Water Sustainability in Hawaii Forum (Open to Public)

Posted on Aug 9, 2013 in Commission On Water Resources Management

US Senate Seal

United States Senator Brian Schatz
invites you to attend a forum on

Water Sustainability in Hawaii

August 19, 2013 from 1:30 to 3:30 PM

Kalanimoku Building, 1151 Punchbowl Street
Department of Land and Natural Resurces Conference Room 132

This event is open to the public,
but space is limited.
Please RSVP to: [email protected]

Hawaii’s geographic isolation, limited physical resources, unique ecosystems, and growing population require careful management of water. The islands face challenges meeting current and future demand for water. Hawaii’s water supplies are threatened by hotter and drier conditions from climate change, as well as loss of watershed forests. If we do not plan ahead and address these trends, future generations may face water shortages or restrictions.

This forum will focus on current and future water supply and management issues and will include a variety of perspectives on Hawaii’s water availability. Participants will examine the projected impacts of climate change and federal resources to support water management in Hawaii. In convening this discussion, Senator Schatz aims to ensure that his legislative priorities are supportive of Hawaii’s most urgent needs and to ensure that policymakers in Hawaii are aware of relevant federal resources.

Topics and invited speakers include:

1. An overview of water resources and water management issues in Hawaii.

  • William Aila — Chairman, State Commission on Water Resources
  • Bill Tam — Deputy Director, State Commission on Water Resources
  • Ernie Lau – Manager and Chief Engineer, Honolulu Board of Water Supply
  • Neil Hannahs – Kamehameha Schools

2. Climate change implications for water supply and management.

  • Dr. Charles Fletcher — Associate Dean, University of Hawaii School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology
  • Dr. Victoria Keener — Research Fellow, East-West Center and manager of the Pacific Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments program
  • Richard Wallsgrove – Program Manager, Blue Planet

3. Federal resources available to help address water supply and management issues in Hawaii.

  • Stephen Anthony – Director, U.S. Geological Survey Water Science Center
  • Derek Chow – Chief, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil & Public Works Branch
  • Chris Kanazawa — State Director, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development