UHERO

Kimberly Burnett

A market analysis for a transfer of development rights program to facilitate sea level rise adaptation

A market analysis for a transfer of development rights program to facilitate sea level rise adaptation

May 26, 2026

Sea level rise (SLR) poses an immense challenge to coastal communities worldwide. In Hawaiʻi, retreat from the shoreline is necessary to preserve beach ecosystems. Transfer…

Native Forests as Critical Infrastructure: The Economic Case for Watershed Management in the Ala Wai

Native Forests as Critical Infrastructure: The Economic Case for Watershed Management in the Ala Wai

May 26, 2026

By Conrad Newfield, Yu-Fen Huang, Yinphan Tsang, Emma Yuen, Leah Bremer, Kimberly Burnett, Nathan DeMaagd, Jean Fujikawa, Nate Dube, Serene Smalley, and Erin Bishop Take…

Economic Impact of the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services on the State of Hawai‘i in Fiscal Year 2024

Economic Impact of the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services on the State of Hawai‘i in Fiscal Year 2024

October 21, 2025

The Department of Environmental Services (ENV) provides essential wastewater and solid waste services for the City and County of Honolulu, and its operations and capital…

Cost-Effective Invasive Species Management: Biocontrol in Hawaiʻi Delivers High Return on Investment

Cost-Effective Invasive Species Management: Biocontrol in Hawaiʻi Delivers High Return on Investment

September 29, 2025

By Conrad Newfield, Christopher Wada, and Kimberly Burnett Read the full report. Growing Threats to Hawaiʻi’s Forests and Industries Hawaiʻi’s native ecosystems and agricultural economy…

Economic Benefits and Costs of Biological Control: Coffee Berry Borer, Erythrina Gall Wasp, and Fireweed in Hawai‘i

Economic Benefits and Costs of Biological Control: Coffee Berry Borer, Erythrina Gall Wasp, and Fireweed in Hawai‘i

September 29, 2025

This report evaluates the economic costs and benefits associated with biological control efforts targeting three invasive species in Hawai‘i: coffee berry borer (CBB, Hypothenemus hampei),…

Watershed Protection Provides Strong Return on Investment on Kaua‘i

Watershed Protection Provides Strong Return on Investment on Kaua‘i

March 20, 2025

By Conrad Newfield, Nathan DeMaagd, Christopher Wada, Kimberly Burnett, and Leah Bremer Read the full report. Kaua‘i’s native forests play a vital role in sustaining…

Return on investment for watershed protection on Kaua‘i

Return on investment for watershed protection on Kaua‘i

March 20, 2025

Native forests provide many societal benefits, including protecting freshwater resources that provide drinking water and sustain culturally, economically, and ecologically valuable springs, streams, and groundwater…

Construction Defect Litigation, Housing Affordability, and Homeownership in Hawai‘i

Construction Defect Litigation, Housing Affordability, and Homeownership in Hawai‘i

March 10, 2025

Hawai‘i faces a severe housing shortage, driven by high costs and regulatory barriers that hinder new development. One emerging factor is the rise of construction…

Considerations for understanding water availability in West Maui

Considerations for understanding water availability in West Maui

January 21, 2025

This piece intends to highlight some of the inherent tradeoffs that make managing water in West Maui especially challenging. In particular, subtracting current/authorized use from…