UC Santa Cruz

Using ArcGIS, a sea-level rise inundation comparison was conducted using four different techniques under five sea-level rise conditions for the Kauai, Hawaii, towns of Hanalei Bay, Kapa'a, and Waimea. Sea-level rise was mapped in 0.5 m increments from 0.0 m of rise to 2.0 m of rise. Datasets used in the analysis include a digital elevation model (DEM) layer, wave height data, tidal elevation data, and land cover data. The four techniques illustrating projected inundation serve as a comparison of passive versus dynamic models. The primary goals of this study were to not only compare passive and dynamic sea-level rise inundation models, but also to provide a realistic representation of what future sea-level rise will look like on Kauai, and which areas would be inundated at specific future water surface levels. The results of this analysis can be used to aid Kauai government officials in planning for the future and to aid in prioritizing where and what infrastructure and development will need to be considered before actual sea-level rise impacts occur.