Date/Time
Date(s) - September 5, 2025
11:30 am - 1:30 pm

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You’re invited to an engaging and timely presentation hosted by the State of Hawai‘i Office of Planning and Sustainable Development (OPSD) Coastal Zone Management Program:

Managed Retreat:
Charting a Resilient Future for Hawai‘i’s Coasts

About the Event
The State of Hawai‘i Office of Planning and Sustainable Development Coastal Zone Management Program recently completed a two-year study on managed retreat as a climate adaptation strategy. The study identifies legal, policy, and funding opportunities and challenges, offering 20 actionable recommendations centered on a proposed Beach Resilience Program to address coastal erosion and sea level rise. Developed with input from government, cultural, legal, and real estate stakeholders, the project integrates Traditional Ecological Knowledge and equity principles. This presentation will explore key findings, implementation pathways, and how the planning and development community can engage in shaping a resilient future for Hawai‘i’s vulnerable coastal areas.

Featured Speakers

Mary Alice Evans
Director, Office of Planning and Sustainable Development
Mary Alice has served in four different state departments and a variety of jobs, including Deputy and Interim Comptroller of the Department of Accounting and General Services, Special Assistant to the Governor for Research, Planner, and Planning Program Manager, and Deputy Director of DBEDT for eight years from 2011 – 2019.  Mary Alice also twice served as Chapter President of the Hawai‘i Chapter of the American Planning Association, as a member of the Hawai‘i Economic Association, chair of the Honolulu City Planning Commission, and a volunteer for the Urban Land Institute’s Urban Plan project.  Mary Alice graduated from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa where she obtained her Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning.

Sarah Chang
Project Analyst & Manager, Coastal Zone Management Program
Sarah Chang is a project analyst with the Hawaiʻi State Office of Planning & Sustainable Development, Coastal Zone Management Program. She coordinates the Hawaiʻi Ocean Resources Management Plan (ORMP), a statewide plan that seeks to resolve coastal problems and issues that are not adequately addressed by existing laws and rules. The 2020 ORMP highlights three areas of need within the coastal zone: (1) Development and Coastal Hazards, (2) Land-based Pollution, and (3) Marine Ecosystems. The ORMP relies on collaborative implementation and facilitates cross-agency projects with partners that include Federal, State, County, and community representation.

Melissa May, AICP
Principal and Resilience Lead, Haley & AldrichContinue
Melissa May has extensive experience advancing climate resilience across policy landscapes and built environments in Hawaii. She has partnered with state and local agencies on award-winning projects including resilient design guidelines and policy analysis for climate adaptation and managed retreat. As resilience lead, Melissa develops business and strategy for Haley & Aldrich’s Resilience team and integrates resilience into practice areas across the firm. Melissa’s comprehensive knowledge of the policy and regulatory landscape makes her an invaluable problem-solving partner on complex planning and policy issues. Her inclusive, systems-based approach ensures that every project reflects a shared vision, builds community capacity, and provides a pathway to implementation.

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore how Hawai‘i can move toward a more resilient coastal future—and how you can play a part.

We look forward to seeing you there!