hired by UH Sea Grant in 2012 following nine years of working in the coastal management field in California with the California Coastal Commission and the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission.
Pap’s presentation is part of the Hawaiian Marine Environment lecture series sponsored by the Friends of the Hanapepe Public Library.
Call 335-8418 for more information.
