University of Hawaiʻi Joins $25.6M AI Initiative to Monitor Disasters

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is set to play a crucial role in a new initiative, **Sage Grande**, backed by a **$25.6 million** grant from the **National Science Foundation (NSF)**. This project aims to enhance the monitoring of natural disasters through the deployment of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The initiative will install **300 smart sensor systems** across the United States, designed to provide faster alerts for events such as wildfires, floods, and volcanic eruptions.

By integrating AI directly into the sensors, the project allows for real-time analysis of environmental data. This innovation eliminates the delay typically experienced when information is sent to centralized servers for processing. As a result, communities, scientists, and policymakers will receive immediate updates about changing conditions, such as smoke from wildfires or unusual volcanic activity.

Hands-On Learning and Local Impact

Professor **Jason Leigh**, who directs the Laboratory for Advanced Visualization and Applications in the Department of Information and Computer Sciences at UH Mānoa, emphasized the dual benefits of this project. “By joining Sage Grande, UH is not only advancing disaster preparedness and environmental science, but also giving our students hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI,” he stated. The project will see the installation of two to three sensors in various locations across the Hawaiian Islands next year, with specific sites yet to be determined.

The UH Mānoa team includes experts such as **Chris Shuler**, **Han Tseng**, **Anke Kügler**, and **Tom Giambelluca** from the Water Resources Research Center. Their collective experience will be instrumental in deploying the technology effectively.

Building on Existing Technology

The university has already gained valuable experience with similar sensor technology. In **Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park**, a current-generation Sage sensor has allowed students to test generative AI tools that analyze real-time data from **Kīlauea**. This initial work has demonstrated how AI can assist in answering critical questions about volcanic activity, including whether eruptions are imminent.

On **Maui**, a similar sensor has been installed in **Lahaina**, an area that suffered devastating wildfires in **2023**. This sensor connects to the internet via satellite and is designed to monitor air quality and fire risks. Funded by a separate NSF grant, the Lahaina project also collects climate and pollution data to support recovery efforts and inform future planning. Local students are involved in the project, gaining practical experience in both environmental science and advanced AI.

Leigh highlighted the importance of this work, saying, “Imagine if Hawaiʻi had smoke sensors everywhere, just like we have smoke detectors in our homes. You can sleep better at night knowing that someone is paying attention to the environment.” His comments reflect a broader commitment to leveraging scientific capabilities for community benefit.

As the Sage Grande project progresses, it promises to enhance not only disaster preparedness but also the educational opportunities available to students at UH Mānoa. The initiative underscores a significant step towards integrating technology into environmental monitoring, ultimately aiming to protect lives and property in vulnerable regions.