(Un)managed retreat? Perspectives on biophysical and social dynamics of coastal retreat on O‘ahu, Hawai‘i

Makena Coffman, Leah Bremer, Alisha Summers, Conrad Newfield and Lisa C. Kelley

Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 2025, vol. 68, issue 5, 1082-1104

Abstract: As an island community with world famous beaches, Hawai‘i’s coastal managers face significant challenges in the face of sea level rise (SLR). Shoreline laws have recently been updated to limit further shoreline hardening, making Hawaiʻi a salient case study to understand the challenges and opportunities around managed retreat. We interviewed 42 private sector, civil society, and government actors involved with coastal governance and anchored our conversations to three distinct communities on O‘ahu. Factors that affected participant perspectives on the viability of retreat per site hinged on: 1) physical/natural barriers and opportunities; 2) perceptions of the public value of a beach; 3) the importance of existing infrastructure; and 4) the political influence of coastal homeowners. Participants’ views on who should inform the coastal planning process moving forward varied by site. In addition to residents, there was largely agreement that communities should include those with affinity and long-standing relationships with place.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1080/09640568.2023.2279019

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