Spatial Precipitation Trends and Effects of Climate Change
on the Hawaiian Hualalai Aquifer

Introduction

Locational Map

Base Map

Database Schematic

Naming Conventions

GIS Analysis

Flowchart

Results and Conclusions

Resources

INTRODUCTION

	Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park (KAHO), on the western side of the Big Island of Hawai'i, was established in 1978 with a mission to protect traditional native Hawaiian activities and culture. This includes the preservation of numerous anchialine pools and fishponds. These inland, as well as marine, waters of KAHO provide vital habitat for six federally protected species and three candidate threatened or endangered species in addition to traditional Hawaiian aquaculture. KAHO sits at the base of the Hualalai Aquifer, an area with growing demand for water resources, largely due to increased development in the region.
Honokohau Beach - Photo Credit Donald B. MacGowan
Since the aquifer sits below the Hualalai Volcano, there is a steep elevation gradient which induces a similar precipitation gradient, but with the greatest precipitation in the middle elevations. Changes in rainfall amounts have been observed at precipitation monitoring stations in recent decades, though the spatial extent and variability in these changes is unknown. This study aims to use GIS analysis techniques to evaluate spatial trends in precipitation over the region for a 30-year period.