From Hawaii 24/7:

Dynamic modeling of sea-level rise, which takes storm wind and wave action into account, paints a much graver picture for some low-lying Pacific islands under climate-change scenarios than the passive computer modeling used in earlier research, according to a new U.S. Geological Survey report.

A team led by research oceanographer Curt Storlazzi of the USGS Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center compared passive “bathtub” inundation models with dynamic models for two of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.

The team studied Midway, a classic atoll with islands on the shallow (2–8 meters or 6–26 feet deep) atoll rim and a deep, central lagoon, and Laysan, which is higher, with a 20–30 meter (65–98 feet) deep rim and an island in the center of the atoll.

Together, the two locations exhibit landforms and coastal features common to many Pacific islands. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, they are also among the world’s most important nesting and breeding sites for migratory birds and other wildlife. Read the full story.

And here’s the latest in other neighbor isle gov’t and politics:

Maui panel aims to inspire ‘good’ leadership with hike in salaries

Council approves KPD station at Waimea Dispensary

Report: Kau CDP must preserve unique community

Maui mayor’s budget includes infrastructure spending, tax hikes

Ocean Vodka will open Kula facility to tours (no samples!)

Hawaii Nui Brewing seeks bankruptcy protection

Repair timeline in place for burned-out Kenolio building

Photo courtesy Kris Krug.

—Chad Blair