By Dr. Brian Glazer

Hurricane Beryl, a Category 5 Atlantic hurricane, has passed, but many are still dealing with water damage and thinking about how to prepare for the next flooding event.

Communities are witnessing an increase in extreme weather, from heightened hurricane activity to more frequent flooding and coastal erosion. These patterns are predicted to intensify, and it is pertinent to take a moment and look at what we have learned from previous storm and other flooding events and how communities can be active in climate preparation and response. 

Communities around the world are becoming more vulnerable to water-related challenges, such as flooding, sea level rise and water quality issues. Access to accurate, real-time water monitoring data is crucial for these groups to anticipate, respond to and mitigate the impacts of these challenges. Empowering communities with data can be the difference between proactive adaptation and costly reactive measures.

In recent years, technological advancements have made ocean and watershed observations more accessible, accurate and user-friendly. Continuous automated coastal monitoring is now possible, significantly enhancing predictive models and disaster preparedness. The availability of open data has created opportunities for collaboration between municipalities, federal agencies and community-led initiatives, ensuring that those most affected by climate change have a voice in planning and response efforts.

Hohonu, a company at the forefront of this movement, has been instrumental in advancing local adaptation strategies. Hohonu has accumulated over 2 million hr. of water monitoring across 130 locations in 15 states, showcasing its commitment to enhancing flood resilience nationwide. Hohonu, rooted in science and community, was founded at the University of Hawaii by a team of oceanographers and engineers. The company’s focus on providing affordable, real-time monitoring and forecasting services to help communities prepare for and respond to flooding and water quality issues has propelled them as a critical service. 

Coastal communities, especially those facing seasonal storms, are realizing the importance of community-accessible data for event response and future planning and safety. New technologies are making sensors more durable, affordable and portable, democratizing access to vital information. With the increasing threats posed by climate change, everyone will need access to these data sets.

Water monitoring data provide a detailed understanding of local conditions, helping to identify trends, predict potential hazards, and develop effective strategies for resilience. Real-time data on rising water levels can inform evacuation plans during floods, while long-term data can guide infrastructure development to withstand future climate impacts. This localized information is vital because it allows for tailored solutions that address specific risks in a given area.

Community access to water monitoring data fosters greater public engagement and awareness. When residents understand the environmental changes affecting their area, they are more likely to support and participate in local adaptation efforts. This collective awareness and involvement is key to building resilient communities that can effectively manage water-related risks.

Hohonu has launched dozens of community projects proving this model with emergency management professionals in Maine, Washington, Hawaii, Florida, North Carolina and Texas, to name a few.

For example, during Tropical Storm Debby, Hohonu measured tidal surge and compound flooding from Florida to Maryland, helping to give new understanding into how areas flood and drain. This information will play an important role in developing forward-looking resiliency planning and setting new standards with regard to elevation for combating sea level rise.  

Annapolis is setting a national example by adopting a proactive resiliency strategy in response to the threat of sea level rise. A partnership between Anne Arundel and Charles County, which includes the City of Annapolis, the University of Maryland and Hohonu, is resulting in plans for unpredictable coastal flooding with a broad network of sensors. 

Ultimately, the ability to adapt and improve hinges on the capacity to measure, monitor, verify and report. Communities that have access to real-time water monitoring data will be better prepared for extreme weather events. When residents are actively involved in monitoring and responding to water-related challenges, the community is strengthened. Hohonu aims to help communities do this in the face of a changing climate.

Dr. Brian Glazer is an associate professor of oceanography at the University of Hawaii and co-founder and CEO of Hohonu Inc. 

Caption: Hohonu CEO Dr. Brian Glazer with a tide gauge in Boston during a flooding event.