Hawaii Sinking at Alarming Rate: Scientists Warn of Devastating Flooding

[Social Media]

 

Hawaii is sinking at a shocking pace—40 times faster than previously estimated—raising grave concerns that catastrophic flooding could devastate businesses and homes within decades. A new study has revealed that certain areas of Oahu’s South Shore, including Honolulu, Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, and Ewa Beach, are subsiding at an alarming rate of approximately 25mm per year. This dramatic land sinking, combined with rising sea levels, is expected to cause an estimated $12.9 billion in infrastructure damage.

 

Kyle Murray, co-author of the study published in Communications Earth & Environment, warned that the implications of this rapid subsidence are dire. "In rapidly subsiding areas, sea level rise impacts will be felt much sooner than previously estimated, which means that we must prepare for flooding on a shorter timeline," he stated.

 

Pearl Harbor and Mapunapuna, both significant areas on the island, could experience flooding within this decade—up to 30 years earlier than previously predicted. By 2080, other areas like Downtown Honolulu, the airport, Ewa Beach, and Waikiki will be regularly exposed to severe flooding. According to the study, by that time, the combined effect of sea level rise and land subsidence will bring water levels just under six feet, endangering entire coastal communities.

 

By the end of the century, the situation is expected to worsen dramatically, with water levels potentially reaching up to eight feet. Dr. Kristina Dahl, vice president for science at Climate Central, highlighted the dangerous intersection of climate change and land subsidence. "Rising sea levels due to climate change are already increasing coastal flood risks in low-lying neighborhoods around Honolulu, and this new study shows that sinking land could significantly amplify those risks," she explained to DailyMail.com. "Add in subsidence rates that are on par with sea level rise rates, and the threat increases substantially."

 

 

Dr. Dahl predicted that by the next century, "higher annual coastal flood levels due to climate-driven sea level rise" will "expose residents, businesses, and infrastructure in parts of Mapunapuna to potential losses."

 

Some areas of Oahu are already experiencing early warning signs of what’s to come. Heavy storms this past January resulted in significant flooding in Kuliouou, near Honolulu, leaving inches of standing water. Local residents have grown accustomed to the annual flooding during the rainy season, which lasts from November to March. "The second it starts overflooding, then the entire house is gonna have to be cleaned out once the rain's over," resident Kiana Novey said in an interview with Island News earlier this year.

 

In response to the increasing threat, FEMA has issued a preliminary draft of new flood zone maps for the island. Homeowners in high-risk flood zones with federally backed loans or mortgages will be required to purchase flood insurance. Public comment on these new designations, which will drastically expand coverage areas and impact thousands of local residents, is open until June 10.

 

Previously, only certain parts of Honolulu, Kailua, and select coastal regions were considered high-risk flood zones. However, the new data suggests that much of the island’s coastline—and the thousands of homes built along it—are now in imminent danger.

 

Co-author of the study Phil Thompson cautioned that some regions could see a 50 percent increase in flood exposure by 2050. "Risk strategies will have to be implemented to help protect the island, which could eventually mean relocating businesses and homes from high-risk areas," he told Daily Galaxy.

 

Despite the bleak outlook, there is one small glimmer of hope. The study indicates that the rate of sinking in Mapunapuna may begin to slow by 2090. However, by that time, much of the island’s coastline will already be facing irreversible damage—both physically and economically—leaving large portions of Oahu quite literally underwater.

 

Based on a report by The Daily Mail  2025-03-18

 

 

[Srikcir]

In one year the Big Island added almost 900 acres of volcanic land. If this were to continue every year, Oahu might relocate as it goes under water.

[Chosenfew]

Article by Social Media says it all…

[pacovl46]

1 hour ago, Chosenfew said:

Article by Social Media says it all…

You mean just like your comment? 

[SLOWHAND225]

lol

[connda]

8 hours ago, Social Media said:

Despite the bleak outlook, there is one small glimmer of hope. The study indicates that the rate of sinking in Mapunapuna may begin to slow by 2090. However, by that time, much of the island’s coastline will already be facing irreversible damage—both physically and economically—leaving large portions of Oahu quite literally underwater.

Next we'll hear of the "Perils of Man-Made Global Sinking."  Of course, there is a solution for that.  Just sell all the land, like Oahu, to billionaires and force the commoners to the mainland "for their own safety," of course!