University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Joins $25.6M AI Initiative for Disaster Monitoring

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa will take a prominent role in a new initiative funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) aimed at enhancing disaster monitoring through advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology. With a budget of $25.6 million, the project, named Sage Grande, plans to deploy 300 cutting-edge sensor systems across the United States. These sensors will monitor environmental conditions and provide rapid alerts for natural disasters, including wildfires, floods, and volcanic eruptions.

Sage Grande represents a significant shift in how environmental monitoring is conducted. By integrating AI capabilities directly into the sensors, data can be analyzed instantaneously at the site of collection. This innovation allows communities, researchers, and policymakers to receive quicker updates on critical changes, such as smoke from wildfires or unusual volcanic activity, without the delays associated with transmitting data to central servers.

Advancing Disaster Preparedness

Jason Leigh, director of the Laboratory for Advanced Visualization and Applications in UH Mānoa’s Department of Information and Computer Sciences, emphasized the importance of this initiative for both disaster preparedness and educational opportunities. “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. This project ensures that Hawaiʻi remains at the forefront of technological innovation in areas vital to public safety.

The University plans to deploy two to three of these advanced sensors across the Hawaiian islands next year. The specific locations for these installations are yet to be determined. Leigh will lead a team of researchers, including Chris Shuler, Han Tseng, Anke Kügler, and Tom Giambelluca from the Water Resources Research Center at UH Mānoa.

Building on Existing Technology

The University has previous experience with similar technology. In Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, students have utilized a Sage sensor to test generative AI tools that analyze real-time data from Kīlauea. Their research has already demonstrated how AI can assist in answering crucial questions, such as determining whether an eruption is in progress.

Additionally, a similar sensor has been installed in Lahaina, which connects to the internet via satellite. This system is programmed to monitor air quality and fire risks in an area affected by the 2023 wildfires. Funded by a separate NSF grant, the Lahaina project collects climate and pollution data to support recovery efforts and inform future planning. Local students are also involved, receiving practical training in both environmental science and advanced AI techniques.

The Sage Grande project is poised to reshape disaster response protocols and enhance the safety of communities across the country. By leveraging AI technologies, the initiative aims to provide timely and actionable information, ensuring that residents are better prepared for the challenges posed by natural disasters.