Most Hawaii Residents Worry About Sea Level Rise

UHERO survey finds broad support for adaptation policies but uncertainty over financing

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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A new statewide survey by the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization (UHERO) found that most Hawaii residents believe sea level rise is already affecting the state, expect major impacts within their lifetimes, and support significant changes to development policies. However, many remain uncertain about how large-scale adaptation should be financed.

Why it matters

As one of the most vulnerable states to the effects of climate change, Hawaii's residents are grappling with the realities of sea level rise and the need to adapt. The UHERO survey provides critical insights into public perceptions and policy preferences that can help guide policymakers as they work to protect coastal communities.

The details

The UHERO survey, which polled 1,314 adults across Hawaii in summer 2025, found that 89% of residents believe sea level rise is happening, including large majorities of Democrats (97%), Independents (90%) and Republicans (80%). Nearly half say sea level rise is already affecting people in Hawaii, and more than 80% expect impacts within the next 25 years. About 90% support restricting development in flood-prone areas, and more than 80% favor prioritizing inland development over continued coastal expansion. 81% would be willing to relocate from high-risk areas if offered fair compensation, but only 45% say they would be willing to pay higher taxes or fees to fund neighborhood-level protection projects.

  • The UHERO survey was conducted in summer 2025.

The players

UHERO

The University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization, which conducted the statewide survey on public views of sea level rise in Hawaii.

Colin Moore

Political scientist and associate professor at UHERO, who said the findings show Hawaii residents overwhelmingly accept that sea level rise is happening and agree that action is needed.

Ketty Loeb

Co-author of the report and assistant professor at the UH Manoa Institute for Sustainability and Resilience, who said the survey creates both an opportunity and a responsibility for policymakers to engage the public more directly about sea level rise adaptation.

Zena Grecni

Researcher with Pacific RISA and co-author of the report, who said Hawaii residents are keenly aware of sea level rise and support protecting or adapting communities where possible and relocating when necessary.

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What they’re saying

“Our findings show that Hawai’i residents overwhelmingly accept that sea level rise is happening. There is broad agreement that action is needed. The harder question is not whether to act, but how to structure adaptation in a way that is credible, fair and sustainable over time.”

— Colin Moore, Political scientist and associate professor at UHERO (Maui Now)

“People clearly recognize the risks and support major shifts in coastal policy, including limits on development and public assistance for relocation. At the same time, many residents report feeling poorly informed about sea level rise and doubt that government agencies are fully prepared. That combination creates both an opportunity and a responsibility for policymakers to engage the public more directly about what adaptation will involve.”

— Ketty Loeb, Co-author and assistant professor at the UH Manoa Institute for Sustainability and Resilience (Maui Now)

“Hawai’i residents are keenly aware of sea level rise, and they are pragmatic about what lies ahead. They support protecting or adapting communities where possible and relocating when necessary. What remains uncertain is how the costs of those choices should be shared across households, communities, and levels of government.”

— Zena Grecni, Researcher with Pacific RISA and co-author of the report (Maui Now)

What’s next

The research team plans to further analyze the survey data to provide more detailed insights into public perceptions and preferences by county, demographic group, and other factors.

The takeaway

The UHERO survey highlights the urgency with which Hawaii residents view the threat of sea level rise, as well as their willingness to support major policy changes to adapt to its impacts. However, uncertainty remains over how to finance large-scale adaptation efforts, underscoring the need for policymakers to engage the public and develop equitable solutions.