Group News: Hawaiʻi Island Group, Maui, and Oʻahu
Hawaiʻi Island Group
Farm Dwelling Issue Spreads to Hawaiian Paradise Park in Puna District
By Chuck Flaherty, Hawaiʻi Island Group Chair
Can two homes be built on one-acre lots in the state land use Agriculture district (state Ag District)?
That is question now being raised by residents in the massive Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision (HPP).
HPP received subdivision approval for over 8,800 lots prior to June 4, 1976. This date is important because that is when the state Supreme Court issued a ruling defining “farm dwellings”. The court’s ruling established legal precedent that only dwellings associated with a farm and/or farming activities are permitted in the state Ag District. Hawai’i County subsequently amended its zoning code to reflect the legal precedent set by the court’s ruling.
It is also important to understand that lots in the state Ag District are not allowed to be less than one acre and that most lots in HPP are larger than one acre. In addition, most HPP lots are zoned A-1a by Hawai’i County, that is, Agriculture zoning with lots of at least one acre.
However, because HPP was given subdivision approval prior to June 4, 1976, the county has been taking the position that any first dwelling built on HPP lots are “grandfathered” as single family residences for any residential use.
Last year, a group of HPP residents noticed that several lots had been cleared and two 2-story homes were being built on each lot. They subsequently learned that:
Building permits for second dwellings were being issued with a “First Farm Dwelling Notice” being given to the permit applicant without the county making any determination as to whether or not the lot contained a farm or had farming activities on it, and
Applicants for any additional dwellings on the lots were being required to sign “Additional Farm Dwelling Agreements”, but again without any oversight or enforcement by the county to determine whether or not the agreements were being followed.
The HPP group contacted the state Land Use Commission (LUC) and learned that the LUC has no enforcement authority, other than to issue declaratory rulings (DR). DRs allow the LUC to clarify how a statute, rule, or prior Commission order applies to a specific situation. However, a DR can only be initiated by a petition from an interested person(s) or by the Commission itself to resolve disputes or eliminate uncertainty. The county has ultimate administrative enforcement authority.
As a result, the HPP group held a public meeting to discuss the issue with HPP residents and has also been in discussions with the county Planning Director Jeff Darrow and their county council representative, Ashley Kierkiewicz, as well as state Representative Ilagan, Senator San Buenaventura, LUC staff and the Governor’s office to try to clarify and resolve the situation before it escalates into legal actions. Attempts to meet with Mayor Alameda have so far been unsuccessful.
Director Darrow did provide the group with the following statement, "The Planning Department's policy has always been to inform the owner/applicant of a "first farm dwelling" that there are requirements under State Law for a farm dwelling. We do not enforce farming requirements for a first farm dwelling. This is beyond the ability of the Planning Department to enforce every first farm dwelling on the island along with all of the other complaints we receive on a daily basis. We do enforce any "additional farm dwelling," which requires information to be approved, and which is recorded with the Bureau of Conveyances."
Meanwhile, the HPP group continues to organize and research with the ultimate goal of working with the county to reach a solution in which state and county laws are being followed and enforced to
Prevent further damage to the state Ag District,
Develop a regenerative, sustainable, and resilient locally-based agricultural economy, and
Create affordable housing for agriculture workers and their families.
Hike Leaders Needed!
Do you love exploring the outdoors and sharing its beauty with others? The Sierra Club Hawaiʻi Island Group is looking for passionate individuals to join us as volunteer outings leaders!
Our outings leaders guide hikes and service projects that connect community members to the stunning landscapes of Hawaiʻi Island while fostering a deeper appreciation for mālama ʻāina. Whether you’re experienced in leading groups or simply eager to learn, we’ll provide the training and support you need to succeed.
Why become an outings leader?
Inspire others to cherish and protect Hawaiʻi’s unique ecosystems.
Enjoy opportunities to explore new trails and sites.
Build community with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts.
Together, we can make a difference—on the trail and for the planet. If you’re ready to step up and lead, we’d love to hear from you!
Email our outings chair, Diane Ware, at volcanogetaway@yahoo.com to learn more.
Let’s explore and protect Hawaiʻi together!
Maui Group
Sierra Club Maui Annual Meeting 2025: Water, ʻĀina, & the Future of Food
By Raina Myers, Maui Group Volunteer Coordinator
Come talk story with us next month! Sierra Club Maui will host its Annual Meeting on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 11 AM to 2 PM at the Cameron Center Auditorium in Wailuku. This year’s theme, “Water, ʻĀina, & the Future of Food,” invites our community to gather for meaningful conversation, inspiration, and celebration.
The meeting will feature a Food Security Panel, with invited speakers including Bobby Pahia, Lori Buchanan, and moderator Aja Eyre, with more speakers to be announced. Together, we’ll explore how Maui can care for its land and water while building food security for future generations.
We are also proud to honor this year’s awardees, who exemplify aloha ʻāina in action:
2025 ʻOnipaʻa Awardees: Buck Joiner & Napua Burrows
Onipa’a awards honor those with a long-time commitment (20 years or more) to protection of Maui's natural and cultural resources.
2025 Mālama i ka ʻĀina Awardees:
Kyle Ellison with Mālama Kula
Sara Tekula & others with Kula Community Watershed Alliance
Mālama i ka ʻĀina Award honors those who have shown dedication to projects and efforts that help care for and restore our ‘aina and educate others.
2025 Mālama Kahakai Award: Ashford De Lima
Mālama Kahakai Award honors those who care for and advocate for our oceans ad coastal lands
Bob Babson Award: Rob Weltman (to be presented at a later event)
Named after the late Bob Babson, a dedicated Sierra Club Maui Volunteer who served as Maui Group Treasurer, Outings Chair and Newsletter Chair- doing outstanding work at every one of these positions. This award is periodically given to a exemplary Maui Group volunteer who embodies the highest level of commitment and excellence in their service to environmental goals.
We are excited to host a seed and plant swap and a community potluck. Attendees are welcome to bring seeds, plant starts or a dessert or side to share. Main dishes will be generously provided by Flatbread Pizza and Nalu’s Grill.
This event is free and open to all—members and non-members. It’s a chance to celebrate our shared accomplishments, connect with one another, and envision Maui’s future together. We hope you’ll join us to share food, ideas, and inspiration.
Saturday, November 1st, 2025
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Cameron Center Auditorium: 95 Mahalani St, Wailuku, HI 96793
RSVP here: bit.ly/4gJ1OJy
We look forward to seeing you there!
Upcoming Outings
Saturday October 18, 2025
Waikamoi Preserve workday (C/E/S), Haleakalā, 3 miles
We will meet up at the The Nature Conservancy's baseyard and drive in TNC's 4WD vehicles up to the Waikamoi Preserve and then hike a ways before we start our work in an almost 100% native Hawaiian forest. We should be back at the baseyard around 3pm.
Leader: Ann Schultz annschultz808@gmail.com or 808-344-6628
Sunday October 19, 2025
Kapalua Lake Loop Trail, West Maui, 3.6 miles
Beautiful hike from Kapalua Village to lovely lake with water lilies, ducks, and a resident black-crowned night heron, surrounded by Cook pines and orchids. This is a moderate 3.6-mile loop hike on mostly paved paths with 800' elevation gain and loss. Park in lots on either side of Village Road at the intersection of Office Road in Kapalua Village. There are restrooms in the Bay Course Club House near the trailhead. Bring snack/lunch, water, and reef-safe sun protection.
Leader: Ann Schultz annschultz808@gmail.com or 808-344-6628
Friday October 24, 2025
Palauʻea service outing (C/E), South Maui (Palau'ea), 2.5 miles
Palau'ea lands of the Wailea 670 archaeological preserve have a large concentration of ancient Hawaiian archeological sites. One complex spans several acres. The heart of this complex is a walled ceremonial structure with associated terraces. We will clean a trail to this special place and maintain the area around its walls. Be prepared for rugged terrain with some overgrown areas with thorny bushes. All tools provided.
Leader: Lucienne de Naie, huelogrl@icloud.com
Sunday October 26, 2025
Waihe’e Coastal Dunes and Wetlands Refuge (C/E), Waihe‘e, 3 miles
This area was acquired by HILT to keep it from development. Easy 3-mile loop hike along coast and through forest, with optional river swim. Covered shoes recommended on this rocky coast. There are archaeological features, unspoiled views, and we may see whales, monk seals, turtles, Hawaiian birds, and native plants. We will stop for a snack and to enjoy the views.
Leader: Ann Schultz annschultz808@gmail.com or 808-344-6628
Oʻahu Group
Meet Our Executive Committee! Need One More.
By Oʻahu Group Nominations Committee
Sierra Club, Oʻahu Group Executive Committee consists of seven volunteer leaders, elected to serve two year terms, and help set the priorities and positions for our work on Oʻahu and Chapter. Take a look at the diverse group we have at this time! If you are interested in getting involved at this leadership level, feel free to reach out to contact@sierracluboahu.org.
Kiara Bacasen:
Kiara a lifelong advocate for the development of healthy, sustainable, and just relationships between humans and the natural systems we rely on. My approach to this work is shaped by my experiences as a community organizer, my formal education in sustainability science and design, and the wealth of wisdom regarding holistic sustainable systems being practiced right here in Hawai‘i and by indigenous communities across the world. While I retain interests in many interrelated fields, my current work as an on-call chef at Roots Cafe and on the sales and marketing team for the Hawai‘i ‘Ulu Cooperative allows me to focus on Hawaiʻi’s food systems, highlighting the importance of the relationships between people and with ‘āina while bringing in my own unique background to the solutions we put forth.
Honuʻāina Nichols
Honuʻāina (they/she/ʻoia) currently resides in Hālawa, ‘ohana is from ‘Aiea and Wailupe. A recent UCSB graduate in Political Science and community organizer with the UCDivestTMT Campaign. They are a kiaʻi wai and alpha ‘āina. Honuʻāina spends her days working as the Climate Champion and Education Coordinator at Mālama Loko Ea fishpond in Hāleʻiwa. Additionally, she is a part time paralegal intake at the Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi and taking her LSAT in January. They have recently connected deeper with Kanaloa with the assistance of Kuleana Coral Restoration’s Coral Occupational Application and Scientific Techniques program.
Angela Huntemer
Serving on Sea Shepherd ships around the world, hiking and freediving in Hawaiʻi for the past thirty years have galvanized Angela’s commitment to biodiversity. Degrees in psychology and education and twenty years of Elementary teaching have provided her with tools and connections to effect change. Through place-based education and as an environmental activist, she has worked proactively with community from school kids to NGOs, corporations and government to protect habitat at Turtle Bay, Waiale’e, Pupukea-Waimea MLCD, and other areas n the Ko’olauloa-North Shore. Angela brings North Shore to the table and loves the opportunity to study issues in depth.
Karen Shishido
Karen was raised in Leeward O‘ahu and spent several years on the continent for college, teaching in Japan, volunteering for an NGO, and pursuing a master’s in energy and environmental policy. She is currently a project manager for Hawai‘i Energy, a ratepayer efficiency program, where she manages clean energy workforce training, K-12 education, and advancement of Hawaii’s energy conservation code. She is a passionate advocate for social justice and the environment. Prior volunteer board service includes Sierra Club O‘ahu Group (Secretary and co-editor of Mālama), Kanu Hawai‘i, Common Cause Hawai‘i, Shifted Energy and currently the Hawai‘i Alliance for Progressive Action (HAPA).
Camile Cleveland
Camile is a Senior Manager at Hua Nani Partners, a Hawaiʻi-based consulting firm, where she works with public, private, and nonprofit clients to advance climate policies and clean energy solutions both in Hawaiʻi and across the US. Previously, she served as the volunteer Policy Coordinator and Executive Committee member for Surfrider Foundation’s Oʻahu Chapter. Camile holds a BSE in Mechanical Engineering and a certificate in Aerospace Engineering from Duke University. Camile is a proud Kaimukī resident and enjoys freediving, hiking, and crafting in her free time.
Jun Shin
Jun was born and raised on Oʻahu. He is a rank-and-filer in Hawaiʻi’s movements and struggles for peace, social justice, the dignity/power of the working class, and the planet. Jun is seeking to be a better organizer. He is the former Environmental Justice Action Committee Chair for the Young Progressives Demanding Action. He is a graduate of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
Marti Townsend
Marti’s mission is to build a movement to reverse the climate crisis. She is currently the Regional Engagement Specialist at Earthjustice. Her previous posts include Executive Director for the Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi, The Outdoor Circle, and KAHEA: The Hawaiian Environmental Alliance. She has been instrumental in establishing Hawaiʻi’s Environmental Court, protecting Mauna Kea’s conservation district from overdevelopment, establishing the Papahānaumokuakea Marine National Monument (and Northwestern Hawaiian Islands State Refuge), combating environmental racism and much more. She is a graduate of University of Hawaiʻi’s William S. Richardson School of Law, Boston University, and Moanalua High School. She is married with three kids, two cats, and a dog. Marti loves her job, but can’t wait for the world to be saved so she can kick-off what she thinks could be her ultimate career move: stand-up comic.
Upcoming Outings
Sunday October 19, 2025
Wāwāmalu Service Project
We will be encouraging native vegetation through weeding, native seed gathering, and sowing, as well as offering interpretation of the native ecosystem for those interested. Please bring closed toe shoes or boots, gloves, sunscreen and a water bottle. Water for refills will be provided. Personal pickaxes welcome. Limited to 25 participants out of concern for the delicate planting environment. Participants under 18 require a parent or guardian. Meet 8am at the southwest access area just off to the left from the northeast driveway into Sandy Beach. Please reserve your spot by emailing wliggett@twc.com.