The North Shore Beach Management Plan (Plan)
The Plan is a science-driven and conservation-oriented beach and dune management plan intended to preserve these unique coastal resources for future generations. The Plan will utilize cutting-edge coastal science to inform site-specific and community-informed beach management strategies and phased actionable recommendations for the long-term preservation of the beach ecosystem. This project will act as a critical step forward in developing coastal and beach management actions that preserve beaches and dunes, support public beach access, and safeguard the unique recreational opportunities and public trust resources of the North Shore, Oʻahu.
The project area encompasses Paumalū (Sunset Beach) to Kapoʻo (Shark’s Cove). The project area encompass the popular sandy beaches and recreational surf spots that have made this region internationally renowned. The project area includes two major public beach parks (Sunset Beach and Ehukai Beach) which are subject to high visitation numbers by visitors and residents and associated foot traffic erosion impacts to the beach and dune system.
Plan Goals
1. Develop an actionable beach management plan driven by diverse stakeholder and community input
2. Assess the impacts of climate change on the coast
3. Evaluate a variety of beach management and planning scenarios and strategies for the long-term conservation of beach area
4. Identify tuned, beach management strategies for at-risk coastal resources at several coastal erosion hot spots in the study area on the North Shore, O’ahu
The development of the Plan is a unique collaboration between the University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program, Integral Consulting, the North Shore Community Land Trust and the Surfrider Foundation.
Additional Information
North Shore Coastal Resilience Working Group (NSCRWG) 2021-2022:
University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program, Surfrider Foundation, Surfrider’s Oʻahu Chapter and consulting firm SSFM International
The N
orth Shore Coastal Resilience Working Group was convened by the Surfrider Foundation, Surfrider’s O‘ahu Chapter, Hawai‘i Sea Grant and SSFM International in response to an overwhelming public need to address the immediate threats posed by coastal erosion on the North Shore of O‘ahu. The project engaged more than 30 stakeholders, including local residents and landowners, state and local agencies, coastal scientists, policymakers and nonprofits. The project team thanks each member for their willingness to collaborate on this project and share their knowledge, expertise and perspectives. We additionally acknowledge the contributions made by Dr. David Revell who guided the Working Group through the development of the Adaptation Pathways.
State Appropriation
Act 226 (2024)-Relating to Beach Management on the North Shore.
Appropriates funds to the University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program to develop a North Shore beach management and climate adaptation plan for the North Shore of Oʻahu from Sunset point to the Kapoʻo (Shark’s Cove) area.
NSCRWG 2022 Recommendations for Action (Re-ordered)
(In Progress)
1. Develop a beach and dune management plan for the North Shore, O’ahu.
2. Continue the NSCRWG and expand community discussions, engagement and outreach.
3. Improve interagency coordination for coastal management which overlaps jurisdictional and ownership boundaries.
(Under Development)
4. Improve guidelines and limitations for emergency shoreline erosion management and strengthen enforcement.
5. Establish a statewide managed retreat program, with the North Shore as a pilot area.
(Next Phase)
6. Develop a comprehensive North Shore climate change adaptation strategy with phased implementation of adaptation pathways and triggers for action.
