Natural Hazard Considerations for Purchasing Coastal Real Estate in Hawaiâ€˜i

November 17, 2014

Environmental responsibility along with the numerous benefits of owning coastal property comes a responsibility to take care of the natural environment – a custom known in Hawaiian as mälama ‘äina.

Before buying coastal property, it is important to have an understanding of the potential risks and consequences of living on the ocean’s edge. Hawai'i is reknown for its pleasant tropical climate; however the weather and ocean conditions are subject to dramatic changes that can pose various threats to coastal property.

This guide focuses on basic questions to consider as an investor in coastal real estate. Whether you are looking to buy a developed or an undeveloped lot, there are critical issues that should be examined and assessed before committing to a purchase. For additional sources of information, refer to the list at the end of this guide.

Group of people removing ghost nets from a beach.

Alabama

Biden-Harris administration invests $27 million to support community-driven marine debris solutions through Investing in America agenda

Today, the Department of Commerce and NOAA announced $27 million in funding for projects to prevent and remove marine debris in coastal and Great Lakes communities as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

This funding will support innovative research and foster local coalitions to address urgent marine debris issues by using NOAA Sea Grant’s partnered approach to bring science together with communities for solutions that work.

Shoring up the future, together: Collaborative efforts in coastal resilience across the Mid-Atlantic

Community members and city leaders gathered during a listening session to identify key climate readiness needs in Erie, Pennsylvania during June of 2023. (Photo by

Biden-Harris Administration invests $60 million to build a climate-ready workforce through Investing in America agenda

Today, the Department of Commerce and NOAA announced $60 million in funding to help train and place people in jobs that advance a climate-ready workforce for coastal and Great Lakes states, Tribes and Territories as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda under the Inflation Reduction Act. To date, awards like these from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda have created more than 270,000 jobs across the country.

The funding will support nine projects around the nation, with $50 million going directly to the projects and $10 million for technical assistance to support the grantees.