The state Department of Land and Natural Resources and the University of Hawai'i Sea Grant College Program will host a series of free workshops to discuss coastal hazard mitigation planning in light of the tragic tsunami in the Indian Ocean last year.

According to state officials, the Islands remain vulnerable to coastal hazards such as hurricanes, erosion and tsunamis. With rapid coastal development, there is a growing need for coastal hazard awareness and mitigation in Hawai'i.

"The workshops provide a unique forum for open discussion of coastal development hazards, problems and solutions and will explore some of the consequences of the current coastal development practices," said Sea Grant coastal geologist Dolan Eversole.

As part of the workshops, Dennis Hwang will discuss his new book, "Hawaii Coastal Hazard Mitigation Guidebook."

The workshops will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on these dates and at these locations: