Dr. Chip Fletcher, a renowned coastal geologist based in Honolulu, will be the keynote speaker.

LAHAINA – In recent years, West Maui community members have been organizing to protect their shorelines. On Dec. 7, 2018, the broad umbrella group NaPapa’i Wawae ‘Ula’ula and the West Maui Preservation Association, along with other sponsoring organizations, will host a one-day symposium called “Disappearing Shorelines and Managed Retreat: A Conversation” at Waiola Church in Lahaina.

NaPapa’i Wawae ‘Ula’ula literally means the “red-footed crabs.” The name refers to the people of Kaanapali district who were “red-footed” because of their red dirt-colored feet.

The symposium from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. will assemble a spectrum of experts, policy makers, coastal geologists, legislators and community advocates to discuss managed retreat and other means of sustaining West Maui’s shorelines and coastal resources for generations to come.

Roundtable participants will address, among other topics, the concept of managed retreat and what it may mean for West Maui; public financing mechanisms for managed retreat; realignment of Honoapiilani Highway to avoid sea level rise; threats posed by sea level rise and shoreline hardening to Hawaiian cultural practices; and shoreline management solutions

Dr. Chip Fletcher, a renowned coastal geologist based in Honolulu, will offer the keynote address.

Speakers include representatives from the state Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands, Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization, Maui Planning Department, Maui Department of Public Works, University of Hawaii Sea Grant and Coastal Geology Group, East West Center, Maui Tomorrow, Hawaii State Senate, Kua ‘Aina Ulu ‘Auamo, Maui Tomorrow and Surfrider Foundation.

Panel discussions are expected to be vigorous and informative.

The event is free and open to the public upon registration via Googleform at https://goo.gl/forms/dLIfsoSrwUhpHhYS2.