Benefits of Beach Nourishment
The Kāʻanapali Beach project is co-sponsored by the State of Hawai’i and the Kāʻanapali Operators Association. The proposed project includes beach restoration activities along nearly 7,500 feet of beach. Approximately 50,000 c.y. of sand would build the beach wider between Hanakaʻōʻō Beach Park and Hanakaʻōʻō Point, and nearly 25,000 c.y. of sand would be placed on the dry beach between Hanakaʻōʻō Point and Puʻu Kekaʻa.
Kāʻanapali, 6-20-2019 Credit: Sheraton Webcam, 3-19-2019 Beach nourishment is an interim A nature-based management Adding sand creates wider beaches climate adaptation method to alternative for conserving beach that are more resilient during respond to sea level rise. Improving environments and protecting seasonal cycles and erosion events. beach health restores a natural shoreline development from the This benefits recreational and barrier protecting the backshore impacts of coastal erosion and cultural activities such as swimming, flooding, which are increasing with surfing, paddling, sunbathing, community. climate change and sea level rise. snorkeling, and beach volleyball.
Flooding at Kaanapali, February 2019 Credit: Emma Gosliner, NOAA A healthy beach attracts visitors that Healthy sand beaches reduce the Beach restoration protects habitat can boost local economies by threat of backshore erosion and on and behind the beach for increasing demand for local flooding, protect coastal endangered sea turtles, monk seals, employees, recreational activities on infrastructure, and help to maintain shorebirds, and other beach the beach, property values, and public safety. Robust beach systems organisms. Beaches are also the retail sales. also reduce damage from coastal nesting areas for sea turtles and spawning grounds for other species. storms.
Beach nourishment, the only shore protection method that adds sand to the coastal system, is the preferred method for shore protection today. -American Shore and Beach Preservation Association, 2017