Hawaii Preparing For Increase In Sea Levels

Climate change caused by global warming is certainly one of the most controversial and divisive issues splitting political party lines these days.

But in heavily Democratic Hawaii, they’re taking precautions now against what they believe could be a 3-foot rise in ocean levels by the end of this century, according to results of a new study.

"The latest data on sea level rise is quite scary and it's accelerating faster than we ever thought possible," said state Rep. Chris Lee, a Democrat and lead author of a bill calling for the creation and implementation of the shoreline protection plan. The project would focus on urban Honolulu and famed Waikiki Beach but also serve as a de facto pilot program for other coastal communities around the state.

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The report suggests Hawaii will see a 3-foot rise in ocean levels by the year 2100, and that 6,000 buildings and 20,000 people across all of Hawaii's islands will experience chronic flooding. Dozens of miles of roadways, utility infrastructure and beaches will be washed away.

It’s a dire prediction that many, like Rep. Lee, are taking seriously.

"The loss of coastal property and infrastructure, increased cost for storm damage and insurance, and loss of life are inevitable if nothing is done, which will add a significant burden to local taxpayers, the state's economy, and way of life," Lee said in his proposed legislation.

The congressman likened the bill to similar legislation enacted by New York City after a storm surge from Superstorm Sandy caused $19 billion in damage in 2012.

Honolulu and Waikiki Beach are the two biggest tourist attractions in the state. The ocean flowing in at high tide already floods some Waikiki sidewalks and roads.

For other less populated areas, Lee said new construction could be pushed back off of the shoreless "to preserve dune systems and build in a lot of natural solutions that are much more cost effective and provide a much more resilient result than simply building out concrete infrastructure or anything of the sort."

A version of the bill has passed both chambers of Hawaii's Legislature. House and Senate leaders will convene in the coming weeks to discuss final changes before sending the bill to Gov. David Ige, also a Democrat.