SIERRA CLUB
Cherish the Earth JOURNAL OF THE SIERRA CLUB, HAWAI`I CHAPTER
A Quarterly Newsletter January - March 2010
Planting Native! Bold Policy Proposals Hey Mr. Green! Nate’s Adventures! National Ocean Policy Task Force Guest Entering the new year, Looking for ways to columnist what bold and realistic save the environment? Long-time Sierra Club Rick policy proposals can we Check out our advice volunteer Dave Raney Barbosa promote in order to column on short, easy describes the mission of SAVE A TREE! writes ensure a greener tips that you can use to the National Ocean about the Hawai`i? Learn about help save the Policy Task and some Receive your Malama the issues the Sierra Club environment. This Join Nate Yuen as he of the current electronically by going distribution, care, and is advocating month suggests how to describes a recent hike recommendations to cultural use of the native be green and save some along Wailuku River. being proposed. www.hi.sierraclub.org Ho`awa. Page 5 green! Click the link below Pages 8 - 9 Pages 10 - 11 “Email My Newsletter” Page 3 Page 6
private homes. Sandy areas -- where children build sand castles and Preserving sunbathers get “tan” -- are increasingly scarce and usually quite crowded. Sandy Hawai`i coastlines are dynamic. Beaches erode or accrete depending upon their location on the coast, their Beaches proximity to various things such as piers, sandwalls, the impact of storms, etc. Anyone who buys beachfront A Proposal to Protect Hawai’i’s property is made aware of the fact that Beaches for Our Keiki boundaries between private property and the public easement may shift over by Robert D. Harris time. This is an inevitable risk - just the same as someone buying property and Growing up in Kailua, I recall being able building a house in a floodplain, in an to run up and down the entire length of earthquake zone, or near a volcano -- Lanikai beach. To my chagrin, a that people should understand before significant portion of this pristine beach they invest money in developing that has disappeared in the past decade or so. Are sandy beaches in our future? Photo by area. To laterally access the entire Lanikai flicker user Mattsims under a creative coastline, you now must hop along sand commons license. There is a tension between public and bag revetments installed to “protect” Continued on page 4
The Sierra Club, Hawai`i Chapter, is Hawai`i’s largest grassroots environmental advocacy organization SIERRA CLUB
F ROM THE D IRECTOR’ S D ESK Go green and we’ll plant a tree in your name. Sometimes I’m asked why the Sierra Club engages in advocacy -- including controversial lobbying and litigation -- instead of focusing solely on environmental education?
First, let me stress the Sierra Club’s strong environmental education efforts. John Muir charged the Club to take people into the outdoors and let them see for themselves the beauty of the wild. The Club is actively fulfilling this mission (see Mark Glick’s column on page 7, for example). We lead hikes and service projects throughout the state on a weekly basis. This doesn’t include the numerous speaking opportunities, tabling events, and educational programs we participate in throughout the year.
But the Club recognizes education, by itself, does not always solve some of the tough problems Hawai`i faces. For example, like a lot of other people growing up in Hawai`i, I was taught about the values of reducing, Make a statement with recycling, and reusing our waste. And yet, until 2005, Hawaii’s recycling rates were around 20%. Only one out your next bank statement. of five bottles were being recycled. Education alone simply wasn’t doing enough. To help restore Hawaii’s native forests, CPB has partnered with Hui K¯u Maoli Ola and Papahana Kuaola, two Significant change did not occur until a policy change -- organizations dedicated to protecting and perpetuating the bottle law -- was passed as a direct result of the Sierra Hawaii’s unique natural resources. Customers who Club’s lobbying efforts. Within one month, Hawai`i’s switch their paper statements to free online statements recycling rates improved to around 75%. Since 2005, will have a native Hawaiian tree donated in their name. Hawaii has recycled nearly four billion beverage Take a small step for the environment today, enroll containers. Yes, that’s 4 billion containers. an existing CPB account in online statements or visit centralpacificbank.com to find the right checking Obviously we can’t lead Hawai`i to a green future account for you. without education. But consistent and sustained change sometimes needs policy changes. That’s where the Sierra Club’s efforts make a difference. We try to find game- changers that incentivize “good” behavior while discouraging non-sustainable actions. It’s one of the things that separates us from other environmental 544-0500 toll-free: 1-800-342-8422 organizations. While sometimes our efforts lead to centralpacificbank.com controversy, we fundamentally believe positive change Planting offer through 1/31/10. One plant per account enrolled. sometimes requires a little pushing.
Hope to see you on the trail,
Robert D. Harris Member FDIC
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Inside are numerous reddish-black seeds which totally stand out against the bright orange inner surface of the seed capsule. by Rick Barboza
Distribution: This plant is only found on the Ho’awa island of Hawai’i but throughout the leeward Pittosporum hosmeri side from Kohala to Ka’u in mesic forests.
Cultural Uses: There isn’t much known about this plant from a cultural point of view but in nature it is interesting to see the seed capsules when they become ripe. At this point they open up and fold back, exposing the bright orange inner surface and dark seeds within. This is to attract birds that feed on the oily seeds and help the plant with seed dispersal. In fact this is one of the favorite foods of the nearly extinct Hawaiian crow the ‘alala.
Landscape Uses and Care: Easily one of the nicest foliage plants native to Hawaii these plants do great in full sun to partial shade in well drained soil with little to moderate watering. The foliage along with the unique form of the flower clusters and stunning seed capsules make this an extraordinary plant. If left alone to grow it will be a large bush but full of foliage from bottom to top. Few pests bother this plant once it is established in the ground but prior to that happening watch out for mealy bugs, scale and the formation of sooty mold. If you notice these pests on the plant you can Endemic: Hawai`i Island Only simply treat it with a store bought pesticide and fungicide being sure to follow the directions on Description: These are usually small trees up to the bottle carefully. Right now beautiful about 20-25 ft. tall with long tear-drop shaped specimens of this plant in three gallon pots are leaves. The young leaves as well as the available at Hui Ku Maoli Ola native plant underside of the more mature leaves are usually nursery for $40. covered with minute, golden-brown hairs. Their flowers emerge as “manapua” shaped clusters Additional Info: This plant also goes by the which protrude right out of the stems. Once name ha’awa, a’awa, a’awa hua kukui. The pollinated, they develop into large nut shaped latter name ‘a’awa hua kukui probably stems capsules that are almost cubicle in form and from the fact that this plant’s fruit (hua) about three inches long and 1-2 inches wide. somewhat resembles that of a kukui nut.
Rick Barboza co-owns Hui Ku Maoli Ola, a native Hawaiian plant nursery, with Matt Schirman. Contact him at 295-7777 [email protected]
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Preserving Sandy Beaches This ensures the property owner assumes beach. As we learn more about climate Continued from page 1 the risk of coastal erosion instead of the change and the risk of sea level rise, it’s private interests. While most are government or the public at large. not unfathomable to envision a Hawai`i empathic to private property owners who where sandy beaches are relatively rare could potentially lose property as a result The possibility that a property owner and highly overcrowded. of a storm or coastal erosion, we should might have to move their structure also recognize the public is significantly becomes a known and specified risk. The The status quo will also impact our impacted by the loss of beach access as a owner can factor this possibility in pocketbook. Private property owners result of beach walls or having to deciding whether to start construction, in will likely look to the government to subsidize property owners through evaluating the value of the property, or in protect their coastal structures, provide emergency response during storms, planning for eventual contingencies compensation for lost or damaged government removal of debris left over (such as through purchasing tailored properties, and the eventual cost of from the destruction of private property, insurance policies). repairing and moving public utilities. and so on. Such a cost could be catastrophic and For example, a owner contemplating a occur at the same time that Hawai`i’s Addressing the tension between public possible “move” of a structure might elect tourism suffers a downturn. Waikiki, for and private interests is a question of to build using a post and beam style of example, brings in hundreds of millions careful planning. If, as a condition of construction. An owner not considering of dollars into Hawai`i’s economy each development, a private property owner is the possibility of movement would likely year. And yet who would visit Waikiki if asked to acknowledge the risks involved pour a concrete slab (a relatively there was no beach? with building near the shoreline, the immovable object). public could transfer the risk of coastline The ultimate question is: if we know the The current status quo puts too much of hazards to the private property owner. risk of building near the coastline, the risk on the public. The construction For example, the private property owner shouldn’t we transfer these risks to the of sea walls or even “temporary” could be asked to ensure a minimum individuals who are obtaining the “gain” revetments (on Kaua`i one temporary setback between his structure and the of building near the shoreline instead of revetment has been in place for over a dynamic shoreline. If the ocean “moves” the public? If so, we should act now decade) simply escalates the loss of sand more mauka (landward), then the before we’re suffering from the impacts and eliminates the public’s access to property structure should move as well. of climate change.
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No New Dirty Fuel Plants While we’ve come miles in establishing policy directing the development of new renewable energy, we’ll only realize a green energy future if we stop building new “dirty” fossil fuel plants. Hawaii is the most dependent state in the nation on imported oil. Some 50 million barrels are imported annually, nearly 80% of which originate from foreign sources. In addition, over 805,000 tons of coal are imported into our state. These sources provide power for over 92% of Hawaii’s electricity generation. The combustion of these resources also contributes over 23 million tons of climate changing greenhouse gas into our atmosphere annually. We need to prohibit the development of large, new fossil fuel plants while bringing onboard renewable energy sources. Controversial? It shouldn’t be. No one realistically projects Hawai`i’s future to lie with fossil fuel. New plants will last for at least another forty years. If we’re serious about moving to renewable energy, we need to stop building new “dirty” fossil fuel plants.
Food and Energy Security (“Fossil Creating a small “fee” on imported oil is a smart tax-shifting policy designed to foster greater food and energy independence. It taps the source of our problem to fund our preferred future. It Fee”) has the additional benefit of putting Hawai`i’s money to work here on the islands instead of sending it off to the Middle East.
Plastic Bag Fee Plastic bags cost residents in Hawai`i hundreds of thousands of dollars annually and permeate the environment for generations to come. Consider: •Plastic bags contribute to litter and pose a consistent threat to avian and marine life in Hawai`i -- the endangered species Capitol of the world; •Plastic bags are manufactured from a nonrenewable, polluting resource (oil); •Plastic bags contribute to a growing trash problem on all our islands; •Americans throw away nearly 100 billion plastic bags each year; and •Only 0.6 percent of plastic bags are recycled. Two counties, Kaua`i and Maui, have enacted bans on plastic bags. For those of us that live in less enlightened counties, one way to minimize the use of plastic bags is to ensure the cost of the bag is seen at the front end and not hidden in food costs or property taxes. A nickel fee for each plastic bag creates an incentive to avoid the use of plastic bags and creates a visible economic value for those previously “free” bags. A fee works better than a rebate inasmuch as we’re more motivated to avoid the loss of money (regardless of amount) than incentivized by a small reward. Clean Energy For All Upfront costs can be a deterrent towards the installation of clean, renewable energy systems. Many people would be delighted to have a photovoltaic panel or solar hot water heater on their home, but are unable to qualify or find reasonable loans. In order to tackle this problem, counties on the mainland have started something called “Property Assessed Clean Energy,” which allows residents to finance clean energy and pay for the expense over time through their property taxes. This is a win-win proposal. Government has minimal risk because the bonds are backed by real property liens on the home. The homeowner is able to enjoy the benefits of a clean energy system and reduced electrical bills. Overall, we all lower our dependence on foreign oil and carbon dioxide production. CFL Mercury Reporting and CFL bulbs do a terrific job in reducing our electricity consumption and CO2 production. That being said, they do contain small amounts of mercury that we’d rather not have in our landfill. Recycling Accordingly, it’s logical to require the reporting of mercury levels (some CFL bulbs are better than others) and require sellers to take back the used bulbs where there are no convenient recycling centers nearby. For example, Home Depot currently takes back old CFL bulbs, but what about people who don’t live near a Home Depot?
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Hey Mr. Green, Should I turn off my computer at night or put it to “sleep”? —Dave in Bozeman, Montana
Unless you have software or network hookups that require your PC to be on constantly, turn that sucker off. The sleep mode cuts energy use by 70 percent, but using the off switch reduces it even more—and turning off the power strip stanches the flow entirely. (Please don’t confuse power saving with screen savers; though the latter may feature a heartwarming picture, they do not save energy.) Since computers in the business sector alone waste more than $1 billion worth of electricity a year, it’s surprising that more fuss isn’t made about these simple steps.
Some people believe that restarting the computer each time you return consumes a significant amount of energy, but it’s really not enough to worry about. Think about it, if these devices actually required as much power to boot up as some believed, circuit breakers would be snapping like castanets and you’d be flamenco dancing back and forth to the fuse box instead of sitting there typing out pertinent questions to Mr. Green. It’s also rumored that turning a computer off and on repeatedly hastens its demise. This is simply not true. Even if it were, obsolescence would likely kill off your machine first. And when your desktop PC is put to sleep—permanently—consider replacing it with a laptop, which uses a lot less power.
Hey Mr. Green, I would like to encourage my son-in-law to turn off the lights when he leaves a room. To do that, I would have to show the cost benefit. Can you help? —Ruth in Watertown, Massachusetts
In olden times, a household authority figure would say, “Turn the lights out,” and that would be that. But today’s contentious whippersnappers apparently need a detailed financial analysis before flipping the switch. Fortunately, the math is on your side. Electricity rates are based on the number of kilowatt-hours consumed (1 kilowatt equals 1,000 watts). All you have to do to find the daily cost of operating a light bulb is multiply its wattage by the number of hours it burns, then multiply that by the kilowatt-hour (kWh) rate printed on your utility bill and divide the result by 1,000. To summarize: (hours used ¥ watts ¥ rate) / 1,000 = daily cost.
So if a 100-watt bulb burns for ten hours a day, and the power company charges ten cents a kilowatt-hour, it costs a dime a day to keep lit. That’s about $3 per month, or $36 per year. Leaving a half dozen bulbs burning would waste more than $200 per year.
If your son-in-law turns off the lights and puts the annual savings into an account that draws 5 percent interest, in ten years he will have about $2,650, a nice little sum he could invest in some booming alternative energy company.
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by Mark Glick
Sierra Club Environmental Education
The Sierra Club Hawai‘i Chapter has an impressive history of fostering environment education in Hawai‘i through our service trips to restore natural areas and hikes for children and adults. This can be traced back to the Spring of 1970 when Lorin Gill initiated the state’s first High School Hikers Program, a successful Sierra Club program that has produced numerous environmental leaders. It’s altogether fitting that Lorin received national recognition for his pursuit of environmental education in Hawai‘i when he received the Sierra Club Special Achievement award in 1976. This award goes to the Sierra Club member, Club group, chapter, or committee for strong and consistent commitment to conservation or the Club over an extended period of time. Robert Keane continues to ably lead the High School Program today.
Today, the Hawai‘i Service Trip Program and the High School Hikers Program are among the core services we provide to our Hawai‘i Chapter members and the broader public. Each of our groups, Maui, Kauai, Moku Loa, and O‘ahu offer hikes and service trips throughout the year. Janice Marsters works with other volunteers throughout the state to organize service trips Western Wilderness that really make a difference in controlling or eradicating alien or invasive Conference 2010 species or restoring a cherished campsite or trail. You can find these Join wilderness enthusiasts from outings and service trip opportunities under Quick Links on the homepage all over the Western states April of our Chapter website www.hawaii.sierraclub.org and within our quarterly 8-11, 2010 on the campus of U.C. Mālama newsletter. Berkeley in the San Francisco Bay Area. Some 800 participants will Take it from me, there is nothing more rewarding than to spend a weekend gather to focus on the role of wild on a service trip to an incredibly remote and beautiful place like hiking into lands in an era of global climate Haleakala Crater to help with alien plant control. In many cases, it’s the change and on how to win new first time that a child was introduced to Hawai‘i’s native species or was allies for preserving wild places. given the opportunity to camp under the stars and observe the Plenary sessions, dynamic speakers, constellations in one of the best viewing places on earth. That’s why the and intensive workshops will help Sierra Club Hawai`i Chapter is re-dedicating itself to expansion of these connect wild places with climate outstanding programs. change and offer training on how to advocate effectively. Films, music, In the new year, the Executive Committee and our vast volunteer network fun, networking, join us! Go to will be engaged in crafting new strategies to build a staff position to www.westernwilderness.org for coordinate these activities and build a stronger network of schools and more information and for “early strategic partners who share our love of the land and water and desire to bird” online registration. Some protect it for the benefit of future generations. We hope you’ll want to be scholarships available. Questions? involved in this exciting campaign. Please contact myself at Contact Vicky Hoover (415) [email protected] or Robert Harris, Chapter Director, at 538-6616, 977-5527. for more information or to get involved. See you on the trails!
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Rivers are especially vulnerable to invasive For the next species because the water way provides an 2 miles we easy way for them to spread, like the dreaded hiked gently gorse next to the fallen tree in the photo by Nate Yuen downhill above. The upper reaches of Wailuku River along a dirt pass through pasture lands over-run with road which nasty thorny gorse. Rain cut through flushes their seeds into the river and a forest distributes them downstream. dominated WAILUKU RIVER by ohia Exotic fishes, such as these golden sunfish or lehua trees. talapia were originally set free at the mouth Except for of the river in Hilo. They multiplied, I hiked along the middle reaches of Wailuku the grasses spread, and established themselves up River, the largest river in Hawaii which flows and weeds the farthest reaches of the river. Invasive 26-miles down the slopes of Mauna Kea into alongside the road, the vegetation was almost species run rampant in both directions in the Hilo Bay, to see the plants and animals that entirely native. We crossed a small stream Wailuku watershed. live halfway up the river. Wailuku River that flowed across the road and navigated begins as a trickle at the 10,800 foot level of around a number of deep puddles in the Mauna Kea and increases substantially in road before reaching Wailuku River at a volume as it drains the Hilo watershed. The point half-way up its 26-mile length. water volume at the mouth of Wailuku River averages 275 cubic feet per second When we reached the river, I was reminded making it the biggest river in terms of water that the geological history of Mauna Kea volume the second longest river in the included torrential rainstorms that scoured a Hawaiian Islands behind Kaukonahua river bed 50 to 100 feet wide in the lava Stream on Oahu. rock.
But native plants and animals live in Wailuku River as well. When we saw an ohia tree with scores of red lehua blossoms, we scrambled down a slippery cascading waterfall to get a closer look.
The unexpected thing about this ohia tree is that its red lehua flowers dangle over a small stone beach along the river creating an From Hilo, we drove up the Saddle Road idyllic scene. (Hwy 200) about a quarter mile past the 13 mile marker. We pulled over along a curve For the rest of the time — except when the in the road and made a sharp right button occasional rain storm hits – the river flows hook turn down a lava road that headed in gently down a series of waterfalls, pools, the opposite direction. Several lava roads rapids and meanders. As the river makes its turn off from the Saddle Road along this way down stream, ground water contributes stretch, but only one has a right button hook to the flow and the river grows turn. considerably in volume.
After parking the car alongside a lava road with utility poles and lines overhead, we set off on foot hiking down a lava road for several hundred yards before making a 90 degree left turn onto a dirt road.
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Each turn along the river brought a new surprise like this ohia shrub growing After making our way down a few meanders, alongside a pair of waterfalls at a mountain we came across a 20 foot waterfall that pool. plunged into the biggest and deepest pool we had yet seen.
While exploring a ledge overlooking the pool, I was thrilled to see a pulelehua or Kamehameha Butterfly (Vanessa Tameamea) After emerging below the cliffs and pool, we about 3 inches across sunning itself on a continued downstream to see what was rocky ledge over the mountain pool. around the next turn in the river.
When pools and/or cliffs blocked the way, we climbed up out of the river bed into the native forest along the banks and emerged at a point further downstream. Hapuu tree ferns, ohia trees, and other native plants thrive along the banks of the waterway.
Also known as Lepelepe o Hina, the Kamehameha Butterfly was just adopted by the State of Hawai`i as the official State Insect. It is one of just two species of butterfly endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. When the wind direction changed and the clouds began to drop their moisture, we turned around to climb upstream and return the way we had come. As we made our way back out I reflected on While making my way through a forest of the great beauty we had seen at Wailuku hapuu tree ferns, I was thrilled to see a River – truly a magnificent place to visit. native mint (stenogyne calaminthoides) with cute little pink flowers growing as an epiphtye on the tree ferns.
Nathan Yuen is an artist/photographer /naturalist whose body of work is a confluence of hiking, conservation, and fine art photography. Each weekend you can find him hiking, backpacking or kayaking to out-of-the-way locations to photograph Hawaii’s native plants and animals, many of which are rare or endangered. His goal is to showcase these biological treasures to give you a reason to protect them for future generations. Nathan has a website at HawaiianForest.Com where you can see his art and read about his adventures.
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by Dave Raney, Chair of the Sierra Club from many NGOs, including the Sierra measures to prevent environmental Coral Reef Working Group, Marine Action Club, requesting action by the Obama degradation.” Team Administration on the recommendations of the Pew Ocean Commission and the Coastal and ocean marine spatial On a sunny afternoon September 29, U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, and planning is of increasing importance as 2009, a fascinating mix of several for action on the emerging threats posed interest in offshore locations for wind hundred folks from around the Islands, by climate change, sea level rise, and turbines and other alternative energy representing many viewpoints, gathered changes in the Arctic Ocean ecosystem. facilities is growing. On the other end of together in the dimly lit, air-conditioned The letter included a comprehensive set the fossil fuel spectrum, there are Pikake Room of the Blaisdell Center. of recommendations, most of which increasing pressures on states to expand They came to listen to, and offer their appear to have been adopted by the Task exploration and production of oil and gas views on, the proposals being discussed Force in their Interim Report dated (the Drill Baby Drill drumbeat) in the by the Ocean Policy Task Force September 10, 2009. outer continental shelf and elsewhere. appointed by former Hawai’i resident, The push by the National Oceanic and Barack Obama. Among those making The Interim Report of the Interagency Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) the sojourn to Honolulu was Chapter Ocean Policy Task Force embraces many to promote open ocean aquaculture is of Vice-Chair Lucienne DeNaie from concepts supported by the Sierra Club particular concern to the Hawai’i Maui. Lucienne was also among those and other conservation groups. These Chapter, as well as Chapters and Groups presenting her views to the Task Force, include an overall responsibility to act as in other coastal regions of the country. as did Hawai`i Chapter Director Robert responsible environmental stewards who The recent decision by the National Harris, and Dave Raney of the Club’s will protect, maintain, and restore the Marine Fisheries Service, under NOAA, Marine Action Team. health, productivity, and resiliency of to accept a Fishery Management Plan ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes for Marine Aquaculture in the Gulf of Typical of President Obama’s approach ecosystems, following a comprehensive Mexico, has raised concerns among the to important issues, the Task Force was set of principles to be followed. Those Chapters and Groups along the Gulf given a bold and ambitious set of tasks to principles include managing and coast, as has the recent decision by the perform. His memorandum issued June conduction policies, programs, and State Board of Land and Natural 12, 2009 gave the Task Force 90 days, activities of the United States so as to Resources to grant a long-time lease for until September 10, 2009 to develop (1) prevent or minimize adverse open ocean aquaculture off the Kona a national policy for stewardship of our environmental impacts to the ocean, our coast. oceans, coasts, and the Great Lakes, (2) a coasts, and the Great Lakes ecosystems framework for policy coordination of and resources, including cumulative Another major impetus for coastal and efforts to improve stewardship of the impacts, and to ensure and improve their marine spatial planning is the need to oceans, our coasts, and the Great Lakes, integrity. The principles also include key mitigate impacts from rising sea levels, and (3) a plan for implementing the concepts such as preservation of and to deal with the related issue of objectives of the national policy. The biological diversity, promotion of coastal erosion. Sierra Club Groups from Task Force was given 180 days, until resiliency, use of adaptive management, South East Florida to Hawai’i are December 9, 2009, to develop a and decision making guided by use of encountering numerous projects for framework for effective coastal and the precautionary principle. The latter is “beach nourishment,” and other marine spatial planning. stated as follows: “where there are threats approaches for dealing with present and of serious or irreversible damage, lack of projected future impacts of climate The impetus for creation of the Ocean full scientific certainty shall not be used change and rising sea levels. Marine Policy Task Force included a joint letter as a reason for postponing cost-effective spatial planning can also lead to marine
10 ● January - March 2010 Mālama I Ka Honua HAWAII CHAPTER zoning, and the granting of long-term between the federal agencies and state, leases for use of public trust resources. territorial, and local entities. The history The devil will be in the details of marine of cooperation among the Pacific zoning. There need to be adequate islanders, and the existing regional safeguards to assure that permitted uses structures in place under the Coastal of public resources by private entities are Zone Management programs and the environmentally sound and provide U.S. Coral Reef Task Force was noted. sufficient public benefits. The next steps for the Task Force will be At the Honolulu public meeting there completion of their work on coastal and was a significant turnout of persons marine spatial planning, and expressing concerns from the perspective development of an implementation plan. of the Native Hawaiians. I’m not sure “Blue” NGOs are encouraging President how many of the DC panelists were able Obama to incorporate the Ocean Policy to grasp the mana‘o expressed by the Task Force recommendations in an kupuna imploring them to malama the Executive Order to be issued in early ‘aina, but they certainly should have 2010. This would be followed in time by gotten the message that these folks were legislative actions as needed to upset at what has happened to their adequately fund and implement the islands over the past millennium. Some national Ocean Policy. Blue NGOs will speakers also asserted that Native be conducting various events to gain Hawaiians still have sovereignty over public support for the Ocean Policy much of the lands considered to be a package, including a “Wear Something State of the United States, since the U.S. Blue for the Ocean Day on January 13, Congress has acknowledged that the 2010.” Although the Task Force public overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in meetings produced good support for the 1893 was illegal. Other speakers traced work of the Task Force, the intent of the their lineage back many generations and Wear Blue January 13 and similar events noted the role of Native Hawaiians as and activities, will be to provide visible stewards of the lands and ocean, and the support for President Obama to sign a source of traditional knowledge about strong Executive Order. These events are fisheries and other natural resources. needed to counter the opposition coming from oil and gas interests, some Overall, speakers appeared to recognize recreational fishing groups opposed to the need for a national Ocean Policy and marine protected areas, conservatives support for the framework provided in fearing any perceived expansion of the the Interim Report, provided that it role of government, and other interest recognizes the distinct characteristics of groups fearing restrictions on their uses islands and island cultures, and the need of coastal and ocean areas. for a true partnership relationship To learn more about the work of the Ocean Policy Task Force, visit the White House Council on Environmental Quality website at: http:// www.whitehouse.gov/administration/ Want to receive eop/ceq/initiatives. To learn more your Malama electronically? about Sierra Club’s Marine Action Team Visit www.hi.sierraclub.org activities you may contact me at and click on link [email protected]. before the “Email My Malama” sign.
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Intrepid Oahu Group hikers tackling the Aiea Loop Trail under the leadership of Randy Ching.
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Manuka Reserve
We’ll stay here Green Sands Beach
The Sierra Club, Oahu THE WORK FOR THE All trip participants are subject to WEEKEND. We will be working with approval by the leaders based upon Group is planning another NARS (Natural Area Reserve System) the participants experience, fun-filled 3-Day Service eradicating noxious weeds or Project to the Big Island. planting native plants. For more info on NARS, you can visit their February 12-15, 2010 Sierra Club Service Projects website at www.dofaw.net/nars This trip will require a provide an excellent opportunity for NOT JUST ALL WORK ! On environmental volunteers to Friday Night Departure our free day we will probably hike experience unique places that are out to Mahana Bay (Green Sands with a Monday Evening usually Beach) and enjoy a swim. closed to return. the public. $ COST OF TRIP $ The cost of the trip is $85.00 and covers Kiolaka’a food, accommodation, and disposition, and physical condition. Ranger transportation on the Big Island. Deposits will be returned to anyone Station Participants are responsible for their not accepted. will be our home away from home for own airfares. Upon approval by the the weekend. The house is located just To apply for this trip, please leader, they will be informed which a few miles away from South Point. contact Deborah Blair at 955-4168 or airfares to purchase. email : [email protected].
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O`ahu Group Outings Information panoramas of Kawainui Marsh and Koolau vistas. Stan Oka 429-9814, Clyde Sunday, February 7 See Page 12 for General Outings Information Kobashigawa 262-6092 Ka'au Crater (E/F) 6 mi/Strenuous/Valley/Ridge/Palolo Unless otherwise stated in the outing description, Saturday, January 23 Hike up a ridge and partway around the rim participants meet at 8:00 am at the back porch of the Work'n-Learn with Ka`ala Farm in Kalaeloa of a little known and stunning tuff Church of the Cross roads, 2510 Bingham Street, Honolulu. Do not leave your car in the church parking (S/C) crater. Richard Bailey 723-2213 lot. Learn about and help preserve a population of the endangered `Ewa hinahina at the February 12-15. 3-Day Service Project. USFWS Kalaeloa Unit. We will be Manuka, Big Island. We will be working Sunday, January 3 eliminating weeds and planting native plants with NARS and staying near South Point. Kuaokala (C/F) at this site so please wear covered shoes (no Contact Deborah Blair 955-4168 for more 8 mi/Moderate/Ridge/Makaha slippers) and work clothing. Tools, gloves info or see page 13. Reservations required by December 23. This is a provided. Meet in the large parking lot near great hike along the Waianae Range that provides the intersection of Lexington Ave. and Saturday, February 13 wonderful views of Makua Valley and west Oahu. Yorktown St. (behind Subway Sandwiches MCBH Kaneohe Bay Service Project (S) Not for those uneasy about heights. Gwen and across from the Kalaeloa Post Office) at 1 mi/Moderate/Coast/Kaneohe Sinclair 753-0528, Randy Ching 942-0145 8:30 a.m. We will carpool to the site. For Reservations required by April 8. Because more info, contact Bruce at MCBH is a secured military facility, we must Saturday, January 9 [email protected]. Ed Mersino 223-5765, provide your name to the base in advance, Ala Wai Boat Harbor Cleanup (S/C) Arlene Buchholz 988-9806 and we will send you a waiver, which you Meet at 8:00 am at the Harbor Master's Office, must bring with you. Coordinator: Annette between the 3rd and 4th row of boats behind the Sierra Seminar: Campbell Wildlife Refuge Kaohelaulii 235-5431. Leader: Jen Harper Ilikai Hotel. Park in street stalls or public lot ewa (E) of Hilton lagoon. Wear sturdy shoes with 1 mi/Easy/Kahuku Saturday, February 13 gripping soles and bring a hat, thick rubber This field trip to learn about wetland birds Oahu Invasive Species Committee Service gloves, sunscreen, and water. All participants requires you to make a reservation with the Project (S) under 18 must have a waiver signed by their legal leader ahead of time. You will find out the What: Fountain Grass control work guardian to participate. Please contact the leader time and meeting place once you make the Where: Lanikai Trail + BBQ. for the waiver. NO SLIPPERS, closed toe shoes reservation. A deposit will be required. This hike is moderate and along a ridge. only. Deborah Blair 955-4168 There is a limit of 25 participants, so call early Bring goodies for a rewarding BBQ at Kailua to ensure a spot. Don't miss this easy, Beach after. Meet at the Church of the Sunday, January 10 interpretive trip to see native Hawaiian water Crossroads parking lot. In order to join the Hauula-Papali (F) birds and migratory birds who spend the work trip, please RSVP by Thursday Feb. 11 7 mi/Moderate/Contour/Hauula winter at this refuge. Annette Kaohelaulii to [email protected] or 286-4616. All This unusual hike takes us on a double loop 235-5431 participants will be required to sign a waiver. through the forest. Sherine Boomla 527-8034, What to bring: Take along more water than asst. Roxanne Villanueva Sunday, January 24 you think you will need--at least 2 quarts. Sunday, January 17 Kaluanui Ridge (F) Please bring gloves, sunhat, sunscreen, rain 4 mi/Moderate/Ridge/Hawaii Kai jacket, long pants, long sleeves, and sturdy Beginner hike: Kawainui Marsh Levee (E/F) Hike along a windswept ridge. See walking shoes. No slippers allowed. Pack a Meet at Church of the Crossroads at 9 a.m. spectacular views of East Oahu as we climb hearty lunch and snacks because we will be Wear closed-toe shoes with good traction. Bring to the crest of the Koolaus above the working hard! a liter of water, snack and raingear. Sunscreen, Mariner’s Ridge development. Clyde hat, insect repellent recommended. For those Kobashigawa 262-6092, asst. John Sunday, February 14 who have not hiked in a long time or would like Shimogawa 227-9925 Kaiwa Ridge (F) to learn the basics of hiking. Randy Ching 2 mi/Moderate/Ridge/Kailua 942-0145, Clyde Kobashigawa 262-6092 Sunday, January 31 Scenic views from Makapuu to Kaneohe. Ihiihilauakea Crater (E) Car shuttle required. Clyde Kobashigawa Sunday, January 17 3 mi/Moderate/Ridge/Koko Head 262-6092, asst. John Shimogawa 227-9925 Photography Hike: Kawainui Dike Road and Na We may spot some humpback whales from Pohaku O Hauwahine (E/F) above Hanauma Bay as we make our way into Saturday, February 20 2 mi/Easy/Kailua a crater to view rare native plants. Stan Oka Poamoho Service Trip (S/C) Reservations required. The pace of photography 429-9814, Clyde Kobashigawa 262-6092, 3 mi/Strenuous/Contour/Wahiawa hikes is extremely slow. Flat, easy walk with asst. Robert Harris
14 ● January - March 2010 Mālama I Ka Honua HAWAII CHAPTER
Reservations required by Feb 14. Email Sierra Seminar: Kaunala West (E) few miles. Then follow the stream with about [email protected]. Maximum 9 5 mi/Moderate/Contour/Pupukea a dozen crossings. It gets challenging at the persons. Hike partway up the Poamoho Native plants are the highlight on this trail, end with a steep ascent to the Ko’olau summit contour trail through native koa/ohia forest to with beautiful views of central Oahu. Stan overlooking Ha’iku Valley and the Windward control invasive strawberry guava and Oka 429-9814, Clyde Kobashigawa 262-6092 side. We’ll see some petroglyphs and other manuka. Some off-trail hiking required, historical sites. Randy Ching 942-0145, and participants (18 and up) will use Sunday, March 7 Clyde Kobashigawa 262-6092, asst. John herbicides and need to sign a DLNR waiver. Koko Crater Stairs (F) Shimogawa 227-9925 Emma Yuen 366-4788, Randy Ching 2 mi/Strenuous/Ridge/Hawaii Kai 942-0145 Not for those with bad knees or a heart Old Pali Road Late Hike (F) condition. We will climb the 1000 plus stairs 4 mi/Moderate/Contour/Nuuanu Pali Sunday, February 21 1200 feet up to the top of Koko Crater where Meet at 1:00 p.m. in the parking lot at Pali Beginner hike: Koko Crater Botanical Garden hopefully we will see whales. Deborah Blair Lookout. Journey from the lookout along the (E/F) 955-4168 Old Pali Road, under Pali Highway, to a Meet at Church of the Crossroads at 9 a.m. modern trail that leads to Likeke cascade. Wear closed-toe shoes with good traction. Photography Hike: Manoa Cliff Trail (E/F) Jean Fujikawa 203-8508, Stan Oka 429-9814, Bring a liter of water, snack, raingear. 3 mi/Easy/Contour/Tantalus asst. Robert Harris Sunscreen, hat, insect repellent recommended. Reservations required. The pace of For those who have not hiked in a long time photography hikes is extremely slow. Sunday, March 28 or would like to learn the basics of hiking. Contour trail with many native plants and Waimano Valley Loop (E/F) Randy Ching 942-0145, asst. Roxanne scenic views of Manoa Valley. Stan Oka 5 mi/Moderate/Valley/Ridge/Waimano Villanueva 429-9814, Clyde Kobashigawa 262-6092 Hike a stretch on a ridge that follows an abandoned irrigation ditch then drops down Sunday, February 21 Sunday, March 14 to a pleasant peaceful stream and follow it as Photography Hike: Palehua-Palikea (E/F) Kaena Point Sierra Seminar (E) it meanders back to the start. Richard Bailey 4 mi/Easy/Ridge/Makakilo 6 mi/Moderate/Coast/Mokuleia 723-2213, Gwen Sinclair 753-0528 Reservations required. The pace of Reservations required, space photography hikes is extremely slow. Not for limited. The Albatross are those uneasy about heights. Native plants, fledging. We will learn about scenic panoramas, and exquisite tree snails are native coastal plants and the attraction in this Nature Conservancy animals on this interpretive preserve. Stan Oka 429-9814, Clyde hike. Deborah Blair Kobashigawa 262-6092 955-4168, asst. Roxanne Villanueva Saturday, February 27 Sierra Seminar: Lyon Arboretum (E/F) Beginner hike: Kuliouou Meet at the Church of the Crossroads at 9 Valley (E/F) a.m. $5 suggested donation to Lyon Meet at Church of the Arboretum. Learn about native and tropical Crossroads at 9 a.m. Wear plants. Bring raingear and insect repellent. closed-toe shoes with good Arlene Buchholz 988-9806 traction. Bring a liter of water, snack, raingear. Sunday, February 28 Sunscreen, hat, insect Sandy Beach Cleanup (S) repellent recommended. For 1 mi/Easy/Shoreline/East Oahu those who have not hiked in Meet at 8:30 a.m. at Sandy Beach bathroom a long time or would like to at eastern side of beach park. Cleanup along learn the basics of hiking. highway and coastal areas until 10:30. Call Randy Ching 942-0145 Tred (394-2898) for information. Bags, gloves provided. All participants under 18 Sunday, March 21 must have a waiver signed by their legal Kulana’ahane (Moanalua guardian to participate. Please contact the Valley) (E/F) leader for the waiver. Closed toe shoes only. 10 mi/Moderate/Valley/ Deborah Blair 955-4168 Kamananui Valley Hike along an old road for a
Mālama I Ka Honua January - March 2009 ● 15 SIERRA CLUB
By Judy Dalton Howard Hurst and Matt Snowden of the We support the Native Hawaiian groups, Maluhia Group were named Pono Award noting that while the County’s proposed Sierra Club Award recipients for their work which arose from routing would have negative environmental incidents of pesticide exposure to students and impacts on the beach, and that the County’s Hawai’i Chapter Director Robert Harris and staff, as well as the adverse health effects of siting and approval process has many major Senator Gary Hooser presented awards to pesticides and GMO agriculture on the lands flaws (including the lack of a Cultural Impact deserving individuals at our 7th annual picnic adjacent to the Waimea Canyon Middle Assessment, the lack of an Archaeological at Maha’ulepu in October. School. Their efforts inspired a state bill Impact Survey, and lack of consultation with (introduced by Senator Hooser) asking the local kanaka maoli), the cultural concerns of Carl Imparato was chosen Environmentalist of government to set safety standards protecting the Native Hawaiian practitioners are of the Year for his successful growth management children from the harmful effects of pesticide overwhelming importance. campaign, through which the voters of Kaua’i drift, and to adopt no-spray buffer zones passed a Charter Amendment in 2008 which around homes, schools, parks and daycare We support a properly- sited bike path and requires that County government comply with centers for the most dangerous and drift-prone advocate for preserving beaches in their natural the Kaua’i General Plan’s state. Both can be growth scenarios when achieved by choosing the considering whether to alternate mauka route approve new tourist along the canal behind development. Carl Coco Palms, included in shepherded this effort the EA and wouldn’t from the time it was first cause any delay in the conceived at Sierra Club overall project. meetings in the spring of 2006. He coordinated Larsen's Beach access & every aspect of the eight- marine resources at risk. month campaign that began in March 2008, A rancher's Conservation from drafting the Charter District Permit Amendment; organizing Application to extend his the campaign cattle operations to the committees; meeting shoreline with only a 110 with county officials; foot setback for fencing writing newspaper allows grazing on sloped, articles, ballot arguments eroded terrain which will and ads; to directing the block public access along daily efforts of the dozens a customary trail and a of volunteers whose county trail. Threats to pesticides. efforts led to victory. the marine resources of Ka`aka`aniu Reef and the endangered and threatened species - monk Preservation of Wailua Beach Bruce Pleas and Andy Johnston received seals, albatross and green sea turtles were awards for Outstanding Community Activism. minimized. Historic evidence of native The Kaua’i Group continues to work closely Public access to Polihale State Park might have Hawaiian habitation, kuleanas and loi were with Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners been closed due to storm damage for up to 2 omitted from the application. With so many and other groups to persuade the County of years had it not been for Bruce and Andy, who significant impacts, we asked BLNR to require Kaua’i to reconsider its proposal to locate a 14- spearheaded a project to re-open the park since a public hearing for the permit application. DLNR lacked funds to make repairs. They foot wide Trex bicycle path/boardwalk on top of the sands of Wailua Beach. Native Hawaiian organized volunteers and local construction Executive Committee companies in March 2008 to clear storm groups and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs have stated in the strongest of terms that locating debris, repair the road, a bridge, portions of the Would you like to serve on the Executive the proposed recreational facility directly on water system, and restore restrooms. Within a Committee? If interested, please contact Judy the narrow strand of Wailua Beach, considered month all the work was completed and the Dalton at 246-9067 by March 1. park re-opened. State Parks staff monitored the to be one of the most historically, spiritually project making a successful collaboration and culturally significant places in the between government and community. Hawaiian islands, would be an act of cultural desecration.
16 ● January - March 2010 Mālama I Ka Honua HAWAII CHAPTER
Join us on one of these great outings to enjoy whale watching this time of year. explore, enjoy and care for our island. Fri. Jan. 2 9 Maha'ulepu Sunset to Judy Dalton 246-9067 Please note levels of hiking proficiency. Moonlight walk. South Shore/Moderate 4 Mileage is round trip unless otherwise miles. (C/E/F) Enjoy whale watching all Sat. Mar 6 - Berry Flats Loop Kokee/ indicated. Requested donation for along this coastal hike starting at Moderate/3.5 miles. (C/F) Beautiful members and participants under 18: Shipwreck Beach ending with a full moon forested loop trail walking through methel $1.Donation for others: $5. Outings glistening on the ocean off the spectacular plum groves, sugi, and redwoods. We'll see Classifications: (C) Conservation/ shores of Maha'ulepu. We'll shuttle cars birds and the restoration of native forest. Interpretive (E) Educational (F) Family/ Fun (S) Service. For more information for a leisurely one way hike. Judy Dalton Erica Watson and Denny Jackson check our website: www.hi.sierrclub.org/ 246-9067 647-0727 kauai Sat. Jan. 30 - Full moon Kealia to Donkey Sat. Mar 13 - Larsen's beach Hike and Mon. Jan. 4 Waimea Canyon Road Beach/East side/Easy/3 miles (E/F) A Clean up. East side/easy/3 miles. (F/C/S). CleanUp/Easy/ 2 miles.(S) Afternoon leisurely stroll starting at sunset and Spectacular coastal walk along beautiful clean up of Sierra Club's adopted highway returning under the light of a full moon. undeveloped coast. We'll also relax and requires a little over an hour. Please help Lovely views along this rugged coastline. enjoy the lovely beach and whale-watch. keep the gateway to Waimea Canyon litter- Jane Schmitt 826-6105 On the way back, we'll pick up litter and free. Please call Bob Nishek at 346-0476. flotsam. Karen Tilley 821-8008 Sun. Feb. 7 Maha'ulepu/South Shore/ Sat. Jan. 9 Ho'opi'i Falls/ East Side/3 Moderate/3 Miles. (C/E/F) Spectacular Sun. Mar. 21 - Kukui Trail/Westside/ miles/moderate. (E/F) You'll be in for a coastal walk with stunning views each step Strenuous/7 miles/ (C/F) Get out and delightful surprise discovering this forest of the way! This magnificent coastline is celebrate the first day of spring! This trail trail along a river featuring two beautiful unique with its fascinating craggy rock drops from 2500 feet into Waimea Canyon, waterfalls. Vivian Hager 652-3234 formations. It's the beginning of whale with stunning views along the way. We'll season, too. Allan Rachap 742-1001 walk a ways downstream for more views Fri. Jan. 15 Jewel of Koke'e, Strenuous/7 before heading back UP. Kathy Valier miles. (E/F) Spectacular hike through the Sun. Feb. 14 - Sleeping Giant/East side/ 826-7302. forest of Koke'e, Black Pipe Trail, Canyon moderate/4 miles. (C/F) Bring your Trail, Po'omau Canyon Lookout. Cross Valentine on an afternoon hike with a Thurs. Mar 25 - National Tropical over Waipo'o Falls for a view of Waimea steady climb to panoramic views of Kauai's Botanical Gardens Full Moon Walk. (C/E) Canyon to the ocean. Please call Bob eastern shore and mountains. Kathy Valier South Side/Moderate/2 miles. Hike and Nishek at 346-0476. 826-7302 learn about propagation of native plants in lovely gardens, plus volunteer service. Sat. Jan. 16 -Moloa'a Trail and Beach Sat. Feb. 20 - Kuilau & Moalepe trails/ Sierra Club members only. Call Bob Clean up.(C/F) Eastside/Moderate/1.5 east side/ Strenuous/ 8.5 miles. (C/E) Nishek 346-0476 miles. Walk up the ancient coastal Alaloa panoramic views of Mt. Waiale'ale on these trail, watch for whales, then pick up two connecting trails. Jane Schmitt Sat. March 27- Kalalau to Space Rock/ flotsam on our return along the beautiful North shore/ strenuous/ 7 miles (C/E) beach. Karen Tilley 821-8008 Thurs. Feb. 25 Nonou (Sleeping Giant) Spectacular coastal views from this famous Conservation Service Project. (C/E/S) trail, but muddy and steep sections. Jane Sat. Jan 23 Kuilau Ridge Trail/ Eastside/ East Side/strenuous/4 miles. Tend to Schmitt 826-6105 moderate/3.5 miles/(E/F) Beautiful valley endangered native plants in their habitat and mountain views. Great reward for and enjoy a moon light walk. Sierra Club Sun. Mar 28 - Maha'ulepu Sunset to moderate effort. Erica Watson and Judy members only. Bob Nishek 346-0476. Moonlight walk. South Shore/Moderate 4 Dalton. Call Erica at 647-0727 miles. (C/E/F) Enjoy whale watching all Sat. Feb. 27 Sunset to Full Moon walk along this coastal hike starting at Thurs. Jan 28 National Tropical Botanical Wailua to Nukoli’i Beach. Socialize and Shipwreck Beach ending with a full moon Gardens Full Moon Walk. (C/E) South Exercise. East Shore/Easy 3.5 miles. (C/E/ glistening on the ocean off the spectacular Side/Moderate/2 miles. Hike and learn F) We'll have a picnic dinner at Lydgate shores of Maha'ulepu. We'll shuttle cars about propagation of native plants in lovely Beach Park & walk on miles of for a leisurely one way hike. Judy Dalton gardens, plus volunteer service. Sierra Club undeveloped coastline. Opportunity to 246-9067 members only. Call Bob Nishek 346-0476
Key: D=distance, the estimated round trip for the day; E=elevation in feet: + is gain, - is loss, +/- is up and down. Classification of hikes: (E) Education/Interpretation; (C) Conservation; (F) Family/Fun; (S) Service
Mālama I Ka Honua January - March 2009 ● 17 SIERRA CLUB
For the complete Maui Group Newsletter, please 15. OHA attorney Pam Bunn made a strong • Sustainable Energy: Maui Group go to www.mauisierraclub.org and click on case concerning dual stories the Commission submitted comments on Maui County's "Newsletters" and for the latest on hikes and was presented: Did Wailuku Water Co. have Draft Energy Plan. Comments are posted on activities, please click on "Hikes and Activities." an extra 14 mgd of stream water that they the MG website www.mauisierraclub.org. transported to a sandy marginal HC&S cane • Superferry Update: The Superferry The Maui Group of the Sierra Club gave field where each acre consumed 14,000 bankruptcy proceedings continue. Groups comments to the National Oceanic and gallons per acre a day? Standard sugar who successfully appealed in the courts for Atmospheric Administration, at their hearings irrigation = 4.5 to 5k/acre a day. Final an EIS will receive an update on the status in Hawaii, regarding the environmental decision on the matter is expected by the of their legal expense reimbursement early consequences of increasing the long line water commission in late 2009. next year. fishing industry within the North West • Water Use and Development Plan (WUDP): Hawaiian Archipelago, continued Aquarium • Haleakala Solar Telescope (ATST): Local Citizen input is welcomed while Maui Collecting of Herbivores from our coastal cultural practitioners found that the Final Board of water Supply and then Maui reefs, a 300 acre Industrial Aquaculture project EIS for telescope project did not address county council review this 25 year plan to offshore from Kona and other matters of their comments or concerns. The project is supply water to the central Maui system serious consequence impacting the supported by UH, but legal challenges are (Makena to Maalaea, Waikapu to Waihee, sustainability of Hawaii's and Maui's ocean possible. Updates: www.kilakilahaleakala.org. Kahului and Paia). Conservation and water waters. The Maui Group of The Sierra Club and energy efficiency strategies are • Honolua Bay Development: The recent were successful in communicating to Federal recommended in the plan along with announcement that Maui Land and Pine Officials that NOAA could hold their the improvement of existing water sources in Iao would cease pineapple farming at year's end North American Public Natural Resource and and Waihee aquifers. Most controversial casts more uncertainty over the company's Oceanographic hearings in Hawaii, the only discussions are a proposed joint A&B/ plans for Honolua Bay, Lipoa Point and state surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and County Waiale water treatment plant using surrounding valleys. County Planners containing the 1000 mile long Iao stream water. The plant could give up to included Honolua/Lipoa as a Conservation/ Papahanaumokuakea National Monument 50% of its output to A&B, even though the Park area in the latest version of Maui Island www.papahanaumokuakea.gov. The hearings County will pay back construction costs and Plan maps sent to the County Council. The were held in Oahu with Internet links from assume all operations and maintenance Council Planning committee will review Saipan to the Neighbor Islands. expense for the lifetime of the facility. MIP maps during 2010 for final adoption. WDUP is posted at mauiwater.org Stay involved. Go to www.savehonolua.org. UPDATES ON MAUI CONSERVATION ISSUES • Hamakuapoko Wells: No final action has • Wailea 670: Sierra Club Maui submitted been taken on Councilmember Victorino's extensive comments on a draft EIS for the • North Shore Heritage Park & Ho'okipa proposal to use the treated Hamakuapoko proposed golf course and housing project. Expansion: Thanks to Kai Nishiki and other well water for drought emergencies. MG The EIS failed to note a recommended 130- community activists, the recently opened supports careful analysis of costs, risks, and acre preserve in the southern portion of bike path from Baldwin Beach Park to Paia benefits of this and any prospective new Wailea 670 where an endangered species of Bay will have a community friendly low rail water source before they are brought into the native moth and 24 species of native plants fence and some landscaping. Kai and MG County water system. still survive, including two so rare that they are proposed as Endangered. Chair Lance Holter have asked Council • Sustainable Ag: GMO TARO BAN: MG member Johnson to introduce a funding bill supported a Council Bill banning GMO • Makena Resort Rezoning: No new details for the purchase of coastal lands between taro in Maui County which was passed by have been released concerning the Makena Baby Beach (Wawau) and the bike path the Council in early October. Resort foreclosure. Maui Group recently route. sent a letter to the foreclosure trustees •Fish Farm Education: Big Island fish farms detailing the many promises made as • East Maui Streams: Maui Group were okayed by the state BLNR, but public submitted extensive comments to the State conditions during the rezoning process that scrutiny of this unproven technology that the community expects to be fulfilled. Water Commission supporting returned relies on imported feedstock remains strong. flows to key East Maui streams like • Makena State Park Master Plan: A Waikamoi, Puohakamoa and Haipuaena. •Wastewater Injection Wells: MG continues stakeholders group formed as a result of These streams all have extensive recreational to advocate for phase out of injection wells Makena Resort rezoning conditions is use, habitat for native plants, animals and and more reclaimed water use through the advocating for Makena remaining a insects and cultural importance. Final public County's Water Use and Development Plan "wilderness" style park. A survey to allow hearings on citizen petitions to return water process. MG is part of Island-wide DIRE park users to share their visions is planned to the streams will be held in December, (Don,t Inject, Re-Direct) initiative that is for December and January and will be 2009. working with Mayor Tavares's wastewater posted on the MG website. task force. • 'Iao & Waihe'e Stream Restoration: Water Commission hears final arguments October 18 ● January - March 2010 Mālama I Ka Honua HAWAII CHAPTER
Maui Group Outings Information Center, Spreckelsville. This year's topic will be Saturday, March 6: Haiku Ho'olaulea and Flower "Drinking Water!" Members and general public Festival. Free admission! Music, food, contests, See Page 12 for All Outings Information welcome! Awards, updates and panel discussion at auction, farmer's market, historical display & family noon. Potluck picnic to follow (main dish and fun!! Check out the Sierra Club PLANT SALE beverages provided). Please check for updates at: booth in the Farmer's Market! 9 am-3:30 pm, A donation of $5 ($3 for Sierra Club members) is www.mauisierraclub.org. Sierra Club t-shirts Haiku Community Center on Hana Highway. requested of hikers over age 14. Pre-registration (Great new colors) and other items will be for sale. Plant sale help needed. We need donated plants as is required for some hikes. Call the hike leader Please come and talk story! Bring your questions well as volunteers to work at the event. Start your number shown below. Also, please check our web and ideas! Free! keiki plants now! Please call Lucienne de Naie for site, www.mauisierraclub.org, and click on Hikes information about how to donate plants and to and Activities for additional hikes and outings FEBRUARY HIKES AND EVENTS volunteer at 214-0147. and/or changes which we have added after this newsletter was published. Mahalo! Saturday, February 6: Pali Trail Hike. Hike to the Saturday, March 13: Hike down Sliding Sands
top of the Pali. Spectacular views of whales, ocean, Trail into Haleakala Crater to Ka Lu'u o ka 'O'o JANUARY HIKES AND EVENTS mountains and the Kaheawa wind farm. This is cinder cone. Breathtaking beauty! Observe the same trail ancient Hawaiians walked to get Silverswords and Chuckers in the crater. This is a 3 Saturday, January 16, 8:30 am to noon: Community from Lahaina to Wailuku. It rises from sea level to mile hike roundtrip and is at a high elevation so Work Day: Aloha Aina Cleanup! To volunteer, 1,500 feet and is 6 miles round trip. Bring lunch, hikers should be in good shape. We will also visit please call CWD at 877-2524 for the cleanup water, sunscreen and camera. Meet 8:30 am at Pali the summit and hike to the top of White's Hill nearest you. This is not a Sierra Club activity. trailhead (Lahaina side of tunnel just as the near the visitor center for additional astonishing highway comes down to sea level at mile marker views. On most clear days, you can see Mauna Loa Sunday, January 17: Hike beautiful Kapalua Resort 10.8). Please call hike leader Mitch Skaggerberg at and Mauna Kea 100 miles away on the Big Island. Trails. Maui Land and Pine has recently opened 875-4970 to register. Limit 18. (C) (E) D = 6 Bring lunch, sunscreen and water. Meet at 8:30 am up these beautiful trails through pristine forests for miles all day hike. at Pukalani Terrace Shopping Center near the the public to enjoy for free. We start at the Bank of Hawaii to carpool. $10 per car entrance Kapalua Resort Center (aka golf club house on Saturday, February 20: Maui's Whale Day fee. Limit 12. Call hike leader Bob Babson at Office road immediately above the Ritz Carlton at Celebration sponsored by the Pacific Whale 874-1166 to register. Limit 12. (C) (E) D = 3 the intersection with Village Road). We must sign Foundation. 10 am to 5 pm at Kalama Park on miles roundtrip all day hike. waivers there. Then, ML&P provides free buses to South Kihei Road (by the big whale statue). The the top where the trail begins at approximately Sierra Club will have an information booth in Thursday, March 25, 5:30 to 7:30 pm: Maui Sierra 1,500 feet. We will catch the 9:30 am bus. We "Eco-Alley." Come enjoy and talk story. Free Club Board of Directors meeting at our office then hike through the Maunalei Arboretum and up admission. This is not a Sierra Club activity. upstairs in the Akaku Building, 333 Dairy Road, the Honolua Ridge Trail 3 miles to a spectacular Suite 201E, Kahului. Sierra Club members are mountain top view point of the West Maui Thursday, February 25, 5:30 to 7:30 pm: Maui invited to attend and share their ideas. Please email Mountains. Many trees, flowers and plants are Sierra Club Board of Directors meeting at our Karen Chun at [email protected] to named along the trail and labeled endemic or office upstairs in the Akaku Building, 333 Dairy confirm meeting time and place and to add any indigenous if applicable. Very educational hike. Road, Suite 201E, Kahului. Sierra Club members agenda items you would like to discuss. From there we hike down the Mahana Ridge Trail are invited to attend and share their ideas. Please 6 miles back to the Kapalua Resort Center where email Karen Chun at [email protected] Saturday, March 27: La Perouse Bay - 8 mile we parked our cars. All day hike. Meet at 8:00 am to confirm meeting time and place and to add any version. Hike south on the Kings Highway to at Buzz's Wharf to carpool to Kapalua. If you live agenda items you would like to discuss. Kanaio - one of the most remote and beautiful in the Lahaina area, meet at 9:00 am at the areas on Maui. Visit anchialine ponds (unusual Kapalua Resort Center on Office Road. Please call Sunday, February 28: Visit beautiful Waianapanapa shallow ponds with tiny red shrimp) and hike leader Bob Babson at 874-1166 to register. State Park and hike along the trail overlooking the archeological sites along the way. We actually walk Limit 18. (C) (E) D = 9 miles: 3 miles of moderate ocean in both directions observing archeological off the recent lava flow onto the ancient shoreline upslope and 6 miles of moderate downslope. sites and birds along the way. Then visit Hana where we explore further south and visit and learn Cultural Center Museum and see reproductions of about archeological sites. Bring bathing suit, lunch, Thursday, January 28, 5:30 to 7:30 pm: Maui pre-contact hale's and the old Hana courthouse on water, hat, snorkel equipment and sunscreen. This Sierra Club Board of Directors meeting at our the way to Hamoa Beach where we will have lunch hike goes about 2 miles further than our regular La office upstairs in the Akaku Building, 333 Dairy and swim. Bring lunch, sunscreen, bathing suit and Perouse Bay hike. Meet at Kihei Community Road, Suite 201E, Kahului. Sierra Club members camera. Meet at 8:30 am at the Haiku Center (Lipoa Street & Piilani Highway) at 8:30 are invited to attend and share their ideas. Please Community Center. Limit 18. Call hike leader am to carpool. Call hike leader Bob Babson at email Karen Chun at [email protected] Bob Babson at 874-1166 to register. Limit 12. (C) 874-1166 to register. Limit 18. (C) (E) D = 8 to confirm meeting time and place and to add any (E) D = 5 miles all day hike. miles roundtrip all day hike. agenda items you would like to discuss.
MARCH HIKES AND EVENTS Saturday, January 30: Sierra Club Annual Membership Meeting. 11am-3pm, Kaunoa Senior
Key: D=distance, the estimated round trip for the day; E=elevation in feet: + is gain, - is loss, +/- is up and down. Classification of hikes: (E) Education/Interpretation; (C) Conservation; (F) Family/Fun; (S) Service
Mālama I Ka Honua January - March 2009 ● 19 SIERRA CLUB
Mahalo Nui Loa to the 2009 MLG •To Sarah Moon (Outings) for her CHAIR REPORT EXCOM and Committee Chairs continuous work in organizing outing BY ROBERTA BRASHEAR-KAULFERS leader trainings and putting together a •To Justin Avery (Vice-Chair) who good slate of outings each year. As we come to the close of another year, a volunteered his mother’s home and year with a new President Obama, a new helped coordinate our successful annual •To Edith Worsencroft (Newsletter), a Mayor Mr. Billy Kenoi and our new garage sale. Justin continues to run the meticulous woman and former outings County Council, several potential UH-Hilo Global Hope film festival. leader who keeps us on track with environmental disasters have been averted. deadlines, so the newsletter can be sent Yes, it truly was a year of change. •To Rose Acevedo (Secretary and out on time. Nationally, many of the deeds done by the Outings) for providing excellent meeting Bush administration have been reversed. minutes and outing leadership training. •To Terry Reim (Webmaster) for Our Hawai`i economy is still the main providing timely updates to our MLG issue on everyone’s mind, with Furlough •To Haili Debus (Treasurer) for getting website. Fridays and State layoffs; but remember all of our finances in order. She is our that maintaining a safe and healthy newest member and a UH Hilo To All Our Volunteers who help maintain environment is also crucial. accounting major. a strong environmental presence on Hawai`i. Mahalo to all! We look forward to increased member •To Al Beeman (Legislative), who participation in 2010 in fighting to keep provided legislative updates and a wealth Make an End-of-Year Donation and our “local” environment sustainable. of information on renewable energy Support your local Moku Loa Group MLG is tracking our Council members’ options. votes on environmental bills to prevent yet Our group membership is down from an another major assault on our environment. •To Phil Barnes (Programs), compadre, all-time high of 1,000 members. With Our new Council and Mayor Kenoi have program coordinator and man who wears these difficult financial times, some former not been as accessible as the previous many hats! I tip my hat to you, Phil. members may not have been able to renew. administration. We are still in the process Any financial support will enable us to •To Diane Ware (East Hawai`i of building some bridges; but remember, continue our conservation work and track Conservation), who is ever so vigilant 2010 is yet another election year. The 2% key issues which will affect us in years to and passionate on issues involving Land Fund has been reduced to a ½% come. outings, endangered species and laws to Land Fund; still something, but not the prevent further environmental Become a supporter; make an End-of-Year best! degradation. donation (no matter how large or small). I also serve as the Hawai`i Chapter All donations made to Moku Loa Group •To Cory Harden (East Hawai`i delegate from Moku Loa Group and as go toward our local environmental Conservation), who is never too busy to Vice Chair of the Council of Club leaders projects. Participate in an outing, make a attend public hearings, write letters and at the National Sierra Club. If you would donation at a program, and buy one of the testimony & be the thorn in the side of like to find out more about issues at the Sierra Club calendars. All of these the County Council and other Chapter or National level, feel free to e- opportunities help us locally. Send your government agencies. mail me at
20 ● January - March 2010 Mālama I Ka Honua HAWAII CHAPTER
Moku Loa Group Outings Saturday, January 16 - Escape Road to Leaders, Jan and Sarah Moon Information Pu`u Huluhulu, HVNP (F) D = 5.5 (935-3475). miles, E = 3800’ – 500’ See Page 12 for All Outings We will do this trail as a car shuttle from Saturday, February 27 - Kalapana Information Hahuku (also called Thurston Lava Tube) Coastal Day Hike (E)(F)(C) D = 4 to the Mauna Ulu parking lot. This miles, E = sea level Donation for non-members is $3.00. pleasant family hike is almost all This hike begins at Verna’s Restaurant Participants under 18 years of age must downhill. We start out in the forest, parking lot in Kalapana. We will hike be accompanied by an adult. traverse a pahoehoe lava field, climb Pu`u out to the new beach at Kaimu, then Huluhulu (where we will eat lunch with a explore the shoreline south over rough Saturday-Monday, January 2-4 - view of Pu`u O`o and then return to our new lava, stopping for lunch at a remote Ka`alu`alu Bay Hike, Mountain Bike & cars). Leader, Rose Acevedo beach. Bring lunch, 2 quarts of water, Camping Trip (S)(F)(E)(C) D = 16 (756-5990); Assistant Leader, Linda hiking boots and rain gear. Trip limited miles; E = coastline Larish (966-6337). to 15 hikers. Leaders, Rose Acevedo Hikers, bikers and campers welcome on (756-5990); Assistant, Sunny and this scenic section of the newly Saturday, January 23 – New Moon Michael La Plante (964-5017). designated National Historic Trail. 4x4 Foundation Estate in Kohala – Contact vehicles will support hikers and bikers leaders for details Saturday-Monday, March 20-22 - and carry campers to beautiful Ka`alu`alu Rose Acevedo (756-5990); Rich Vogler Waimanu Valley Backpack (E) D = 19 Bay where we will camp under the trees. (328-8387) miles round trip; E = +/- 1200’ Layover day with opportunity to explore This is an energetic backpack for further or relax in camp. Service consists Saturday, January 30 - Pu`u O`o Trail individuals with backpacking experience of piling up trash 1-2 hours/day for later Day Hike (Saddle Road) (E)(C)(F) D = and proper gear. We will start from the pickup by tractors. Expect hot and windy 4 miles, E = 5700’ +/- 100’ rim of Waipi`o Valley, descend into the conditions along this trail with cultural This is an easy-paced interpretive nature valley, cross and ascend the far side, and and historic sites, native flora and fauna. walk on a well-marked fairly level old continue on this trail until we drop down (4x4s needed). Leader, Diane Ware trail that was used long ago to drive cattle into Waimanu Valley 9 miles from our (967-8642; Assistant Leader, Cheryl across the island. It begins off Saddle starting point. After a layover day in Hoover (985-9601). Road at the 5700’ elevation and crosses incomparable Waimanu Valley we will through pristine native forest kipukas return via the same route. Previous Saturday, January 9 – Kiholo Bay to surrounded by old lava flows. We’ll go as backpacking experience, sturdy boots, Anaehoomalu Bay (E) D = 7 miles, E = far as the group decides, then have lunch leader approval required. Leaders, Diane sea level and retrace our route. The weather may Ware (967-8642) and Cheryl Hoover Hike is on the Ala Kahakai Trail be changeable, so bring warm clothes, 1 (985-9601). beginning at Kiholo Bay and ending at quart of water, sunscreen, hat, rain gear, Anaeho`omalu Beach. The trail follows lunch; and wear sturdy shoes. Optional Saturday, March 27 - Mauna Iki (Twin the coastline over ancient fishermen’s gear may include camera, binoculars and Pit Craters) (E) D = 9 miles, E = -500’ trails and Ala Loa (King’s) Highway that sketching materials. Leaders, Michael & We don’t hike this trail across the Ka`u have been connected through Sunny La Plante (964-5017). Desert very much. Often the access is generations of use to form a single closed because of nene nesting or fire continuous route. Much of the trail Saturday, February 20 - Lokoaka Trail danger. Start at Hilina Pali. Hike to receives only limited maintenance and Service Trip (S) D = 0.5 miles, E = sea Twin Pit Craters. Hike across pahoehoe can be hot in direct sunlight exposed level fields to site of 1974 lava flow. Climb areas. Leader, Rich Vogler (328-8387); Clear trails to pristine lagoons, plant adjacent cone crater (optional). No Assistant Leader, Diane Ware native plants and clear noxious plants. shade. Bring 2-3 quarts of water, lunch, (967-8642) Tools, gloves, water and insect repellant sunscreen, rain gear and wear sturdy provided. Wear sturdy boots or shoes boots. Leaders, Sunny and Michael La and protective clothing; bring swimsuits Plante (964-5017). for a cool swim after the project.
Key: D=distance, the estimated round trip for the day; E=elevation in feet: + is gain, - is loss, +/- is up and down. Classification of hikes: (E) Education/Interpretation; (C) Conservation; (F) Family/Fun; (S) Service
Mālama I Ka Honua January - March 2009 ● 21 SIERRA CLUB
Can You Lend a Hand?
Photo by aussiegall. Used under flickr creative commons license.
22 ● January - March 2010 Mālama I Ka Honua HAWAII CHAPTER
O`AHU GROUP EXCOMM “To explore, enjoy, and protect the wild places http://www.hi.sierraclub.org/oahu/ of the earth; to practice and promote the P.O. Box 2577, Honolulu, HI 96803 responsible use of the earth’s ecosystems and (808) 537-9019 resources; to educate and enlist humanity to Chair:………………………………….…..Jim Hayes, [email protected] protect and restore the quality of the natural Vice Chair: …………………Elizabeth Dunne, [email protected] and human environment; to use all lawful Chapter Delegate: ……………………………………..Steven Montgomery means to carry out these objectives.” Chapter Delegate Alternate: ………………………………....Michael Kliks Secretary: ……………………………………………………....Lydi Morgan Treasurer: ……..…………………..…Randy Ching, [email protected] At-Large: ………………….…………….. Kim Kido, [email protected] At-Large: …………………………………………………..Carey Morishige MAIN OFFICE Mail………………………………...….P.O. Box 2577, Honolulu, HI 96813 KAUA`I GROUP EXCOMM Office Location..…..Room 306, 1040 Richards Street, Honolulu, HI 96813 http://www.hi.sierraclub.org/kauai/ Telephone:…………………………….………………….....(808) 538 - 6616 Box 3412, Lihu`e, Hawai`i 96766 Email………………………………………[email protected] Web……………………………………………………...hawaii.sierraclub.org Judy Dalton ([email protected], 246-9067); Caren Diamond ([email protected]); Marge Freeman CHAPTER DIRECTOR ([email protected]); Janis Lyon; Rayne Regush Director..……...…Robert D. Harris, [email protected], (808) 538-6616 ([email protected]); Gabriela Taylor ([email protected], 332-9013); Carl Imparato; Jimmy Trujillo ([email protected]); EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS Anna Chavez; Brad Parsons ([email protected]); Victor Chair………………………………….Mark Glick, [email protected] Cloutier ([email protected]) Vice Chair…………………………….….Lucienne De Naie, (808) 572-8331 Treasurer…………..…………………………………….……..Helen Chong Secretary…………...……………………….……....Laura Edmunds Ka`akua MAUI GROUP EXCOMM Hawai`i Service Trip Program…..Janice Marsters, 988-3899, [email protected] http://www.hi.sierraclub.org/maui/ High School Hikers…………………………………...... Bob Keane, 623-3208 P.O. Box 791180, Pā`ia, HI 96779, (206) 426-5535. Kaua`i Group……………………………………………….….Rayne Regush Moku Loa Group…………………………………..Roberta Brasher-Kaulfers Lance Holter, Group Chair & Parks/Refuges Chair, 579-9442, [email protected] O`ahu Group…………………………………...….….…..Steve Montgomery Kathy McDuff, Vice Chair & Environmental Justice Chair, [email protected] Maui Group………………………………………....Lance Holter, 579-9442 Karen Chun, Secretary, Web Master & Publicity Chair, [email protected] At-Large………………………………………….…..…………Jeff Mikulina Bob Babson, Treasurer & Outings Chair, 874-1166, [email protected] At-Large…………...……...………..Isaac Moriwake, [email protected] Rob Parsons, Director & Conservation Chair, 280-1369, [email protected] At-Large……………..………………………………………….…..Gary Gill Rich Lucas, Director & Political Chair, [email protected] At-Large…………………………. Judy Dalton, [email protected], 246-9067 Daniel Grantham, Director & Energy Chair, 572-4571, [email protected] Stacia Bobikevich, Director & Waste/Recycling Chair, 298-9270 HAWAI`I SERVICE TRIP PROGRAM Angelika Hofmann, Director, 357-3134, [email protected]
Chair:………………..……….Janice Marsters (988-3899, [email protected]) MOKU LOA EXCOMM Leadership Dev.:…………………………… John Cummings III (527-5490) http://www.hi.sierraclub.org/Hawaii/index.html Finance:……………………………………………..Pauline Sato (621-2008) P.O. Box 1137, Hilo, HI 96721, (808) 965-5460 Secretary: ……………………………………...Waimea Williams (239-5423) Project Evaluation: …………………………………………..Amber O’Reilly Chair:………….Roberta Brashear-Kaulfers, 966-7002, [email protected] Recruitment: ……………………………………...Scott Rowland (259-5416) Vice Chair:………………….Justin Avery, 990-1421, [email protected] Treasurer: ………………………………………Jim Waddington (947-2732) Secretary……………………..Rose Acevedo, 756-5990, [email protected] Treasurer…………………………...…...Haili Debus, 937, [email protected] HIGH SCHOOL HIKERS PROGRAM Conservation East Side……………………..Cory Harden, 968-8965 [email protected] President: …………………………………………….Bob Keane (623-3208) West Side………………Debbie Hecht, 989-3222, [email protected] Vice-President: …………………………………………….Sandra Nakagawa Political………………………..Phil Barnes, 965-9695, [email protected] Treasurer: ……………………………………………………Jeannette Keane Legislative…………………….Al Beeman, 895-1813, [email protected] Secretary: ………………………………………………….Pauline Kawamata Outings………………….Sarah Moon, 935-3475 [email protected] Membership: ……………………………………Fred Nakaguma (487-3098) Membership……Paul Campbell, 965-5460, [email protected] Newsletter: ……………………………………………………...Adaline Kam Board Member……………….Liz Randol, 965-9353, [email protected] Outings: ……………………………………………………..John Cummings Board Member…………Diane Ware, 967-8642, [email protected] Newsletter……...……..Edith Worsencroft, 963-6317, [email protected] Mālama I Ka Honua January - March 2009 ● 23 SIERRA CLUB
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