Group News: Hawaiʻi Island, Maui and Oʻahu
Hawaiʻi Island Group
Mahalo Mary and Blake
We thank Mary Marvin Porter and Blake Watson for their years of service with Sierra Club.
Mary served as co-chair of the Conservation Committee. Among many other actions, she advocated for chemical-free termite treatments, and authored an article on coral bleaching. She is also seen often on Sierra Club hikes.
Blake served as an Executive Committee member. He was instrumental in writing up and advocating for a successful bill to reduce county use of herbicides. He also grows food crops at his home.
Water Woes
by Cory Harden, Hawaiʻi Island Group Executive Committee Chair | Reading time: 3 minutes
Several years ago, pump failures caused five out of 14 West Hawai’i deepwells to fail all at once.
The contingency plans for such emergencies were inadequate. But that has now been corrected, the county auditor told a County Council committee recently.
However, two Sierra Club members, speaking to the committee as individuals, raised concerns.
Steve Holmes, former Honolulu City Council member and former Kona resident, said:
I guess the good news is that more pumps are up and running and that they are making a better effort at spare parts inventories. Over pumping caused by pumps being out of commission causes saltwater to be sucked into the wells, which impacts drinking water quality.
What is missing is any plan to reduce demand by working with large water users to install water efficiency retrofits and offer incentives to do so. Reducing demand is always cheaper than new well development and preserves sustainable yield. Reducing demand also achieves energy savings while relieving the stress the pumps are under that causes failures.
No strategy to implement water recycling, either. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply recycles billions of gallons at less cost over new water development. In spite of DWS [Department of Water Supply] protestations about Charter language, water recycling preserves and enhances groundwater supply which very much is in their Charter language.
Also missing is any discussion of a leakage detection and control program. Much of their water delivery pipe system is old and this can cause significant line losses. Modern water utilities aggressively go after line losses using smart metering that can detect them. DWS could even use a third party financed energy saving performance contract to do this. No upfront cost and the energy savings pays for it.
Finally, Honolulu adopted aggressive water efficiency standards in the UPC or Uniform Plumbing Code. DWS actually fought this when the State Building Code amendments came in. This reduces growth in demand. Included in the proposed language was an expansion of greywater reuse as well as low flow efficiency standards.
DWS fails in its Public Trust responsibilities under the Hawaiʻi Constitution by taking a supply side only approach. This idea of waiting till sustainable yield is at risk before taking action is wrong and out of date. Demand side management is always more cost effective and a better deal for consumers as well as resource preservation. Time for a change.
Cory Harden said:
I have been told that when subdivisions are approved, instead of developers paying the county to build wells, developers are often required to build the wells. This generates multiple problems.
Developers have no incentive to build long-lasting, reliable wells, since they are not required to maintain them.
Developers are not required to build wells that utilize the same parts as existing wells. This makes it cost-prohibitive for the county to store parts, since each well require different customized parts. So when a well breaks down, the county must special order parts and wait till they arrive. Meanwhile, parts cannot be interchanged to help cope with breakdowns.
Well pumps are prone to break down because they are sucking on a very long “straw” to bring water up from great depths, requiring lots of power and more run time.
The county should look at reducing demand by not approving water-intensive uses such as golf courses, and by doing water recycling.
Maui Group
Nine East Maui Streams to Receive More Water
by Tara Apo | Reading time: 2.5 minutes
Last year, the Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi filed a petition calling for more water in a dozen streams in the Huelo area of East Maui. This November, a decision was made: The Water Commission voted to restore approximately 13.5 million gallons per day (on average) to Hoʻolawa, ʻOʻopuola, Kaʻiaiea, Nailiilihaele, Waipio, Kōlea, Hanawana, and Kailua streams. Although it will take time to get the various permits needed to make changes to many of the diversion structures on these nine streams, once the modifications are implemented approximately 40% of the water flowing will remain in the streams. Previously, these streams were allowed to be completely dewatered.
Mary Ann Pahukoa, an East Maui resident and lineal descendent testified on numerous occasions throughout the Water Commissionʻs process of establishing meaningful Interim Instream Flow Standards, which dictate the amount of water legally required to remain in the streams. She says, “the Huelo Restoration will be significant for streams which 'ohana and farmers can soon depend on for daily use as rainfall persists. We're closely monitoring the restoration and await the return of waters to our Huelo kahawai. It is a recognition of the right thing to do by CWRM, appropriating our wai back to the source of its path.”
Historically, the state (and the territory) authorized Alexander & Baldwin and East Maui Irrigation to remove all of the water from dozens of the East Maui streams. In 2018 that changed – after nearly 18 years of litigation and advocacy by community groups Nā Moku Aupuni o Koʻolau Hui, Native Hawaiian Legal Corp, Maui Tomorrow Foundation, and Huelo citizens, the Water Commission ordered the full restoration of nine streams and one major tributary. Five additional streams received a minimum flow of 64% of each stream’s median base (the minimum viable flow necessary to provide suitable habitat conditions for the recruitment, growth, and reproduction of native stream animals). That meant that, on average, A&B could take approximately 88 million gallons a day of water cumulatively from East Maui streams – about 70% of what it had been taking.
This month’s decision provides for a more reasonable total of 56 mgd, available to be used by the Department of Water Supply, Mahi Pono, Kula Ag Park, and the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. With uncertain rainfall patterns ahead, the Sierra Club is also committed to supporting the formation of the newly approved East Maui Community Water Authority. The Water Authority and its community-based board have the ability to invest in system and watershed improvements designed to lessen the impacts of low flow periods, when much less water will be available for diversion.
Just as important as the implementation actions that were ordered, the Water Commission also committed to host quarterly stakeholder meetings to discuss progress on the diversion modifications and stream health. It also committed to revisit the streamflow standards in four years, once we’ve had a chance to see how streams respond to more water.
We’ve made substantial progress. “This overdue reward will give our watershed an opportunity to replenish itself and helps restore the natural cycle of our wai, that which feeds from mauka to makai,” Pahukoa says.
Maui County Passes Community Water Authorities Charter Amendment
by Tara Apo | Reading time: 4 minutes
This general election, Maui Nui celebrates passing the historic Charter Amendment for the Maui County Community Water Authorities, voted in by an overwhelming majority. For East Maui residents, this is the next chapter in a decades-long battle to protect local streams and communities.
The original resolution, proposed by East Maui Council member Shane Sinenci, sought to establish an East Maui Community Water Authority to address many of the concerns raised by community members, not the least of which is the prospect of a Canadian Pension Fund acquiring the East Maui water leases for the next 30-50 years. At the encouragement of management staff in the Mayorʻs office, however, the resolution evolved into its current Countywide version, which creates the framework for communities across Maui Nui to establish regional community boards with regional directors to manage and/or acquire the water collection and delivery systems in their area, which have long been controlled by private corporations.
What does the Charter Amendment accomplish?
The Water Authorities fill a big gap – currently, the century-old water delivery systems Maui Nui depends upon are not being adequately maintained to promote water security. The water authorities would provide for the efficient management and public control of these old plantation systems, investment in aging, leaky infrastructure to reduce water waste, and adaptation of water delivery systems for the 21st century and a changing climate – no government department or private entity was filling this essential need.
Regional community boards bring the people who are most familiar with their 'āina into decision-making, incorporating place-based and generational knowledge into resource management. The board selects a regional director and reviews and approves a long-term watershed management plan and watershed-related programs and priorities, along with other environmental and operational reports. The water authorities will also have a staff of grant writers, community liaisons, water system technical analysts, and necessary staff to manage water collection and delivery systems.
As a public entity, the water authorities are eligible to obtain significant private, state, and federal funding not available to private, for-profit entities to manage and upgrade the water delivery systems. Water delivery revenues will be used to maintain operations and infrastructure and implement watershed restoration programs.
The charter amendment also establishes the creation of an East Maui Community Board to pursue the acquisition of the East Maui water leases – currently, the only applicant for the leases is Alexander & Baldwin (A&B) and its subsidiary, East Maui Irrigation (EMI), which Mahi Pono, owned and controlled by Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP), one of Canadaʻs largest pension funds, owns a 50% stake in. The East Maui Community Board is comprised of eight residents who live in the East Maui water license areas - Huelo, Honomanū, Keʻane, and Nāhiku, one domestic and one agricultural resident from the water service area (Upcountry), and a representative of the Hawaiian Homes Commission. The mayor appoints four members – one from each lease area – and County Council appoints the rest. Other communities may establish regional boards by County Ordinance.
Next Steps
Now the real work begins. In early 2023 the Maui County Council and Mayor will need to appoint the East Maui Community Water Authority Board members, and the Board members will recruit and hire a Regional Director. The Board and Director will then need to collaborate with the state to work out an intergovernmental agreement – assigning the East Maui water leases to be publicly managed by the Water Authority, a historic first. Additional agreements and easements will be needed between the County Water Authority and the current partners in the lease: A&B, EMI, & Mahi Pono, to make sure that there is no interruption of service. If agreements cannot be reached, the Authority can obtain use of the parts of the system not on public land through eminent domain. The East Maui Water Authority will also develop a watershed management plan and projects for the entire lease area, in collaboration with the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife and local communities. It is also feasible that within the next year or two the Nā Wai ʻEhā community may choose to pursue the creation of a regional water authority board for their area and seek to purchase the Wailuku Water System.
It will likely be a few years before the East Maui Community Water Authority obtains the East Maui water licenses, but for now, voters have expressed their desire for local control of our water resources and the process has begun.
Many hands worked together to help bring this moment to pass. Mahalo nui to all of the community members who helped support this campaign, and to the incredible volunteers who dedicated countless hours helping to raise awareness. E ola i ka wai!
Maui Group Outings
Friday December 2, 2022
Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge (C/E)
Māʻalaea, 1 miles
Come see a variety of waterfowl and shorebirds and hear an overview about the refuge. Meet 10am inside the refuge visitor center (turn into driveway at mile post 6 on Mokulele/Maui Veterans Highway and then right to the parking lot). Bring binoculars, suitable closed toe shoes for mud and water, sun protection, water. Limit 20.
Leader: Rob Weltman, robw@worldspot.com
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Sunday December 4, 2022
Mākena Shoreline Hike (C/E)
Mākena, 4 miles
Moderate, pleasant walk on “fisherman’s trail”, road, sandy beaches, rocky beaches past tidepools to Keoneuli (Black Sand Beach). Beautiful views. Hiking stick useful. Meet 8am in public parking lot for Polo Beach, near entrance. Almost entirely exposed, so bring sun protection. We’ll stop to eat anything we have with us at Keoneuli. Limit 15.
Leader: Rob Weltman, robw@worldspot.com
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Friday December 9, 2022
Moonlight South Maui Tidepool Trek (C/E)
Honuaʻula, 0.5 miles
Crabs and other crepuscular creatures abound in our tide pools when the light begins to fade. We will explore the geology, biology, cultural and natural history of this unique ecosystem between the shore and the sea and observe some of the marine fish and invertebrates in a safe and sustainable way - under a (just recently) full moon! A snack will be available as well as field guides for viewing. I’ll have some extra headlamps available but please bring your own if you have. Wear close-toed shoes that can get wet (reef tabis, old sneakers, etc.) Sunset is at 5:46pm, moonrise at 7:13pm. Porta-potty is available in the parking lot.
Leader: Merrill Ranken, merrill.ranken@gmail.com
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Sunday December 11, 2022
Honolua Bay Snorkel, and ʻŌhai Loop & Nākālele Blowhole Hikes (C/E)
West Maui, 2 miles
We will begin our Westside Maui Adventure with a short access trail hike and an hour of snorkeling at Honolua Bay (mile marker 32 on highway 30) while we listen for whale song. We will then drive to the small parking lot between mile markers 40 & 41 on the makai side of the highway, where we will hike the 1.5 mile ʻŌhai Loop Trail and Overlook. We will make a final stop at Nākālele Blowhole between mile markers 38 & 39 before returning to Māʻalaea by 1pm. Bring snorkel gear, bathing suit, rash guard, towel, hat, reef-safe sunscreen, water, snacks/lunch, and shoes suitable for short (possibly muddy) hikes. Meet at 7:30am at Maui Ocean Center parking lot near Carl’s Jr. We will carpool to the Honolua Bay parking area (very limited). People on the west side are welcome to meet us around 8:30am at the Honolua Bay dirt parking lot at mile marker 32 on highway 30. There are porta-potties at the Honolua Bay parking lot. Limit 12.
Leader Annie Schultz, acm_schultz@hotmail.com or 734-308-0482
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Friday December 16, 2022
ʻAhihi Kinaʻu to Anchialine Pools (C/E)
South Maui, 3 miles, moderate
Rare access to this protected area across the lava field, led by Jeff Bagshaw, Volunteer Coordinator of the DLNR for ʻAhihi Kinaʻu. Jeff has a wealth of knowledge about the plant and animal life of this sensitive region. Meet 8am at the Kanahena (“Dumps”) parking lot. Bring water, sun protection (reef-safe), and footwear with toe protection and strong soles. Limit 15.
Leader: Rob Weltman, robw@worldspot.com
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Sunday December 18, 2022
Waiheʻe Coastal Dunes And Wetlands Refuge (C/E)
Waihe‘e, 4 miles
This area was acquired by HILT to keep it from development. The walk covers about two miles round trip on level ground and we will probably take about three hours to do it. There is no shade, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. Although the paths are well worn, covered shoes are 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 an early lunch or snack at the turning point. If you are willing and able to pick up trash on the way back, bring a bag. Meet at 8:30am across from Waihe’e School on Kahekili Highway.
Leader: Miranda Camp, mauimiranda@hotmail.com
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Oʻahu Group
CWNL Fund and the conservation of 175.76 acres in Maunawili
by Reese Liggett CWNL Fund Advisory Commissioner, Oʻahu Group ExCom Member and Sierra Club Life Member | Reading time: 1.25 minute
The Honolulu City Council, following the advice of the Clean Water and Natural Land Fund Advisory Commission, passed legislation in October toward conservation of a sizable chunk of agricultural and conservation land in Maunawili. The commission is chaired by Attorney Sherry Broder. All seven commission members are council or mayoral appointees, and their service is voluntary.
This October 5 action by the city council is the most significant conservation by the city, in terms of cost and acreage, in recent years. The two pieces, made up of multiple TMK parcels are known as Palawai and Makaliʻi, and are 116.49 acres and 59.27 acres respectively, the prices for the perpetual conservation easements to be paid from the CWNL Fund are $6,228,000 and $3,344,000—that’s over $9.5 M. After due diligence by city’s Department of Land Management, the moneys will be expended from the fund. The lands are currently owned by HRT Ltd (Weinberg Trust land).
“…These lands are celebrated in story and chants from ancient and historic times and for 19th and early 20th century food cultivation and production. These lands are among the best in Hawaiʻi for the growing of kalo and provide abundant water and important support for the watershed. The organizations and people who are devoted to this project have the passion and commitment to make it happen and have already proven themselves. The intent is to save these lands and water and provide irreplaceable support for the maintenance of the health of Maunawili and Hawaiʻi. There is no question - this is a truly wonderful project. If only it could be done in every ahupuaʻa...” said Commission Chair Sherry Broder in her supportive testimony to city council.
Do YOU have an idea for conserving land and watershed? Toward the:
Protection of watershed lands to preserve water quality and water supply;
Preservation of forests, beaches, coastal areas and agricultural lands;
Public outdoor recreation and education, including access to beaches and mountains;
Preservation of historic or culturally important land areas and sites;
Protection of significant habitats or ecosystems, including buffer zones;
Conservation of land in order to reduce erosion, floods, landslides, and runoff; and
Acquisition of public access to public land and open space.
IF SO—then get on over to https://www.honolulu.gov/cwnl.html and familiarize yourself with how to flow CWNL FUND resources toward your qualifying idea for clean water and natural land.
Oʻahu Group Outings
Sunday, December 11, 2022
Ala Mahamoe Service Project
Tree maintenance (watering, weeding, planting) in the Honolulu Watershed. Bring water and gloves. Meet at 1812 Ala Mahamoe St. at 8am.
Leader: Randy Ching, makikirandy@yahoo.com
Sunday, December 18, 2022
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 western access area just left off eastern driveway for Sandy Beach Park
Contact Reese Liggett, reservations appreciated, wliggett@twc.com, or just show up.