Greening the Grid: The Power of Public Awareness and Policy in Advancing Green Infrastructure in Hawaiʻi

Abstract

This research examines green infrastructure (GI) – natural and engineered systems, like trees and permeable pavement – and aims to address its key benefits in mitigating the urban heat island (UHI) effect and lowering excessive energy consumption habits in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. The UHI effect has created a plague of extreme heat on the densely packed island of Oʻahu due to heat-absorbing materials, like asphalt and concrete, creating a slightly warmer and uncomfortable environment. This effect is creating the need for sustainable, non-traditional strategies, such as GI, to help alleviate the impact of rising temperatures and high energy consumption. However, challenges like limited public awareness, policy support, and maintenance requirements have delayed GI adoption in Honolulu. Through surveys, stakeholder interviews, and secondary data analysis, this study identifies solutions to implementing more GI on the island, including the placement of governmental incentives, better community engagement, and long-term maintenance solutions. A site-specific analysis of Waimalu Plaza in Honolulu, HI is used to evaluate how urban forests could improve energy efficiency and reduce heat exposure in one of the biggest UHI hot spots on the island. The findings from this study suggest that while GI provides numerous benefits, its long-term effects depend on proper maintenance, sufficient financial support, and the help of the community to support its success. The study tells of the benefits and challenges of implementing green infrastructure into Hawaiʻi’s unique environment to create a more sustainable and climate-resilient city.