The Kohala Center supports and engages in independent research, as we develop ways to live thoughtfully and sustainably at the intersection of human and natural systems. We invite you to peruse our catalog of research reports, studies, and development plans below.
Summary of Water Quality Research from Kahalu‘u Bay, Hawai‘i Island: Tidal Flows, Recreation Water Indicator Bacteria, and Nutrient Fluxes
Provides an easy-to-understand synopsis of three technical reports to enable the community to “see below sea level” so that we may be better informed of the best stewardship of our nearshore waters.
» Read the Full Report
February 2022
Phytoremediation Assessment of Native Hawaiian Plants: Nitrogen Uptake by ‘Ahu‘awa and ‘Aka‘akai under Various Salinity Conditions
Report from a novel phytoremediation project designed to bridge ancestral knowledge with modern science to create natural solutions to address today’s water quality issues.
» Read the Full Report
September 2021
Coastal Assessment for Kahaluu Beach Park Planning
Recent identification of climate change and sea level rise as major factors in coastal planning for the future further emphasize the need for coastal engineering input to help guide the planning process.
» Read the Full Report
August 2021
Affordable Land and Housing for Farmers: Exploring Agricultural and Community Land Trusts for Hawai‘i Island
A report exploring how agricultural and community land trusts could increase affordable access to land and housing in Hawai‘i
» Read the Full Report
Health Impact Assessment of the proposed Mo‘omomi Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area
A health impact assessment (HIA) demonstrating the positive health effects of approval of the Mo‘omomi Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area (CBSFA)
» Read the Executive Summary
» Read the Full Report
» Appendix A: Qualitative Interview Guide and Survey
» Appendix B: Legal Background for the HIA of the Mo‘omomi CBSFA
March 2016
Implementing the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program in Hawai‘i
A report on implementation challenges and tips for success
» Read the Full Report
September 2015
Local Foods in Hawai‘i’s Schools
A report on the challenges to local food procurement in Hawai‘i and the opportunities to advance beyond them
» Read the Full Report
September 2015
Future of Ka‘ū Farm Land: Ecological and Economic Analysis for Land Use Decision Making
» Read the Full Report
January 2014
Waipuni Kahalu‘u
Use this website to learn about the natural processes that provide our water supply. Explore our watershed as a system of water exchanges among climate, weather, vegetation, and land use. See how changes in climate and land use may affect essential water supply processes.
» Visit the Website
July 2013
Livestock Production on Molokai Island, Hawaii
A Life-Cycle Assessment of Three Commercial Scenarios
» Read the Full Report
May 2013
Resource Use and Waste Generation by the Tourism Industry on the Big Island of Hawaii
» Read the Full Report
April 2013
County of Hawai‘i Energy Sustainability Program Five-Year Roadmap
» Read the Executive Summary
» Read the Full Report
December 2012
Some Observations about HELCO’s Business Model
» Read the Document
» Related: “Disruptive Challenges: Financial Implications and Strategic Responses to a Changing Retail Electric Business from the Edison Electric Institute”
Health Impact Assessment 2010 Hawai‘i County Agriculture Development Plan
Environmental and Socioeconomic Analysis of Biofuel Production on Hawai‘i Island: A Scope for Future Work
» Read the Full Report
September 2011
Energy Efficiency Strategies for Low-Income Communities on Hawai‘i Island
» Read the Full Report
June 2011
Hawai‘i County Agriculture Development Plan Health Impact Assessment
In April 2010 The Kohala Center received a grant from the Pew Charitable Trusts and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to conduct a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) of the 2010 Hawai‘i County Agriculture Development Plan. The Health Impact Assessment examined selected agricultural plan recommendations to inform island residents and decision makers about policies and allocate resources that would maximize community well-being, while balancing a complex set of agricultural priorities. Key research project partners included the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture, the Center for Health Research, Hawai‘i at Kaiser Permanente, and Human Impact Partners (HIP).
The HIA found that increasing local food production and providing some of that food to our school lunch programs would have a positive economic impact and a number of more direct health benefits—for example shaping children’s preferences for healthy food and making more fresh fruits and vegetables accessible to all island residents, noting that increased consumption of produce is linked to lower rates of obesity and associated chronic diseases. The report also cites research linking the employment resulting from expanded agricultural production to better family health outcomes, while home production provides additional benefits of more physical activity and improved mental health.
An Executive Summary and Full Report of the Health Impact Assessment of the Hawai‘i County Agriculture Development Plan can be downloaded here:
» Read the Executive Summary
» Read the Full Report
For information about the health impact assessment process, visit the Human Impact Partners website.
Below are links to background information that both informed and came out of the Hawai‘i County Agriculture Development Plan process and the Health Impact Assessment:
- Health Impact Assessment Training Workbook, June 2010
- Frequently Asked Questions about Integrating Health Impact Assessment into Environmental Impact Assessment
- Integrating Human Health into Environmental Impact Assessment: An Unrealized Opportunity for Environmental Health and Justice
- University of Hawai‘i System Report on the Feasibility of Establishing a Farm to School Program in Hawai‘i’s Public Schools
- Hawai‘i State Department of Agriculture 2007 Action Plan Update, which was submitted to the 2008 Legislature
Hawaiʻi Island Energy Sustainability Plan Recommendations
» Read the Full Report
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Executive Summary of Hawaiʻi Energy Sustainability Plan Recommendations
» Read the Full Report
Thursday, October 11, 2007