Mālama I Ka HonuaCherish the Earth

JAN - MAR A Quartery Journal of the SIERRA CLUB OF HAWAI‘I 2015

Farewell, Volunteer Geothermal in Nate’s Group Reports Robert Harris in the Spotlight Hawai‘i Adventures and Outings

Saying thanks and goodbye Recognizing the valuable A look at Sierra Club's Koa bugs… Hawai‘i's News, issues, and hikes on to SC Hawai‘i’s Director contributions of Anthony Aalto policy on geothermal “less-stink” stink bug your island Page 4 Page 6 Page 7 Page 10 Pages 12-21

Chapter Political Team Rises to Big Money Challenges The political efforts of the Sierra David Ige for Governor” Club of Hawai‘i once again achieved davidige.org/media/ success. In a nail-biter of a primary, video/#prettyPhoto/11/ Senator Brian Schatz beat his In the state legislature, opponent by just 1,782 votes, and he the majority of our publicly credited the Sierra Club of candidates won. Senator Hawai‘i for helping him win. Malama Solomon, who After Mark Takai pulled out a attempted to block the Albert Perez, Mark Takai, Scott Glenn, Steve Montgomery narrow victory in the general election repeal of the unpopular to claim a seat in the U.S. House Public Lands Development of Representatives, he too publicly Corporation (PLDC) legislation, was Can super PAC money thanked the Club for helping tip the not reelected. The Club supported decide Hawai‘i’s future? balance his way. her opponent. In the State Senate At the state level, our endorsed our endorsement of Gil Riviere and This election was a test, Governor—Lieutenant Governor Sierra Club efforts to turn out the vote and the heartening news candidates David Ige and Shan Tsutsui helped provide the winning margin; won by double digits after initially he defeated Richard Fale by just 455 is that Club members being down in the polls. Mahalo to votes. Fale has a woeful record on and other voters are our members who rallied to help push environmental issues. these candidates over the top. In the State House we were able becoming more aware of To see Ige’s remarks on accepting to secure the reelection of Chris Lee, the endorsement and stating his the stalwart chair of the Energy & the negative impact of environmental goals, watch the Environmental Protection Committee. corporate money. short video “Sierra Club Endorses In the Ewa Beach district, the vice Continued on page 3 candidates during a tough election year. FROM THE Because of this experience, the Chapter Executive CHAPTER CHAIR Committee is committed to not only hiring a superlative By Scott Glenn director, but also to expanding our professional staff to further assist our volunteers with protecting Hawai‘i’s Aloha and Happy New Year! environment and taking on global weirding. Please look 2015 is a year of change for the forward to more on the hiring process and our future staff Hawai‘i Chapter. Internally and direction in the next Mālama once our director is on board. externally, new opportunities and Externally, we welcome Governor David Ige and all the challenges are before us. elected leaders. Governor Ige’s promise of forthrightness This past year we said and transparency are welcome as we look to work with mahalo and aloha to our beloved and brilliant Director him and hold him to that promise. We also look forward to Robert Harris and our inspiring and energetic campaign working with the state legislature, mayors, city and county coordinator Caitlin Pomerantz. Robert’s leadership councils, and agency directors and staff to make sure we has resulted in milestone victories for the Club and we measure twice and cut once when it comes to irrevocably look forward to supporting him in his future endeavors allocating Hawai‘i’s limited natural and financial resources. fighting for Hawai‘i’s renewable energy future. We also say Some examples of these efforts will be on ensuring we mahalo and aloha to Dr. Matt LoPresti, formerly of the continue on our march toward greater use of renewable O‘ahu Group Executive Committee and now elected State energy resources like solar and we avoid dead-end detours Representative of House District 41 Ewa Beach. like LNG. Probably the greatest challenge on this front Internally, we welcome new members to our Chapter is the proposed sale of Hawaiian Electric Industries and Group Executive Committees. We also will have our to NextEra. Environmental impacts must always be new director in place in early 2015. The Chapter has been considered in deciding what is best for the ratepayer and pursuing a rigorous process to ensure we find a director the State of Hawai‘i. We also urge the University of Hawai‘i who can meet the varied needs of the Club and lead us and other large investing entities to divest themselves of toward our next phase of growth. fossil fuel investments. Ultimately, what’s really at issue is Over the course of this year, we have learned that we stopping climate change, promoting energy independence, are at our most effective when we have professional staff and making Hawai‘i a more affordable place to live by such as our director, but we’ve also learned two more getting Hawai‘i off imported fossil fuels and relying more things: One director is not enough to achieve our mission. on its indigenous, bountiful energy. The other is how resilient and resourceful our volunteer Mahalo for all you do for Hawai‘i’s environment and the leadership is as we banded together to meet the varied Club. It’s a pleasure working with you. challenges of running the Club and campaigning for our

passed policy resolutions supporting a ban on fracking and National Happenings a better clean energy policy, and one urging participants in the UN Climate Summit to commit to binding policies The Annual Meeting of the Council of Club Leaders and concerning climate change mitigation and adaptation. National Sierra Club Board of Directors was held in San The annual Sierra Club awards banquet was held on Francisco on Nov 20-22, 2014. The Council is an advisory November 21. Dr. Steven Montgomery received a Special body that makes recommendations to the board each year. The Achievement Award for successfully lobbying to bring the Council delegates are selected by each of the 65 Sierra Club IUCN World chapters. The delegates deliberated and passed nine resolutions Conservation on November 20, which were presented to the Board of Congress to Directors on November 21 for their consideration and action. Hawai‘i in 2016. Roberta Brashears-Kaulfers represented Hawai‘i Chapter. The Hawai‘i Chapter put forward resolution 5, a request that National Sierra Club fund a delegation to attend the Award recipient Dr. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Steven Montgomery World Conservation Congress (WCC), to be held in Hawai‘i pictured with in September 2016. Besides resolutions recommending Roberta Brashear- administrative and organizational changes, the board also Kaulfers

2 • Mālama I Ka Honua January - March 2015 SIERRA CLUB The Role of the Sierra Club of Chapter Political Team Continued from page 1

Hawai‘i PAC in the 2014 Elections chair of the Sierra Club O‘ahu Group, Matt LoPresti, beat the incumbent Rida The Sierra Club of Hawai‘i Political priorities. In another House race, Matt Cabanilla, thanks to Club support. Action Committee is not a formal LoPresti, Vice Chair of the O‘ahu Group, Almost all our other endorsees for the arm of the Sierra Club. It is separately defeated the incumbent Rida Cabanilla legislature won. financed, conducts its business and will now represent Ewa Beach in the At the county level, candidates separately from the state Chapter House. Both Matt and Rida credit the we endorsed faced a million-dollar committees, and takes no direction from PAC for having a major impact. campaign by Forward Progress, a super the Chapter. These strictures are all in In the state Senate the PAC’s efforts PAC financed by unnamed developer/ place to ensure that we do not violate on behalf of Gil Riviere may well have construction funders. Forward Progress campaign finance laws or endanger the provided the winning margin—he appears to be run and funded by the Club’s favorable tax status as a “social defeated Richard Fale by just 455 same entities that supported the now welfare organization.” votes. Fale has a woeful record on discredited Pacific Resources Partnership All that being said, the PAC takes environmental issues and a poor (PRP) campaign in the 2012 elections. upon itself the task of advancing the reputation among House members, Forward Progress poured money into general goals of the Sierra Club through which the PAC was happy to point out defeating County Council members Elle its participation in the electoral process. in our campaign materials. Cochran on Maui, Margaret Wille on the So as a collegial gesture, here’s a brief The PAC was less successful in Big Island, and other environmentally summary of the PAC’s activities this backing a newcomer, Terez Amato, in a friendly candidates. Cochran and Wille election cycle. We raised about $25,000. primary campaign against the powerful have fought to control sprawl across our A mailer sent to every voting household chair of the Senate Consumer Protection agricultural lands, to preserve ocean in a legislative district costs between Committee, Roz Baker. Baker has fought access, and to regulate pesticides. With $3,500 and $5,500 to print and mail, so Sierra Club efforts to promote rooftop Club support, they both won, despite we decided to target six races. solar as part of the shift to a clean energy an onslaught of deceptive mailers from These efforts produced three economy. She beat Amato by just 486 Forward Progress PAC. Many of our significant victories. In the House, votes—we hope she will take note of the other council endorsees also won after Chris Lee won reelection to represent narrow margin and be a better friend to hard-fought races. his Waimanalo district, overcoming a the environment going forward. All these candidates were able strong, well-financed campaign by his We also narrowly failed to secure to count on the support of you, our Republican opponent. Chris is Chair of the last 183 votes needed to push Kent members. You donated money, wrote the Energy & Environmental Protection Fonoimoana over the top in the General postcards, canvassed, waved, and made Committee and a true champion on Election for the Ko‘olau Loa district, phone calls. This hard work ensures issues that are Sierra Club where his opponent supports the that our voices will be heard when the massive Envision La‘ie project. important decisions are made. Richard Fale, voluble and The PAC’s biggest failure was Can super PAC money decide “belligerent... is often the most our inability to help former Director polarizing figureHu ngton Postin Septemberthe room. 1st, 2014 Hawai‘i’s future? This election was a test, Robert Harris win the Democratic ” and the heartening news is that Club The North Shore and Windward side primary for Jessica Wooley’s old seat deserve e ective representation. members and other voters are becoming PRESORTED STANDARD in Kaneohe. Robert faced opposition US POSTAGE PAID VOTE more aware of the negative impact of from the developers and a well- PO Box 2577 corporate money. It is vital that we Honolulu, HI 96803 GIL RIVIERE knows how to work with people to get things done. funded candidate whose family He will continue to lead the community e�ort to: work together to make the people’s has deep roots in the community voice increasingly influential in future and strong union backing. elections. n Preserve Nevertheless, overall we Boost local Turtle Bay Stand up to HECO’s �arming e�orts to kill rooftop solar believe our efforts further The Sierra Club proudly endorses — Karen Chun, Steven Montgomery, GIL RIVIERE for State Senate enhanced the Club’s reputation Sierra Club also endorses A local leader Albert Perez who cares Paid for by the Sierra Club Hawaii PAC, without approval and author Kent Fonoimoana in the corridors of power as a about local ity of any candidate for House District 47 people and For the Hawai‘i Chapter Political local issues force to be reckoned with. Committee The Riviere mailer that — Anthony Aalto helped defeat Fale by 455 votes. Chair of the PAC

HAWAI‘I CHAPTER Mālama I Ka Honua January - March 2015 • 3 Farewell, Robert Harris By Anthony Aalto coalition that in 2012 enabled us As we noted briefly in the last issue, to help secure our beloved Director, Robert Harris, victories for has moved on to become Director of progressive Public Policy for Sunrun, one of the candidates in all largest rooftop solar companies in the five races that nation. In his new job he will be playing we targeted, a crucial role in hastening Hawai‘i’s which in turn move to a clean energy economy. We led to new and have the potential to supply almost desperately all our energy needs with non-carbon needed fuels. Doing so would create a major environmentally new driver of our economy, generating friendly thousands of high-skill, high-wage jobs leadership in the in both the blue-collar and white-collar state House of sectors. It would make us a model to Representatives. the rest of the country and indeed to He also helped the world. Urged on by Robert and the the club lead the Sierra Club, our political leaders are effort to elect increasingly articulating the desire to Tulsi Gabbard embrace that future. But the scope of to Congress. Robert’s influence will reach beyond These victories Hawai‘i, especially to California, where made us a force he is overseeing Sunrun’s efforts to to be reckoned influence the regulatory structure in the with. Golden State. In the long run this gives Robert’s him a chance to have a real impact on reputation the global warming crisis. amongst So Robert won’t be straying far from lawmakers for his Sierra Club ‘ohana, but his work intelligence, now will be more focused and better hard work, financed—and who can argue with that? discipline, and Unlike that other Anthony, I come tact ensure to praise Robert, not to bury him (of that the club’s Robert with his wife, Dr. Reina Harris, and daughter Aurora. course). Those who know him know positions are that one of Robert’s defining traits is his always treated modesty, so he won’t appreciate a eulogy. with enormous His work ethic was unmatched: he did the But we can’t let him go without saying respect when 35 hours a week he was paid for and then something about what his six years of we lobby the service has meant for the Club. Last Legislature. another 35 on his own dime, making him year Star-Advertiser columnist Richard His skills as an far and away the club’s best volunteer. Borecca approvingly quoted political attorney helped mover and shaker John Radcliffe as turn the tide on Horton’s first effort to urbanize Ho‘opili; saying, “At this moment in history, Turtle Bay, where he wrote the Supreme and he wrote the briefs for the legal the Sierra Club is the most powerful Court brief that forced the resort to do a efforts in the state Supreme Court that lobby in Hawai‘i.” That perception is supplemental EIS, which in turn opened stymied Castle & Cooke’s monster the product of long and hard work led the way to the recent conservation plan; suburb at Koa Ridge for several years. by Robert. He raised funds, recruited he provided the legal ammunition to Robert oversaw the creation of the volunteers, made allies, and built a Kioni Dudley that helped defeat D.R. Lorin Gill endowment. He won the

4 • Mālama I Ka Honua January - March 2015 SIERRA CLUB financial support that allowed us to and away the club’s best volunteer. His hire a full-time conservation program attention to detail was ruthless; he even coordinator—the extremely capable and found time to shepherd a long-needed sorely missed Caitlin Pomerantz, who redesign of our logo and PR materials. in turn helped spearhead our leadership But what is the accomplishment role in pushing the legislature and the Robert is most proud of? Bringing new PUC to force HECO to modernize our activists into the club. When he first grid. He was the creator and driving interviewed for the job that was Robert’s force behind the Capitol Watch, which promise: to clone himself, to create brought smart new activists into new environmental leaders. He found leadership positions. He built alliances them in people like our Chapter chair, with unions and NGOs. He was a highly Scott Glenn, and Nicole Lowen, now a effective spokesman in the media. He member of the House of Representatives. Editor: Phyllis Frus was the leader behind the plastic bag And yet in the end, as important as [email protected] bans. Invasive species, recylables, sea all these accomplishments are, they are Assistant Editor: Kathrin Auzinger-Hotzel level rise, the city’s $5 billion consent just “stuff.” They speak of his attributes, Layout & Design: Geoffrey T. Moore decree with the EPA… there is barely but not of his inner self. Robert is an Editorial Board: Scott Glenn, Janice Marsters, Geoffrey T. Moore, an area of environmental policy that enormously generous and loyal friend, Deborah Ward doesn’t bear his imprint. His work ethic a patient mentor, a fun-loving guy, a was unmatched: he did the 35 hours a doting father and devoted husband. He The Mālama I Ka Honua is published week he was paid for and then another leaves enormous shoes to fill. quarterly by the Hawai‘i Chapter of 35 on his own dime, making him far the Sierra Club, P.O. Box 2577, Hono- lulu, HI 96803. A small portion of the annual Sierra Club dues goes toward a one-year subscription. A Letter from Robert Contribution of news, opinion, art, I never planned on writing this letter. For six wonderful years, I’ve been a and photography may be sent elec- part of an amazing family of Sierra Club volunteers and employees. During my tronically to: time as the Director of the Sierra Club, we’ve won a lot of conservation victories, [email protected] I’ve worked with some spectacular volunteers, and I’ve been part of a great or by post c/o the Hawai‘i Chapter, P.O. Box 2577, Honolulu, HI 96803. organization with an exceptional board of leaders. The Director of the Sierra Club was my dream job. The Sierra Club embodies Submissions must be received by the the ideals that I hold dear. I love the Sierra Club’s rigid belief in volunteer first of the month prior to the date of leadership. We focus on empowering people to be involved in the issues that they publication. care about the most. We teach people about the amazing outdoors—the special Articles, graphics, and photos are copy- beauty of Hawai‘i—and give them the opportunity and skills to be more involved. righted by the authors and artists and may I admire the Sierra Club’s ruthless focus on pragmatism. We don’t get be reprinted only with permission. involved in issues unless we’re geared up to win. And we tend to focus on ways The Mālama is printed on recycled to win. The Club’s ability to navigate media messaging, organizing, and politics paper. Please recycle it again! Members is perfect. We can mix up the inside game (lobbying, bill introduction, and may elect to receive only an electronic subscription of the Mālama I Ka Honua meetings with politicians) with the outside game (organizing, messaging, and at sierraclubhawaii.com/newsletter. getting people involved) better then any other organization. The sheer amount the Sierra Club gets accomplished is stunning if you consider its relatively small ADVERTISEMENT RATES: budget and small number of employees. But as you probably have gathered, I am no longer going to be your Director. • Full page ($350) At some point the dream has to end. I believe it is time someone else take a turn • Half page ($250) at the greatest job in Hawai‘i and to help steer the Sierra Club into the future. • 1/4 page ($110) It’s been an honor to serve. I am so thankful for the opportunity to work with • 1/8 page ($60) the deeply committed and amazing volunteer leaders of the Sierra Club. I have • Bus. Cards ($50) learned, grown, laughed, and cried with many of you. I know you will continue to lead the Sierra Club to victory. These rates are subject to change. The Mālama accepts political advertisements Thank you. only from candidates endorsed by the —Robert D. Harris Hawai‘i Chapter.

HAWAI‘I CHAPTER Mālama I Ka Honua January - March 2015 • 5 Volunteer in the Spotlight

HAWAI‘I CHAPTER mountain vistas I loved paved over. It in the 1980s—Nicaragua, El Salvador, was gut-wrenching. I remember wanting Colombia. Then I moved to New York, Anthony Aalto to physically hurt the guys driving the based at the United Nations but covering Chair, Sierra Club of Hawai‘i PAC bulldozers. It was the start of a lifetime news events around the world: Suharto’s Chair, O‘ahu Group commitment. Today my biggest fear is fall in Indonesia, the Kobe earthquake global warming—what kind of planet am in Japan, the U.S. occupation of Haiti, I leaving my son? I feel compelled to act. independence in East Timor, the sex- slave trade in West Africa. So I was able What brought you to Hawai‘i? to persuade a newspaper in Europe to My wife is Japanese-American, post me to Honolulu as their Pacific Rim but born and raised in Chicago at a correspondent. Then when the Internet time when, as she puts it, it wasn’t decimated large swaths of newspaper hip to be Asian. She came to Hawai‘i journalism I found myself unemployed. on a business trip in 1981 and it was the first time she felt truly at home in So what do you do now? I make documentaries. Last I grew up on the O‘ahu year I made a film that chronicled how the Sierra Club came to the of the Mediterranean. I decision to support the HART rail saw the destruction this project. Currently I’m filming two documentaries: one on the battle over influx of tourists and new the future of Kaka‘ako, the other about Anthony Aalto is chair of the Sierra residents caused. I watched the homeless crisis. Club O‘ahu Group and chair of the Sierra Club of Hawai‘i Political Action beaches, farms, and How did you become involved with the Committee. He helped found and was mountain vistas I loved Sierra Club? the first chair of Capitol Watch, was a Robert Harris recruited me. I told founder of Save O‘ahu Farmlands, has paved over. It was gut- him I was interested in volunteering, so led the club’s Ho‘opili and Koa Ridge wrenching. It was the start he asked me to do one little thing: show campaigns, and chaired the club’s Tulsi up to testify at the Land Use Commission Gabbard for Congress independent of a lifetime commitment. against the Koa Ridge project. Once he political action committee in 2012, which had his hooks into me, he never let go! raised tens of thousands of dollars. America. She was determined to move He asked me to help him set up Capitol here. So when we decided to elope—if Watch, then to join the O‘ahu Group Why did you become an that doesn’t sound too Victorian—she Executive Committee, then chair the environmentalist? cleverly suggested we get married PAC. One thing led to another. I grew up on the O‘ahu of the in Hana. We were the first couple Mediterranean. My Spanish stepfather married in the Buddhist temple there What are your top priorities now? and his ten siblings owned an almond since World War II and we spent our Climate change, climate change, farm on Mallorca, an island paradise honeymoon exploring Moloka‘i and climate change. Hawai‘i should be a whose tourist boom started the exact upcountry Maui. Who wouldn’t be model to the nation of a successful same year as Hawai‘i’s with roughly the enchanted? I fell in love with Hawai‘i—it transition to a 100 percent clean same number of visitors. But where just became a question of finding a way energy economy. This transition will O‘ahu had 35 million visitor days in to move here. create a new pillar of our economy and 2013, Mallorca had more than 70 thousands of high-paying jobs. It’s not million. I saw the destruction this influx How did you do it? pie-in-the-sky. It’s truly achievable. I of tourists and new residents caused. I was a journalist. I spent 25 years as want Sierra Club to campaign for it. I I watched backhoes tearing out our a correspondent for organizations like want to make a film about it. And I want pine groves and almond trees to build a the BBC and the Guardian. I started to zero-out my own carbon footprint. freeway. I watched beaches, farms, and by covering the wars in Latin America

6 • Mālama I Ka Honua January - March 2015 SIERRA CLUB How Did That Turn Out? A Series Based on Chapter Actions

The historical timeline that ran in the Malama in 2013-2014 to mark 45 years of Sierra Club activism in Hawai‘i included lawsuits as well as leaders, legislation as well as campaigns. Each quarter we follow up on one of these actions, asking, What happened as a result of a bill becoming law? What are those who led the fight against a specific development doing now? Or in this case, What’s the story behind the Club’s geothermal policy? The 2012 policy is at sierraclubhawaii.com/geothermal-energy-policy.php

and frequently Geothermal of cultural or archaeological significance. Energy Though geothermal Update plants claim a small geographic In 1983, the Kahauale’a Geothermal footprint, there is Project, planned to harness energy no getting around generated by volcanic activity on the Big their industrial Island, became a primary concern of the character. Moku Loa Group. Aware of plans for These concerns exploration of geothermal capabilities prompted the on Maui and a proposed cable to carry Sierra Club to join the power to Oahu, the Chapter became a 1984 lawsuit involved in making sure any geothermal asking that the Puna Geothermal Venture projects in the islands were safe for the proposed plant advocated a moratorium on production environment as well as the people living not be located in Conservation District until an integrated energy resource plan, near them. land adjacent to Hawai‘i Volcanoes grounded in economic and environmental Although geothermal as an energy National Park, and that a comprehensive analysis, could be developed. source has many advantages—it is EIS be done by the developers. While Hawai‘i has integrated consistent, cheap, and plentiful, and it Puna Geothermal Ventures (PGV) geothermal energy into its energy emits very little carbon—it does have eventually won the right to build the portfolio, opinions about it remain environmental costs, which ought to be plant, which began operation in 1993. divided. Several incidents of toxic gas acknowledged and mitigated as much The price paid was widespread distrust releases and perceptions of negligent as is possible. Geothermal steam can of the company and the frustration of conduct by HELCO and PGV have contain hydrogen sulfide and toxic increasingly strained community elements such as boron, lead, and arsenic, While Hawai‘i has relationships. The most recent incident which are health hazards. Emissions occurred in August 2014: a release of may degrade air quality, pollute surface integrated geothermal geothermal gases while near-hurricane waters and groundwater, and damage conditions and blocked roads from living organisms. Other concerns are energy into its energy downed trees kept residents in their waste disposal and noise abatement. portfolio, opinions about homes. PGV’s monitors for hazardous Certain cultural and economic factors gases failed without backup power, so the also aroused opposition in Hawai‘i, such it remain divided. suspected release was not documented. as displacement of residents and the Those who suffered from what they commercialization of a sacred cultural local residents, who felt that commercial believed to be the noxious gases released symbol—Pele, volcano goddess revered interests had topped their concerns. Some wondered why the plant wasn’t shut by Native Hawaiians. of these concerns are reflected in a 1990 down in advance of the hurricane, or Geothermal projects are located in statement from the Sierra Club, which, why the monitors are not required to geologically active areas; this means while acknowledging that geothermal have backup power. To its credit PGV they are near sites of natural beauty energy was a potential energy resource, Continued on page 9

HAWAI‘I CHAPTER Mālama I Ka Honua January - March 2015 • 7 Sierra Club Members Join the Divest UH Movement At the national level, the Sierra Club has long been a champion for cleaner renewable energy sources and the clean air that comes with them. On September 21, 2014, in New York City, 400,000 climate activists hit the streets for the People’s Climate March. This was four times more people than anticipated, and they formed the largest climate march in history. They marched to show our elected leaders, and indeed the world, the gravity of the climate crisis as well as the intensity of people’s passion for meaningful solutions. On that day, Michael Brune, Executive Director of the Sierra Club, said, “The People’s Climate March has given tens of thousands of passionate Sierra Club board members Susanna Reyes and Lane Boldman with Hawai‘i Council delegate and dedicated allies an opportunity to let Roberta Brashear-Kaulfers as they marched with the Sierra Club delegation in the People’s Climate the world’s leaders know that we support March in New York City. setting the highest possible goals to address climate pollution, and that the “The People’s Climate March has given tens of United States must fully embrace and lead a worldwide effort to accelerate the thousands of passionate and dedicated allies an 21st century’s complete transformation to opportunity to let the world’s leaders know that a prosperous clean energy economy.” With our own passion for protecting we support setting the highest possible goals to our ‘aina and in knowing the sensitivity address climate pollution, and that the United States of our islands when it comes to climate change, the Sierra Club of Hawai‘i sent must fully embrace and lead a worldwide effort to a band of climate activists with our dedicated local allies out on the same accelerate the 21st century’s complete transformation day in Honolulu. Nearly 400 strong we to a prosperous clean energy economy.” marched through Waikiki and ended in Kapiolani Park to listen to rallying —Michael Brune, Executive Director of the Sierra Club remarks by environmental leaders. By the end of that day, a dormant Divest UH Our institutions of higher learning campaign was revitalized. should lead by example, and UH The campaign aims to remove fossil students seem to get that. The website If you are an alum, fuel investments from UH’s investment DivestUH.org has been created for this student, staff or faculty portfolio, following the 13 colleges effort. Anyone associated with UH or member, or a member of across the U.S. that have already done the community that surrounds it can so and the Rockefeller Foundation sign the petition. The UH Board of the larger UH community itself. Divestment stigmatizes fossil fuel Regents has agreed to discuss the issue and you care about how companies, eventually weakening their at its next meeting, on January 22, 2015, climate change will affect our political power and making it possible to where the regents will hear testimony. pass carbon-restrictive legislation. If even The next meeting that has Divest UH on ‘aina, visit DivestUH.org, the Rockefellers have divested, what’s the agenda is the Committee on Budget sign the petition, and stopping our state university system, in and Finance, which meets January 4 at 2 spread the word! the most energy-dependent state in the p.m. in the ITS building. union? Nothing should. —Elliot Van Wie

8 • Mālama I Ka Honua January - March 2015 SIERRA CLUB Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument Expansion In September, President Obama the PRIMNM expansion efforts, and signed a proclamation that created the a Sierra Club of Hawai‘i executive largest network of marine reserves in the committee member, says, “The success world. The proclamation expands the of the monument expansion is a credit existing protections of the Pacific Remote to the diverse group of stakeholders Islands Marine National Monument who passionately advocated for greater (PRIMNM), established by George W. protections for our precious ocean,” Bush in 2009, to six times its current size, which includes Native Hawaiian from almost 87,000 square miles to more practitioners, elected leaders, scientists, than 490,000 square miles. non-profits, businesses, and ocean The PRIMNM consists of five advocates in Hawai‘i, the Pacific, and uninhabited islands or atoll complexes: across the United States. The Sierra Club Wake, Jarvis, Howland and Baker Islands, Hawai‘i chapter submitted testimony in Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef and support, and Dave Raney, Co-Chair of In September, supporters of the expansion Palmyra Atoll. Situated about 800 miles the Sierra Club Marine Action Team, of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine southwest of the main Hawaiian Islands, created local and national Sierra Club National Monument met with officials in Washington, D.C. to advocate for the the PRIMNM are recognized as some action alerts and testified at an August new protections. From left to right: Seth of the richest areas on Earth for sea life, Town Hall meeting in Honolulu with Horstmeyer, Pew Charitable Trusts; and one of the most pristine tropical Doug Fetterly, also a member of the Robert Richmond, Kewalo Marine Lab, marine ecosystems on the planet, home Sierra Club Marine Action Team. University of Hawai‘i; Sheila Sarhangi, to millions of seabirds, deep sea coral President Obama expanded the Organizer for PRIMNM expansion and reefs (some 5,000 years old), endangered monument under the Antiquities Act Sierra Club Hawai‘i executive committee marine mammals, and more than 130 of 1906, which has been used by 16 member; Guy Hanohano Naehu, Moloka‘i newly protected seamounts, known as presidents to protect such treasures as fishpond operator; Maka‘ala Ka‘aumoana, hot spots of biodiversity. the Grand Canyon and Washington’s Hanalei Watershed Hui; Matt Rand, Pew Sheila Sarhangi, organizer for Mount Olympus. Charitable Trusts.

not only required to surrender their optional, but most trail users won’t Oah‘u Gated driver’s licenses to the gate guard for know this. Trail users are encouraged Community Complies a inspection and recording, but were also to report any demands to see driver’s limited to fewer hours of operation licenses or refusal of public access to city Little, but Not Enough than the sunrise-to-sunset of the Public and state officials. Trail users can request A recent column by June Watanabe Access Easement Document. When their own copy of the Grant of Public in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser this noncompliance was exposed, the Access Easement Document from the highlighted the Waialae Iki V homeowners association responded author or seek it from the state Bureau Community Association’s reluctance by modifying the rules. While the of Conveyances. to grant access to hikers going to the gate guard will continue to ask for —Reese Liggett Wiliwilinui Ridge Trail. Hikers were identification, provision will now be [email protected]

by emergency response teams deployed “favorable but cautious position” on Geothermal by the County Civil Defense. Incidents developing geothermal resources, Continued from page 7 like these are galvanizing opposition to acknowledges new technology that possible expansion of geothermal energy promises safer extraction and energy shut down before the second hurricane in production to West Hawai‘i unless there generation, and keeps the 1990 document’s response to the outcry after the first. are more safeguards, impartial monitoring insistence on the adoption of appropriate A year earlier, residents became aware of air emission, testing of water to detect environmental and social safeguards, of a systemic problem. The accidental heavy metals and proprietary chemicals and on a comprehensive plan made in release of hydrogen sulfide at the Puna plant used in injection wells, and better oversight collaboration with local stakeholders. n in March 2013 exposed a huge gap between by regulatory agencies. — Contributions from Kathrin levels of the gas recorded by PGV monitors The Chapter Executive Committee’s Auzinger-Hotzel, Nelson Ho, and and levels (100 times higher) captured 2012 policy on geothermal takes a Cory Harden

HAWAI‘I CHAPTER Mālama I Ka Honua January - March 2015 • 9 Nate’s Adventures Koa Bugs in the Hawaiian Islands

by Nate Yuen would be more accurate to call them the “less-stink” stink bug. Koa bugs are also called jewel bugs for the iridescence on their exoskeleton or carapace. Adults are almost three- quarters of an inch long, which makes them the largest endemic bug in the Hawaiian Islands. For nearly six months I had Their green eggs are only two been almost obsessed with koa bugs millimeters across, and are laid in a tight (Coleotichus blackburniae). Despite cluster, often in neat little rows. Newly searching on many trails on O‘ahu and hatched koa bug nymphs are tiny—just Hawai‘i Island, I did not find a single a few millimeters in length. The nymphs koa bug. Imagine my excitement when shed their exoskeletons multiple times Aaron Miyamoto—nature lover and before they emerge as adults. Each new photographer extraordinaire who raises nymph stage is called an instar. By the time all kind of insects and critters—told the nymphs reach the fifth instar, they me that he caught koa bug nymphs and have a fancy red and black pattern on their raised them to adults. I was even more abdomen and a blue color on their legs. thrilled when he invited me to his home Adult koa bugs suck the juices to photograph them. from developing koa seed pods. The The koa bug is closely related to host plant for nymphs is supposedly the green stink bug—named for the ‘a‘alii (Dodonaea viscosa) or native koa malodorous chemical the bugs spray as a (Acacia koa), but koa bugs seem to defense when threatened. As the chemical prefer formosan koa (Acacia confusa). I was thrilled when Aaron Miyamoto— defense emitted by koa bugs is much Perhaps this is because formosan koa nature lover and photographer reduced, koa bugs have been dubbed the produces seeds pods nearly year-round, extraordinaire— invited me to his home to “stinkless” stink bug. Koa bugs still have unlike koa trees, which produce them photograph koa bug nymphs. He captured the chemical but at reduced potency; it only seasonally. them to raise them to adults.

10 • Mālama I Ka Honua January - March 2015 SIERRA CLUB According to the Hawai‘i Biological Survey, the population of koa bugs has been significantly reduced due to a parasitic fly that was released to control the green stink bug, an agricultural pest. Koa bugs are still around on all the Hawaiian Islands, but in very low numbers. Aaron has been releasing koa bugs into the wild to increase their numbers. Here’s hoping that the spread of formosan koa and Aaron’s releases will result in a comeback.

The koa bug is closely related to the green stink bug. As the chemical defense emitted by koa bugs is much reduced, If you look closely you can see tiny pits or indentations on the surface of the bug, where the koa bugs have been iridescence lies. dubbed the “stinkless” stink bug. Koa bugs still have the chemical but at reduced potency; it would be more accurate to call them the “less- stink” stink bug.

Many thanks to Aaron for allowing me to photograph his koa bugs and for spearheading the effort to bring them back. Big Mahalo to Aaron! Aaron Miyamoto has a Facebook page dedicated to koa bugs—Friends of Koa Bugs. Check it out to see his latest crop. To see more of Nate’s photos of koa bugs, go to hawaiianforest.com/wp/koa- The eggs become translucent as they develop and allow you to see the eyes of the tiny bugs-in-the-hawaiian-islands/ nymphs as they prepare to hatch.

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 Hawai‘i’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.

SIERRA CLUB HAWAI‘I CHAPTER Mālama I Ka Honua January - March 2015 • 11 O‘ahu Group Report

bike paths that are physically separated rooftop solar, and a smart grid; and from automobiles; the O‘ahu Group to use the transition to clean energy has long supported them as a way to as a way to build a new pillar of our make cycling safer and more popular. economy with thousands of well-paying Elliot worked tirelessly to persuade the new jobs and a reservoir of technical city to get behind the plan. Over the expertise that would allow us to become next few years we hope to see the King a model to the nation. Street track become just the first leg in a comprehensive network around the city. Divestment Campaign Our effort to wean ourselves from Ho‘opili carbon fuels includes fighting to Election Victory! The O‘ahu Group is gearing up to persuade the University of Hawai‘i to The O‘ahu Group is celebrating the do battle with the City Council over divest its portfolio of any investment election of Matt LoPresti to the state the Ho‘opili suburban sprawl project, in the oil, coal, and gas industries that House of Representatives. Matt has been which would put 12,500 homes on top have had such a huge role in bolstering a valuable member of our Executive of the most productive food farm in the climate change denial. Because the Committee for the past three years and entire state. The development company, largest campus in the UH system is in currently serves as vice chair. D.R. Horton, has moved ahead with its Manoa, we believe the O‘ahu Group Club rules now require Matt to application to the Planning Commission has an important role to play in helping resign his seat on our committee, for zoning approval, despite the organize this campaign. but we don’t begrudge his loss as fact that its Traffic Impact Analysis he takes up his new position as vice Report has not been accepted by the Fundraising chair of the House Transportation city’s Department of Transportation Finally, the O‘ahu Group has taken Committee. In that role he will be able Services and the Navy has not granted the lead in trying to find ways to boost to focus his passion on promoting permission for Ho‘opili storm water to fundraising for the Club. We believe the environmental perspective on cross its lands. These are two conditions the Chapter should have a full-time transportation: pushing the state to the Land Use Commission imposed in staff of four. In addition to the director, embrace Complete Streets, ensuring granting the application to reclassify the we would like to see a policy director/ that the Leeward Bikeway finally gets ag lands as urban. lobbying coordinator and a campaign built, promoting transit-oriented director/volunteer coordinator. In order development as a way to preserve Ige Administration to pay for those two additional staff, farmlands, and helping encourage the By the time this newsletter gets we believe we also need a full-time state’s Department of Transportation to you the Supreme Court may have fundraiser. We think a fundraiser could to move away from its decades-old heard our appeals of the Ho‘opili organize a couple of major sponsored obsessive focus on the automobile. and Koa Ridge decisions. We will be events each year—like the Komen Race pushing the Ige administration to back for the Cure or the Hawai‘i Bicycling New Blood our appeals and make good on the League’s Century Ride. We have formed In Matt’s place we welcome Elliot numerous campaign promises to protect a small committee and hope to present Van Wie, a committed activist and a productive ag land and boost our food an initial report and recommendations rising star in local environmental circles self-sufficiency. to the Chapter in January. who has been elected to our committee. We will also be pressing the Ige Elliot was most recently the prime administration to live up to campaign Hau‘oli Makahiki Hou. mover behind the BYK Project, which promises to advance the Clean Energy has given us Honolulu’s first cycle track, Initiative; to have the Public Utilities Anthony Aalto the 2-mile corridor along King Street Commission take a more proactive Chair, O‘ahu Group from Alapai to Isenberg. Cycle tracks are stance in boosting distributed energy,

12 • Mālama I Ka Honua January - March 2015 SIERRA CLUB O‘ahu Group Outings

See Page 21 for General (+/-500 ft) native plants. John Shimogawa 227-9925, Outings Information Native plants are the highlight on this Clyde Kobashigawa clydekobashigawa@ trail, with lovely views of the Wai‘anae clearwire.net, Susan Tom Beginning in January 2014, reservations mountains. Gwen Sinclair 753-0528 are required for outings. Register online [email protected], Jean Fujikawa Sunday, January 25 at sierraclubhawaii.com/get-outdoors Photography Hike: Queen Kapi‘olani Sunday, January 11 Gardens (E/F) Unless otherwise stated in the outing Hawai‘iloa Ridge Trail Work (S) .25 mi/Easy/Kapahulu description, participants meet at 8:00 The hike to the toolbox takes about 45 Reservations required. Contact a.m. at the back porch of the Church of minutes. Lots of native plants on the trail. Clyde for reservations. The pace of the Crossroads, 2510 Bingham Street, We will install a few steps within 200 photography hikes is extremely slow. Honolulu. Do not leave your car in the yards of the toolbox. Tools provided. We Many native plants from around the church parking lot. should be done around noon. Back to the State of Hawai‘i. Clyde Kobashigawa cars around 1 p.m. Our first work day on [email protected], John Classification of outings: (E) Education/ Hawai‘iloa Ridge since 1998! Randy Ching Shimogawa, Susan Tom Interpretation, (C) Conservation, 942-0145 [email protected] (F) Family/Fun, (S) Service Sunday, February 1 Saturday, January 17 Mariners Ridge Sunday, January 4 Makapu‘u Coastal Hike (F) 3.6 mi/Moderate/Ridge/Hawai‘i Kai Mariners Ridge (F) 4 mi/Moderate/Coastal/Makapu‘u (+/– Kamehameha Schools has limited legal 3.6 mi/Moderate/Ridge/Hawai‘i Kai 600 ft) access to HTMC and Sierra Club. One Kamehameha Schools has limited legal The Makapu‘u trail begins at the foot of the shortest routes to the Ko‘olau access to HTMC and Sierra Club. One of Makapu‘u Point and traverses the Summit, Mariners Ridge has great views of the shortest routes to the Ko‘olau rocky coast. Several large tidal pools are and several native plants. We’ll have the Summit, Mariners Ridge has great views inviting places to swim and have lunch. trail all to ourselves! Randy Ching and several native plants. We’ll have the We will pass a couple of blowholes 942-0145 [email protected] trail all to ourselves! Randy Ching not seen from the road, then make the 942-0145 [email protected] precipitous, steep climb up to the point Sunday, February 8 and great views of the windward coast. Ka‘ena Point Natural Area Reserve Saturday, January 10 We hope we will be lucky and spot some Service Project (S) Ala Wai Harbor Cleanup (S) whales in the Moloka‘i channel. Be sure Reservations required. We will travel Meet at 8 a.m. at the Harbor Master’s to bring sunscreen and plenty of water. to Mokulē‘ia where we will meet with office, between the 3rd and 4th row of This trail involves a lot of rock hopping DLNR personnel and drive to Ka‘ena boats behind the Ilikai Hotel. Park in street in addition to the climb, which makes Point Natural Area Reserve. We will stalls or public lot ‘ewa of Hilton Lagoon. it a little more difficult than most trails remove invasive plants that are growing We will use nets and scoops to clear the of its length and elevation gain. Ed in the area, and perhaps do some harbor of marine debris. Wear sturdy shoes Mersino 455-8193 [email protected], outplanting. We will learn about native with griping soles (no sandals or slippers assist. David Houle coastal plants and animals, and see allowed) and bring a hat, sunscreen and albatross and possibly endangered monk water. All participants under 18 must have Sunday, January 18 seals. Call for exact meeting point. We a waiver signed by their legal guardian. ‘Ihi‘ihilauakea Crater Hike (F) will *not* be meeting at Church of the Please contact the leader for the waiver. 3 mi/Moderate/Ridge/Koko Head Crossroads. Jim Waddington 947-2732 Deborah Blair 955-4168 Reservations required. Contact John for reservations. We may spot some Sunday, February 8 Saturday, January 10 humpback whales from above as we Puu Ma‘eli‘eli (F) Kaunala (F) make our way into a crater to view rare 3 mi/Moderate/Ridge/Kahalu‘u 6 mi/Moderate/Contour/Pūpūkea

HAWAI‘I CHAPTER Mālama I Ka Honua January - March 2015 • 13 O‘ahu Group Outings

Reservations required. Contact Susan leg takes us down a ridge and back to the We will hike a couple of miles up the for reservations. Uphill hike to pillbox trailhead. Meet at 8:30 a.m. on Hui Iwa Mānana Trail and remove some of the overlooking beautiful Kāne‘ohe Street near McDonald’s in the Temple invasive species crowding out our native Bay. Susan Tom 753-0351, Clyde Valley Shopping Center: 47-250 Hui Iwa koa trees. Bring clippers, saws, or loppers Kobashigawa clydekobashigawa@ Kāne‘ohe, off Kahekili Highway. Colleen if you have them. If not, the hike leader clearwire.net, John Shimogawa, assist. Soares [email protected] 748-9215 has some you can use. Also, bring lunch, Curtis Kawamoto a couple liters of water, and gloves. We Saturday, February 21 will meet at the trailhead at the end of Sunday, February 8 Nu‘uanu-Pu‘u ‘Ōhia (F) Komo Mai Drive in Pacific Palisades Sandy Beach Cleanup (S) 5 mi/Moderate/Contour/Tantalus above Pearl City at 8:30 a.m. Ed Mersino Meet at 8:30 a.m. at Sandy Beach (+1,500 ft) 455-8193 [email protected], assist. bathroom at eastern side of beach Reservations and car shuttle required. David Houle park. (Bathroom closer to Makapu‘u.) We’ll enjoy beautiful views of Nu‘uanu We will clean up along highway and and Honolulu from the Makiki-Tantalus Saturday, March 7 coastal areas until 10:30 a.m. Bags and trail system. Gwen Sinclair 735-0528 Photography hike: Lyon Arboretum (E/F) gloves provided. All participants under [email protected] Reservations required. Contact 18 must have a waiver signed by their Clyde for reservations. The pace of legal guardian. No one under 18 will Sunday, February 22 photography hikes is extremely slow. be allowed to clean on the highway and Keālia Trail and Access Road (F) Meet at the Church of the Crossroads will spend their time cleaning the beach 6 mi/Moderate /North Shore (+1700 ft) at 9 a.m. $5 suggested donation to Lyon and park area. Closed-toe shoes only. This hike is 5.5 to 6 miles round-trip Arboretum. Learn about native and No slippers or sandals of any sort. Call and approximately 4-5 hours long. The tropical plants. Clyde Kobashigawa Tred 394-2898 for information. Deborah first mile is up switchbacks and the [email protected], John Blair 955-4168 remainder on dirt firebreak road with a Shimogawa, Susan Tom, assist. Curtis 1700 ft elevation gain. Great views of the Kawamoto Saturday, February 14 North Shore and Mākua Valley. Meet MCBH Kāne‘ohe Bay Service Project (S) at trailhead parking lot at Dillingham Sunday, March 08 Reservations Required. Contact Dan Air Field. Dan Anderson 690-0479 Mariners Ridge to Kuli‘ou‘ou (F) Anderson at 690-0479 or danderhi@ [email protected] 5 mi/Strenuous/Ridge/Hawai‘i Kai gmail.com by February 13. We will be Not for those afraid of heights! Shuttle working with Environmental helping Sunday, February 22 hike. We’ll park cars on both ends. The clear wetlands of mangrove plants to Photography hike: Pālehua-Palikea (E/F) views along the Ko‘olau Summit Trail will create habitat for Hawai‘i’s endangered Reservations required three weeks prior. take your breath away! We will hike along waterbirds. Because MCBH is a secured Contact Clyde for reservations. The pace the Ko‘olau Summit Trail for over a mile. military facility, we must provide your of photography hikes is extremely slow. You won’t forget this hike! Randy Ching name to the base in advance. We’ll send Not for those uneasy about heights. 942-0145 [email protected] you a waiver which you must bring with Native plants, scenic panoramas, and you. Deborah Blair 955-4168 exquisite tree snails are the attraction Sunday, March 15 in this preserve. Clyde Kobashigawa Ka‘ena Point Natural Area Reserve Sunday, Feb 15 [email protected], John Service (S) Ulupaina Loop (F) Shimogawa 227-9925, Susan Tom, assist. Reservations required by March 13. 4 mi/ Intermediate/Kāne‘ohe Curtis Kawamoto Information will be sent to you after This trail is an easy uphill contour with you register. We meet in Mokulē‘ia views of the windward side. Then there is Saturday, February 28 with DLNR personnel and drive to a steady climb to a lunch spot near power Mānana Service Project (S) Ka‘ena Point Natural Area Reserve. poles around 900 feet elevation. The last 4 mi/ Moderate/ Ridge/Mānana We will remove invasive plants, and

14 • Mālama I Ka Honua January - March 2015 SIERRA CLUB O‘ahu Group Outings

plant natives, and learn about native We will reroute the trail near the Gardens Pa Launa parking lot, which is coastal plants and animals. We will see summit. Long uphill slog from the one lot past the visitor’s center on the albatross adults and fledglings, possibly toolbox with our tools. Great cardio left. We start from the park, ascending monk seals, and whales. Colleen Soares workout. Wonderful views at the about 200 feet toward the Ko‘olaus. Loop [email protected] 748-9215 summit. Randy Ching hike through varying forest conditions [email protected] 942-0145 with native and introduced plants, and Saturday, March 21 views of Kāne‘ohe Bay. Lunch at Likeke Wahiawā Hills Float (F) Sunday, March 29 waterfall. Gwen Sinclair 753-0528 6 mi/Moderate/Wahiawā (+/– 1300 ft) Likeke from Ho‘omaluhia (F) [email protected] This trail is a large loop that crosses 7 mi/Moderate/Ko‘olau Kaukonahua Stream, follows Poamoho Meet at 9 a.m. at Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Ridge, and drops back down across the stream. From there we will have a cool, fun float and hike back down the stream Two 3-Day Neighbor Island Service Trips near where we first crossed it. Known for its numerous pools, Kaukonahua Stream is a natural water park. We will have to walk through or around the many shallow parts. Bring a durable, inflatable floatation device like an air mattress or inner tube plus a spare (in case of punctures), tabis or some footwear to walk through the shallows, Friday to Sunday, July 3-5 and a waterproof bag to carry your lunch, Haleakalā National Park, Maui (S) clothes and gear. Not recommended for Saturday to Monday, May 23-25** children under 12 years old. Ed Mersino Leader: Clyde Kobashigawa Kahaualea Natural Area Reserve 455-8193 [email protected], assist. [email protected] System (NARS) Service Project—Big David Houle Island (S) Our accommodation for the weekend Leader: Clyde Kobashigawa is at Kapalaoa Cabin situated in Sunday, March 22 [email protected] the center of Haleakalā Crater. The Photography hike: Leeward Community work will be eradicating California College Native Plant Garden (E/F) We will be working with NARS telegraph plant and plantago. This Reservations required. Contact clearing mainly kāhili ginger. We will trip is for hikers in good physical Clyde for reservations. The pace of access the enclosure via Volcanoes condition and for those who don’t photography hikes is extremely slow. National Park where it is an easy 1/2 mind “roughing it.” We have a 7-mile Started in the early 1990s, Leeward mile hike from Thurston Lava Tube hike in via the Sliding Sands Trail Community College’s native plant to the worksite. This is a relatively and will exit via the Halemau‘u Trail. gardens contain plants representing new site that is dominated by the Participants will have to deal with the dryland, coastal, mesic forest and alien kāhili ginger; it is a great way to elevation. The cabin was built in the Polynesian gardens. Clyde Kobashigawa see how it evolves into a truly native 1930s by CCC workers and is rustic. [email protected], John Hawaiian reserve. There are native There are no washroom or shower Shimogawa 227-9925, Susan Tom birds above in the native ‘ōhia lehua facilities, but there is an outhouse. We trees. Our accommodation will be at a do have a 2-burner gas stovetop and a Sunday, March 22 house in Hilo at the NARS base yard. wood-burning stove to cook and keep Hawai‘iloa Ridge Trailwork (S) **This trip requires a Friday evening warm. The reward is spending the 2 mi/Strenuous/Ridge/Hawai‘i Loa departure, May 22. weekend in a beautiful national park.

HAWAI‘I CHAPTER Mālama I Ka Honua January - March 2015 • 15 Kaua‘i Group Report

HDF made this announcement shortly zone around the pier. Hopefully this after it received its building permits strong message will reinforce the from the County of Kaua‘i without any community’s efforts to obtain stronger environmental assessment. rules and enforcement to protect Hanalei While the Kaua‘i Group views the Bay from this new threat. EIS as a victory in its well-founded opposition to the current dairy proposal, County Council Weakens it must now work to ensure that the Shoreline Setback Ordinance Maha‘ulepu Update: EIS provides an honest and complete Unfortunately, this November, Conflicting Water Testing assessment of the project’s impacts and Kaua‘i’s County Council also voted to Results and an EIS that meaningful mitigation measures are weaken the County’s Shoreline Setback mandated to ensure that the project will As Kaua‘i residents await the results Ordinance. The original intention not negatively impact Maha‘ulepu’s land, of another round of state Department of for revising the ordinance was to waters, and neighboring communities. Health (DOH) water testing of Waiopili simplify its implementation. But after Stream in Maha‘ulepu, Hawai‘i Dairy Councilmember Yukimura brought five Farms (HDF)—eBay billionaire Pierre County Council Passes Resolution representatives of land developers onto Omidyar’s proposed industrial-scale to Protect Hanalei Bay the bill’s working group, things took dairy operation of up to 2,000 cows Since 2012, luxury “super-yachts” a turn for the worse: special-interest at Maha‘ulepu—announced it will have begun to use Hanalei Bay as a language was added for development on voluntarily prepare an Environmental playground. The visual impacts of ships large parcels on rocky bluffs above the Impact Statement (EIS). that are as long as 30-story buildings are shore, cutting the setback requirements Testing done over the past six indisputable. But in addition, some are for such development from the current months by Surfrider and the DOH has floating transient vacation rentals; and 100 feet to just 60 feet. These reduced shown that Waiopili Stream is currently some have heliports with helicopters requirements will create severe visual Kaua‘i’s most polluted waterway. After that fly directly over Hanalei town, impacts along Kaua‘i’s coastline and continued lobbying, the DOH and HDF disrespecting both the County’s ban on negative impacts on native seabirds. each collected additional samples from north shore helicopter landings and the One of the biggest potential the same water sources and sent them to “fly neighborly” agreement that protects beneficiaries of this special provision is separate labs to test for fecal-indicating residential areas from helicopter billionaire Pierre Omidyar’s project to bacteria. The bacteria counts for the overflights. To make matters worse, the line the ridge above the Hanalei River two samples were nowhere close to state’s Department of Land and Natural with resort structures. This is no surprise, each other: DOH found counts that Resources allows the super-yachts’ large as at least one of the development were similar to the significant levels launches to operate in the Hanalei Pier representatives brought onto the working found in July, while HDF’s results were swimming zone and to load/unload at group was Omidyar’s representative. “alarmingly lower.” This significant the pier, even though the state’s rules Sierra Club, other community discrepancy is worrisome given HDF’s prohibit both activities. advocates, and Councilmembers Chock, track record of dubious scientific DLNR’s message to the community Hooser, and Bynum tried to remove claims and its dismissal of community has been to “get over it, because more the preferential treatment language concerns. Because of the discrepancy, super-yachts are on the way.” In response, but were unsuccessful. So, while the DOH, HDF, and landowner Grove Farm the County Council this November final version of the bill did increase the agreed to another round of sampling. unanimously approved Councilmember setback requirement for many shoreline DOH will report on those findings. Jay Furfaro’s resolution urging the state to parcels, it retained the harmful rocky Bowing to public pressure and protect the quiet, recreational character bluff development provision, and Sierra pending litigation, HDF also announced of Hanalei Bay by prohibiting most Club therefore urged the bill’s defeat. But that it will prepare an EIS prior to vessels longer than 75 feet from entering it was approved 4-3, by Councilmembers commencing operations. However, the bay and by enforcing the swimming Yukimura, Rapozo, Kagawa, and Furfaro.

16 • Mālama I Ka Honua January - March 2015 SIERRA CLUB Kaua‘i Group Outings

See Page 21 for General sinkhole/cave archeological site. Allan easy (S) Sierra Club, Mālama Maha‘ulepu, Outings Information Rachap 212-3108 and Surfrider team up to keep this magnificent beach free of ocean debris and Sunday, January 18 litter. Follow Po‘ipu Road past the Grand Join us on one of these outings to explore Polihale Beach & Queen’s Pond. West side/ Kaua‘i. Please note the level of hiking Hyatt where it becomes a dirt road. Drive Moderate/ 3.5 miles (C/F) Have you wanted to T-intersection and turn right. Continue proficiency and round-trip mileage for each to take in the wild and expansive views hike. Pack raingear, sufficient water, lunch, to parking area and look for banners. from Queen’s Pond up to the southern Please bring hat and water. Bags, gloves hat. Wear shoes with a good grip; no end of NaPali? It’s breathtaking! We’ll walk sandals or flip-flops. Participants must sign & snacks provided. 9 am to noon. Greg along the shoreline, which offers a firm Peters 413-522-3734 a liability waiver. Requested donation for walking surface. Enjoy a picnic on the hikes: $1 from Sierra Club members and beach with a possibility of a dip at Queen’s Monday, March 2 participants under 18, $5 for non-members. Pond. Judy Dalton 246-9067 Waimea Canyon Road Cleanup. Easy/ You can sign up to become a member on 2 miles (S) Afternoon cleanup of Sierra Saturday, January 24 the outing. Children are welcome on hikes Club’s adopted highway requires a little at the discretion of hike leader; under 18 Moloa‘a Beach Cleanup. Northeast Shore/ over an hour. Please help keep the gateway allowed only with an adult. easy (S) Help protect marine life, seabirds, to Waimea Canyon litter-free. Bob Nishek the reef, and ocean from litter and fishing 346-0476 Classification of outings: (E) Education/ net entanglement. Sierra Club and Interpretation, (C) Conservation, Surfrider team up for this effort. Look for Saturday, March 7 (F) Family/Fun, (S) Service organizations’ signs. Bring hat and water. Jewel of Koke‘e. Strenuous 7 miles (C/E/F) Gloves, bags, and snacks provided. 9 am to Spectacular hike through forests of Koke‘e, How about becoming a Sierra Club noon. Judy Dalton 246-9067 Black Pipe Trail, Canyon Trail, Po‘omau Outings Leader? Yes, you! Canyon Lookout. Cross over Waipo‘o Falls Sunday, February 1 Kaua‘i has more hiking trails than any for a view of Waimea Canyon to the ocean. other island, and showing people all the Maha‘ulepu Sunset to Moonlight Walk. Ken Fasig 346-1229 delightful places to explore is both a fun South Shore/ Moderate/3.5 miles (C/E/F) and rewarding experience. We need new Start out mid-afternoon from Shipwreck Sunday, March 15 outings leaders, so please contact us! Call Beach walking along the coast to Maha‘ulepu and Makauwahi Cave. South Judy Dalton at 246-9067. Maha‘ulepu. Enjoy the setting sun and a Shore/moderate/ 3 miles (C/E/F) Enjoy the full moon rise. Spectacular coastal walk. majestic coastline. Visit the world-class Friday, January 2 We’ll shuttle cars for a one-way hike. Greg sinkhole/cave archeological site. Allan Sunset to Full Moon Coastal Walk. East Peters 413-522-3734 Rachap 212-3108 Shore/ Moderate (C/E/F) Start off the new year with a walk along the spectacular Monday, February 2 Saturday, March 21 coastline from Kuna Bay (popularly National Tropical Botanical Gardens Full Kuilau Ridge Trail/ East side/moderate/4.5 known as Donkey Beach) to Kapa‘a for a Moon Walk. South Side/Moderate/2 miles miles (C/E) Enjoy sweeping panoramic 4.5-mile one-way hike with car shuttle. (C/E/F) Hike and learn about plants in views of Mountains Kawaikini and Judy Dalton 246-9067 lovely gardens. Sierra Club members only. Waialeale and the Makaleha mountains. Erica Watson and Denny Jackson 647-0727 Monday, January 5 Bob Nishek 346-0476 Nonou (Sleeping Giant) Conservation Service Saturday, March 28 Sunday, February 15 Project (C/S) East Side/strenuous/4 miles. Hanama‘ulu Beach Cleanup. East Shore (S) Tend to endangered native plants in their Maha’ulepu and Makauwahi Cave. South Help protect marine life, the reef and ocean habitat and enjoy a full moon walk. Sierra Shore/moderate/ 3 miles (C/E/F) Enjoy the from litter and fishing net entanglement. Club members only. Bob Nishek 346-0476 majestic coastline. Visit the world-class Sierra Club and Surfrider team up for this sinkhole cave archeological site. Allan effort. Look for banners at beach. 9 am Sunday, January 11 Rachap 212-3108 to noon. Bags, gloves, and refreshments Maha‘ulepu and Makauwahi Cave. South Saturday, February 28 provided. Judy Dalton 246-9067 Shore/moderate/3 miles (C/E/F) Enjoy the majestic coastline. Visit the world-class Maha’ulepu Beach Cleanup. South Shore/

HAWAI‘I CHAPTER Mālama I Ka Honua January - March 2015 • 17 Maui Group Report & Outings

CHAIR’S REPORT Land Trust worked together to acquire the a problem—high-nutrient recycled Maui Group members are saddened parcel and protect it from development. injection-well water feeding algae blooms by the passing of one of our past and impacting water quality in the ‘Iao and Waikapu Stream Flows volunteers and former Maui Group ocean—into a solution: a new source of Restored: On October 13, First natural executive committee member Dorothy recycled wastewater to replace drinking- mauka-makai flows in ‘Iao stream Grace “Dot” Buck. Dot, an artist and quality water to irrigate landscapes in 150 years, although some stream social worker, committed a great deal of in Ka‘anapali. The Federal judge has sections are bypassed by release plan. her time to making Maui a better place indicated there is a CWA violation. The Citizen groups continue to press for full by testifying at hearings and attending historic case goes to trial in March 2015. restoration standards to be met and for rallies and sign-waving events with dry stretches of streams to be restored. the Maui Group and other community OUTINGS organizations. Her son, David Johnston, Baldwin Beach Expansion: MG See Page 21 for General is carrying on her work. “Expand the Park” campaign a big Outings Information Congratulations to those who success. County Council approves helped enact the temporary GMO purchase of a new site of County Service Classification of outings: (E) Education/ moratorium into law. The road to Center and A&B donates 36 acres of Interpretation, (C) Conservation, protecting our natural resources and land between Baldwin Beach Park (F) Family/Fun, (S) Service communities’ health is challenging, but and Pa‘ia Bay Park. MG continues to not impossible. This shows the strength advocate for a regional park of around A donation of $5 ($3 for Sierra Club of working together. While the initiative 150 acres. members) is requested of hikers over age 14. passed and is now law, there is still more Sunday, January 11 work to be done. Wailea 670/ Palauea: Proposed development on 670 acres needs to Pilale Bay and Stream Hike (Ha‘iku Area) Sierra Club will be hosting our D=3 mi R/T. Moderate. Some uphill, annual meeting and awards ceremony protect rare plant habitat and thousands of cultural sites. Native plant/Cultural some stream crossings. Explore the Sunday, February 8, from 11 a.m. to bay and streams that surround the 3 p.m. This free event will feature the preserve is at 152 acres and growing, thanks to the SC settlement negotiations. ancient Hawaiian village of Halehaku. theme “Maui Rising” and takes the form Water/mud-friendly footwear a must. of a dialogue about the great issues Renewable Energy Future: MECO’s Meet 9:30 a.m. Haiku Community affecting Maui’s future. Come down energy plan widely criticized for not Center. Limited parking at site. Limit for a catered lunch (you are welcome making more space for renewable 15. Register with leader: Robin West to bring a salad or dessert), listen to energy on the grid and relying on [email protected] or 277-7267 inspiring speakers, and applaud our liquefied natural gas from fracking. MG environmental heroes. This is a great offered extensive comments. Saturday, January 24 opportunity to meet supporters of the “Mālama Kipuka” Hawaiian Islands Land environment and others passionate Olowalu: was featured as a focus of the Trust Benefit Lu‘au (Lahaina) about nature and our islands. national Coral Reef Task Force meeting Great music and food from four award- in Maui in late August. Delegates were winning Lahaina restaurants all to help Chris Taylor given tours of the amazing reefs and preserve our most cherished lands. 5-8:30 Chair, Maui Group asked to help support efforts to protect p.m. Old Lahaina Lu‘au, in Lahaina. the last intact reef system in West Maui, Tickets $150 at hilt.org or call 244-LAND CONSERVATION UPDATES since surrounding lands are proposed for a new “town” with 1,500 + housing Sunday, January 25 Lipoa Point/Honolua Bay: Preservation units and commercial centers. Palau‘ea-Makena Shoreline Hike (C/E) finalized. State pays $20 mil for 244 D=3 mi R/T. Moderate. Narrow, rugged acres including land at Honolua Bay. Lahaina Wastewater Treatment Plant “fisherman’s trail,” in sections. Help Department of Land and Natural Clean Water Act Violations: Maui keep public access open, enjoy beautiful Resources with the Hawaiian Islands County continues to resist effort to turn views. Good balance a must. Meet

18 • Mālama I Ka Honua January - March 2015 SIERRA CLUB Maui Group Outings

9:00 a.m. in public parking lot for Polo Part II of a free informational slide trail in parts. Explore the public beach Beach. Limit 15. Register with leader: show and talk story about south Maui’s reserve to Olowalu landing and beyond. Rob Weltman [email protected] Ahupua‘a of Kamaole, famed for Rich in history and cultural sites. beaches, fishing, and, later, ranching. Footwear for beach and tidal areas Friday, January 30 6 to 7:30 p.m. (Sponsored by Maui recommended. Bring swimwear, water Ma‘alaea Village & Petroglyph Hike (C/E) Tomorrow Foundation) and lunch. Meet 9 am at 14 mi. marker D=4 mi R/T. Moderate. Some steep on Honoapiilani Hwy. Limit 20. Register Saturday, February 14 uphill. Explore petroglyphs (native with Hike Leader: Lucienne de Naie Hawaiian picture symbols chiseled into World Whale Day Celebration: (Kihei) [email protected] or 214-0147 rock) and other ancient ruins in the Maui Group info booth (C/E) Ma‘alaea area. Long pants and sturdy Pacific Whale Foundation’s Community Sunday, March 22 footwear. Meet 9:00 a.m. Maui Ocean Celebration with music. 10 a.m. to 7 Nu‘u Historical Hike (C/E) Center parking lot across from Carls Jr. p.m. Kalama Park on South Kihei Road D=5 mi. R/T. Strenuous. Lava trails Limit 18. Register with leader: Lucienne (by the big whale statue). Visit Sierra and varied terrain. Explore Nu‘u Bay de Naie [email protected] or 214-0147 Club information booth in “Eco-Alley.” shoreline as well as Hawaiian heiau and Volunteers wanted: [email protected]. Free sites nearby. Meet 8 a.m. at Pukalani Saturday, February 7 admission. (Not a Sierra Club activity) Terrace center by Ace. Limit 20. Register ‘Ohia Loop Trail and Olivine Pools, with Hike Leader: Lucienne de Naie Monday, February 16 Kahakuloa Area (C/E) [email protected] or 214-0147 D = 5 mi R/T. Moderate. ‘Ohia Loop Kama‘ole Ahupua‘a Tour (Kihei) (C/E) Trail with native plants, (endangered D=3 mi R/T. Moderate. Neighborhood, Friday, March 27 ‘Ohia), native seabirds, whales and turtles. gulch, and coastal walks at several tour Kahikinui coastal hike (C/E) Swim in the Olivine pools and visit the stops. Explore the hidden history of D= 6 mi R/T. Strenuous. Hike rough Nakalele Blowhole. Bring swimsuit, the “Land of Kama‘ole”: ancient fishing road to ocean in Kahikinui to visit camera and lunch. Meet 8:30 a.m. Waihe‘e shrines, house sites, and more Meet ancient Hawaiian village sites with School parking lot to carpool. Limit 18. 9:00 a.m. across from Kamali‘i school botanist Bob Hobdy. Sturdy footwear Register with leader: Miranda Camp in Kihei. Limit 20. Leader: Lucienne and lots of water a must. Meet 8 a.m. [email protected] or 463-9690 de Naie. Register: [email protected] or at Keokea park. Limit 12. Register with 214-0147 Hike Leader: Lucienne de Naie Sunday, February 8 [email protected] or 214-0147 Maui Group Annual Meeting (C/E/F) at Sunday, February 22 Kaunoa Center (Spreckelsville) Lahaina Pali Whale Viewing Hike/ dual Sunday, March 29 Food, fellowship, short inspirational talks direction (C/E) Pauwela Point Tide Pools and Environmental Heroes Awards. Free. D=5 mi. Strenuous. We will split up D=2 mi. R/T Moderate. Hike to 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kaunoa Senior Center. into two groups, one hiking from coast from Hana Hwy to tide pools Main dish provided. Please bring side Ukumehame to Ma‘alaea and the other (short climb required.) Wear sturdy dishes for a great picnic lunch. Theme: one in the other direction, exchanging shoes or tabis for rocky areas. Bring “Maui Rising,” a dialogue about the great car keys midway. Rugged trail gains swimwear for pools. Meet 9 a.m. Ha‘iku issues affecting Maui’s future. For email almost 2,500 feet, passing Kaheawa Community Center parking lot. Limit reminder about our annual meeting, go wind turbines. Bring good boots, lots of 18. Register with leader: Miranda Camp to mauisierraclub.org and click on “Join water and walking sticks. Meet 8:00 a.m. [email protected] or 463-9690 Our Email List” in left column of our at Maui Ocean Center parking by the Save the Date: Saturday, April 25 home page. Event volunteers wanted: gas station. Limit 18. Contact Leader: contact Lucienne de Naie [email protected] Rob Weltman [email protected] Annual Plant Sale Fundraiser at Haiku Flower Fest. Tuesday, February 10 Saturday, March 7 Plants and volunteers needed. Contact Kihei History Night: Kama‘ole: Part II at Olowalu Shoreline Historical Hike (C/E) Chris Taylor [email protected] Kihei Library (C/E/F) D=2.5 mi R/T. Moderate. No formal

HAWAI‘I CHAPTER Mālama I Ka Honua January - March 2015 • 19 Moku Loa Group Outings

See Page 21 for General gear, good boots, and a willingness to of its projects to improve the Ka‘u Outings Information work. Leader: Linda Larish 966-6337 Preserve. We will have an early start, meeting at 7:00 a.m. in Naalehu to ride D = distance, the estimated round trip Saturday, January 24 up to the preserve in TNC’s 4-wheel for the day. E = elevation in feet. + is Pohue Bay Day Hike (E) drive vehicles. We should be back to gain, - is loss, +/- is up and down. D = 5 miles, E = sea level +/–700' Naalehu by 3:00 p.m. Group size is Classification of Hikes: (E) = Education/ Hike down the ancient mauka-makai limited, so reserve early. Leaders: Linda Interpretation (C) Conservation trail to historic Pohue Bay. This hike is Larish 966-6337 and Jim Buck 315-7914 (F) Family/Fun (S) Service. strenuous due to lack of shade and hot Requested donation for members and and dry conditions. We will come to a Thursday, February 26 participants under 18 is $1. Donation beautiful coconut-tree-lined white sand Sandalwood Seed Planting near Saddle for others: $5. For most hikes, bring 2 beach where swimming is possible if Road (C,S) quarts of water, rain gear, sturdy hiking it’s not too rough. Leaders: Diane Ware D = 0.5 miles E = 7,000' shoes, hiking stick, hat/visor, and lunch. 967-8642 and Rich Vogler 328-8387 Come and join Mark Hanson and For full descriptions and updates go to the Hawaiian Reforestation Program hi.sierraclub.org/Hawaii/outings.html Sunday, February 15 planting sandalwood seeds in damp Pu‘uhonua O Honaunau (City of Refuge) areas at around 7,000 feet. Close-toed Saturday, January 3 to Ho‘okena Dayhike (E,F) shoes, sunscreen, and raingear are Green Lake Family Outing (F) D = 4 miles, E = sea level suggested for this rain or shine project. D = 1 mile, E = sea level This is a coastal Ala Kahakai hike over We should be done by about 2 p.m., so Visit the famous Green Lake in makai mostly lava and passing cultural sites please bring lunch, snacks, and water. Puna. This is a lake in an old cinder (Ki‘ilae Village) and the old trading Leaders: Rob Culbertson 345-8905 and cone by the sea. Bring lots of water and village of Ho‘okena. We will have a car Jim Buck 315-7914 your lunch. Leaders: Sunny and Michael shuttle so we can start at the Refuge LaPlante 964-5017 (entrance fee or pass required) and end Saturday, February 28 at the old trading village of Ho‘okena for Bike through the Forest at Hawai‘i Saturday, January 17 lunch, whale watching, and an optional Volcanoes National Park (E, F) Pepe‘ekeo Cliffs Hike (C, E) swim in the bay. Leaders: Diane Ware D = 12.5 miles E = 4,000' +/–700' D = 3 miles, E = sea level 967-8642 and Rich Vogler 328-8387 Bike rain or shine down a dirt road closed Walk along mowed trails atop the to motor vehicles. We’ll do a shuttle so we Hamakua Cliffs. We will watch seabirds Saturday, February 21 don’t have to bike back uphill. Required that nest in the cliffs and may even spot Anaeho‘omalu Bay (C, E, F) equipment: a bike, pump, spare tube, whales. Leaders: Sunny and Michael D = 3 miles, E = sea level helmet, gloves, closed-toed shoes, two LaPlante 964-5017 This can be a hot and dry hike to quarts of water, snacks, and lunch. Side Anaeho‘omaulu Bay. But the rewards excursions are possible. Leaders: Jim Buck Sunday, January 18 are great; snorkeling, petroglyphs, and 315-7914 and Diane Ware 967-8642 Restoration of Keau‘ohana Rainforest (S, E, C) anchialine ponds. So bring your hat, D = 0.5 miles, E = 600' swim and snorkel gear, lots of water Saturday, March 7 Join the nonprofit group Mālama O and lunch, and be prepared to enjoy a Lokoaka Trails Service Day (C, S) Puna in its efforts to restore the largest great day. Leaders: Sunny and Michael D = 0.5 miles, E = sea level and most intact lowland native forest LaPlante 964-5017 Help clear trails along the Hilo shoreline remaining in the state. You will learn to pristine lagoons, plant native plants, about a unique forest habitat with Saturday, February 21 and clear noxious weeds. Be sure numerous native plant species including The Nature Conservancy’s Kaiholena to wear sturdy boots or shoes and the endangered Ha‘iwale that is only Unit of the Ka‘u Preserve (C,E, S) protective clothing. Bring your swimsuit found in the Puna District. Bring D = 0.5 miles, E = 2,500' for a refreshing dip after all your hard mosquito repellant, work gloves, rain Join the Nature Conservancy in one work. Leader: Sarah Moon 935-3475

20 • Mālama I Ka Honua January - March 2015 SIERRA CLUB Moku Loa Group Outings

Saturday-Sunday, March 7-8 D = 5-6 miles E = 2,142' +/–1,500' Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge Service Rediscover this historic trail as we enjoy (C,E,S) native plants on this moderately steep D = 2 miles, E = 5,500' =/–500' hike. It’s possible to hike all the way up We will help the U.S. Fish and Wildlife to Keanakolu, but we’ll stop after 2 or Service with one of their conservation 3 hours for lunch and return the same projects and spend the night in the way. We recommend that you wear volunteer cabin. After working we will boots, a hat, and long pants and bring have the opportunity to bird watch one quart of water, snacks, and lunch. and botanize. Be prepared for wet, Leaders: Rob Culbertson 345-8905 and cold weather. Bring boots, rain gear, Jim Buck 315-7914 sun protection, warm clothes, gloves, binoculars, sleeping bag and daypack. Saturday, March 28 Reservations are required and the group The Great Crack Day Hike (E) size is limited. Leaders: Sunny and D = 11 miles, E = 3,000' +/–800' Michael LaPlante 964-5017 This is a very long, but rewarding hike. Our goal is the Great Crack—one of Saturday, March 14 the wonders of the Big Island. Starting Whittington Beach Park to Punalu‘u on Highway 11 near mile marker 47, Beach Park (E) Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge Service we will explore along a combination of D = 5 miles, E = sea level 4-wheel drive roads and pahoehoe lava spring. Leaders: Kana Covington This is a rugged, exposed coastline hike fields until we reach the Great Crack. 966-8431 and Linda Larish 966-6337. that follows an ancient Hawaiian trail in Leaders: Diane Ware 967-8642 and Rich some places. We pass cultural sites, fresh Vogler 328-8387 Saturday, March 21 water springs, and Kawa Beach. We will Humu‘ula Trail in the Hilo Forest Reserve have lunch at Kawa Beach where we can Ookala swim in the ocean or in a fresh water SIERRA CLUB OUTINGS POLICY

For all Sierra Club Outings: Sierra Club outings are conducted according to Club policy and under the direction of certified Outings Leaders. Our outings are group activities, and all participants are expected to follow leaders’ instructions and to remain with the group for the entire outing. We welcome all Sierra Club members, non-members, and visitors on most of our outings; however, certain outings may be restricted to members. Firearms, pets (unless specifically allowed), and audio devices with or without headsets are prohibited. Smoking is permitted only at breaks and then only if the smell of smoke cannot be detected by other hikers. Outing Leaders may prohibit smoking if, in their judgment, a fire hazard exists. Bring with you: a liter of water (2 liters for strenuous hikes), lunch, sunscreen, insect repellent, raingear/jacket, and daypack. Boots, shoes with traction grooves (no loafers), or tabis are required. Unless otherwise noted, no bare feet or sandals of any type will be allowed. You will also need to sign a liability waiver. If you would like to read a copy of the waiver prior to the outing, please see www.sierraclub.org/outings/chapter/forms or call 415-977-5630. In the interest of facilitating the logistics of some outings, sometimes participants make carpooling arrangements. The Sierra Club does not have insurance for carpooling arrangements and assumes no liability for them. Carpooling, ride sharing, or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among the participants. Participants assume the risks associated with this travel. For specific islands: Each group may have its own outings policy. Please look at each group’s page or website for more specific information on where to meet or what to bring with you.

HAWAI‘I CHAPTER Mālama I Ka Honua January - March 2015 • 21 Chapter Directory

“To explore, enjoy, and protect the wild places of the earth; to O‘AHU GROUP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE practice and promote the responsible use of the earth’s ecosystems www.hi.sierraclub.org/oahu P.O. Box 2577 • Honolulu, HI 96803 • (808) 537-9019 and resources; to educate and enlist humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment; to Chair & Secretary...... Anthony Aalto • [email protected] Secretary...... Elliot Van Wie • [email protected] use all lawful means to carry out these objectives.” Treasurer & Outings Chair ...... Randy Ching • [email protected] Chapter Delegate...... Steven Montgomery • [email protected] MAIN OFFICE Political...... Albert Perez • [email protected] Mail...... P.O. Box 2577, Honolulu, HI 96803 Nominating & Conservation ...... Leilei Shih • [email protected] Office Location...... Room 306, 1040 Richards Street, Honolulu, HI 96813 North Shore Chair ...... Blake McElheny • [email protected] Telephone...... (808) 538-6616 Windward Side Chair ...... Lisa Grandinetti • [email protected] Email...... [email protected] Web...... www.sierraclubhawaii.com KAUA‘I GROUP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE www.hi.sierraclub.org/kauai CHAPTER EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS Box 3412 • Lihu‘e, Hawai‘i 96766 Chair...... Scott Glenn • [email protected] Outings, Beach Protection, Public Access..... Judy Dalton • [email protected] • 246-9067 Vice Co-chair...... Roberta Brashear-Kaulfers • [email protected] Conservation...... David Dinner • [email protected] Vice Co-chair...... Lucienne de Naie • [email protected] Conservation...... Gregory Peters • [email protected] Treasurer...... Helen Chong • [email protected] Conservation...... Juan Wilson • [email protected] Secretary...... Roberta Brashear-Kaulfers • [email protected] Conservation, Membership...... Marge Freeman • [email protected] Hawai‘i Service Trip Program...... Janice Marsters • [email protected] Conservation, Helicopter Noise...... Carl Imparato • [email protected] High School Hikers...... Bob Keane • [email protected] Conservation, Land Use...... Rayne Regush • [email protected] Kaua‘i Group...... Gregory Peters • [email protected] Conservation, Environmental Justice...... Kip Goodwin • [email protected] Maui Group...... Chris Taylor • [email protected] Moku Loa Group...... Nadine Robertson • [email protected] MAUI GROUP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE O‘ahu Group...... Steven Montgomery • [email protected] www.hi.sierraclub.org/maui At-Large...... Scott Glenn • [email protected] P.O. Box 791180 • Pa-‘ia, HI 96779 • (206) 426-5535 At-Large...... Roberta Brashear-Kaulfers • [email protected] At-Large...... Lucienne de Naie • [email protected] Chair...... Chris Taylor • 385-3495 • [email protected] At-Large...... Malama Minn • [email protected] Vice Chair...... Sarah Tekula • [email protected] At-Large...... Alana Byrant • [email protected] Secretary & Political Chair...... Karen Chun • [email protected] At-Large...... Zachary McNish • [email protected] Treasurer...... Dina Mezheritsky • [email protected] At-Large...... Sheila Sarhangi • [email protected] Energy Chair & Director...... Daniel Grantham • 572-4571 • [email protected] Conservation Chair & Director...... Lucienne de Naie • [email protected] HAWAI‘I SERVICE TRIP PROGRAM Director...... Dottie Binder • [email protected] Director...... Lily Stagg • [email protected] Chair...... Janice Marsters • 988-3899 • [email protected] Director...... Dr. Janet Six • [email protected] Leadership Development...... John Cummings III • 527-5490 Director...... Clare Apana • [email protected] Finance...... Pauline Sato • 621-2008 Outings Chair...... Miranda Camp • [email protected] Secretary...... Waimea Williams • 239-5423 Project Evaluation...... Amber O’Reilly MOKU LOA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Recruitment...... Scott Rowland • 259-5416 www.hi.sierraclub.org/Hawaii P.O. Box 1137 • Hilo, HI 96721 • (808) 966-7361 HIGH SCHOOL HIKERS PROGRAM President...... Erron Yoshioka • [email protected] Chair...... Nelson Ho • 933-2650 • [email protected] Vice-President...... John M. Cummings III • [email protected] Vice Chair & Fundraising...... Nadine K. Robertson • [email protected] Secretary, Newsletter...... Pauline Kawamata • [email protected] Treasurer...... Deborah Ward • [email protected] • Treasurer, Membership...... Bob Keane • 623-3208 • [email protected] Conservation...... Mary Marvin Porter [email protected] Conservation, Political...... Cory Harden • [email protected] Outings...... Fred Nakaguma • [email protected] Conservation...... Janice Palma-Glennie • [email protected] Website...... Jim Yuen • [email protected] Energy...... Jon Olson • [email protected] Ecology Camp...... Bob Keane, Jamie Tanino • [email protected] Outings...... Sarah Moon • 935-3475 • [email protected] Outings...... Diane Ware • 967-8642 • [email protected] Membership...... Marty Mimmack • [email protected] Newsletter...... Linda Larish • [email protected]

22 • Mālama I Ka Honua January - March 2015 SIERRA CLUB Don’t Get Left Out in the Cold... Join Us ! Sierra Club Outings are a terri c way to meet new people and enjoy the great outdoors. Whatever your interests - hiking, canoeing or birdwatching - there is an outing for everyone. If you are new to the area, let your local Chapter or Group give you the lay of the land. Join today and become part of America’s largest environmental organization o ering the most enjoyable outings.

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Membership Categories Individual Joint Contributions, gifts & dues to Sierra Club are tax deductible; they support our e ective, citizen based Special Off er $ 15 N/A advocacy and lobbying e orts. Your dues Standard $ 39 $ 49 include $ 7.50 for a subscription to SIERRA Supporting $ 75 $ 100 magazine and $ 1.00 for your Chapter newsletter. Contributing $ 150 $ 175 Life $ 1000 $ 1250 Enclose a check and mail to: Sierra Club, PO Box 421041, Palm Coast, FL 32142-1041 Senior $ 25 $ 35 or visit our website: www.sierraclub.org Student $ 25 $ 35 Limited Income $ 25 $ 35 F94Q W 2400 1

HAWAI‘I CHAPTER Mālama I Ka Honua January - March 2015 • 23 Sierra Club, Hawai‘i Chapter Non-Profit Organization P.O. Box 2577 U.S. Postage Honolulu, HI 96803 PAID Honolulu, HI Permit No. 1284

INSIDE: 2014 Political Report and PAC Elections Impact Volunteer in the Spotlight Nate's Adventures Geothermal in Hawai‘i Chapter Reports & Outings

Protecting Hawai‘i’s Environment, Mauka to Makai!

MĀLAMA I KA HONUA “Cherish the Earth” A Quartery Journal of the SIERRA CLUB OF HAWAI‘I JANUARY - MARCH 2015

Congratulations to our Newly Elected Sierra Club Leaders!

Hawai‘i Chapter Executive Committee Members: Roberta Brashear-Kaulfers, David Kimo Frankel, Steve Holmes O‘ahu Group: Anthony Aalto, Randy Ching, Blake McElheny, Steve Montgomery, Elliot Van Wie Kaua‘i Group: Kip Goodwin, Carl Imparato, Greg Peters, Rayne Regush Maui Group: Lucienne de Naie, Rich Lucas, Lily Stagg, Chris Taylor Moku Loa Group: Jim Buck, Nelson Ho, Steve Holmes, Debbie Ward