Regional
The regional scale examines West Maui from the coast to the peak of the mountain, analyzing the natural systems that flow mauka (mountain) to makai (sea). At this scale, the thesis maps rainfall patterns, stream networks, the historic ditch system, sea level rise projections, and topographic constraints to identify where development is feasible and where natural systems must be preserved.
Drawings at this Scale
Water Collection Hinterland
Map showing water capture zones above the highway reinforcing the historic ditch system
Resilience Drivers & Community Anchors
Precedent diagram tracing disaster recovery drivers and urban community-anchor strategies that inform the Lahaina proposal
Composite Regional Analysis
Combined systems map identifying developable edges and constraint zones across West Maui
Rainfall Distribution
Rainfall gradient map showing precipitation from 400 inches at summit to 12 inches at coast
Streams & Ditch Systems
Map of natural stream network overlaid with historic plantation ditch infrastructure
Regional Topography — Mauka to Makai
Topographic map of West Maui showing coast-to-peak elevation and building footprints
Sea Level Rise Projections
Projected coastal encroachment scenarios from 2040 to 2300 along Lahaina's coastline
Water Zones — Mauka to Makai
Diagram showing water capture and distribution zones from mountain to coast
Sections
Abstract
Thesis scope, methods, and broader implications for disaster-resilient urbanism.
The Four-Buffer Framework
Coastal, riparian, peri-urban, and water collection zones forming the backbone of the recovery plan.
Contribution & What's Next
How this thesis advances post-disaster urbanism and what remains to be done for Lahaina's recovery.
Dedication & Acknowledgements
Dedication to the Island of Maui and affected communities worldwide.
Environmental Analysis
Water systems, rainfall patterns, streams, and sea level rise projections for West Maui.
Key Terms & Definitions
Core terminology used throughout the thesis, including Hawaiian language terms.
Literature Review & Research Methodology
Theoretical frameworks informing the thesis and the iterative multi-scalar design methodology.
Multi-Scalar Diagnostic
A framework analyzing Lahaina from regional to neighborhood scale to identify intervention points.
Research Questions & Hypotheses
Five primary questions framing the investigation into Lahaina's recovery.
Resilience Drivers - Global Precedents
How post-disaster recovery has failed and succeeded in New Orleans and Kobe, and what transfers to Lahaina.
Results & Discussion
Evaluating the recovery framework against the five hypotheses and assessing feasibility, scalability, and limitations.
Water System - Zone by Zone
The five water capture and distribution zones from mountain hinterland to coast, with specific strategies for each.