oct06 malama rev5 - The Sierra Club of Hawai`i

MALAMA I KA HONUA
Cherish The Earth
JOURNAL OF THE SIERRA CLUB
HAWAI‘I CHAPTER
Volume 38 • Number 4
October - December 2006
Mauna Kea summit to receive
comprehensive planning
Further telescope development won’t occur
without a comprehensive management plan
to protect the summit’s resources.
BY Deborah J. Ward
I
n August, Judge Glenn Hara ruled in favor of Sierra
Club and others that Mauna Kea deserves comprehensive management to conserve, protect, and preserve the resource. The judge reversed the conservation
district use permit (CDUP) granted by the Board of Land
and Natural Resources (BLNR) to the University of Hawaii Institute of Astronomy (“UHIFA”) for the construction of up to six 1.8 meter Outrigger Telescopes around
the existing Keck telescopes on the summit of Mauna
Kea.
When BLNR approved the construction of the outrigger
telescopes following lengthy contested case hearings
through 2003-2004, Sierra Club, Mauna Kea Anaina
Hou, the Royal Order of Kamehameha I, and Clarence
Ching sought the pro bono assistance of attorney Lea
Hong and Dexter Keeaumoku Kaiama to guide us
through an appeal to the Third District Court. Our position was that the project “management plan” was not
comprehensive, and did not cover the entire summit of
Mauna Kea. The Appellants further claimed without a
comprehensive management plan, the rights and resources of the people of Hawai`i remained at risk, citing
the need for protection against hazardous and sewage
waste contamination, candidate endangered species
protection, public access and use, and the protection of
Native Hawaiian traditional and customary rights and
resources. The judge agreed, and found that “The resource that needs to be conserved, protected and preserved is the summit area of Mauna Kea, not just the
area of the Project. Allowing management plans on a
project by project basis would result in foreseeable con-
This poor honu is caught in a gill net.
Sierra Club supports proposed
lay gill net rules
Called “curtains of death,” abandoned lay gill nets can
kill huge numbers of fish and entangle endangered
monk seals, turtles, or other marine life. The nets are
composed of monofilament meshing which may be
strung together for hundreds, even thousands, of feet.
Even when used properly, lay gill nets can indiscriminately capture a variety of fish species, with little regard
to a fish's type, age, or season.
Fortunately, the State Department of Land and Natural
Resources has proposed new rules to restrict the use of
lay gill nets startwide. The rules would:
• prohibit the use of lay gill nets entirely around
Maui and parts of O`ahu;
• prohibit the use of lay gill nets at night;
• require nets to be registered;
• limit net size and meshing; and
Continued on page 3
Continued on page 4
T h e S ie r r a C l ub , H aw ai‘ i C h ap te r , i s Haw a i‘ i’ s l ar g e s t g r as s r o o t s e n v i r o n m e n ta l a d v o c ac y o r g an iz a t io n
INSIDE: Flash Flood! • Hikes and Service Trips
Deadline for next
Mālama
December 1, 2006
Sierra Club Hawai‘i Chapter
—- EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS —Lucienne DeNaie (572-8331)………………....…..Chair
Isaac Moriwake (imoriwake@yahoo.com)....Vice Chair
Nara Takakawa (ntakakawa@gmail.com).....Treasurer
MĀLAMA I KA HONUA
Judy Dalton (246-9067)…………..……..……...Outings
Jack Kelly(h328-8442)...................……….…Secretary
Mālama is published quarterly by
volunteer members of the Sierra
Club, Hawai‘i Chapter. Nonmember subscriptions are $7 per
year. To subscribe, send $7 to:
Sierra Club, Hawai‘i Chapter
P.O. Box 2577
Bob Keane (623-3208)………........High School Hikers
Lance Holter (579-9442)….….Political & Conservation
Caren Diamond (kaimanacd22@yahoo.com).…Kaua‘i
Paul Campbell (campbellcenter@msn.com).Moku Loa
Michael Kliks (mmkliks@hawaii.rr.com........……O‘ahu
Kyle Datta (kdatta@rmi.org)…………Council Delegate
Jonathon Starr (kalepa@maui.net)...................Political
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96803
Circulation for April - June 2006
issue: 5,800 copies
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$350 315 280
Half Page:
250 225 200
1/4 Page:
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Bus. Cards:
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—- CHAPTER STAFF —Director……………..……………………….Jeff Mikulina
Phone…………….………………...…808-538-6616
E-Mail…………………………….mikulina@lava.net
Blue Water Campaign
Phone…………………………………..808-537-9019
E-Mail…bluewatercampaign@hawaii.sierraclub.org
Website…………………...www.bluewaterhawaii.org
—- HONOLULU OFFICE —Mail…………P.O. Box 2577, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96803
Office Location…….….Rm 306 YWCA, 1040 Richards
Fax……………………………..808-537-9019 (call first)
E-Mail…………………..hawaii.chapter@sierraclub.org
Website………………………...…www.hi.sierraclub.org
—- ACTIVITY SECTIONS —-
Mälama only accepts political advertisements from candidates endorsed by the Hawai‘i Chapter
Editor:Jeff Mikulina
Layout: Dave Iacobucci
Printed by Hawaii Hochi
Postal Note: The Mālama I KaHonua
is published four times a year by the
Sierra Club Hawai‘i Chapter.
WEBSITE: www.hi.sierraclub.org
The Mālama is now online in PDF
format (www.hi.sierraclub.org/
Malama/malama.html).
All members are invited to contribute items to Mālama. Articles
should be sent via e-mail to:
hawaii.chapter@sierraclub.org.
HAWAI‘I SERVICE TRIP PROGRAM
www.aditl.com/hstp
Janice Marsters (988-3899, janicem@lava.net)...Chair
John Cummings III (527-5490)...........Leadership Dev.
Pauline Sato (621-2008)..……………………...Finance
Waimea Williams (239-5423)….………….…Secretary
Amber O’Reilly…………..…………..Project Evaluation
Scott Rowland (259-5416).…………PR & Recruitment
Jim Waddington (947-2732....……………….Treasurer
HIGH SCHOOL HIKERS PROGRAM
www.aditl.com/hsh
Bob Keane (623-3208).………………………President
Sandra Nakagawa…….………………..Vice-President
Jeannette Keane………......................…….Treasurer
Pauline Kawamata………………………...…Secretary
Fred Nakaguma (487-3098)….………..…Membership
Adaline Kam….....…………………………...Newsletter
John Cummings……………………….……..…Outings
Bob Keane and Fred Nakaguma …..…Ecology Camp
2
October — December 2006
—- REGIONAL GROUPS —O‘AHU GROUP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
P.O. Box 2577, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96803
Gary Coffin (coffing001@hawaii.rr.com)…...……Chair
Betty Gearen (bettygearen@hawaiiantel.net)
Randy Ching (oahurandy@yahoo.com)..Treasurer/
Outings
Michael Kliks (mmkliks@hawaii.rr.com)...…Vice Chair
Robert Harris (rdh@hawaiilawyer.com)......Secretary/
Political Chair
Michelle Shin (mms@hawaiilawyer.com).....................
Conservation Co-Chair
Andrew Cohen (drandrewcohen@yahoo.com
Elizabeth Dunne (elizabethdunne@hotmail.com)
KAUA‘I GROUP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Box 3412, Līhu‘e, Hawai‘i, 96766
Judy Dalton (246-9067, dalton@aloha.net)......Outings
Caren Diamond (kaimanacd22@yahoo.com)...............
Legislative
Marge Freeman (freeman@aloha.net)..…Membership
Andy Kass (a_kass@yahoo.com)…Conservation/Web
Janis Lyon…….....…………………………….Treasurer
Loke Pereira (823-8945)…......……….…Public Access
Rayne Regush (rayneregush@aol.com).…Secretary
Gabriela Taylor (332-9013, keapana@aloha.net)…….
Conservation
Carl Imparato (carl.imparato@juno.com).Conservation
MAUI GROUP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
P.O. Box 791180, Pā‘ia, Hawai‘i 96779
Office: 579-9802, Hike Line: 573-4147
www.hi.sierraclub.org/maui
laluz@maui.net
Lance Holter (579-9442, holter@maui.net)..…….Chair
Kathy McDuff (572-5662,hohani2@msn.com).V. Chair
Bob Babson (874-1166, babsonb001@hawaii.rr.com)
Treasurer & Outings Co-Chair
Stacia Bobikevich (298-9270,staciasage@yahoo.com)
Secretary
Kallie Keith-Agaran (244-8982,
kalliekeith@yahoo.com).............…Conservation Chair
Ann Fielding (572-8437, annf@maui.net)........Outings
Karen Chun (283-3049, karen@mauipaddle.com)
Daniel Grantham (572-4571,
dannygr@hawaiiantel.net)
Jan Welda Fleetham (573-1558,
jawelda@hawaiiantel.net)
Rich Lucas (572-5662, Hohani2@msn.com)....Political
Marta Sweeney (878-6743, yukteswaji@hotmail.com)
Volunteer Coordinator
MOKU LOA GROUP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Box 1137, Hilo, Hawai‘i 96721
Paul Campbell (campbellcenter@msn.com)........Chair
Debbie Ward (dward@hawaii.edu)............................
Vice Chair and East Side Conservation
Janice Palma-Glennie (palmtree7@earthlink.net)
West Side Conservation
Duane Erway (dde@hawaii.rr.com)..W. Side Conserv.
Charlie Stanton (c_m_stanton@hawaiiantel.net)
East Side Conservation
Phil Barnes (greenhi@interpac.net)....………...Outings
Guy Nicholson (guynicholson@hawaiiantel.net)
Malama I Ka Honua
tradictory management conditions for each project or
the imposition of special conditions on some projects
and not others. The result would be projects within a
management area that did not conform to a comprehensive management plan, and would not be consistent with the purposes of appropriate management
and promoting long term sustainability of the protected resource espoused by HRS Section 183C-2
[statute governing conservation districts].” The judge
agreed that NO BLNR approved management plan
allows for further astronomy development.
The Outrigger project has faced several setbacks. In
2003, a federal district court judge held that NASA’s
environmental assessment for the project was inadequate. Thereafter, NASA completed a more detailed
environmental impact statement. In the EIS, NASA
concluded that the cumulative impact of thirty years
of astronomy development has had a significant, adverse, and substantial impact on the natural and cultural resources of Mauna Kea. NASA recently announced that funding for the project had been cut
from the federal budget.
The Hawaii court of law has finally reinforced what
the people of Hawaii have been saying about their
love for Mauna Kea. Sierra Club is very gratified that
the judge affirms the need for comprehensive planning for its protection. The club supports the development of a plan that is community based, incorporating multiple uses. It is time for the Department of
Land and Natural Resources and the University of
Hawaii to join community members in a cooperative
spirit to build a plan that reflects the needs and uses
of a broad spectrum of Hawaii’s people.
Summit of Mauna Kea
Kea is beloved by people of the world as a special
place to renew the mind and spirit, gain inspiration,
and occasionally to recreate. The mountain, from sea
to summit, must be managed to protect and restore
the natural and cultural resources for generations to
come. It is time the people of Hawaii and agencies
with responsibilities for land management begin to
develop a common vision for protection of the
‘ahupua’a of Mauna Kea.
The Sierra Club believes telescope development on
Mauna Kea must be done in a manner that protects
the natural, biological, and cultural resources of the
summit. It is clear that Mauna Kea is treasured by the people
of Hawaii as a sacred place, as a wild landscape and
as a natural habitat for unique organisms. Mauna
DO YOU LIKE MONEY?
Help us keep track of our Sierra Club Hawai‘i Chapter funds! If you have basic accounting and budget‐tracking skills and would like to provide a much‐needed service to the club, please consider volunteering as our new Chapter Treasurer. Must be able to work from our Honolulu office, although some can be done online. Familiarity with Quick Books a plus. Training and never‐ending gratitude are provided. For more information, please call 538‐6616 or email ha‐
waii.chapter@sierraclub.org. Your support is appreciated! A warm mahalo to Nara Takakawa for serving as our Chapter Treasurer for the past 4 years. She is leaving the island for graduate school. Nara’s time, skills, energy, and humor have sustained the Chapter in countless ways, and we treasure her dedication and generosity of spirit. We’ll miss you, Nara! Malama I Ka Honua
October — December
3
•
limit the length of time the nets can be in the
water unattended, and other changes.
The state has accepted public comments on the rules
and is currently in the process of approving them.
While the Sierra Club commented that a complete
statewide ban of lay gill nets would be easier to enforce and more effective at protecting our marine species and recovering fisheries, they acknowledged that
the State's proposed rules are a good first step.
The Sierra Club and other conservation organizations
weren’t alone in their advocacy for strong lay gill net
restrictions. Hawaii Fishing News printed a cover story
“’Nuff Already” in their September 2006 issue with
numerous articles advocating for gill net restrictions.
You can read the story here: www.hi.sierraclub.org/
gillnet/hifishingnews.pdf.
For text of the proposed rules, please see
www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar/regs/ch75draft.pdf or the
description at www.state.hi.us/dlnr/chair/pio/
HtmlNR/06-N112.htm.
Mahalo to The Nature Conservancy, Sea Web, and
others for their support for the new rules.
Effects of Lay Gill Nets in Hawai‘i
Why are lay gill nets a concern?
While any fishing method used inappropriately can
lead to overfishing, some forms pose greater threats
than others. Monofilament lay gill nets were introduced to the Hawaiian Islands from Asia in the
1950s. They are now commonly used throughout the
islands because they are relatively cheap to purchase, and can ensnare almost any­thing that swims
into them. It is not uncommon for them to be strung
together for hundreds, even thousands, of feet and
left unattended in nearshore waters for several hours
to overnight. When lay gill nets are used in these
ways, they are known to:
•
•
•
4
Harvest huge numbers of finfish.
Harvest fish out of season, taking keiki,
spawning, and the larger, older fishes critical
to reef fish replenishment.
Remove species that play a key role in the
health of the reef system, such as uhu
(Chlorurus & Scarus spp.) and ‘api
(Acanthurus guttatus) which feed upon algae
and enable hard corals to recruit and grow.
The removal of herbivorous fish leads to an
increase in macroalgae, which overgrow and
smother coral reefs.
October — December 2006
•
•
•
Damage coral and seagrass beds if not set or
removed with care, removing critical nursery,
foraging, spawning, and refuge areas for fish
and shellfish.
Catch marine turtles frequenting inshore seagrass and beach areas to rest, feed, and nest
with some regularity. Monk seals are susceptible to entrapment in torn nets, or “ghost
nets,” that float freely in the waters of both
the main Hawaiian Islands and the Northwest
Hawaiian Islands.
Become lost or abandoned, continuing to
wastefully catch and kill as ghost-nets in the
ocean.
The reproductive nature of reef fish makes the limited
control in the size and age of species caught with lay
gill nets a significant problem. Many species reach
sexual maturity late in life (e.g., ‘ū‘ū [Myripristis spp.]
at age 7), or contribute higher numbers of bigger and
better quality eggs when larger and older (e.g., ‘ōmilu
[Caranx melampygus] and moi). However, these larger fish are often caught with lay nets and other
forms of more selective fishing, leading to the continued decline in overall species abundance.
Has the use of monofilament lay gill nets
changed traditional fishing practices?
Yes. Native Hawaiians used hand­made, natural fiber
nets, which were time-consuming to make, designed
to catch targeted species, and biodegradable. It is
very unlikely that they were ever left unattended or
overnight because the risk of losing them was too
great. Traditional Hawaiian management practices
were based on knowledge of the marine resources
and customs to maintain the productivity of the coral
reef fisheries. A kapu was placed on a fishery if it was
declining or in years of poor recruitment to ensure
that there would be fish in the future (for example,
Maly, K. 2003. A History of Fishing Practices and Marine Fisheries of the Hawaiian Islands. Kumu Pono
Associates). Even today, some kūpuna still refer to
the ocean as "the icebox," where they went to catch
fish for their family to eat. It was in their best interest
to ensure that there was fish for tomorrow, as well as
today
Do other factors contribute to the problem?
Yes. Land-based sources of pollution, sedimentation,
stream alteration, and coastal develop­ment can
cause siltation and changes in water quality which
may weaken and kill corals.
Malama I Ka Honua
Over 500 students came
to see the “Truth”
Sierra Club’s two-free Honolulu screenings
on global warming film is wildly popular with
students.
The line was so long for the free student screenings of Al Gore’s film, “An Inconvenient Truth,” on
a Thursday night in July that the Sierra Club
ended up turning away roughly 30 students after
filling every seat in the theater twice. Those
turned away didn’t go home empty-handed –
each received a Jack Johnson DVD or other giveaway. But it wasn’t the free stuff that brought
hundreds of students to the Varsity Theater that
night; it was the chance to learn about an issue
that may drastically affect their future.
Randy Ching, O`ahu Group Chair leader and former high school teacher, was shocked by the
high turnout. “Students generally aren’t interested in going to films about a science lecture by
Malama I Ka Honua
a former politician,” he said. The film, which explores the impacts of humankind's ongoing
global experiment with greenhouse gas emissions, was called “a necessary film” and
“intellectually exhilarating” by The New York
Times.
After both screenings, Sierra Club Director Jeff
Mikulina led a question and answer session with
students. During those Q&A sessions I sensed
that something remarkable is starting to happen,” said Mikulina. “Students are getting it. This
is their future. And seeing this film puts it all in
perspective.” In response to the growing interest
to the issue, the Sierra Club is starting more
broader coalition building around global climate
change and launching a University of Hawai`i
student section. For information, please contact
Randy Ching at oahurandy@yahoo.com.
The event was sponsored by Paramount Pictures, Sierra Club, and Earth Friends Wildlife
Foundation. For information about the film, see
www.climatecrisis.net.
October — December
5
Think you’ll try anything once? Why not
try it twice!
We’ve got new and innovative ways to explore the outdoors.
See the O‘ahu Group Outings section for complete details on
pages 10 & 11..
Sat., October 7
Sun., October 22
Sat., November 4
Sat., November 11
Sat., November 18
Makiki-Nuuanu
Diamond Head Reef Walk
Full Moon Hike -- Lanikai Hills
Kipapa Ridge service project
Beginner's Backpack (overnight)
(Manana Trail)
Sat., December 2 Waimanalo Gulch landfill tour
Mon., December 4 Full Moon hike (new outing)
Wed., December 2 Intermediate Backpack
(Mau'umae Ridge)
Sun., December 31 Kalihi Valley Wallaby hike
Sun., January 21
Bicycle Waimanalo & Kailua
STORY TIME
Lessons of a Flash Flood
by Ed Mersino
On August 7th 21 intrepid hikers and two Sierra
Club Outings Leaders set out for a day of hiking
in Kawainui Valley. It was misting lightly on and
off between the sunny periods, and only once
was there a very short shower. The weather report predicted occasional mauka showers. As is
S.C. custom the group stopped occasionally to let
the slower hikers catch up. A side diversion was
visited in a small valley along the way to view the
irrigation ditch
The group was spread out over about 150 yards
along the trail as they crisscrossed the stream
after passing the catchment dam. Just as the
group approached the end of the trail and the
last stream crossing, a flash flood filled the
streambed and made it impossible to
cross. Since the group had crossed the stream
ten times they figured they would have to wait
until the water had dropped. Within two minutes
the stream filled with water in many places 4 or 5
feet deep completely covering the rocks - it had
been only about 1 foot or less in most
6
October — December 2006
places. Fortunately everyone was able to get out
of the streambed to one side or the other and no
one was hurt. The leading hikers could see the
pool area was totally inundated and felt very
lucky they weren't swimming there when the
flood came.
Since it was just past noon, the group had lunch
and had hoped the water would subside. The
leading group of 18 collected on one side of the
stream. The sweep was with four others on the
same side of the stream two short crossings
back. Unfortunately the wait lasted the afternoon. As time passed around 4 p.m. a couple of
the guys were able to climb the steep ridge adjacent to the stream to make a call using cellular
phones. The idea was to let everyone know they
were okay and planning to stay put for the night,
knowing that family and loved ones would be calling 911. The water in the stream was not dropping so the group made preparations for spending the night. It wasn't a pleasant prospect but
the mood was jovial in spite of the situation.
The two climbers did make it to a point where
they could contact the HFD and let them know of
the group’s situation. HFD decided at that point
to get everyone out and not wait until morning. They said, “If you contact us we're coming to
get you.” So at 6:30 p.m. in the waning light of
dusk and the ensuing darkness HFD ferried all
23 hikers, the two firemen that dropped in, and
the three that hiked up the flooded stream to the
ridge above the valley by helicopter.
Everyone was returned to their vehicles in valley
and were all assembled by 10 p.m. They were
grateful for the rescue and the brave daring of
HFD.
Lessons learned:
• Always watch the weather in the mountains
and be prepared to spend the night.
• Call HFD if you want to be rescued, call
friends and loved ones if you don't want them
to worry.
• Never doubt the stories that the stream water
can rise in a blink of the eye. It can!
• Always carry raingear, a flashlight, extra food,
a map, and a sense of adventure. Malama I Ka Honua
Hawaii Service Trip Program
HSTP recently completed two trips on Maui and
summaries of the trip reports are presented in
this issue of Malama. We also applied for a
grant from the DLNR DOFAW Watershed Management Grant Program and received funding to run
two trips to Pu`u Wa`awa`a on the big island (a
spectacular dry land forest area). We are planning two trips - one in early January 2007 and
one at Spring break 2007 - and already have
leaders committed for these trips. A recruiting
poster for participants is provided in this issue.
In addition to investigating other week-long service trip opportunities with several Federal and
State entities, we are looking at trying to do more
day or weekend projects, such as Kokua Kalihi
Valley, etc. We are hoping these shorter ventures could help us attract more participants and
potential leaders. Some HSTP members are
planning to participate in the upcoming Oahu
Outings Group leader training program.
HSTP trip to Maui, June 18th to 24th
Eight HSTP volunteers led by two leaders assisted Maui DLNR Na Ala Hele staff in trail work
on the island of Maui. The group worked on the
Waikamoi Trail, constructing recycled step
"boxes" on the trail and filling them up with gravel
to help cut down on erosion and to help hikers
from tripping over tree roots. Participants also
worked one day in the Makawao Forest, building
a section of the new Kahakapao Loop Trail, and
one-half day on the Ohai Trail in Kahakuloa in
West Maui.
The group enjoyed a trip to La Perouse Bay for
swimming and snorkeling on the day of their arrival, and their day off on Thursday, June 22nd,
started with a trip to the summit of Haleakala to
see the most incredible sunrise. Attempts to hike
the crater were foiled by the
rain and the cold, but participants were awed by the
sights at Iao Valley and the
Maui Ocean Center. The
day off ended with a big dinner at Pizza Hut. The trip
ended on Saturday, June
24th, with everyone cleaning
Malama I Ka Honua
up the church and packing up. Spare time before heading to the airport was spent touring Paia
Town, which the group found similar to Haleiwa
on Oahu.
HSTP trip to Maui, July 9th to 15th
A second HSTP trip was conducted for Na Ala
Hele on Maui from July 9th - 15th, continuing the
work done by the June trip crew. On the Waikamoi Trail, gravel boxes were being made down a
steep slope of the trail to prevent hikers from
slipping or tripping over wet exposed tree roots.
On the Kahakapao Trail, the 8 HSTP participants
worked with Maui's YCC, building a new section
of the trail by clearing away dead branches and
leaves and leveling the terrain. The group also
worked one-half day with the YCC group on the
Ohai Trail.
The HSTP group headed to Hana for their day off,
stopping at scenic points such as Wainapanapa
State Park, Hasegawa Store, and Seven Sacred
Pools. They carried on their road trip around
Haleakala, stopping off the road for a view of Big
Island before heading to Pizza Hut Kahului for
dinner. Before heading home on Saturday, they
stopped in Makawao town for lunch.
October — December
7
The Hawai'i Ser vice Trip Program
This is an activity section of the Sierra Club's Hawai'i Chapter, is organizing
two volunteer service trips to Pu'u Wa'awa'a (on the island of Hawai`i) in early
2007. We will work in partnership with the State DLNR Division of Forestry and
Wildlife, with funding assistance from the DLNR Watershed Management Grant
Program.
Pu'u Wa'awa'a is a very special place. Its dry and mesic forests were once considered the
most diverse forests in all the Hawaiian Islands. However, its native forest communities have
been greatly degraded during the past 100 years. Pu‘u Wa‘awa‘a represents one of the best
places to restore and protect many species that are found only there or in other dry and drymesic forest areas of Hawaii. Service trip activities may include outplanting, invasive species
control, and fence repair. Days off may be spent hiking in the Pu'u Wa'awa'a Forest Bird Sanctuary.
Tentative dates:
Dec. 30, 2006 – Jan. 6, 2007 and March 24 – 31, 2007
Lodging:
A-maintained cabin at 4,100-foot elevation on Hualalai. 6 bunks
available and plenty of space outside on a grassy lawn for tents.
More info on facilities, weather, and suggested clothing/equipment
will be provided to interested participants.
Requirements:
You must be in reasonable physical condition and willing to work
hard in the outdoors. Space is limited to 12 people.
All participants must be current members of the Sierra Club. See:
https://ww2.sierraclub.org/membership/frip/index.asp?frip=F99QE24001
Trip Cost:
$150 ($100 for full-time students); includes all transportation, food
and lodging. A $50 deposit is required to hold your spot.
Contact:
Janice Marsters (janicem@lava.net)
More Info.:
http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Trails/1310/hstp/slideshow.html
8
October — December 2006
Malama I Ka Honua
O’ahu Group Report
Highlights by Randy Ching
The last 4 months have been busy ones for the Oahu
Group. The high points include the two July 6 free showings
of An Inconvenient Truth to 510 students, their parents
and teachers; the success of “Beer Nights” (see below);
the start of a Sierra Club group on the UH-Manoa campus;
the debut of our e-newsletter; political endorsements for
the 9/23 primary; and a new face on the executive committee (Elizabeth Dunne). The focus of the executive committee is sustainability. We’ll be addressing curbside recycling, ag land, energy, water and transportation. The Oahu
Group is currently involved in two lawsuits as co-plaintiffs
(against the City for failure to fix problems at the sewage
treatment plant at Sand Island and one against the Turtle
Bay developers to require a supplemental EIS). Michael
Kliks is spearheading an effort to raise money for the lawsuits (see below).
The Oahu Group is also seeking volunteers to help with the
annual Pa'ina o ka 'Aina fundraiser on Friday, December 8,
at the Hawaii State Art Museum. If you are interested in
helping out, email Elizabeth at emkdunne@gmail.com.
Our outings leaders training on Coconut Island took place
on September 9-10. Groups all over the country now take
the same training, known as OLT 101.
Kudos to Nikki Love, Danee McFarr and Jackie Huffman for
their effort in getting the e-newsletter off the ground. If
you’d like to receive it, send a message to oahugroupnews@yahoo.com.
Finally, the Oahu Group has started a new group on the
UH-Manoa campus. Students and staff plan to address
campus-wide recycling, energy and water issues. A hiking
component is also a part of the group's activity, beginning
with hikes in the Manoa and Tantalus area.
Beer Night by Andrew Cohen
Beer brings together green people and good times. It
seems that Sierra Beer Night is here to stay. Each event
brings more and more people out to enjoy three hours of
fun. We had our monthly beer night at Gordon Biersch
Brewery on August 29. This was an especially nice venue
because we had a section reserved for us outside overlooking the water.
For those of you who have not tried beer night this is a
great opportunity to get to know other members informally
over pupus and cold beverages. We have 20-30 people
show up each time. There are always familiar faces so it’s
easy to chat with new people in a friendly atmosphere.
Aloha Members and Friends of the Sierra Club
by Michael Kliks
In our ongoing battle to keep our near shore waters and
reefs clean, healthy and accessible, at our last the Sierra
Club Oahu Group Executive Committee voted to raise
Malama I Ka Honua
$10,000 over the next few weeks to provide urgently
needed funding to continue both of our very important law
suits. When we met on Maui this weekend the State Chapter agreed to provide $2000 toward this ambitious goal to
support the costs of continuing litigation on:
1. the "raw sewage spills" suit against the City and County
of Honolulu for repeatedly polluting our coastal waters,
and
2. the suit to seek an up-to-date environmental review for
the massive resort and residential development at
Turtle Bay that will adversely effect some of the North
Shore's most beautiful beaches and reefs.
We are asking our members and environmental activists to reach into their pockets to provide the funds that we
need to keep these law suits alive. Now that we have saved
the Kaka`ako Makai shoreline we must be certain that the
water along the South Shore is clean enough for us and our
children to swim, and paddle and fish in and not dangerous
to the health of the monk seals, whales, and turtles that
are returning to O`ahu Kona.
Please take out your check book this evening and write
your check for $100 or as much as you can afford, to the
Sierra Club Foundation, O`ahu Group Account and mail it
to PO Box 2577 Honolulu, 96803. . .and please talk with
your friends and colleagues and ask them to do the same.
This donation is tax-deductible!
The O‘ahu Group is looking for
volunteers to plan and run our annual
fundraiser, Pa‘ina O Ka ‘Āina. If you are
interested, please contact Elizabeth at
elizabethdunne@hotmail.com.
Mahalo!
Membership or address questions?
Need to change your address?
Contact address.changes@sierraclub.org
Have a question about your membership?
Contact membership.services@sierraclub.org
For membership renewals or questions,
please contact the national office:
415-977-5500
October — December
9
O’ahu Group Outings
Sunday, October 1
Onikiniki
6mi/Moderate/ Ridge/Waimalu
Beautiful ridge hike in the Pearl City area, featuring native sandalwood trees. Bob Moore 942-2734, Deborah Blair 955-4168
Saturday, October 7
Makiki-Nuuanu (new hike)
5 mi/Moderate/ Ridge and Valley/Tantalus
Start at Makiki Baseyard (Hawaii Nature Center) and hike
Kanealole, Makiki Valley, Nahuina, Kalawahine, Pauoa Flats,
Nuuanu and Judd trails. End up at a swimming hole. Ed Mersino
455-8193, Randy Ching 942-0145
Sunday, October 8
Kahana Valley
5mi/Moderate/ Contour/Kaaawa
The trail crosses a dam and stream and passes through a bamboo forest on the way to a refreshing swimming hole. Gwen Sinclair 753-0528, and Melanie Kincaid 236-3609
Saturday, October 14
MCBH Kaneohe Bay Service Project
2mi/Moderate/ Coast/Kaneohe
Reservations Required. Help clear a wetland of mangrove plants
to create habitat for Hawaii’s endangered water birds. MCBH is a
secured military facility, so we must provide your name to the
base in advance. We will send you a waiver, which you must
bring with you. Coordinator: Annette Kaohelaulii 235-5431
Leader: Arlene Buchholz 988-9806
KAWAEWAE HEIAU SERVICE PROJECT
0 mi/easy/Kaneohe
We'll be clearing an 800 year old archeological site. Views to
Kaneohe Bay and beyond. End at noon. Bring water, snack, garden gloves and small tools if you have them (loppers, clippers,
saws). MEET AT 8:30 AM AT THE 1st HAWAIIAN BANK, WIND-
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. Fire arms, pets (unless specifically allowed), and audio devices with or without headsets are prohibited. Smoking is only permitted at breaks and then only if the smell of smoke cannot be de‐
tected by other hikers. Outing leaders may prohibit smoking if, in their judgement, a fire hazard exists. Bring with: a liter of water (2 liters for strenuous hikes), lunch, sunscreen, in sect repellant, rain gear/jacket and day‐pack. Boots, shoes with traction grooves (heeled foot wear are best‐‐
no loafers), or tabis are required. No bare feet or sandals of any type will be allowed on O‘ahu outings. Sign in on the roster and pay the donation. 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 interests of facilitating the logistics of some outings, it is customary that participants make carpooling arrangements. The Sierra Club does not have in surance for carpooling arrangements and assumes no liabili ty for them. Carpooling, ride sharing or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among the partici‐
pants. Participants assume the risks associated with this travel. For more details about these outings, visit our website at www.hi.sierraclub.org/
Oahu/oahu‐hikes.html 10
October — December 2006
WARD CITY SHOPPING CENTER, KANEOHE Jim & Cindy Waddington, 947-2732
Sunday, October 15
Family hike: Mariner's Ridge
3mi/Moderate/ Ridge/Hawaii Kai
For adults, and children 5 and up accompanied by an adult.
Meet at 10:00 am at the end of Kaluanui Road. Tie-on shoes,
backpack, rain gear, water and snack required. Sherine Boomla
739-3936
Maunawili Falls (late hike)
4 mi/Moderate/ Graded ridge/Maunawili
Meet at 1 p.m. Hike to a swimming hole along a pretty stream on
a trail constructed by Sierra Club volunteers. Arlene Buchholz
988-9806, Bob Moore 942-2734
Sunday, October 22
Diamond Head Reef Walk (new outing)
Explore coastal reef. All participants must be able to swim. All
children must be accompanied by an adult. Bring tabis, reef
walkers or shoes with good grip; a viewing box or snorkeling gear;
sunscreen; lunch and water. Sherine Boomla 737-3936.
Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden to Likeke Loop
7 miles/Moderate/ Ridge/Kaneohe
Meet at 8:30 a.m. This hike starts in the Hoomaluhia Botanical
Garden and climbs to join the Likeke Trail. We will contour along
the base of the Pali with great views of Kaneohe Bay. Finally,
we'll loop back down past the golf course and re-enter Hoomaluhia Park. Randy Ching 942-0145, Mel Yoshioka 587-0879
Saturday, October 28
Kokua Kalihi Valley trailbuilding (Make a Difference Day)
1 mi/moderate/ Valley/Kalihi
Help clear a former nursery site that is being developed into a
park in upper Kalihi Valley. Randy Ching 942-0145
Sunday, October 29
Poamoho
6 to 8 mi/Strenuous/ Ridge/Helemano
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. LIMIT: 20 HIKERS. This is a trail to
the Koolau Ridge, with great views along the way. The length of
this hike depends on how passable the road is—as short as 6
miles if the road is okay. 4WD vehicles needed and much appreciated. Randy Ching 942-0145, Betsy Weatherford 526-3986
O‘ahu Group Outings Information
Unless otherwise stated in the Outing description, participants meet at 8:00 a.m. at the back porch of the Church of the Crossroads, 2510 Bingham Street. Do not leave your car in the church parking lot. Participants in wind ward outings which are designated with an asterisk may also meet at 8:15 am at the First Hawaiian Bank park‐
ing area in the windward City Shopping Center. (Intersection of Like‐
like and Kamehameha High way in Käne‘ohe). Requested donation for participants age 14 and under and Sierra Club members with a member ship card is $1; donation for all others is $5. Participants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Malama I Ka Honua
Saturday, November 4
Full Moon Hike -- Lanikai Hills
2 mi/Difficult/ 800 feet elevation gain
Meet at Church of the Crossroads for car pooling at 4:00 p.m.
We will hike up Lanikai hills iand have a picnic on top. Bring a
pupu or light snack we can all share as we watch the moon rise.
The wind can be quite cool at the summit in the evening, so bring
a jacket or windbreaker. It will be still light going up, but a flashlight will be needed for the descent. Return to Honolulu around
8:30 pm. Ed Mersino 455-8193
Sunday, November 5
Hauula-Papali
7 mi/Moderate/ Contour/Hauula
This unusual hike takes us on a double loop through
the forest. Sherine Boomla 739-3936 and Melanie Kincaid 2363609
Saturday, November 11 (Veterans Day)
Kipapa Ridge service project (new outing)
Meet at 8 a.m. in the Waipio Costco parking lot (mauka ewa corner next to Supercuts). Help clear strawberry guava in this rare
opportunity to hike Kipapa Ridge in the US Fish and Wildlife Refuge. Nancy Hoffman will be our guide. Jim and Cindy Waddington
947-2732
Sunday, November 12
Mau'umae Ridge (Lanipo) trail clearing
7 mi/Strenuous/ Ridge/Kaimuki
Calling on outings leaders and trail clearers. We just hiked
Lanipo in July. The trail needs some brushing. NOT FOR THOSE
AFRAID OF HEIGHTS! Potluck at Reese and Suzan's afterwards.
Reese Liggett 732-4489
Saturday, November 18
Beginner's Backpack (overnight) -- Manana Trail
Meet at 3 p.m. at the end of Komo Mai Drive in Pacific
Palisades. For those who have not backpacked or have
not done so in many years. Bring backpack, tent, rain
fly, mattress pad and sleeping bag, ground cloth, light source,
water and dinner. Camp stove optional. We'll discuss backpacking basics. Randy Ching 942-0145, Mel Yoshioka 587-0879
Sunday, November 19
Sierra Seminar: Palehua-Palikea
4 mi/Easy/Ridge/ Makakilo
Reservations required. Not for those uneasy about heights. Native plants and exquisite tree snails are the attraction in this
Nature Conservancy preserve. Leader training credit. Gwen Sinclair 753-0528, Bob Moore 942-2734
Sunday, November 26
Sandy Beach Cleanup
1 mi/Easy/Shoreline/ East Oahu
Meet at 8:30 at Sandy Beach bathroom at eastern side
of beach park. Cleanup along highway and coastal areas until
10:30. Call Tred (394-2898) for more information. Bring water,
hat and sunscreen. Bags, gloves provided. Deborah Blair 9554168
Saturday, December 2
Waimanalo Gulch landfill tour
Malama I Ka Honua
We will meet at 9 a.m. at the entrance to the landfill. Sylvianne
Yee 373-3062
Sunday, December 3
Makua Valley
4 mi/Moderate/ Valley/Waianae
Reservations required by November 22. Hike begins at
8 a.m. Malama Makua and the U.S. Army are providing us the
opportunity to visit this special valley. This hike will have a cultural emphasis. Bring ID, a liter of water, lunch, sun protection,
covered footwear. Cameras and videos are OK. Bob Moore 9422734, Ed Mersino 455-8193
Monday, December 4
Full Moon hike
Location and time to be announced. Maile Sakamoto
Saturday, December 9
MCBH Kaneohe Bay Service Project
2mi/Moderate/ Coast/Kaneohe
See October 14 for details. Coordinator: Annette Kaohelaulii
235-5431. Leader: Deborah Blair 955-4168
Sunday, December 10
Kealia
7 mi/Strenuous/ Ridge/Mokuleia
We'll zigzag up the ridge overlooking Dillingham Airfield and the
North Shore until we reach a lookout over Makua Valley, watching gliders, parachutists and paragliders along the way. Randy
Ching 942-0145, Melanie Kincaid 236-3609
Sunday, December 17
Kahuku Coastal Walk
4 mi/Moderate/ Coast/Kahuku
Explore this lesser-known stretch of coastline, the
longest undeveloped one on Oahu. Gwen Sinclair
753-0528
Wednesday, December 27
Intermediate Backpack--Mau' umae Ridge (new outing)
RESERVATIONS REQURED. Meet at 3 p.m. at the trailhead.
Please call Randy Ching 942-0145 for details.
Sunday, December 31
Kalihi Valley Wallaby hike
3 mi/Moderate with strenuous start/Ridge/ Kalihi
If we're lucky, we'll see wallabies in their caves. Bring binoculars. Randy Ching 942-0145, Ed Mersino 455-8193
Saturday, January 6
Ala Wai Boat Harbor Cleanup
Meet 8:00 am at the Harbor Master's Off., between the 3rd and
4th row of boats behind the Ilikai Hotel. Park in street stalls or
public lot ewa of Hilton lagoon. Recommend sturdy shoes with
gripping soles, a hat, thick rubber gloves, sunscreen, and
water. Deborah Blair 955-4168
Sunday, January 7
Mau'umae Ridge
7 mi/Strenuous/ Ridge/Kaimuki
Recently cleared trail to the Koolau summit with views of Olomana and the Windward side. NOT FOR THOSE AFRAID OF
HEIGHTS! Randy Ching 942-0145, Melanie Kincaid 236-3609
October — December
11
O’ahu Group Service Projects
Do you want to get your hands dirty helping the Hawaiian environment by removing invasive plant species and replanting natives? The Sierra Club has space available on three service projects on Kauai’i.
PROJECT SCHEDULE
VETERAN’S DAY WEEKEND -- November 10 to 12, 2006 (Friday to Sunday)
Limahuli National Tropical Botanical Garden, Kauai – Leaders: Bob
Moore,1634 Makiki Street, Apt. 906, Honolulu, HI 96822; 942-2734,
akepa@earthlink.net and Mel Yoshioka, work phone 587-0879
PRESIDENT’S DAY WEEKEND
February 17 to 19, 2007 (Saturday to Monday)
Limahuli National Tropical Botanical Garden, Kauai – Leader: Ed Mersino, 2510 Komo
Mai Drive, Pearl City, HI 96782; 455-8193, mersino@hawaii.edu
SERVICE PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
Limahuli National Tropical Botanical Garden, Kauai
The garden is located on Kauai’s north shore near Haena and extends over 1,000 acres of tropical valley covering three
distinct ecological zones. The garden is an educational and research facility with extensive plantings of native Hawaiian
plants. Ongoing programs in watershed protection and studies in plant and animal stream life are conducted at this site.
Our work will probably involve removal of invasive exotic plants and replanting the area with native plants. The facilities
are in a modern house with electricity, a full kitchen, bunk beds or futons for sleeping, bathroom facilities and hot showers. Free time activities may include walking on the nearby Haena Beach and hiking on nearby trails.
To Apply For A Service Project...
Mail a $100.00 (per person) deposit check, payable to
the leader listed first in the schedule, together with your
mailing address, phone number and e-mail address. Reservations cannot be made by phone or e-mail. Trip fees
are estimated to range from about $240.00 to $260.00
and will cover the cost of round trip airfare, ground transportation, meals and a portion of the leaders' expenses.
Should Inter-Island airfares increase substantially, the
cost may increase. It is important to make your deposit
early, as many trips fill quickly.
On a service project, we work for the preserve for two
days and have one day free for hiking or other recreational activities. The participants will share in the preparation of meals and clean up. Participants will live together
in facilities that are probably more cramped or rustic than
they are used to. Therefore, it is important that the participants have a positive and cooperative attitude and willingness for teamwork.
All trip participants are subject to approval by the leaders
based upon the participant's experience, disposition, and
physical condition. Deposits will be returned to any participants who are not accepted. You are welcome to contact the leaders for more information.
12
October — December 2006
Malama I Ka Honua
Maui Group Report
By Lance Holter
Pa`ia Bypass: No news from present administration. One
mayoral candidate proposed use of publicly owned but
privately used Kala Rd (currently used as a sugar cane
road) as a bypass route.
A&B, Inc and Waluku water Co. EJ and the County seek end
of water dumping and restored stream flows in Maui's legendary valleys. County may be willing to condemn watershed lands and restore stream flows if mediation fails.
North Shore Park: Environmental Education center at former Lime Kiln site has proven controversial; meanwhile,
massive Baldwin beach erosion takes numerous mature
trees. Maui Group recommends park status for several
hundred acres along the Sprecks shore and low-lying
mauka lands in the upcoming County general plan revision
Superferry Legal Action: Latest legal challenge to ferry infrastructure also rejected by local judge due to lack of
standing (Maui Group is not a named plaintiff). Big protests
over Superferry taking over InterIsland barge space resulted in Governor and Department of Transportation giving Young Bros more Kahului Harbor space. Other major
questions about Superferry remain unanswered.
Keone`o`io/Ahihi-Kinau: Maui Group recently reviewed a
draft management plan for `Ahihi-Kinau. Plan proposes
further restrictions on public use in the area's most fragile
regions to protect resources. Public hearings are next step.
West Maui Developments: General Plan Advisory committee voted in June to ask Maui Planning Department to hold
off on further development approvals until urban growth
boundaries set in updated County General Plan. Candidates forums asking about Moratorium.
Pali to Puamana Park-Way: 100 acres of future park secured, but remaining 7 miles of proposed eight mile long
linear park along the scenic Honoapiilani Hwy are still coveted by developers.
Makena Resort Rezoning: Developer Everett Dowling proposes 72 luxury gated condos towering up to 5 stories
high. on 11 acres of coastal land, Once part of a 15th century Hawaiian fishing village, the project area is under scrutiny by Maui Planning Commission which has not yet accepted its environmental assessment.
Wind Power: Kaheawa Wind Power Project is on line and
habitat restoration on the site is also ongoing every Sunday. Contact Ed Lindsey 572-8085. A second wind farm
has been proposed for remote Auwahi area. Maui Electric
has identified wind as a major component of its 25 year
Integrated Resource Planning effort.
Streamlife Studies: Three year streamlife studies have begun on four central Maui streams. Funds approved in
2006-07 budget to study flow levels required in historic
Kaua`ula Stream which once watered the gardens of Lahaina. Completed East Maui studies show clearly: more
water = more stream life.
Affordable Housing Ordinance: Current versions asks 30%
affordable housing. HALE and affordable housing land trust
has formed and is offering more choices for affordable
rentals and homes.
Cruise Ships: These floating hotels are slipping by with
minimum contribution to local economy while dumping
thousands of extra visitors a day onto Maui's jammed
roads. Unions are concerned about impacts to traditional
hotels.
Haleakala Solar Telescopes: Draft EIS out soon. Fourteen
story structure is unpopular with many community groups.
Maui Group plans to review it closely.
Off-Road Vechicle Park: Discussions are under way on
Maui regarding a new concept in Off-Road recreation facility with landscaped areas and trails that would avoid ecologically sensitive areas. Maui Group will hear more in September
Hamakuapoko Wells: Maui County Council wants 'em not
used for human consumption. Mayor Arakawa is vague
about what use they will have. Well opponents call the 10
year old sources a bad investment due to limited capacity
of the aquifer and ongoing costs of clean up. This is an
election issue to watch.
Wailea 670: Current plans are still under review by Maui
Council Planning Committee. The bottom line: 800 luxury
golf course estates and 400 promised affordable condos,
rentals and houses will replace around 150 acres of native
dryland forest plant habitat. Project lacks reliable water
source, sewage treatment and road capacity but is seeking
land use entitlements.
Iao & Waihee Stream Restoration: Mediation efforts underway among Earthjustice and its clients, County of Maui,
Malama I Ka Honua
October — December
13
Kaua’i Group Report
By Judy Dalton
Environmentalist of the Year and Pono
Award recipient
Nani Rogers was named Environmentalist of the Year
and Cheryl Lovell Obatake and Mahelani Sylva received our Pono Award for all courageously working to
protect the environment. These three very dedicated
women of Hawaiian ancestry have testified before
state and county agencies on innumerable occasions
over several years. We commend them for their tireless fortitude to attend meeting after meeting of the
Planning Commission and County Council, often
spending an entire day waiting for an opportunity to
present their Akami and heartfelt testimony.
Two Resort Developments Planned for Waipouli
It remains to be seen what the Planning Commission’s decision will be regarding permits for two resort
projects - Coconut Beach Development LLC and Coconut Plantation Holdings LLC -proposed for the Coconut Coast in Waipouli.
These projects would irreversibly harm
Kauai’s rural quality and environment. Increasing
density in Waipouli would create severe cumulative
impacts on public services including water supply,
wastewater treatment, solid waste management, and
emergency services. The traffic situation would
worsen by the addition of over 1,000 cars to the
Wailua-to-Kappa highway gridlock. The cumulative
effects of these projects and other recently approved
projects would cause substantial adverse environmental, ecological and social impacts. We asked the
Planning Commission to make responsible decisions
for the welfare of the community by denying issuance
permits.
County to increase shoreline setbacks for
coastal protection
A bill to add a new article to the Kauai County Code
increasing shoreline setbacks to protect coastlines
was introduced at a Planning Commission meeting in
August. The bill noted that development on coastal
lands has occurred without regard to erosion hazards,
leading to widespread construction or structures such
as seawall and revetments, which themselves accelerate erosion, impacting public access and beach
loss.
Coastal preservation advocate Caren Diamond presented testimony for the Sierra Club in support of the bill noting that the coastline is subject to a
14
October — December 2006
wide variety of natural hazards that pose dangers to
people and property located near the shoreline.
Proper siting of structures based on hazard recognition and long term planning principles is critical to
protection of life and property and preservation of
coastal resources.
The shoreline environment is one of Kauai’s
most important economic and natural resources providing scenic beauty and recreational opportunities,
and culturally important to the people of Hawaii.
Beaches, dunes, and offshore topographic features
help to minimize risks from coastal hazards by dissipating wave energy, which could otherwise cause
significant damage to coastal property. Beaches provide important habitat for seabirds, turtles, monk
seals, and other animals and plants. Beaches and
coastal areas are part of the public trust, and it is the
government’s responsibility to protect these areas.
Navy’s Sonar Exercises: a threat to marine life
Whales, dolphins, and other marine life were subjected to high-intensity, mid-frequency sonar during
the Navy’s month-long Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC)
training exercises in July. These types of exercises
have resulted in whale stranding deaths across the
globe, including the death of a baby whale which occurred in Hanalei Bay in July 2004 when over 150
melon-headed whales crowded into the Bay while the
Navy was emitting sonar into the ocean nearby.
When the Navy planned its sonar exercises, exempt
from the requirements of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, a federal judge declared, “RIMPAC exercises
will kill, injure, and disturb many marine species, including marine mammals, in waters surrounding the
Hawaiian Islands.” A short-lived temporary restraining
resulted, but with pressure from Washington the war
games commenced days later.
SurfRider Foundation, Save Our Seas, and
Sierra Club collaborated in holding 6 vigils around the
island, inspired by Diana and Gordon LaBedz, to get
out the message that blasting the ocean environment
with intense sound over large expanses of ocean
causes needless suffering and threatens the survival
of endangered marine species.
The Navy is seeking comment at public meetings Sept. 13-18 on an environmental impact study
that covers operations from the use of active sonar
during anti-submarine warfare training to anti-missile
testing at Kauai’s Barking Sands Beach. Please send
your email address to <dalton@aloha.net> so we can
notify you of this and other important meetings and
events.
Malama I Ka Honua
Moku Loa Group Report
By Paul Campbell
The Big Three OH!!
We have lots to celebrate, and we intend to! Remember, MLG will celebrate our 30th anniversary on October 14th at Nani Mau Gardens, complete with live
entertainment, dinner, a historical presentation, and
a silent auction. Help us make this no ka `oi !! We
are seeking donations of items or services for the
auction. Please contact any of the board members
listed on the back page.
2% IS TOPS
And just what are we celebrating besides our birthday? Well, for starters, we the people have been successful in seeing the 2% Initiative placed on the ballot! (See report below.) Then, two major legal victories
have been achieved. After long years of litigation and
wrangling, Judge Hara has sided with the plaintiffs, of
which Sierra Club is one, on the Mauna Kea summit
development issue, ruling that a summit-wide management plan must be implemented before any further development may be considered. Yes!
The volcano is flowing Beer!!!
Finally, MLG has initiated two new programs. ‘Sierra
Club and Beer’ has proven very popular on the Continent with the 30-and-under crowd. Nichol’s Public
House in Hilo has tentatively agreed to sponsor us,
and I’m excited! Our first meeting is scheduled for
September 13. Join us for informal discussions and
updates about local environmental issues. On the flip
side, a singles outings group is coalescing. For info on
either of these programs, contact Paul Campbell or
call 965-5460.
Mahalo for all your support and encouragement! And
if you want to jump in and help us make a difference,
there are a multitude of opportunities for service and
involvement. Just contact any of the Moku Loa Group
Board Members.
Hokulia, the State and You
The second, and landmark, ruling by the Hawai`i Supreme Court addresses an issue that is a spin-off
from the Hokulia development. The court decided
unanimously that City and County governments (and
not the State alone) do indeed have a duty to protect
coastal water quality. The ruling drew praise from
lawyers representing environmental and Native Hawai`ian groups, and will help to ensure the worldrenowned quality of our coastal waters.
OHA’s Water Source
The icing on the victory cake comes in the form of
news that OHA has successfully purchased the Wao
Kele o Puna Forest Reserve. This is the largest and
perhaps most pristine watershed on the Big Island.
Super Ferry, Making waves of our own
Hawai`i Superferry has rapidly become a super issue.
Months of requests for an EIS to address major concerns relating to the ferry have left us where we began—in the dark. The facts are simply not being revealed to the public, so MLG is sponsoring an educational campaign to address this. In addition, Councilman Pete Hoffman is introducing a resolution calling
for an EIS as a condition for granting use of Kawaihae Harbor to the ferry. We deserve answers, not
emotional appeals that skirt the issues involved!
Malama I Ka Honua
TELL US A STORY…
All members are invited to share their Sierra
Club stories in STORYTIME...a new section
of our Mālama. Whether your story is about a
hike, service trip, political activism, overseas
trip, or a remembrance of Sierra Club friends,
inspire others with your memories and
mana‘o. To submit your story (350 words or
less) and/or photos (worth a thousand words!)
for the next Mālama, please email hawaii.chapter@sierraclub.org. Check out Ed’s
story on page 6.
October — December
15
Maui’ Group Outings
We need new hike leaders!
Being a hike leader is fun. You can pick the hikes you lead.
Please call Bob Babson at 874-1166 for more information if you are interested.
Project Malama Honokowai: Help with archaeological stabilization, reforestation and education project. Every Saturday at 9a.m. Meet at the intersection of Honoapiilani Highway (between mile marker 25 and 26) and Pu‘ukoli'i Road at the "Sugar Cane Train" Station parking lot in Ka‘anapali. For more info, contact Ed Lindsey (572‐8085) or see www.kaanapali2020.org/plan/hono_gulch.shtml. Waihe‘e Coastal Dunes and Wetlands restoration: Help restore an ancient fish pond and other culturally significant sites. Call Scott Fisher at the Maui Coastal Land Trust (244‐
5263) for more info or see www.mauicoastallandtrust.org. Community Work Day Cleanups: If you know places that need to be cleaned up and would like to organize a work day, call Community Work Day at 877‐2524 or see www.cwdhawaii.org. Sunday, October 15:
Haleakala National Park,
Hike Sliding Sands trail and hike out Halemau'u Trail. Explore the crater and enjoy the absolutely breathtaking
scenery. Strenuous, high elevation 12 mile all day hike.
Must be in good condition. Dress warm, rain gear, hiking
boots, bring lunch & water. Meet 7:30 am Bank of Hawaii,
Pukalani Terrace Shopping Center to carpool to the top
where the hike begins. Leader: Bob Babson. Limit 12.
Call 874-1166 to register.
Saturday, October 21
Community Work Day - Make a Difference!
Help cleanup the road to Hana! This is the final phase of
the cleanup and will be from Upper Nihiku (mm 26) to
Hana Town (mm 38). Please call CWD at 877-2524 to
learn where and when to meet. At the end of the day there
will be a party in Hana at the ball field to celebrate.
Highway) at 8:30 am to carpool. Leaders: Lucienne de
Naie and Ann Fielding. Limit 18. Please call Bob Babson
at 874-1166 to register.
Saturday, November 18
Community Work Day Clean up: (Holiday Gift to Maui)
8:30 to 11:00 am. Meet at the first paved parking lot at
Big Beach. Trash bags will be supplied. Bring garden
gloves if you wish. Call Bob Babson for more info at 8741166 but not necessary to register. Just show up!!
Sunday, November 26
Kaupo trail (Into Haleakala National Park)
Hike up into Haleakala National Park. Enjoy the magnificent natural beauty. The views of the ocean and mountains
just get better and better and if we are lucky we will see
the Big Island in the distance. Trail starts at 1,500' and
we'll hike up to about 4,000' and then have lunch. This is a
difficult trail and you should wear hiking boots that support
your ankles. Seven miles round trip all day hike. Bring
lunch, water, raingear and sunscreen. Meet at 8:00 am at
Pukalani Terrace Shopping Center in front of Bank of Hawaii to carpool. Limit 12. Call Bob Babson at 874-1166 to
register.
Saturday, December 9:
Annual Christmas Tree Service Trip!
Join the Friends of Haleakala National Park and Park staff
in pulling and cutting alien pine seedlings and trees. Take
home a Christmas tree and greens for decorations. Bring
hand saw or loppers. Meet at 9:00 am at the Pu'u Nianiau
cinder pit parking area. It's the pu'u just before the entrance to Haleakala National Park. No need to register just show up! Mahalo! For more information, please call
Mary Evanson at 572-9724.
Sunday, October 29
Kings Highway-(South from La Perouse Bay)
Visit anchialine ponds (unusual shallow ponds with tiny red
shrimp) and archeological sites along the way. Bring lunch,
water, hat and sunscreen. 6 mile roundtrip all day hike.
Meet at Kihei Community Center (Lipoa Street & Piilani
Please be prepared for outings. Bring food, water, and sturdy footwear. A voluntary donation of $5 ($2 for Sierra Club members) is requested of hikers over age 14. Please register early; pre‐registration is required for some hikes. Call Sierra Club hike line at 573‐
4147 or the hike leader number shown below. EMI WAIVER absolutely required for EMI hikes (listed below). One waiver covers all EMI hikes this quarter. Call in your waiver request well in advance of going to EMI'S Pa'ia office at 497 Baldwin Avenue. Ask for Jackie at 579‐9516. Please be considerate of Jackie's time and pick up permits 5 days in advance. Also, please check our website, www.hi.sierraclub.org/maui, and click on Hikes and Activities for additional hikes, outings and/or changes. 16
October — December 2006
Malama I Ka Honua
Kaua`i Group Outings
Join us on one of these great outings. Please note the level of hiking proficiency and round‐trip mileage for each hike. Participants must sign a liability waiver. Requested donation for members and participants under 18: $1. Donation for others: $5. Women are advised not to hike or
camp alone on Kauai.
Sun, Oct 1
Mahaulepu Coastal Hike
South Shore/moderate/3 miles. Start in the late afternoon to
enjoy the views along this spectacular coast ending with the
moon rising over the ocean. Judy Dalton 246-9067
Sat, Oct 7
Okolehao Trail
North shore/very strenuous/5 miles. This trail rises up Hihimanu
Ridge crest with views of Hanalei Bay and Wai`oli Valley and
beyond. Karen Tilley 335-5423
Sun, Oct. 15
Nonou (Sleeping Giant)
East Side/3 miles/moderate. Hike to the top and along all
the trails. Shuttling cars for a one way hike lets you see everything. Incredible, sweeping views! Allan Rachap 742-1001
Sat., Oct. 21
Nualolo-Awa`awapuhi Loop/Kokee
Very Strenuous/ 9 miles. Views of the Nualolo Valley and Na Pali
coastline! An intense hike with more than 2,000 feet change in
elevation. Jane Schmitt 826-6105
Sat. Oct. 28
Secret Falls
East Shore moderate/3.5 miles. A secret trail to a not-so-secret
falls. Hike through a thick, jungle-like area, crossing Wailua River
tributary to reach this lovely water fall and pool for a refreshing
dip. Open to Sierra Club members and their friends. Judy Dalton
246-9067
Tues, Oct 31
Halloween Beach Party
East Shore/Kealia Beach Clean Up and Bon Fire cook out picnic.
Join the fun! Karen Tilley 335-5423
Thurs, Nov 2
Sunset to Full Moon Walk/NaT. Tropical Botanical Gardens
South Side/moderate/4 miles. See beautiful gardens and learn
about propagation of native plants, ending on a secluded beach
with a full moon rising. Sierra Club members only. Call Bob
Nishek at 332-5158 at least 2 days ahead.
Sat, Nov 4 Sunset to Full Moon Beach Walk
East Shore/easy/2.5 miles. Walk on a long stretch of coastline
from Nukoli`i Beach to Wailua Beach under a full moon. End
with a swim at Lydgate Beach Park. Car shuttle makes this an
easy outing. Judy Dalton and Sharon Reilly 639 -2076
Sun, Nov. 5
Limahuli Restoration work/hike
North Shore/moderate/ 2 miles. Assist with restoring native
habitat at Limahuli garden and hike to a waterfall at the back of
the valley. Sierra Club Members only. Jane Schmitt 826-6105.
Sat. Nov. 12
Waipoo Falls/Koke`e
Moderately strenuous/2.5 miles. Spectacular views/Picnic at a
ginger pool. A good family hike. Allan Rachap 742-1001
Malama I Ka Honua
Wed, Nov 15
Waimea Canyon Roadside Clean Up
West Side/Easy 2 miles. Keep Sierra Club's adopted road litterfree. Afternoon clean-up for an hour and a half. Please call Bob
Nishek at 332-5158.
Sat. Nov 18 –
Bike Ride to Mahaulepu
South Side/moderate/4 miles. Ride your own bike along the flat
ride leading to Mahaulepu. Enjoy the magnificent coastline with
its craggy rock limestone formations. Sharon Reilly 639 -2076
Sat, Nov 25
Kealia to Anahola Coastal Walk
East Shore/Easy/4.5 Miles Miles of wonderful coastline from
Kealia to Anahola. Shuttling cars makes this an easy one way
hike. Karen Tilley 335-5423
Thurs, Nov 30
Sunset to Moonlight Walk /Nat. Tropical Botanical Gardens
South Side/moderate/4 miles. See beautiful gardens and learn
about propagation of native plants, ending on beach. Sierra Club
members only. Call Bob Nishek at 332-5158 at least 2 days
ahead
Sat, Dec 2
Sunset to Full Moon Beach Walk/Kealia Full Moon Coastal Walk
East Shore/Easy/3 miles. Walk starting at sunset from Kealia to
Donkey Beach returning a full moon. Views along wonderful
coast. Sharon Reilly 639-2076
Sat, Dec 2
North Shore Full Moon Beach Walk on Hanalei Bay
North Shore/easy/3 miles. Sunset to evening stroll along the
wide, white sands of Hanalei Bay under a full moon. Jane
Schmitt - 826-6105.
Sun, Dec. 10
Mahaulepu
South Shore/ Moderate/3 Miles. Coastal walk with views each
step of the way! This coastline is unique with its craggy rock limestone formations. Don’t miss. We'll shuttle cars to make this a
leisurely one way hike. Allan Rachap 742-1001
Sat, Dec 16
Kealia to Anahola Coastal Walk
East Shore/Easy/4.5 Miles. Miles of coastline from Kealia to
Anahola. Shuttling cars makes this an easy one way hike. Karen
Tilley 335-5423
Sat, Dec 23
Hoopii Falls
East Side/3 miles/moderate. Discover this forest trail along a
river with two waterfalls. Vivian Hager 822-3610
Thurs, Dec 28
Nonou (Sleeping Giant) Conservation Service Project
East Side/strenuous/4 miles. Tend to endangered native plants
in their habitat in late afternoon and walk back under a full
moon. S.C. members only. Call Bob Nishek at 332-5158 at least
2 days before
October — December
17
Moku Loa Group Outings
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 Saturday-Monday, October 7-9
Mauna Kea Mountain Bike Hike and/or Drive
(F)(E) D = 23 miles, E = 7000’
Mountain bike and/or short day hikes with bird
watching possibilities from Keanakolu Cabin near
Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge. Spend two nights
at the rustic state cabin exploring the area. Mountain
bike from Saddle Road or drive in with 4x4 vehicles.
Central commissary fee, $25.00; any surplus goes to
support Sierra Club Moku Loa Group. Contact Leader,
Diane Ware (967-8642), or Co-Leader, Cheryl Shine
(985-9601).
Saturday, October 14
Moku Loa Group 30th Birthday Gala
Nani Mau Gardens, 4:00-9:00 pm.
Saturday, October 21
Kalapana Coastal Day Hike
(E)(F)(C) D = 4 miles, E = sea level
This hike begins at Verna’s Restaurant parking lot in
Kalapana. We will hike out to the new beach at
Kaimu, then explore the shoreline south over rough
new lava, stopping for lunch at a remote beach. Bring
lunch, 2 quarts of water, hiking boots and rain gear.
Trip limited to 15 hikers. Contact Leader, Sarah Moon
(935-3475), or Co-Leader, Paul Campbell (9655460).
Saturday-Sunday, October 28-29
Outing Leaders’ Training – Location TBA.
Outings are conducted in accordance with Sierra Club out‐
ing policies. Participants need to recognize the authority of the leader and plan to remain with the group for the entire outing. Sierra Club carries no participant accident insur‐
ance. In order to participate in one of Sierra Club’s outings, you will need to sign a liability waiver. If you would like to read a copy of the waiver prior to the outing, please call (415) 977‐5630, or see www.sierraclub.org/outings/
chapter/forms. In the interest of facilitating the logistics of some outings, it is customary that participants make car‐pooling arrange‐
ments. The Sierra Club does not have insurance for car‐
pooling arrangements and assumes no liability for them. Car‐pooling, ride sharing or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among the participants. Participants 18
October — December 2006
Sunday, November 5
Kaimu to Kehena Dayhike
(F) D = 4 miles, E = sea level
We will leave from Verna’s parking lot in Kalapana
and hike out to the new Kaimu Beach. We then turn
left and hike north along the coast on mainly pahoehoe lava. There is one short stretch of a`a lava, but
there is a stepping stone trail through this area. Bring
your swim suit and we will take a swim at Kehena
Beach at the conclusion of the hike. Call Phil Barnes
(965-9695) for further information and to sign up for
the hike.
Saturday, November 11
Mauna Iki (Twin Pit Craters)
(E) D = 9 miles, E = - 500’
We don’t hike this trail across the Ka`u Desert very
much. Often the access is closed because of nene
nesting or fire danger. By November the nene will be
fledged and gone, and the rainy season should be
making everything green. Start at Hilina Pali. Hike to
twin pit craters. Hike across pahoehoe fields to site of
1974 lava flow. Climb adjacent cone crater (optional).
No shade. Bring 2-3 quarts of water, lunch, sunscreen, rain gear and wear sturdy boots. Leaders,
Sunny and Michael LaPlante (964-5017).
Saturday-Sunday, November 18-19
Napau Crater Backpack
(E)(C) D = 12 miles, E = 3200’ – 1200’
Explore the East Rift Zone between Mauna Ulu and
Napau Craters, crossing recent lava flows, craters
and kipukas of native forest. Camp at Napau Crater
with stunning view of Pu`u O`o. Next day backtrack
past the historic pulu factory to Makaopuhi Crater,
then down the Na`ulu Trail to Ke Ala Komo (Pizza
Hut). Leader approval for this moderate backpack
requiring heavy packs due to no water at campsite [810 lbs. of water (4-6 liters)]. Car shuttle and central
commissary fee. Contact Leader, Phil Barnes (9659695); Co-Leader, Roxanne Lawson (965-8002).
Friday-Sunday, November 24-26
Pohue Bay Campout
(E)(C)(F) D = 0, E = sea level
A rare opportunity to camp at beautiful Pohue Bay
(below Ocean View). This location has a pristine white
sand beach and gorgeous anchialine ponds. Fee to
cover cost of permit. Reservations required. Preference given to persons with 4-wheel or All-wheel Drive
vehicles. Contact Leader, Guy Nicholson (938-2399),
Co-Leader Cody Burkert (959-0747), Co-Leader Rich
Vogler (328-8387).
Malama I Ka Honua
Malama I Ka Honua
October — December
19
Sierra Club, Hawai`i Chapter
PO Box 2577
Honolulu, HI 96803 Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Honolulu, HI
Permit No. 1284
Protecting Hawai‘i’s environment, mauka to makai.
20
October — December 2006
Malama I Ka Honua