Researchers Launch $1.25M Project for Real-Time Hazard Monitoring in Hawaiʻi

In a significant step towards enhancing disaster preparedness in Hawaiʻi, researchers from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and Georgia Tech have secured a $1.25 million grant from the National Science Foundation. This funding aims to develop innovative sensors that can provide real-time data on various environmental hazards, including wildfires, droughts, floods, hurricanes, and water contamination.

The project focuses on creating low-cost, locally made sensors that can be produced quickly and deployed on the same day. These sensors will be capable of measuring critical factors such as water quality and soil contamination. The data collected will be transmitted via an AI-enabled handheld device, which is smaller than a cell phone, allowing users to access and interpret the information through a publicly available dashboard.

Community-Centric Design Approach

A core aspect of this initiative is its commitment to co-designing technology with local communities. The project will involve stakeholders who have responsibility for land and water stewardship in Hawaiʻi, including land management organizations, Hawaiian-language immersion schools, and community colleges. This collaborative effort will ensure that the technology addresses local needs and priorities.

Tyler Ray, the principal investigator and an associate professor at the UH Mānoa College of Engineering, emphasized the importance of local input: “We can shorten the path from idea to instrument and build sensors tuned to local priorities without relying on centralized, hard-to-access facilities.” The aim is to create a robust and affordable design-to-deployment process that is replicable across the islands.

The sensors will be paired with a small, durable edge device capable of harvesting and storing energy. This device will run machine learning models and function effectively even in areas with limited network connectivity. An open library of circuits and firmware will allow partners to customize sensors for various measurements, including pH levels, turbidity, and the presence of heavy metals.

Building Strong Community Relationships

The project builds upon existing relationships across the islands of Oʻahu, Maui, and Kauaʻi. By involving residents, educators, and resource stewards, the team aims to align the technology with community priorities. Iterative design workshops and peer exchanges will facilitate collaboration, culminating in a capstone gathering to share findings and designs.

Josiah Hester, a Kanaka ʻŌiwi and associate professor at Georgia Tech, highlighted the significance of this initiative: “Deploying AI devices in austere environments, making AI interpretable and understandable, and providing these capabilities to everyone are key goals we will achieve.” Hester, who identifies as a Native Hawaiian scientist, expressed his commitment to translating these technologies to support community stewardship.

The project will also emphasize data governance, ensuring local control and appropriate confidentiality for sensitive information. As Aurora Kagawa-Viviani, co-principal investigator and assistant professor at the UH Mānoa’s Water Resources Research Center, noted, “Building strong and equitable relationships ensures the technology and the data it produces have lasting value long after the prototype.”

In addition to developing technology, the grant will support hands-on training for students across K–12, community colleges, and research universities. The team plans to release open hardware, software, and design artifacts, allowing others to adapt these resources for island, rural, and urban settings facing similar hazards.

This project represents a proactive approach to environmental safety in Hawaiʻi, blending advanced technology with community knowledge to create effective solutions for local challenges.