News from the Conservation Council for Hawai`i Special Issue! Volume 66, Issue 4 - Fall 2016 Volume 67, Issue 1 & 2 - Winter & Spring 2017

Sheila Sarhangi View of the western pali (cliff) of Nihoa from Hikianalia. Photo by Brad Ka‘aleleo

Leatherback turtles the size of a Obama expanded the boundaries of was established by President George W. Volkswagen Beetle. Laysan ducks, once Papahānaumokuākea to 200 nautical Bush in 2006. For example, 24 species of widespread around the Hawaiian miles around the existing monument, whales and dolphins occur outside of the Archipelago. Black coral 4000 years old, with the exception of the southeast original protection area. Three of these the world’s oldest organism. These are boundary, for a total of 583,000 square species are listed under the Endangered just some of the 7,000 remarkable species miles, an area more than twice the size Species Act as threatened or endangered: found in Papahānaumokuākea Marine of Texas. sperm whales, fin whales, and sei whales. National Monument. Why was additional protection needed? Moreover, the expanded monument In August 2016, in response to a Recent scientific studies show that now safeguards more than 75 seamounts, movement led by Hawai‘i stakeholders species found within Papahānaumokuākea known as underwater volcanoes or – from kūpuna to conservationists, local have geographic ranges that go beyond mountains. These features form biological fishers, and scientists – then-President the 50 nautical-mile protection, which hotspots that provide habitat for a wide continued on page 4 U.S. Hosts IUCN World Conservation Congress for the First Time! Lorraine Garnier

The International Union for and successful international gathering was Conservation of Nature (IUCN) held based at the beautiful Hawai‘i Convention its first-ever World Conservation Center in Honolulu 10 days last September, Sylvia Earle and Lorraine Garnier. Photo Congress in the United States, and and featured formal voting sessions for courtesy of Lorraine Garnier Hawai‘i was the chosen location to IUCN members, presentations, art, bring together several thousand leaders music, culture, food, workshops, field Sylvia Earle; Senior Vice-President for and decision-makers from government, trips, informal cafes and discussions, Oceans at Conservation International citizen organizations, indigenous peoples, Aulani Wilhelm; and businesses, and academia. The goal of Polynesian Voyaging Society the congress was to combine efforts to Master Navigator Nainoa conserve the environment and harness Thompson – to discuss the solutions nature offers to global climate, fisheries, by-catch, challenges. ocean acidification, and other Conservation Council for Hawai‘i and critical issues affecting all island many others worked for over 5 years to nations. Sylvia Earle said, “The bring the congress to Hawai‘i. The inspiring expanded Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument is a place where even the fish are Matt Rand and Senator Brian Schatz. Photo by safe. What a concept!” Jonee Peters The second half of the congress was receptions, and educational booths. spent at the IUCN Members Assembly, I exuberantly attended to help man in which Marjorie Ziegler, Julie Leialoha, the colorful CCH and National Wildlife and I participated as CCH’s official voting Federation shared booth in the Exhibition, delegation. We discussed, and voted on which gave me a window into all the work motions, IUCN programs, IUCN that CCH does. More than 20 CCH staff commission chairs, and the annual and volunteers kept the popular booth open budget. Topics such as High Seas for the duration of the congress. Protections; Adoption, Education and On the evening of the opening Integration of Women and Children in reception, then-President Obama Conservation; Protections of Primary stopped in Honolulu on his way to Forests; and Closure of Domestic Markets Midway Atoll to announce his decision for Elephant Ivory were among dozens of to expand the boundary of issues for discussion and action. Papahānaumokuākea Marine National One motion dear to my heart was Monument to 200 nautical miles around Increasing Marine Protected Area most of the existing monument – a goal Coverage for Effective Marine Biodiversity many of us had been working toward for Protections calling for the protection of many months last year. Celebration was approximately 30% of the oceans by in the air! 2030. This motion was adopted by the I had the pleasure to attend IUCN voting members, although many educational sessions, including “Actions countries agreed during discussions that for a Sustainable Ocean,” a high-level it was probably not enough protection for Calley O’Neill and her Rama Exhibition. event with distinguished individuals – our oceans to withstand climate change. Photo by Marjorie Ziegler such as world-renown ocean scientist Kōlea • 2 Denise Antolini and Calley O’Neill’s Rama Exhibition. Photo by Marjorie Ziegler

Jonee Peters and Debra Evans at the CCH-NWF booth. Photo by Kathleen King

Marjorie attended a negotiation floor, IUCN members rejected several session to try and reach consensus on motions to regulate the sale of elephant elephant ivory – should sales be banned ivory, and voted instead to close domestic altogether or should sales be regulated? markets to elephant ivory. CCH and others No consensus was reached, and on the passed a state law banning wildlife trafficking in Hawai‘i in 2016, and this IUCN motion was especially meaningful. CCH also introduced a successful emergency motion at the congress, calling for Klaus and Yoshiko Radtke. Photo by immediate action to save Hawai‘i’s native Marjorie Ziegler forest . On the last day of the congress, I realized the immense privilege to have had the opportunity to not only represent CCH and Hawai’i – but to actually sit alongside the immensity of our world’s people who came here from over 200 countries with the collective hope of protecting our natural resources. These individuals represented millions of people working hard everyday, risking their lives in some cases, to maintain the diversity, ecology, and beauty of our planet. CCH and NWF staff front row left to right: Marjorie Ziegler, Jonee Peters; back row: Bruce Stein, Simon Hall, Les Welsh, David Katrena Kennedy and Les Welsh. Photo by Burns, and Barbara Bramble. Photo Marjorie Ziegler courtesy of NWF Kōlea • 3 Galapagos sharks at Maro Reef. Photo courtesy of NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries range of plant and communities. including Conservation Council for and expanded by former presidents, Recent expeditions to these deep-sea Hawai‘i, are now back in the trenches to such as Giant Sequoia National ecosystems have yielded new species on defend the monument. In April, President Monument in California. nearly every survey, including the world’s Trump ordered a review of recent marine In response, advocates have been hard largest sponge found at 7,000 feet and the monument designations and expansions at work to defend Papahānaumokuākea. size of a mini-van. created since 1996 under the Antiquities To date, more than 10,000 Hawai‘i Obama’s designation also elevated Act, including Papahānaumokuākea. residents, and thousands of additional the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to a Trump has tasked the Secretary of supporters across the world, have Monument Co-Trustee position, rightfully Interior and the Secretary of Commerce submitted petitions to the Trump placing the Native Hawaiian voice at the to review the need for these vital administration with a strong message to highest level of decision-making in the protections. The review is part of a leave Papahānaumokuākea’s protections governance of Papahānaumokuākea. larger effort that could lead to the in place, with the justification that the Despite this success, many in the reduction of more than two-dozen science backed the need for more Expand Papahānaumokuākea Coalition, monuments and sanctuaries designated protection, the expansion was widely supported by Hawai‘i stakeholders, and the Obama administration sufficiently consulted stakeholders for their input on the boundaries. What’s yet to be determined is if President Trump has the legal authority to rescind monuments established under the 1906 Antiquities Act. Some say he does not have that kind of power and this will likely be tested in court. At press time, the coalition is awaiting the administration’s decision.

Expand Papahānaumokuākea Coalition members front row left to right: Narrissa Spies, Sheila Sarhangi, William Ailā, Sol Kaho‘ohalahala, Isaac “Paka” Harp; back row: Coti-Lynne Haia, Dr. Bob Richmond, Matt Rand, Seth Horstmeyer, Kawika Riley, Hoku Cody, and Ekolu Lindsey. Photo courtesy of Sheila Sarhangi Kōlea • 4 Fun at the 2016 Annual Awards and Membership Meeting Wayne Tanaka Photos by Christopher McDonough

On October 22, 2016, members and approval) our new board members Anne off dinner with an assortment of decadent supporters of the Conservation Council Walton, Rachel Sprague, and Les Welsh. artisanal chocolate truffles, fruits, and nuts for Hawai‘i joined special guests from handmade by award-winning Choco the National Wildlife Federation and le‘a, a repeat supporterof CCH. the office of Senator Brian Schatz for As conversation and laughter filled an evening of delicious food, music, and the room, Kevin Chang and members thought-provoking presentations at the of the locally beloved band Kupa‘āina Japanese Cultural Center in Honolulu. (check them out!) closed out the night The CCH 2016 Annual Awards and by serenading us with their nolstagic Membership Meeting capped off a year of renditions of familiar local hits. particularly historic events, including the Although last year’s meeting will be convening of the International Union for hard to beat, we are already hard at work Conservation of Nature World planning this year’s meeting. Please mark Conservation Congress at the your calendars and join us as we reflect Hawai‘i Convention Center, and Senator Brian Schatz, recipient of CCH’s on the challenges and accomplishments of 2016 Honu Award. Photo courtesy of Brian then-President Obama’s expansion of Schatz 2017 and recognize conservation leaders. Papahānaumokuākea Marine The 2017 CCH Annual Awards National Monument, which became One of the many highlights of the and Membership Meeting will take the largest (at the time) marine evening was the presentation of the CCH place on October 21, 6-9:30 p.m. preserve in the world. CCH was a Honu Award to United States Senator at the Japanese Cultural Center of strong supporter of the efforts leading up Brian Schatz, accepted by Senior Policy Hawai‘i Mānoa Ballroom in to these proud moments for Hawai‘i and Advisor Dale Hahn, for the Senator’s Honolulu. We look forward to the United States, along with a number of strong support for the expansion of seeing you there! Please contact us meeting attendees including NWF, The Papahānaumokuākea. William and for more information: (808) 593- Pew Charitable Trusts, and Expand Melva Ailā of Wai‘anae, O‘ahu 0255 or [email protected]. Papahānaumokuākea Coalition. presented the award, and joined Accordingly, there was much cause to Uncle Sol, CCH Administrator celebrate that night. Jonee Peters, and Expand organizer Uncle Sol Kaho‘ohalahala of Lāna‘i Narrissa Spies in a few rousing Island graciously opened the meeting with rounds of I Kū Mau Mau, an a Hawaiian ‘oli (chant) to welcome guests ancient Hawaiian call-and-response and set the tone for the evening. NWF chant of solidarity still used today (as President and CEO Collin O‘Mara evidenced by the many local attendees followed with a humorous and hopeful who joined in the response). keynote address highlighting the power We enjoyed a delicious dinner of of coordinated advocacy between NWF Hawaiian food including tender and and its affiliates, such as CCH, to juicy kalua pork, mouth-watering influence decisions in Washington, D.C., poke (raw and seasoned fish), and better ensure the protection of public savory-sweet he‘e lū‘au (octopus lands and natural resources. Members cooked with leaf and coconut and guests then bid a fond farewell to milk), chicken long rice, lomi salmon departing board members Julie Leialoha, (a mixture of salmon, onions, and Ryan Belcher, and Rick Barboza, and tomatoes), fresh pineapple, steamed sweet potato, and poi. We topped Dale Hahn, Senior Policy Advisor welcomed (with a unanimous vote of for Senator Brian Schatz Kōlea • 5 2016 Annual Awards and Membership Meeting cont.

Rick Barboza and Julie Leialoha

NWF President and CEO Collin O’Mara Sol Kaho‘ohalaha

We extend our gratitude to all of Nature Conservancy of Hawai‘i; Jim Scott, Scott Hawai‘i; Laurie Sumiye; the volunteers, donors, and guests who Franklin, Sunshine Arts Gallery; Che Edward Masa Tanaka; Patricia made our annual meeting so special. Frausto, AWE (Advance Wildlife Tummons, Environment Hawai‘i; Vim Education); Jenny Gapusan, Body Fix; ‘n Vigor Kaua‘i; Michael Walther, Annual Meeting VIP Table Hosts David K. Hayes, The Art of David K. O‘ahu Nature Tours; Lynette Williams; Celeste Yamanaka, Patagonia; Aimee Julie Leialoha, National Wildlife Hayes; David Helvarg, Blue Frontier; Yessis, Kona Brewing Company; Federation, The Pew Charitable Jennifer Homcy, Foundwood; Jack Marjorie Ziegler; and Robert Zuckerman, Trusts, Mary Valenti, Jane Yamashiro, Jeffrey, Jack Jeffrey Photo; John and Lisa Kahumana Café and Marjorie Ziegler. Johnson, One Breath Photo; Wendy Johnson, Hawai‘i Audubon Society; Annual Meeting Volunteers Auction, Country Store, and Door KAHEA: The Hawaiian-Environmental Prize Donors Alliance; Lizabeth Kashinsky; Kaua‘i Juice Catherine Caine, Christopher Evans, Co.; Kapua Kawelo; Ed Kenney; KIKO Diane Gabriel, Karin Gill, Eileen Christine Ahia; Alexandra Avery, The Simple Goods; Kong Lung Trading; Joe Herring, Diego Holmgren, Angela Scent Atelier; Ruthie Belden, Maui Jim Lazar, Hale‘iwa Joe’s; Charles Littnan Huntemer, Dana Jones, Annette Sunglasses; Heidi Bornhorst; Paul and Friends, Hawaiian Monk Seal Kaohelaulii, Kathleen King, Sharon Carson, Patagonia; Patrick Ching, Recovery Program; Caren Loebel-Fried London, Barbara Mayer, Javier Mendez, Naturally Hawaiian; Erica Collins; and Neil Fried; Richard Palmer; Brook Alyssa Miller, Soren Nelson, Maia Sabrina Collo and Stefano Cianfrini, and Drena Parker, HawaiianAtArt; Presley, Bill Sager, Lynn Sager, Karen Sabrina’s Restaurant; Puhi and Mendy Maile Sakamoto, Hawai‘i Potters Guild; Turner, and Les Welsh Dant, Fair Wind Cruises; Mark Fox, The Sam’s Ocean View Restaurant; Mike Kōlea • 6 2016 Annual Awards and Membership Meeting cont.

Kent Salazar, NWF Western Vice Chair, and Dorothea Doyel

Diego Holmgren, Sharon London, Collin O’Mara, and Rachel Sprague Krishanti Vignarajah

Artisinal handmade chocolates by Choco le‘a

Melva and William Ailā, Jr.

Front row: I‘a, middle row: Ka ‘O‘o, back row: Rick Barboza, Alex Connelly, and Caren Loebel-Fried

Ka ‘O‘o Barboza, I‘a Barboza, and Ami McNeil with keiki crafts

Les Welsh and Collin O’Mara Lorinda and Kawika Riley Sol Kaho‘ohalahala and Seth Horstmeyer A Special Mahalo William and Melva Ailā; Denise Antolini; Kevin Chang and Kupa‘āina; Jim Franklin, Sunshine Arts Gallery; Dale Hahn, Office of Senator Brian Schatz; David Hayter, Valenti Print Group; Seth Horstmeyer, The Pew Charitable Trusts; Helga Jervis, Helgaraphics; Sol Kaho‘ohalahala; Caren Loebel-Fried; Collin O’Mara and Krishanti Vignarajah; Kent Salazar and Dorothea Doyel; and Les Welsh Kōlea • 7 High Court Hears The case – which turns on the legal interpretation of what types Aquarium Trade Case of actions fall within HEPA’s Summer Kupau-Odo reach – is now before the Hawai‘i Supreme Court. The high court In October 2012, Conservation Council heard oral argument on March for Hawai‘i, along with divers, cultural 30, 2017 and actively questioned practitioners, and others including the attorneys in a hearing that Rene Umberger, Mike Nakachi, Ka‘imi went overtime. Kaupiko, Willie Kaupiko, The Humane Society of the United States, and Center for Biological Diversity – all represented by Earthjustice – brought a legal action in state court to protect Hawai‘i’s reefs from the aquarium trade’s unlimited, industrial-scale extractions of fish and other wildlife for private profit. The citizens and conservation groups High mortality rate of yellow challenged the Hawai‘i Department of tangs and other fish in the Land and Natural Resources’ (DLNR’s) Yellow tang, a popular fish in the aquarium trade. aquarium trade. Photo by Teri Photo by Mel Malinowski Leicher practice of rubberstamping dozens of commercial aquarium collection permits The plaintiffs have stressed the purpose Management Area, DLNR expressed each year without any environmental of HEPA is to ensure discretionary agency concern over the drastic decline of the review, as the Hawai‘i Environmental decision-making is informed and third most heavily collected species by the Policy Act (HEPA) mandates. transparent, and have argued DLNR aquarium trade, the achilles tang, stating cannot blindly issue aquarium collection “monitoring data suggest there should permits without HEPA review and then be concern for the sustained abundance unilaterally declare the aquarium trade of this species.” Whether DLNR must causes “no harm” to the environment. finally examine this and other impacts In fact, DLNR has acknowledged such of the aquarium trade on Hawai‘i’s reefs harm exists. For example, in its December before issuing permits depends on the 2014 report to the 2015 Hawai‘i state decision by the Hawai‘i Supreme Court. legislature regarding the effectiveness of At press time, the plaintiffs are awaiting the West Hawai‘i Regional Fishery a decision by the high court.

Coexisting with Wildlife Conservation Council for Hawai‘i is Would you like to provide a book to Marjorie Ziegler honored to partner with naturalist and a favorite school or library, or provide award-winning artist Patrick Ching on books for an entire district or island? If the Coexistence Project. Patrick is so, please contact us at 808 593-0255 making his book Honu and Hina A Story or [email protected] for more of Coexistence available to schools and information. Please kōkua and help us libraries across the state. For a donation spread the important message of peace of $20 to CCH, we will send a copy of and coexistence. If you mail a donation Patrick’s book to a 4th grade classroom or to support the Coexistence Project, please a school/public library. Your donation to indicate that your donation is specifically CCH is tax-deductible, and will help us for the project. educate school kids about the importance Mahalo nui loa to Patrick for his love of sharing our island home with wildlife. of wildlife, commitment to conservation, Patrick wrote this book to make kids and generosity. To learn more about the aware of our native seals and turtles and book and Patrick’s artwork, art classes, their history in Hawai‘i. The book will workshops, and exhibits, please visit help children see their role in deciding the www.patrickchingart.com.

Photo courtesy of Patrick Ching future of the living Earth. Kōlea • 8 Disney Conservation Fund Grant to Protect Endangered ‘Alae ‘Ula Charles van Rees

The Keawāwa and ‘Alae ‘Ula (Hawaiian gallinule) Conservation and Research Project was awarded a $25,000 grant from the Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) earlier this year. Project partners include Tufts University, which is conducting the research; the Livable Hawai‘i Kai Hui, which owns and stewards ‘alae ‘ula habitat at its Keawāwa Wetland in Maunalua, East O‘ahu; and the Conservation Council for Hawai‘i, which is engaged in community outreach and events. The Disney grant supports ‘alae ‘ula conservation on three critical fronts: ‘Alae ‘ula at Keawāwa Wetland. Photo by Mardi LaPrade ecological research, active management, and public engagement under the availability and connectivity for ‘alae ‘ula, islands. The primary cause of decline has leadership of Charles van Rees, an advisory and conducting educational and outreach been loss of wetland habitat. ‘Alae ‘ula ecologist for Livable Hawaiʻi Kai Hui and activities culminating in a special can be identified by their distinct fire-red Ph.D. candidate at Tufts University who celebration of World Day in frontal shield and yellow bills. has been working with the ‘alae ‘ula for 4 February 2018. Because ‘alae ‘ula live in small, isolated years, and Elizabeth Reilly, President of The ‘alae ‘ula nearly went extinct habitats on O‘ahu, it is important that they the Livable Hawai‘i Kai Hui. in the 1960s, but the establishment of are able to move between these habitats Project partners are learning more protected reserves by federal and state to keep their populations healthy. Recent about protecting this endangered governments supported a partial recovery. research shows that ‘alae ‘ula use wet waterbird and teaching the next generation Half of the world’s 600 ‘alae ‘ula now areas such as streams, drainage ditches, to mālama and care for Hawai‘i’s natural live in these protected wetland areas on and small wetlands as corridors to get treasures. Partners are writing a wetland the island of O‘ahu. First listed as an from place to place. Features such as enhancement plan, restoring Keawāwa endangered species in 1967, it is currently these are especially important in urban Wetland with native plants and removal found only on Kaua‘i and O‘ahu areas where most wetland habitat has of invasive plants, increasing habitat because it went extinct on all other been lost. Restoring habitat at Keawāwa Wetland will result in approximately 1.5 acres of high quality habitat for the ‘alae ‘ula, and the goal is to work with other land managers to restore an additional 3 to 5 acres of habitat throughout O‘ahu. The ‘alae ‘ula has a special place in Hawaiian culture. The shy waterbird is known in Hawaiian mythology as the trickster who stole fire from the goddess Pele, and was then tricked into revealing its secret to the Hawaiian demigod Maui. It was the favorite of Maui’s mother Hina, and it was the bait Maui used when he fished the Hawaiian Islands up Charles van Rees and ‘alae ‘ula. Photo courtesy of Charles van Rees from the ocean floor. Kōlea • 9 Flying Like a Seabird in the Wind

Manu o Kū. Photo by Eric VanderWerf

Kathy Muneno As we walk across the ‘Iolani Palace canoe in the opposite direction to find the grounds toward the three large white island. If you see it in the evening, follow tents filled with activity, we notice a that bird! small crowd gathered just outside the For today, at the 2nd Annual Manu o tents, under a tree, looking up, staring. Kū Festival, this gorgeous and important We detour from the bustle, drawn to the bird becomes more. It becomes familiar, silence. My 8 year-old daughter Puana we grow closer to this bird revealed in so and I step up, our eyes lift up, no idea many different ways by so many experts, what we are gazing at because we can’t agencies, and organizations under these see anything but branches. Then quietly tents, engaging all our senses. We grown- we hear, “There. There it is. Way up ups find a wealth of information – verbal, there!” A small white bird, to whom this written, in video and song – and children, day is dedicated, is perched high above like Puana and her friend, make Manu her (or his) domain – a Manu o Kū. o Kū crafts, draw them, color them, Puana has long known about the eat them (in the form of a cookie), wear Manu o Kū as a beautiful white bird them (in the form of a hat and a mask), that soars high above our home. She bring them to life (as a finger puppet), also hears stories from her navigator and on and on. They are engaged and father Nainoa of how the Manu o Kū Puana Thompson. Photo by Kathy Muneno joyful for hours, long after I leave for helps guide Hōkūle‘a and other voyaging dipping its wings, then as the sun begins work and Nainoa arrives to take over. canoes to land. He would tell her and her to set, how it rises high above the water And by the end, Puana becomes a Manu twin brother Na‘inoa of how the Manu o and hones in on its island home. So, they o Kū flying like a seabird in the wind. Kū flies out to sea at sunrise to fish, how understand, if it’s morning and you see beautifully it glides low over the ocean a Manu o Kū flying, guide the voyaging Kōlea • 10 Celebrating Kū’s Bird! Jonee Peters On May 20, 2017, hundreds of bird lovers gathered at the Coronation Lawn of ‘Iolani Palace to once again celebrate the Manu o Kū (white tern) – the official bird of the City and County of Honolulu and an indigenous bird associated with the Hawaiian god Kū. Participants enjoyed educational activities, games and prizes, crafts, a native species costume contest, a spotting scope, bird tours, entertainment, snacks, refreshments, and sweet treats from Meadow Gold Dairies of Hawai‘i. Mahalo nui loa to everyone for making the festival such a success!

Brooding Manu o Kū. Photo by Rich Downs Hula Hālau Nā ‘Ōpio A Me Nā Kūpuna O Ko‘olau. Photo by Lara Perrin

NWF Ranger Rick leading the costume contest parade. Photo by Keiki scoping Manu o Kū nest. Photo by Lara Perrin Lara Perrin Festival Partners Aloha ‘Āina Conservation Fund - Honolulu Zoo; American Bird Conservancy; Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum; Center for Biological Diversity; Conservation Council for Hawai‘i; Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife; DLNR Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Project; Expand Papahānaumokuākea Coalition; Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge; Hawai‘i Audubon Society; Hawai‘i Nature Center; Hawai‘i Wildlife Center; Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary; Hawai‘i’s Thousand Friends; Hui Manu o Kū; Kapi‘olani Community College Ecology Club; Meadow Gold Dairies of Hawai‘i and Dean Foods; Nā Pueo; National Wildlife Federation; Pacific Rim Conservation; Polynesian Voyaging Society; Society of Conservation Biology Hawai‘i Chapter; The Friends of ‘Iolani Palace; The Outdoor Circle; The Wildlife Society Hawai‘i Chapter; and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Sponsors and Donors ‘Alalā Project; Alohahawaiionipaa.org; Christopher McDonough Photography; Festival partners; Helgaraphics; HPC Foods; Jeanie and Murray Kilgour; Kaua‘i Forest Bird Recovery Project; Keiki Kruisers; Klaus and Yoshiko Radtke; Laura Thompson; Meadow Gold Dairies of Hawai‘i and Dean Foods; Mignardise; Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture; Patagonia; Samurai, Inc; Robert West Sound System; Special Event Equipment, Inc.; and The Friends of ‘Iolani Palace Kōlea • 11 From the Executive Director Marjorie Ziegler of Nature World Conservation Congress and all they do for the ‘āina. in Hawai‘i. Beginning in January of this We are currently recruiting new CCH Aloha, everyone. year, CCH tracked and testified on more members. You, our loyal members, Mahalo nui loa for than 50 bills and resolutions relating to supporting the Hawaiian wildlife and the environment. Conservation We have much to do before the 2018 Council for session, including networking with Hawai‘i. We are progressive organizations and building grateful for your coalitions. kōkua. CCH is a small organization, We thank all of you who continue and your donation goes a long way and to support our work in so many ways. makes a positive difference. We hope you We also thank the Laurence H. Dorcy will renew your membership or make a Hawaiian Foundation for a generous special donation to CCH today, so we grant to CCH to launch our “Habitat for may continue protecting Hawai‘i’s native Hawaiian Birds” project. We thank the flora and fauna on your behalf. Disney Conservation Fund for a grant Caring for the ‘apapane. Photo courtesy of the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project I apologize that it’s been a while since to protect the endangered ‘alae ‘ula (see you last received an issue of Kōlea. We article in this issue). We also thank the are key to our work. We couldn’t do it hope to get back on a regular newsletter Estate of Gordon H. Damon for a without you. If you have family members, mailing schedule in 2018, so you will be generous bequest presented to CCH by friends, or colleagues who support wildlife hearing from us more often. his nephew Hugh Damon. We thank conservation in Hawai‘i, please invite them Last year was an amazing year with Kim Miller and the Estate of Odette to join CCH, or better yet, buy them a gift then-President Obama expanding Cecile Rickert for a generous bequest to membership in celebration of the upcoming Papahānaumokuākea Marine National CCH. And mahalo nui loa to CCH winter holiday. Mahalo nui loa! Monument and the United States hosting members Hannah Kihalani Springer and the International Union for Conservation Ann Kobsa for their generous support

control non-native species. Hawaiian

‘Aole ! plants and are intertwined with Marjorie Ziegler Hawaiian culture. Perpetuation of the Since their introduction to the culture is contingent on species ability to Hawaiian Islands, three species – provide for Hawaiian material, intel- black/roof, Norway, and Polynesian/ lectual, and spiritual activity. Without Pacific – have decimated populations effective rodent control on a landscape of native plants and animals. Rats are Mōlī (Laysan albatross) trying to defend its nest. Photo by Mark Rauzon level, these valuable cultural and opportunistic feeders – they eat the natural resources may not be around for “Kepler (1967) reported that Polynesian rats adults, chicks, and eggs of seabirds, future generations. The status quo is not waterbirds, and forest birds; sea turtle destroyed the eggs of smaller seabirds and actually ate into the backs of incubating an option. We must not lose our unique eggs and hatchlings; and kāhuli tree Laysan albatrosses on Green Island at Kure Hawaiian environment and culture to snails. Both rats and mice compete Atoll. He observed more than twenty rats introduced pests. with native birds for plant seeds, fruits, feeding on a single albatross one night; and flowers, and harm native plants by the bird was dead the following morning.” stripping bark and eating stems. Source: Andrew J. Berger, Hawaiian , such as native crickets and Birdlife. University of Hawai‘i Press 1972. happyface spiders, make up a large proportion of the diet of rats and mice. On a larger scale, rats can change the species composition of native forests and other natural areas, thereby altering entire ecosystems. Endangered kāhuli tree snails eaten by Protecting Hawaiian plants, animals, rats. Photo courtesy of O‘ahu Army and ecosystems are our kuleana Endangered kāhuli tree snails. Natural Resources Program (responsibility). We need to do more to Photo by Nathan Yuen Kōlea • 12 CCH Members to Elect Board Members At this year’s annual meeting on October 21, 2017, Conservation Council for Hawai‘i members will vote on three candidates to serve on the CCH Board of Directors for a 3-year term.

Photo by Evan Tector Photo by Christopher McDonough Photo courtesy of Lisa Hinano Rey

Ju l i e Le i a l o h a St e v e n Le e Mo n t g o m e r y , Ph.D. Li s a Hi n a n o Re y Julie has served on the CCH Board Steven Lee Montgomery has been Lisa Hinano Rey is passionate about of Directors for many years, including as active in conservation issues in Hawai‘i protecting the precious cultural and president, vice-president, and treasurer. since 1970, especially with CCH. As a natural resources of the Pacific She is a graduate of The Evergreen field biologist and expert on Hawaiian Islands. She has conducted research State College, earning a Bachelor of entomology, he has discovered on the ecology of Hawai‘i and Raiatea, Science degree in Environmental approximately 30 previously unknown French Polynesia. She has engaged Science. Julie has over 35 years of insects and plants, including “killer” in environmental projects at several professional natural resource caterpillars, happyface spiders, and the levels, including policy, education, management experience in Hawai‘i. wēkiu bug. His work has been featured in outreach, regulation, and compliance, She served 6 years as a Hawai‘i National Geographic and Hana Hou, and he and through hands-on community- representative with the Western Pacific uses knowledge of Hawaiian forest life to based restoration. Her passion is driven Regional Fishery Management Council lead hikes and help CCH edit and publish by the beauty of Oceania, which (WESPAC). She has also served as a wildlife education posters. compels her to be a lifelong learner so conservation alternate representative on Steve served as vice-chair of the that she can help to preserve and protect the Papahānaumokuäkea Reserve Hawai‘i Land Use Commission and as a the land, the ocean, and the culture. Advisory Council (RAC) and is director of the National Wildlife Lisa works for Keala Pono Archaeology currently a member of the Hawaiian Federation. He also served on NWF’s and owns her consulting company, 4 Monk Seal Recovery Team. International Committee, which prepared Real Environmental. him to lead the push to host the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Honolulu in 2016.

Leave a Legacy Please make a bequest to the Conservation Council for Hawai‘i and help protect nature and Keep Them Singing for future generations. Your bequest can be as simple as the following statement in your will or trust: “I bequeath $____ (or ____ percent of my estate) to the Conservation Council for Hawai‘i.” Support our efforts to recover critically endangered Hawaiian plants and animals. Help protect our natural resources and perpetuate the Native Hawaiian culture. Help prevent invasive species from taking over our islands. Help us make sure government agencies and elected officials consider future generations in their decision-making. Your gift does all this and more. Consult your attorney and contact Marjorie Ziegler at 808 593-0255 or mz@conservehi. ʻAnianiau. Photo org for more information. Mahalo nui loa. by Jack Jeffrey Kōlea • 13 Women in Conservation Koalani Kaulukukui

More than 150 women conservation that each of the women committed to such as through mentorships and training leaders gathered in Shepherdstown, carry forward in our everyday lives to opportunities. West Virginia for the National Wildlife continually better ourselves and train It struck me that Hawai‘i is already Federation’s first-ever Women in new leaders. ahead of the United States in that Conservation Leadership Summit over We learned, discussed, and practiced Hawai‘i’s women seem to be at the fore- the weekend of March 17-19, 2017. Held leadership skills like “global listening,” front of environmental protection and at the National Conservation Training or listening by focusing on words, body conservation. Conservation Council for Center, the summit was filled with language, gestures, and tone to fully Hawai‘i is a strong example of this with inspirational and informative discussions, understand and be present in Executive Director Marjorie Ziegler at friendship and network building, and conversations with others. We sought to the helm, supported by Jonee Peters. I refreshing walks through the snow. understand how our social identity and extend a mahalo nui loa to each and Be 100% present . . . Speak your truth implicit bias shape our leadership styles every one of Hawai‘i’s women . . . Be proactive and offer solutions . . . and those around us, and to embrace conservation leaders for the important Stop asking permission . . . Reflect . . . our own personal and organizational work you do every day! Take up space. These were some of the strengths and realities to become better important concepts and themes that not leaders. We shared ways leadership roles only ran throughout the summit, but for women can be created and supported,

Kōlea • 14 Deanna Spooner Kolea News from the Conservation with our ‘Ō‘ō bird Council for Hawai‘i is published by tote bag. the Conservation Council for Hawai‘i, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to protecting ‘Ō‘ō bird water native plants, animals, and ecosytems bottle. for future generations. © 2017 Editor: Marjorie Ziegler Layout and Design: Dean Otsuki Printing: Valenti Print Group Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2923, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96802 Order Form Your purchase supports wildlife conservation in Hawai‘i. Mahalo nui loa! Office: 250 Ward Ave, Ste 215, (Prices include shipping and handling) Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96814 Amount Phone/Fax: (808) 593-0255 Quantity Enclosed Email: [email protected] ‘Ō‘ō Tote Bag – large market bag, black, made from Website: www.conservehi.org recycled plastic bottles ($20) ______$ ______Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ – matte black, 24-oz, food-grade ($25) ______$ ______Conservation.Council.for. ‘Ō‘ō Water Bottle President: Wayne Tanaka Plushies ‘Ākohekohe (crested honeycreeper) with sound ($15) ______$ ______Vice President: Koalani Kaulukukui ‘I‘iwi (scarlet honeycreeper) with sound ($15) ______$ ______Secretary: Rachel Sprague Kiwikiu (Maui parrotbill) with sound ($15) ______$ ______Treasurer: Les Welsh Nēnē (Hawaiian goose) with sound ($15) ______$ ______Director: Anne Walton Seal no sound ($10) ______$ ______Executive Director: Marjorie Ziegler Green sea turtle no sound ($10) ______$ ______Administrator: Jonee Peters Note Cards NWF Region 12 Director: Julia Reed Hō‘ailona monk seal cards – 8 art cards ($10) ______$ ______NWF Pacific Region Associate Director Monk seal and friends cards and Regional Representative: Les Welsh 8 different photo cards ($10) ______$ ______Donation to Conservation Council for Hawai‘i $ ______

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I am paying by ¨ Check # ______¨ Credit Card (Visa or Mastercard only) Please make check payable to: Conservation Council for Hawai‘i Credit Card # ______Expiration Date: _____/_____ Signature: ______Please allow 4 weeks for delivery. Mail this form to Conservation Council for Hawai‘i, P.O. Box 2923, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96802 Kōlea • 15 i Hawaiʻi’s Voice for Wildlife

‘ Non-Profit Kō Hawaiʻi leo no nā holoholona lōhiu Organization U.S. Postage Conservation Council for Hawai‘i PAID P.O. Box 2923 Permit No. 1229 Honolulu, Hawai`i 96802 HONOLULU Address Service Requested HAWAII

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You and your family and friends are invited to the Conservation Council for Hawai‘i ! 2017 Annual Awards & Membership Meeting

Saturday, October 21st 6pm – 9:30pm Mānoa Ballroom, Japanese Cultural Center 2454 South Beretania Street Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96826

$50 per person $1,000 VIP Table for 10

Purchase tickets or RSVP by Saturday, October 14th CCH: 808 593-0255 or [email protected] Photo: Kathleen Ho

Join us for a Hawaiian buffet, no-host cocktails, entertainment, silent auction, holiday gift sale, and door prizes. Celebrate the Year of the Hawaiian Monk Seal and this year’s conservation achievements and heroes.

Mai E Komo