The National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) has worked collaboratively to build an important foundation for understanding drought in Hawai’i and U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPI). The Pacific Drought Knowledge Exchange (PDKE) collaborative: (i) brings together relevant agencies and stakeholders for meaningful engagement and collaborations in the Pacific; (ii) explores knowledge co-production with land stewards and resource managers including the delivery of tailored climate data products; (iii) provides easier access to drought and climate information and data sources for a wide range of private, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and agency based stewards and managers; (iv) enhances quality and scope of information available to users; (v) improves capacity for knowledge delivery and technical assistance; and (vi) fosters a more collaborative information transfer environment. Marsh Institute Researcher Abby Frazier (Geography) recently received funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to update and improve upon methods for producing site-specific drought and climate products for stakeholders in Hawai‘i. The project Drought Early Warning and Response in Hawaii – Expanding and Enhancing Stakeholder-Driven Drought Products and Services will refine and launch the Hawai‘i Rangeland Information Portal (HRIP) decision-support tool, and utilize knowledge and lessons learned in Hawai‘i to expand efforts into the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands.

For full project descriptions, see the Marsh Institute Research Projects web page.