HDOT Launches Hybrid Reef Project to Protect Hawai‘i’s Coastal Highways
The hybrid reef system will integrate 60 engineered, concrete reef-mimicking structures with living coral to reduce wave energy, strengthen shorelines and improve coastal resilience. Photo courtesy: HDOT.
The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) has launched the Kalaeloa Hybrid Reef Project to help protect Hawaiʻi’s vulnerable coastal highways from erosion and rising seas. Developed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) via its Reefense Program, and the University of Hawaiʻi (UH) alongside academic, community and industry partners, the hybrid reef system integrates engineered reef structures with living coral. The goal is to reduce wave energy, strengthen shorelines and improve coastal resilience.
The first year of monitoring and maintenance of the project is funded by Governor Green’s Green Fee program, which supports conservation and environmental initiatives that protect and restore Hawaiʻi’s natural resources. The investment supports the first large-scale demonstration of a nature-based alternative to seawalls that aims to reduce coastal erosion, wave damage and storm surge while enhancing marine habitat.
“The Green Fee is about investing in innovative solutions that protect Hawaiʻi’s people, natural resources and economy for generations to come,” said Governor Green. “The Kalaeloa Hybrid Reef Project is exactly the kind of forward-thinking partnership we envisioned, bringing together science, innovation and environmental stewardship to strengthen our coastlines while preserving the natural resources that make Hawaiʻi unique.”
Funded by DARPA, the reef structures were researched, developed and deployed in collaboration with UH, Makai Engineering, Kuleana Coral Restoration and other partners. Ownership of the structures will be transferred to HDOT following deployment.
“Success at Kalaeloa could provide a model for protecting vulnerable coastlines throughout Hawaiʻi and beyond,” said HDOT Director Ed Sniffen.
The hybrid reef system consists of 60 porous concrete reef mimicking structures manufactured in Hawaiʻi that dissipate wave energy, while allowing water to flow through the reef. Coral modules attached to the structures will support the recruitment and growth of native corals, while specially developed biomaterials will repel competing algae and accelerate coral growth. These and other technologies being tested will allow the reef to develop into a healthy, self-sustaining ecosystem over time.
A custom-built ReefCat Deployment System was used to transport the structures offshore and lower them onto the seabed. Once installed, live coral fragments will be attached to the structures, followed by continued scientific monitoring to evaluate their performance.
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