Shoreline erosion and sea level rise are serious and there is no easy fix. If property owners are allowed to armor their shore, it will accelerate erosion on neighboring properties.

Some parts of the state require modifications to building codes to make certain that no one is being put in harm’s way by using outdated standards.

With the help of coastal zone management, all impacted parties can participate in a process that protects coastal regions, as opposed to specific properties. This includes government, private owners and insurers.

If beach restoration is required, then joint public-private efforts must be pursued. Spreading the cost burden to help more regions will protect the revenue base and reduce damage claims to insurers. Thinking outside the box helps move things forward.

There are many things that make Hawaii great, like fighting climate change. But most of all we honor our heritage, embrace our diversity and share our future.

Chayne Marten

Lahaina

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