UH has important role to play in Hawaiʻi’s water future

from UH News Oct 8, 2025

Low pay, limited advancement opportunities, and a small applicant pool for specialized positions are among the biggest challenges facing Hawaiʻi’s water sector, according to a new University of Hawaiʻi report. The study also found a strong commitment among water professionals to public service and community well-being, and highlighted opportunities for UH to help strengthen education and career pathways that support a thriving water future for the state.

The report, published October 8, shares insights from 43 representatives from federal, state and county agencies, as well as private and nonprofit organizations. The findings emphasized the need for both technical expertise and a holistic understanding of the political, cultural, economic and historical dimensions of water in Hawaiʻi.

One key finding was, “Many suggested that the University of Hawaiʻi has an important role to play in convening organizations and people across the water sector and in conducting applied and policy relevant research.”

Interviewees cited recruitment and retention challenges driven by low salaries and slow hiring processes, along with a need for more training in specialized areas such as engineering, hydrogeology and aquatic biology. Many also noted that institutional culture and job descriptions do not always effectively attract local candidates with lived experience and a commitment to mālama ʻāina, or caring for the land. The research highlighted the importance of comprehensive, practical training in communication, project management, fieldwork and community engagement.

The report represents the first phase of a collaborative project involving the UH Economic Research Organization (UHERO), Institute for Sustainability and Resilience, UH Sea Grant College Program, Water Resources Research Center and Department of Geography and Environment.

Funded by the Hawaiian Islands Environmental Finance Center of the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, the next phase will focus on interviews with UH departments and professional development programs to identify assets, gaps and best practices for water-related education and careers statewide.

Read the entire report on UHERO’s website.

---30---

UHERO: Supporting thriving water futures through education and career pathways: perspectives from the Hawai‘i water sector - UHERO