Hawai‘i Coral Reef Initiative (HCRI)
Based on the premise that social science provides a critical foundation for the long-term sustainability of natural resources, the Hawaiʻi Coral Reef Initiative (HCRI) provides invaluable expertise supporting management and education related to our islands’ marine environment. HCRI’s mission is to advance statewide capacity for long-term, sustainable management of coral reef ecosystems. With a mauka-to-makai approach, HCRI provides research, evaluation, facilitation, monitoring, training, and education in partnership with the State of Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).
Since 1998, HCRI has connected hundreds of early career professionals, graduate and undergraduate students, and established researchers and resource managers with this mission. Since its inception, the program has served state and federal agencies responsible for managing coral reef ecosystems through training the next generation of management-oriented coral reef social and natural science.
Main Office
2424 Maile Way
Saunders Hall 719
Honolulu, HI 96822
Michael Hamnett
HCRI Principal Investigator
Serving as the HCRI principal investigator since its inception in 1998.
Christina Higa
HCRI Principal Investigator
Joined HCRI as a principal investigator in 2022.
Kristine Davidson
HCRI Program Director
Leading and managing HCRI program and staff since 1998.
Charissa “Risa” Minato
Program Administrator
Coordinates and supports the management of the HCRI research program and staff.