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Sea level rise used to be a debated political theory, but now it is a coastal reality. Limiting the causes of this sea-level-rise monster may take many years, but we need to function in this world until it is controlled.
Annually, sea level rise will continue to cause an increasing number of days of nuisance flooding on low-lying streets near the ocean, which can spark requests for revetment walls to block the ocean floodwaters. By reacting to the ocean's movement with engineered revetment walls, we block the dynamic forces necessary for sand movement and for beaches to survive.
Our efforts to "stabilize" with walls actually eliminates whole beach areas. Revetments always start small, but as sea level continues to rise, the demand for larger and more walls become the norm.
We need a better solution for coastal flooding and land loss. Coastal scientists at UH Sea Grant offer some interim options and acknowledge that the long-term solution is "managed retreat." That means moving mauka to higher ground. With the eventual loss of lower roads, new lateral roads at higher elevations are a must. Mahalo Maui County for planning now for roadways and developments that are safely away from lowland coastal areas.
Coastal science tells us that if we take the easy-fix option of revetment walls we will damage or eliminate our beaches and will simply postpone the inevitable; we will still eventually have to move. We support legislation that addresses current sea level rise solutions that also protect our beaches.
Bob and Lis Richardson
Kihei