Southwest coastal areas of Hawai’i County face unique watershed and soil management issues. Experts will explore the problems and potential solutions for area residents and the surrounding agricultural community.

The Big Island, being geologically very young, is without many defined waterways.   As a result, some drainage areas throughout the Island often overflow during rainstorms. Even very small streams, gulches, culverts, low-lying ground or dry stream beds that appear harmless in dry weather can flood.

Big Island residents and farmers (and Hawai’i in general) also face water and soil management challenges now amplified by a changing and warming global climate that is supercharging local storm events and extending periods of drought.  Experts will explain how watershed management and soil conservation measures can mitigate these challenges, and address the challenges ahead for local south coast residents and farmers.