The economic hub of Hawaii’s tourism industry, Waikiki faces threats of potential flooding from sea level rise, king tides, rainfall and storm drain backflow, groundwater inundation, and overflow from the Ala Wai Canal.  Researchers from the University of Hawaii have created proposed scenarios that help visualize sea level rise adaptation strategies over time for buildings, utilities, transportation, and open spaces.

Please join us to hear from two experts on this important topic for businesses as they discuss impacts and opportunities for the near and long-term economic future of Waikiki.

Wendy Meguro is an architect and associate professor at the University of Hawaii, whose teaching and research focuses on high-performance architecture. With a joint appointment in architecture and Sea Grant’s Coastal Sustainability and Resilience Team (CReST), she also studies enabling coastal communities to adapt to sea level rise.

In 2023, the U.S. Green Building Council welcomed Wendy as a LEED Fellow, the highest recognition for a sustainable building professional. The UH Board of Regents awarded Wendy one of six 2021 Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching. She integrates teaching, applied research, and outreach as director of the Environmental Research and Design Laboratory and the Sea Grant Center for Smart Building and Community Design. Wendy earned a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Hawaii and a Master of Science in Architecture Studies in Building Technology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Rick Egged is the president of the Waikiki Improvement Association (WIA), a private, nonprofit organization focusing on supporting the business environment of Waikiki. He handles planning, legislative and community matters, and works with the public and private sectors on a range of projects and improvements for Waikiki.

For over thirty years, Rick has worked to improve the ecosystem and reduce flood risk in the Ala Wai Watershed. He is currently co-chair of the Ala Water Shed Collaboration. Under Rick's leadership, WIA developed Agenda Waikiki, an action plan for Waikiki revitalization, and supported Kuhio Beach Park and Kalakaua Avenue improvements. In 2015, WIA worked with the City and County of Honolulu and state to create the Waikiki Beach Special Improvement District (WBSIDA) to maintain and restore Waikiki Beach, with Rick serving as its founding president.