An aerial view shows the Olowalu-Ukumehame coastline, reef and Honoapiilani Highway. Final conceptual designs for the area will be presented July 9 at Maui Ocean Center as part of the Olowalu: The Road to Resilience project. Photo courtesy Kelly James

Conceptual landscape designs that could help shape the future of the Olowalu-Ukumehame coastline will be presented to the public July 9 at the Maui Ocean Center Sphere in Maalaea.

According to a news release, the Nature Conservancy and the University of Hawaii Community Design Center will share final designs for the Olowalu: The Road to Resilience project, which focuses on adapting to sea-level rise, strengthening coastal resilience and restoring ecosystems along the coastline.

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with the presentation beginning at 6 p.m. It will be followed by a question-and-answer session and reception. The event will be hybrid, with in-person seating and virtual access available. Registration is available at bit.ly/4xQiZRS.

According to The Nature Conservancy, the project has focused on the Olowalu-Ukumehame coastline, where sea-level rise and coastal erosion are already affecting the area.

Community members review a map and add comments during the Olowalu: The Road to Resilience community engagement process. Final conceptual designs are expected to be presented to the public July 9 at Maui Ocean Center. Photo courtesy Nolan Clark photo

The project team has worked over the past year with residents, stakeholders and agency partners to develop designs that seek to balance infrastructure needs, cultural values and environmental protection.

The group also noted that plans are underway to realign the Honoapiilani Highway inland beginning in 2027, creating an opportunity to consider long-term resilience and ecosystem restoration as part of future land use decisions.

“With these conceptual designs, we can envision how nature-based solutions strengthen coastal resilience and restore natural functions that can adapt to climate change and protect the vital Olowalu reef,” said Scott Crawford, Maui marine director for The Nature Conservancy. “By working closely with the community, partners and agencies, we are advancing practical, mauka-to-makai approaches that safeguard coral reefs and coastal resources while addressing community priorities.”

Vehicles travel along the Honoapiilani Highway near mile marker 14, where coastal erosion is visible along the shoreline. Final conceptual designs for the Olowalu-Ukumehame coastline will be presented July 9 at Maui Ocean Center. Photo courtesy The Nature Conservancy

The July 9 presentation will include an overview of coastal threats and hazards, information from the community engagement process that helped shape the designs and the final co-design concepts. Presenters also plan to share key community concerns and offer recommendations to inform future decision-making.

“These proof-of-concept designs help translate complex challenges into tangible ideas,” said UH Community Design Center Principal Investigator Judith Stilgenbauer. “They provide a valuable foundation for discussions and visualization tools that support informed decisions about the resilient future of this coastline.”

Community members are encouraged to attend, learn about the project and provide feedback.

For more information, visit bit.ly/4fSTKrz.