Group News: Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, and Oʻahu
Hawaiʻi Island Group
Mauna Kea update
by Deborah Ward, Hawaiʻi Island Group member
The Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority (MKSOA) is a state agency with a single employee. That will change in April, as the appointed volunteer group has recently approved the hiring of an Executive Director. Of nine applicants considered, the nomination of John De Fries, known for tourism and resort development, was announced in a special meeting. The Sierra Club, KAHEA (The Hawaiian-Environmental Alliance), and several individuals voiced concerns about Mr. De Fries’ record.
Mr. De Fries said in a 2019 interview “I believe Mauna Kea embraces modern astronomy and the construction of TMT” (Thirty Meter Telescope). KAHEA pointed out that DeFries’ position demonstrates a fundamental failure to understand the issues raised and sustained by Kū Kia‘i Mauna. The MKSOA position description (Part III.A.4.) challenged the director to “[d]evelop[] and maintain relations with stakeholders, government agencies, and other groups; deals with consultants, Hawaiian and other community leaders, legislators, government officials, and other parties[.]” KAHEA noted that the decision to place a person with a strong bias toward overcoming demonstrated community opposition in a position of director of a supposedly community-based group would further confirm the suspicion that the “authority” is simply a state tool to further industrial development of a sacred wahi pana (1) and fragile wilderness environment vulnerable to a host of demonstrated cumulative impacts to natural and cultural treasures.
According to his resume, De Fries was variously a consultant, CEO, and President of Hokulia (aka 1250 Oceanside Partners) between 2000 and 2018. De Fries was at the helm of Hokulia while it was in litigation against community groups over iwi kupuna (ancestral remains) desecration (at least seven burial sites, including 70 sets of remains), destruction of the ancient ʻAla Loa trail, and pollution of marine waters north of Kealakekua Bay. Sierra Club members and KAHEA supporters were plaintiffs in the Hokulia cases who had to negotiate against De Fries, who was representing Hokulia. Judge Ronald Ibarra noted that Oceanside 1250 Partners “deliberately collaborated” to circumvent state land-use laws. The Department of Health found that Oceanside's erosion control measures failed, in part because Oceanside did not complete all of its best management practices or the erosion control measures that it specified in its Notice of Intent. The storm caused flooding throughout the property and runoff into the surrounding Class AA waters.
The Sierra Club asked: Does the selection committee believe that flouting state and county laws is inconsequential? Does that indicate that we could expect more of the same behavior if or when it comes to addressing further industrial development proposals in a treasured and vulnerable landscape? Given that the company that Mr. DeFries led has filed for bankruptcy, how has the selection committee considered the fiduciary responsibilities of the MKSOA and the utilization of state funds authorized by the legislature? Does the selection committee believe that massive community opposition to the TMT project can be greenwashed through a manufactured mirage of “consent”? What relationship does Mr. DeFries have to Mr. Gordon Moore, benefactor of the TMT project? Why does Mr. DeFries think that he and Gordon Moore are “kupuna (2) titans of innovation”?
Despite these concerns, the MKSOA voted 7-2 to affirm his position. The group has yet to establish administrative rules and management plans, and to transition the ownership, leases, and responsibilities from the current management by the University of Hawaiʻi and the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
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(1)"In Hawaiian culture, 'wahi pana' is defined as celebrated or noted, and as legendary places or landmarks of special interest and historical significance. Each of these special places have distinguishing landmarks (mountain peaks, streams, wind, rain, etc.) that are given specific names and are connected to the rich history, chants, stories and songs that are traditionally passed down from one generation to the next." https://www.civilbeat.org/2015/12/wahi-pana/#:~:text=In%20Hawaiian%20culture%2C%20%E2%80%9Cwahi%20pana,wind%2C%20rain%2C%20etc
(2) kūpuna "...means grandparent, ancestor, and/or honored elder. In the Hawaiian culture, kūpuna were highly respected and seen as an important link as keepers of ancestral knowledge." https://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/TeachingAndLearning/StudentLearning/HawaiianEducation/Pages/Kupuna.aspx#:~:text=K%C5%ABpuna%20means%20grandparent%2C%20ancestor%2C%20and,as%20keepers%20of%20ancestral%20knowledge
Huge community turnout in opposition to proposed Punaluʻu development in Kaʻū
by Elsa Dedman, Hawaiʻi Island Group member and Chuck Flaherty, Hawaiʻi Island Group Chair
On March 7th, hundreds of people showed up to testify before the Hawaiʻi County Windward Planning Commission (WPC) against a Special Management Area Permit application for a proposed resort development surrounding the black sand beach at Punaluʻu in the Kaʻū district. Because the WPC meeting had to end at 5pm, the WPC voted to defer decision-making on the agenda item to their May 2nd meeting agenda.
The community first learned of the Special Management Area (SMA) permit application in late January. Almost immediately, community members began to mobilize opposition to the SMA permit application. Sierra Club member Elsa Dedman gave a presentation at the February 19th Hawaiʻi Island Group (HIG) Executive Committee Meeting. Because the Sierra Club has been involved in community opposition to prior attempts to develop this area over the past 40 years, HIG agreed to support the community’s efforts through research and logistical support.
The Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, which assisted community efforts when a previous project was proposed for the property 18 years ago, will be assisting again, as well.
The Center for Biological Diversity subsequently agreed to represent Elsa in filing for a contested case. Two other contested cases have been filed as well. If the WPC approves the SMA permit application, the WPC will then determine whether or not to grant the requests for contested cases.
On the weekend before the WPC meeting, Nohealani Kaʻawa and Guy Enriques facilitated the Punaluʻu Rally with 225 community participants in attendance.
To date, over 15,000 people have signed the online petition.
The community has identified the following issues:
The failure to follow past Archaeological Inventory Survey recommendations has resulted in over 100 cultural and historic sites being destroyed, which should be a trigger for a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS). The impact on and protections for cultural resources and traditional and customary practices has not been adequately determined.
Numerous sites on the property meet criteria for placement on the State and National Register of Historic Places. The area is eligible for consideration as a Historic District.
The wastewater treatment plant and system has become dilapidated to the point it should be replaced, which would be a trigger for a SEIS. The potential for pollution in the nearshore marine environment used by thousands each year is high.
The impact on endangered species has not been adequately determined. For instance, Jason Turner, a UH marine biologist has stated, “Punaluʻu coastline meets the strict criteria needed for the turtles to lay eggs; 1 in 10,000 make it back to their nest again. Minimal environmental practices and development will affect and change the life of the sea turtles and all of the species.”
The Planning Director should not waive certification of the shoreline given the impacts of climate change since the last certification was done.
Stay tuned for more information about the May 2nd meeting and how you can help. If you have not already, please take a moment to sign the petition and encourage your family and friends to do the same.
Join us for our annual membership party
Please join Hawaiʻi Island Group for a pau hana membership party on Friday, April 12 from 5-7pm at the Wailoa Pavilion (first pavilion as you drive in) in Hilo!
Everyone is welcome to this potluck gathering, please bring food to share if you are able. Recycle Hawaiʻi’s Kristine Kubat will also be joining us for this plastic free event, please bring your own plastic-free containers for food and drinks.
Upcoming Outings
Sunday, April 21, 2024
Pepeʻekeo Cliffs Day Hike (E/C)
Shoreline, moderate, 4 miles, +/-200’ elevation
Scenic vistas, sea birds, and some fishing sites on the north part of the trail. We go on a trail that lets us access views from the top of 30 ft. cliffs. Come join us on this hike along the ocean to celebrate Earth Day.
Leader: Sunny LaPlante, 808 964-5017
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Keauhou Kaʻu Three Mountain Alliance Hike and Service (C/S/E)
2.5 miles round trip, elevation 4,000’ with gain +/- 200'
Three Mountain Alliance sponsors forest restoration days on Kamehameha School's Keauhou Ranch located near the Volcano Winery. Once ranch land, the property is now home to the Volcano Bird Conservation Facility which houses endangered native birds like the ʻalalā which was released a few years ago in neighboring Natural Area Reserve Puʻumakaʻala. Restoration efforts in this area will be vital to restoring forest connectivity between the national park and Puʻumakaʻala. We will be hiking round trip 2.5 miles to the planting site. Bring sturdy work shoes and long pants, warm/rain layers, lunch and water. Three Mountain Alliance also requires sign up and waivers.
Leader: Diane Ware, 808 967-8642
Maui Group
Earth Month Actions
by Lucienne de Naie, Maui Group Chair
Mother’s Day Plant Sale
What says love more than a profusion of colorful tropical blooms, an array of productive fruit trees, or healthy native plants? Come celebrate Mother’s Day weekend at the Sierra Club Maui Group’s Annual Plant and Yard Sale on Saturday, May 11 from 8am til 2pm in Maui Meadows.
If you have healthy plants or gently used yard sale items to donate, are looking to buy plants for your land or your ‘ohana, would like to volunteer your talents to help pick up plants before the event, or be part of our awesome kōkua sales team at the event, please call or text Lucienne at 808-214-0147. Check the Maui Group Facebook page for more details.
Keep Haʻikū Lands in Community Hands
‘Āina Alert: Oʻahu investors are offering future investors from around the globe a chance to “make your oceanfront living dreams a reality” on around 140-acres of former Paʻuwela/Haʻikū agricultural lands. At a recent Haʻikū Community Association meeting local residents were clear that they have a different dream. “It’s time for our community to speak up to protect the traditional uses of these lands,” the Ahu Moku head for Hāmākualoa told the large audience. “We need to show up at Maui County budget hearings in April and get our friends and ‘ohana to do the same.”
Maui residents are urged to send simple comments supporting inclusion of the 140 acres of Paʻuwela lands in the County’s Open Space budget. Click here to learn more and submit comments.
These Paʻuwela parcels stretch from Hāna Highway all the way to the chiseled rock walls of the Paʻuwela pali and include the popular public trail that leads to the County Park at the Paʻuwela Lighthouse.“It’s never a great idea to have a traditional public trail running through private lands,” says Nara Boone, a local educator and parent who “grew up walking these lands.” Full disclosure: Sierra Club Maui Group offers popular seasonal hikes along this same historic trail!!
Boone and many other Haʻikū area residents are asking Maui County to secure this land with County Open Space funds to protect the traditional coastal access. They also see the lands being far more valuable for future public uses like an active park with playing fields and a possible new location for the fifty-year-old Haʻikū Community Center to expand. The aging, but hugely popular Haʻikū Community Center, the Haʻikū Youth Center, and a small park that serves all of Haʻikū’s youth sports leagues are presently squeezed into a lot barely five acres big and is located right across the street from the expansive Paʻuwela parcels being offered for sale to outsiders. “Which need is greater?” Haʻikū mom Gloria Madden asked the crowd at the Haʻikū meeting. “Planning for our keiki’s future or selling off more ag estate lots for “dream homes?”
Haʻikū kamaʻāina families need our support to get a strong turn out to upcoming County budget meetings. Please show up or send in comments, details can be found here.
4th Anniversary of Historic Lāhainā Clean Water Act Decision: More Actions Needed
On April 20, 2020 the US Supreme Court gave Maui an Earth Day to remember. After eight years of litigation, the Court voted 6 to 3 that Maui County’s Lāhainā Wastewater Treatment Plant discharges needed to comply with the nation’s Clean Water Act. That meant the county needed to apply for, and have approved, a federal permit that set standards for what levels of contaminants could be in the discharge. A draft National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (“NPDES”) permit was circulated for public comment by Maui County in mid-2023. The Sierra Club and the other three organizations who had filed the original Clean Water Act complaint urged the county and the state to have a permit that set stronger standards. Then the Lāhainā Wildfires hit and everything went on pause. As Lāhainā begins to rebuild, water quality and water availability are on everyone’s mind.
“It’s time to get this right,” explains Lauren Bickley, a marine scientist who serves as Surfrider Foundation’s Hawaiʻi Regional Manager. “Maui residents deserve a better solution—please sign our petition asking the state DOH to come to Maui and hold a public hearing to listen to our people.”
Marine biologist Hannah Bernard, president of Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund agrees: “It’s clear that we need to put every drop of reclaimed wastewater in Lāhainā to work irrigating agricultural lands and creating greenbelt fire breaks. Re-using that precious water on land will help us leave stream flows in the watershed where they are needed, and also help clean up our ocean. ”
The Sierra Club and allies first asked Maui County to follow the Clean Water Act in 2012. Now, fourteen years later, the allies are still waiting for solutions to be put into place. “Please help us get the State Health Department to hold a public meeting where residents can share their generational knowledge of the Maui Komohana (West Maui) marine waters and how to keep them healthy,“ Sierra Club Maui Conservation Committee member Clare Apana asks. You can sign the petition here.
Outings leader training
Will you be on Maui May 18? Would you like to help get more people out to enjoy and appreciate Maui's unique and beautiful natural and cultural legacy?
Join our free training session to become a hike leader with Sierra Club! We will meet at 9am on Saturday, May 18 to go over how to select, scout, plan, publicize and lead outings in Maui County, with a focus on safety and sharing our love for our natural and cultural environment.
To lead outings with Sierra Club, you must be a member. If you are not already, you can join during the training.
Upcoming Outings
Saturday April 6, 2024
Old Haleakalā Trail (C/E)
Haleakalā, 5 miles
Hike down the segment of the Old Haleakalā Trail from Crater Road to the top of Olinda Road, on the path described by Jack London and Mark Twain. We will meet at the Waihou Spring Trailhead near the top of Olinda Road and shuttle to the top. It is almost all downhill, with some rocky areas in the beginning and then mostly pasture land. Here you can view a video of the trail from the trial leading to access being allowed. Although this is a relatively short hike, it is rated moderate/strenuous because of some steep gulch traversals and the 2,500' elevation change.
Leader: Rob Weltman, robw@worldspot.com
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Sunday April 7, 2024
Hana‘ula Ridge Hike and Service Outing (C/E/S)
Māʻalaea, 1 miles
Help Maui Cultural Lands maintain native plant habitat on state land near Kaheawa Wind Farm. Hike to an ʻōhiʻa forest nearby. Panoramic views. More information from our host here. Please wear covered shoes, long pants, clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, and a rain jacket. Dress for cold, you can always unlayer. Bring lunch and gloves. Meet 8:30am at Mā‘alaea Ocean center parking lot (Carl’s Jr. end). You will need to print and bring with you the completely (front/back) signed waiver: https://bit.ly/2Zrv3gW. Four wheel drive vehicles needed for access, please contact leader if you have 4WD. If we do not have sufficient 4WD vehicles (have to fit into the cab), we will rent and all participants will split the cost. Limit 19.
Leader: Rob Weltman, robw@worldspot.com
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Sunday April 7, 2024
Ahihi-Kinaʻu Natural Area Reserve Hike and Snorkel (C/E)
La Perouse, 1 miles
Moderate shoreline hike on rocky trail to great snorkeling. Bring swim/snorkel gear, rash guard, reef-safe sunscreen, water, snack. Meet 7:30am at Ahihi-Kinaʻu Natural Area Reserve parking lot south of Mākena Beach. $5 non-resident fee per vehicle. Limit 9.
Leader: Annie Schultz, acm_schultz@hotmail.com or 808-344-6628.
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Sunday April 7, 2024
Waiakoa Loop Trail (E)
Polipoli, 4.5 miles
The trail begins at the hunter's check-in station on Waipoli Road near the top of the switchbacks. 4.5 miles is the total hike length. The trail travels north on the contour for 1 mile, switch backs down 400' elevation, turns back south above the forest boundary and then switch backs up 500' elevation to the starting point. The vegetation is mostly native shrub and grass, with some planted pines near the gate and extensive black wattle in the lower portion. There are excellent views in all directions. Wear bright clothing. Be aware that you may encounter hunters who are hunting off the trail. Trail has been re-opened after damage from rains. We will also have a good view of a potential new trail on land now owned by the state (former ranch land that goes from the highway all the way up to Haleakalā National Park. This is a beautiful trail. If you bring loppers you can help me rediscover a lava tube (probably behind raspberry thorns!). More trail information here.
Leader: Mark Short, shortonmaui@gmail.com
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Sunday April 14, 2024
Makawao Forest Reserve - Kahakapao Loop (E)
Upper Olinda, 6.5 miles
Moderate 6.5-mile hike in big tree forest on undulating trail. Estimated time 3-4 hours. Meet in the parking lot across from St. Joseph's Church on Makawao Avenue at 8am. We will caravan to the trailhead. Bring water and snacks/lunch. Limit 15. More info on the trail here.
Leader: Annie Schultz, acm_schultz@hotmail.com or 808-344-6628.
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Sunday April 21, 2024
ʻĪao Valley Exploration
Wailuku, 2 miles
Explore Iao Valley - there might be steep sections and trees will be there to hang on to. There might be swimming!
Leader: Mark Short, shortonmaui@gmail.com
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Saturday April 27, 2024
Kōkua Day at Fleming Arboretum, Pu‘u Mahoe (C/E/S)
ʻUlupalakua, 1 miles
Help maintain the Fleming Arboretum at 2600 feet in ʻUlupalakua, sanctuary to many endangered native dry land forest plants. Awesome views of Keoneʻōʻio (La Perouse) coast and Kahoʻolawe. Bring a light jacket, lunch, and gloves. It is recommended to have shoes with ankle support in case we are working on uneven ground. Meet 9am at the ʻUlupalakua Ranch Store. Estimate 3 hours of work. Refreshments available. A BYO lunch will be at the Fleming cabin with a great view of South Maui. Limit 20.
Leader: Rob Weltman, robw@worldspot.com
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Saturday April 27, 2024
Hāmākua Mālama Service Outing (C/E/S)
Ha‘ikū, 2 miles
Help clear away abandoned rubbish from gulches in Ha‘ikū’s Hāmākua Coastal Preserve and re-plant native species. Tools, snacks, trash bags etc will be provided. Co-sponsored by Mālama Hāmākua
Leader: Lucienne de Naie, huelogrl@icloud.com
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Oʻahu Group
Hawaiʻi Kai Neighborhood Board reprises Oʻahu Group’s animal-feeding-in-parks-is illegal issue—community responds
by Reese Liggett, Oʻahu Group Outings Leader and member
At the Hawaiʻi Kai Neighborhood Board meeting on February 27, Chair Mayor provided context for the board’s January 30 decision to support the Sierra Club Oʻahu Group’s request for assistance in urging the Honolulu Police Department to enforce laws regarding animal introduction and feeding at Wāwāmalu Beach Park. The chair confirmed that a letter on behalf of the board was sent on February 5 to Chief Logan of the Honolulu Police Department and various city and state officials, to which the Honolulu Police Department District 7 replied. More information on the correspondence can be found here.
Following this, community members raised questions, comments, and concerns. Several residents expressed support for feeding cats at the beaches as a humane gesture. Many others emphasized the need to protect native plants and animals at the beach parks, highlighted issues like cat feces on their boat decks, and warned of the danger of toxoplasmosis transmission from cat feces to humans, monk seals, and porpoises.
A cat colony caregiver, overseeing an existing colony at the second restroom of Sandy Beach, spoke at length about not condoning the indiscriminate feeding of cats by others. She mentioned managing her colony to reduce its number. She stated that since her waiver of city ordinances had expired (granted by a past governor for this city park, she claimed), she would apply for a renewal to continue her program to trap, neuter, return, and manage the cat colony with the aim of reducing feral cat numbers. Additionally, she expressed shock at learning about people leaving their personal cats in the park but returning to feed and play with them, as described in the Oʻahu Group’s January letter.
Reese Liggett, representing the Oʻahu Group, reminded attendees that the trap, neuter, and manage program for cats does not address the danger of cat feces spreading toxoplasmosis to humans, monk seals, and porpoises. He emphasized the city’s regulations against introducing and feeding animals in parks for valid reasons and stated that parks are not suitable habitats for cats. Liggett also pointed out that feral cats are the reason native birds have abandoned parks, rather than the absence of birdlife creating space for cats. He added doubts about state governors having waiver authority in city parks.
Chair Mayor reiterated the neighborhood board's stance that all Revised Ordinances of Honolulu posted on signs at the beach and other parks should be respected by residents and visitors and enforced by the Honolulu Police Department.
Upcoming Outings
Sunday, April 21, 9am-12pm
Wāwāmalu Beach Service Project
Help return Wāwāmalu Beach to its native/natural status after years of off-road abuse and inattention. Seed collection and sowing, as well as removal of invasive plants on tap. Personal pickaxes welcome. Bring closed-toe shoes/boots, gardening gloves, sunscreen and water flask (iced refill available, no plastic water available). Meet 9am at the southwest access area just off to the left from the northeast driveway to Sandy Beach. Limited to 25 participants out of concern for the delicate planting environment. Participants under 18 require a parent or guardian. Please reserve your spot by emailing wliggett@twc.com. Co-leader Suzan Harada.