Identification of Erosion Hotspots and Erosion Watchspots Erosion hotspots are areas where coastal erosion has threatened shoreline development or infrastructure. They are existing management challenges. Erosion hotspots can be restored, but restoration will require substantial economic resources. Erosion watchspots are areas where the coastal environment will soon be threatened if shoreline erosion trends continue. A potential conflict between the desire to protect property and the desire to maintain the beach resource exists at erosion watchspots.
Lost beaches are a subset of erosion hotspots.
Lost beaches lack a recreational beach, and lateral shoreline access is very difficult-if not impossible. It is essential to recognize these existing and potential erosion problem areas when planning developments or redevelopments, regulating structures, and considering prospective areas for coastal protection or beach nourishment projects. A list of preliminary hotspot and watchspot erosion areas appears in Table 2. Preliminary Erosion Hotspots, Watchspots, and Lost Beaches for Maui.