A University of Hawaiʻi study shows that protecting Kauaʻi’s native forests from invasive species significantly boosts groundwater recharge, making it a cost-effective strategy to secure fresh water and enhance climate resilience.
A new study led by the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization (UHERO) finds that conserving Kauaʻi’s native forests offers major water benefits, with each dollar invested in protection efforts generating an average of 593 gallons of groundwater recharge. These efforts focus on keeping invasive species like feral pigs and deer out of vital watershed areas to maintain the island’s freshwater supply.
UHERO — an applied research group housed within UH Mānoa’s College of Social Sciences — conducted the study in partnership with the Institute for Sustainability and Resilience, the Water Resources Research Center, and The Nature Conservancy. Their analysis showed that regions with natural barriers, such as Wainiha and Nāmolokama, yielded even higher returns, while mid-elevation areas were identified as offering the greatest recharge benefits per dollar invested.
The study also emphasized the broader ecological and climate resilience benefits of conservation, including enhanced biodiversity and erosion control. With the potential to increase total groundwater recharge from 21.4 to 34.4 billion gallons over 50 years, the findings provide a compelling economic and environmental case for expanding forest protection as part of long-term watershed management across Kauaʻi and beyond.
FULL STORY: Protecting Kauaʻi forests from invasive species saves large amounts of groundwater
Great Lakes Water Quality Project Seeks to Restore Coastal Vegetation
A plan to restore perennial plants to agricultural land could help reduce runoff and improve water quality across the Great Lakes region.
How to Plan for an Uncertain Climate Future
Creating adaptive, sustainable communities may require rethinking some planning basics.
Restoring Northern India’s Himalayan ‘Water Temples’
Thousands of centuries-old buildings protect the region’s natural springs and serve as community wells and gathering places.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service