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In 1960, Kīlauea volcano in Hawaii erupted, destroying most of the village of Kapoho and forcing evacuation of its approximately 300 residents. A large and unprecedented social science survey was undertaken during the eruption to develop an understanding of human behavior, beliefs, and coping strategies among the adult evacuees (n = 160). Identical studies were also performed in three control towns located at varying distances from the eruption site (n = 478). During these studies data were collected that characterized ethnic grouping and attitudes toward Hawaiian cultural issues such as belief in Pele and two lava flow mitigation measures-use of barriers and bombs to influence the flow of lava, but the data were never published. Using these forgotten data, we examined the relationship between Hawaiian cultural issues and attitudes toward the use of barriers and bombs as mitigation strategies to protect Kapoho. On average, 72% of respondents favored the construction of earthen barriers to hold back or divert lava and protect Kapoho, but far fewer agreed with the military's use of bombs (14%) to protect Kapoho. In contrast, about one-third of respondents conditionally agreed with the use of bombs. It is suggested that local participation in the bombing strategy may explain the increased conditional acceptance of bombs as a mitigation tool, although this can not be conclusively demonstrated. Belief in Pele and being of Hawaiian ethnicity did not reduce support for the use of barriers, but did reduce support for bombs in both bombing scenarios. The disparity in levels of acceptance of barriers versus bombing and of one bombing strategy versus another suggests that historically public attitudes toward lava flow hazard mitigation strategies were complex. A modern comparative study is needed before the next damaging eruption to inform debates and decisions about whether or not to interfere with the flow of lava. Recent changes in the current eruption of Kīlauea make this a timely topic.

Hawaii has lost significant numbers of native flora and fauna resulting from introduced grazing animals, invasive flora, fire and a loss of habitat due to urbanization and agricultural use. Scientists believe that protecting these plants can be achieved by eliminating or reducing threats to native ecosystems, generating and maintaining genetic back-up and by outplanting. The Endangered Species Act and Acts 73 and 236 (State Law requiring the use of native Hawaiian plants in State funded projects) were created to protect rare and common native plants and increase the populations and public awareness of these plants. Two surveys and case studies were conducted to determine if and why landscape architects in Hawaii use native Hawaiian plants in their planting plans and to compare use in the public and private sectors. The findings show that the majority of landscape architects use native Hawaiian plants in their planting plans as a result of Acts 73 and 236. Unavailable plant material, unestablished maintenance requirements and difficulty selecting plants for a site are constraints faced by landscape architects that may inhibit their use of native plants. / Master of Landscape Architecture