University of Hawaiʻi Researchers Call for New Coastal Flood Zone Building Standards

Researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa emphasize the urgent need for standardized building elevation guidelines that account for future sea level rise, as coastal high tide flooding in the U.S. has doubled in the past two decades. The study highlights the diversity of current approaches nationwide and recommends that policymakers and designers plan for sea-level rise projections within a building’s expected lifetime to ensure resilience. This research supports Hawaiʻi's state and county efforts to adapt coastal communities, particularly Honolulu, by informing future building policies to mitigate climate change impacts. Co-author Eric Teeples stressed Hawaiʻi's vulnerability to sea level rise and the importance of learning from other regions to develop effective, community-tailored solutions. The research team plans to present their findings and solicit public feedback in late 2025 to guide actionable and forward-thinking building standards. Their work aligns with UH Mānoa’s goals of fostering research addressing state needs and enhancing community resilience.