WRRC serves the state of Hawaii as well as other Pacific islands and elsewhere by researching water-related issues distinctive to these areas. The University of Hawaii established WRRC in response to the Federal Water Resources Research Act of 1964 and the University's own Academic Development Plans. WRRC is Hawaii's link in a network represented in every state as well as Washington, D.C. and three U.S. territories. The centers are organized as the National Institutes for Water Resources.  Funding comes from University appropriations, from a small federal program administered by the US Geological Survey and in largest part from external grants and contracts. Currently, eleven faculty researchers, most of whom hold joint appointments with instructional departments, and several staff members join varying numbers of faculty and staff from other units of the UH system in research, service and education projects. The Information and Technology Transfer Office provides a TT specialist as well as a publications staff. As an independent research unit at UH-Manoa, WRRC reports to the Office of the Chancellor, and is thus well positioned to encourage the multidisciplinary research necessary to such a multifaceted resource. Since 1989, WRRC has been home to the UH Environmental Center, expanding its mission to include research and education in ecological relationships, natural resources and environmental quality, focused on people and social institutions. The Environmental Center also administers self-designed bachelor's degree and certificate programs in Environmental Studies.

Visit the Water Resource Research Center of Hawai'i website.