THE SPATIAL CRITICALITY OF TRANSPORTATION RISKS FROM SEA LEVEL RISE, STORM SURGE AND TSUNAMI HAZARDS IN HONOLULU

摘要

In this paper, the potential effects of sea level rise, coastal storms, flooding and tsunami hazardson communities and transportation assets in Hawaii are described. A framework for assessing thecomposite hazard analysis is presented. Beginning with a description of the different hazards andthe estimated return periods, the hazard areas are delineated and mapped. Then, three differentdimensions of vulnerability are analyzed. The first relates to population characteristics, thesecond is focused on critical infrastructure, and the third addresses transportation systemcapabilities and usage. A scoring system for assessing the criticality of these differentdimensions of vulnerability is devised and implemented using a uniform grid based geography.In addition to comparing the three different dimensions of vulnerability, an overall aggregatescore for each grid cell in the affected area is derived and mapped. This allows for thedetermination of an overall criticality score based on the three different dimensions. In thisanalysis, the three different dimensions are equally weighted. The composite hazard map and thespatial distribution of the criticalities presented in this study are powerful visualization aids andalso provide critical information for disaster mitigation planning and decision making process.Using various proposed approaches, weights and sub-weights for each of the dimensions couldbe derived based on the preferences and values of community members, elected or appointedofficials and or emergency managers. Moreover, as data on hazards and vulnerabilities becomeavailable, the vulnerability of locations and their supporting transportation infrastructure can beadjusted. Then locations can be readily identified by the existence of routine and extensiveflooding, identifiable natural processes such as streams, wetlands, natural areas suitable forbuffering and water retention, and key opportunities for sustainable, green development.Criticality can be seen both in terms of the short term reduction of threats and risks as well as interms of longer term redevelopment and transformation of vulnerable areas.