Makena Coffman

Makena Coffman is a Professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning within the College of Social Sciences at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. She concurrently serves as Director of the Institute for Sustainability and Resilience and holds a Research Fellow position with the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization (UHERO).

Her academic credentials include:

• PhD in Economics, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
• B.A. in International Relations with minor in Economics, Stanford University

Professor Coffman specializes in regional economy-environment modeling with expertise in energy and climate policy. Her research focuses on greenhouse gas reduction strategies, renewable energy planning, low-carbon transportation systems, and sea level rise response mechanisms. Current work assesses regulatory frameworks for clean energy transitions in Hawai‘i and analyzes socioeconomic impacts of coastal inundation, providing critical insights for island community resilience.

Her publication record demonstrates consistent thematic focus on economic dimensions of sustainability challenges. Key research trajectories include electric vehicle adoption dynamics, renewable energy integration economics, and climate adaptation policy effectiveness, predominantly using quantitative modeling approaches within Hawai‘i's unique island context. This work bridges environmental science and policy implementation through rigorous economic analysis.

She received the College of Social Sciences Teaching Award in 2011 for her pedagogical excellence.

Professor Coffman instructs graduate courses including Urban Economics (PLAN 603), Environmental Policies and Programs (PLAN 620), Climate Change and Energy Security (PLAN 625), Research Methods (PLAN 650), and Planning Practicum (PLAN 751). Her mentorship extends through thesis supervision in the Master's and PhD programs in Urban and Regional Planning, with research emphasizing practical sustainability solutions for Pacific island communities.

As Director of the Institute for Sustainability and Resilience, she leads interdisciplinary teams developing climate adaptation strategies, while her UHERO affiliation facilitates economic impact analyses of environmental policies. These roles position her at the nexus of academic research and real-world sustainability implementation across Hawai‘i and the Pacific region.