Group News: Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, Oʻahu and Kauaʻi
Hawaiʻi Island Group
Waste Woes
by Cory Harden, Hawaiʻi Island Group Member | Reading time: 1.5 minutes
Is incineration at H-Power the way to go as Hawaiʻi Island dumps start filling up? The idea is being floated by our county Department of Environmental Management, and there’s interest in Honolulu—they haven’t had enough garbage to satisfy H-Power’s “put or pay” contract and have paid millions of dollars in penalties. There’s also interest at the State Legislature, which is taking up HB 1292 for a public-private partnership for a “waste-to-energy” facility on Department of Land and Natural Resources land.
But, according to Energy Justice Network, "Incineration is the most expensive and polluting way to make energy or to manage waste. It produces the fewest jobs compared to reuse, recycling and composting the same materials. It is the dirtiest way to manage waste - far more polluting than landfills. It is also the dirtiest way to produce energy - far more polluting than coal burning….To make the same amount of energy as a coal power plant, trash incinerators release 28 times as much dioxin than coal, 2.5 times as much carbon dioxide (CO2), twice as much carbon monoxide, three times as much nitrogen oxides (NOx), 6-14 times as much mercury, nearly six times as much lead and 70% more sulfur dioxides."
According to Sierra Club National’s policy, "Incineration is a form of destructive disposal and no types of incineration (including “waste to energy” and “plastic to fuel” mislabeled as “chemical recycling”) are considered recycling. While some advanced waste treatment technologies are promoted as alternative energy producing, the energy conserved by recycling and composting the source materials exceeds the amount of energy produced by these technologies by three to five times. Furthermore, such facilities tend to be sited in disadvantaged communities, thus raising environmental justice issues."
It is encouraging that the Hawaiʻi County Department of Environmental Management realizes that about 40% of all that goes into the dump could be diverted, and has proposed recycling regulations for multi-family housing. We support that, and support other zero waste initiatives.
Upcoming outings
Saturday February 11, 2023
Wiliwili Festival, Waikōloa Dry Forest Initiative (E/C/F)
Waikōloa, easy/1-2 miles, elevation: 2500’
This will be both a fun and educational event with a focus on experiencing a rare Hawaiian dry land forest featuring the iconic wiliwili trees and other native plants you maybe have never seen. We will meet at the site at 10am. Our experience will include a guided 30 minute walk that will explore the restoration areas within the Waikōloa Dry Forest and will highlight natural history, and the work of the Waikōloa Dry Forest Initiative. There is a presentation, Birds Not Mosquitoes, at noon and a native planting workshop at 1pm. We have done service at the forest in the past and encourage members to get involved in restoration of native ecosystems. You will need closed-toe shoes due to rough terrain, 1-2 qts of water, and sun protection. There will be exhibits and food vendors if you choose not to bring food. Call leader Diane Ware, 808-967-8642, for details about meeting and attending as a group. Assistant leader: Keith Neal.
Saturday, February 25, 2023
Puʻu Oʻo Trail Day Hike (E)
South Hilo District, moderate/7 miles, elevation: 5400'
Puʻu Oʻo trail starts from Saddle Road between the 22 and 23 mile marker and meanders through kipukas of native plants and birds surrounded by old lava flows. We will hike the trail to where it intersects Powerline Road. Bring rain gear, a hat, 1 quart of water and plenty of snacks and lunch, binoculars and wear sturdy shoes. Leader: Linda Larish, 808 657 9640
Mahalo nui to those that joined us on our Onomea Bay hike on January 7. Photo: Mary Marvin Porter
Maui Group
Upcoming Outings
Friday February 10, 2023
Ancient Trails of Palauʻea (C/E)
South Maui (Palauʻea), 2.5 miles
Rediscover the network of ancient stepping stone trails found on the Wailea 670 southern preserve site. We will visit several different sections of these rare cultural remains with cultural and archaeological guides—and perhaps even discover new sections.
Leader: Lucienne de Naie, huelogrl@icloud.com
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Sunday February 12, 2023
Hoapili Trail Hike and Anchialine Ponds Exploration (C/E)
La Perouse, 3.5 miles
Hike south from La Perouse Bay on the Kings Highway (Hoapili Trail) to Cape Hanamanioa (Lighthouse Beach), one of the most remote and beautiful areas on Maui. Explore anchialine ponds, and learn about these unique ecosystems and their cultural uses. 3.5 mile round trip hike. Meet at 8am at the La Perouse parking lot. Bring water, snacks/lunch, reef-safe sun protection, hat, and footwear with toe protection and strong soles. There are port-a-potties at the La Perouse parking lot. We will return to the parking lot by 12 noon. Limit 18.
Leader: Annie Schultz, acm_schultz@hotmail.com or 734-308-0482
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Friday February 17, 2023
Olowalu Coastline (C/E)
West Maui (Lahaina Moku), 3 miles
Learn about the long, colorful history of Olowalu, its iconic reefs and current conservation plans, while enjoying a gentle coastal walk along the state beach reserve.
Leader: Lucienne de Naie, huelogrl@icloud.com
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Wednesday February 22, 2023
Waipuʻilani Reserve (C/E/S)
South Maui, 3 miles
We will go on a wetlands treasure hunt to explore and learn about the wetlands of the Waipuʻilani/Government Beach Reserve and the coastline from the VFW to Kalepolepo Beach in Kīhei. We will also spend some time helping clear trails with guidance from Brandi Corpuz.
Park in the lot behind Ace Hardware at Azeka.
Leader: Rob Weltman, robw@worldspot.com
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Saturday February 25, 2023
Hāmakua Mālama Service outing (C/E/S)
Ha‘ikū (Kaupakulua Ahupua’a), 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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Saturday February 25, 2023
Lahaina Pali Trail and Whale Watch (C/E)
Wailuku, 4.5 miles
Hike to the top of the pali. Spectacular views of Kahoʻolawe and Lānaʻi, ocean, and the Kaheawa wind turbines. This is the same trail pre-contact Hawaiians and early missionaries walked to get from Lahaina to Wailuku. It rises from sea level to 1,550 feet and is 4.5 miles roundtrip. We will stop at several points to look for humpback whales and chat about behavior and biology. Moderate to strenuous, with some steep uphill—please consider your fitness level before registering for this hike. From Lahaina end trailhead, up to windmills and back the same way. Bring lots of water. Meet at the Maui Ocean Center parking lot nearest the gas station and we will caravan to the trailhead (Lahaina side of tunnel). No young children, please. Trail information here.
Leader: Merrill Ranken, merrill.ranken@gmail.com
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Friday March 3, 2023
The Land of Keauhou: Native Plants and Archaeological Hike (C/E)
South Maui (Keauhou Ahupuaʻa), 4 miles
Keauhou ahupuaʻa is a little known part of south Maui and is part of a relatively “young” lava flow (5 to 8,000 years old) that is host to native plants and many stacked lava rock Hawaiian archaeological features. The hike takes us to the far southern end of the Wailea 670 preserve to explore this unique heritage area. Terrain is rocky and uneven in places.
Leader: Lucienne de Naie, huelogrl@icloud.com
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Oʻahu Group
Oʻahu Group Outings
Sunday, February 12, 7:45-11am
Pālehua Service Project
Native forest restoration. The work is in Akupu Enclosure, restoring ʻelepaio habitat. Tasks include planting, weeding, watering, fertilizing and berming. Please bring water, a snack, and gloves. There may be some mosquitoes so long pants and long-sleeve shirts are recommended. Meet at Makakilo Community Park at 7:45am. RSVP to leader Randy Ching at makikirandy@yahoo.com.
Friday, February 17 - Monday, February 20
Kahaualeʻa Natural Area Reserve Service Project
We will be working with NARS clearing primarily alien invasive yellow Kahili Ginger. We will access the area via Volcanoes National Park where it is an easy 1/4 mile hike from Thurston Lava tube to the work site. This is a relatively new NARS site that is invaded with the alien Yellow Kahili Ginger and a great way to see how it evolves into a truly Native Hawaiian Natural Area Reserve. There are native birds above in the native ʻōhiʻa lehua forest trees. Our accommodation will be at the volunteer house in Hilo at the NARS baseyard. Due to National Sierra Club COVID protocols additional forms such as the Medical Form, Proof of COVID Vaccination, and Participant Agreement Waiver forms are required. This trip requires a Friday afternoon arrival in Hilo and Monday evening departure from Hilo. RSVP to leader Clyde Kobashigawa at clydekobashigawa@hawaii.rr.com
Sunday, February 19, 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 western access area just left off eastern driveway for Sandy Beach Park. RSVP to co-leader Reese Liggett at wliggett@twc.com. Co-leader Suzan Harada.
Sunday, February 19, 8-11am
Ala Mahamoe Service Project
Watershed restoration. Tasks include planting, weeding, watering, berming and fertilizing. Please bring water, a snack, and gloves. There may be some mosquitoes so long pants and long-sleeve shirts are recommended. Meet at 1812 Ala Mahamoe St. at 8am. RSVP to leader Randy Ching at makikirandy@yahoo.com.
Sunday, February 26, 2023, 8am-1pm
Pālehua ʻElepaio Enclosure “Akupu” Service Project
Space is limited as we will be working in a sensitive area where the endangered native ʻelepaio is nesting and there are some native plants already growing which we don’t want to disturb or damage. We may hear and see some native ʻelepaio as we work in the area, so bring a camera as well. Pack water and a snack and definitely mosquito repellent. Bring gloves and hand tools for weeding alien plants and pruning saws for cutting down invasive strawberry guava in the enclosure. We plan to meet in Makakilo at 8:30 am and finish by 1 pm. RSVP by February 19 to leader Clyde Kobashigawa at clydekobashigawa@hawaii.rr.com. Please include first and last name and phone number contact. Co-leader Curtis Kawamoto.
Saturday, March 5, 12:30-2:30pm
Loko wai, Koʻolauloa, Oʻahu with Kawela Farrant
This loko wai—a freshwater body, being restored and managed by North Shore Community Land Trust in agreement with the University of Hawaiʻi. Once water bodies like these covered the south coast of Oʻahu —from Puʻuloa to Lēʻahi—the basis for loʻi kalo and later rice farms. As recently as the 1990’s, Kunawai Spring in Liliha had freshwater percolating in its ponds. Much of these are now gone due to development and the continued pumping of freshwater. This is a chance to experience what much of Oʻahu used to be like—with a presentation from Kawela that will cover the natural and cultural history of this amazing site. This is not a trail or heavily used path by the public, portions are undeveloped so expect uneven ground. Closed toe shoes are required. Limited to 20 people. Sierra Club members free, non-members $10. Further details will be sent after reservations are confirmed. RVSP by February 17 via email to iliahi.lama.aalii@gmail.com.
Kauaʻi Group
Planning Director “Shocked” by Developer Testimony, Promises Assessment of Coco Palms Redevelopment Permits after Hearing on Kauaʻi Group Petition
by Wayne Tanaka, Chapter Director | Reading time: 2.5 minutes
In August, the Sierra Club Kauaʻi Group, along with the Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action, Surfrider Foundation Kauaʻi Chapter, and others - through Kauaʻi attorney Teri Tico - filed a petition to the Kauaʻi Planning Commission, seeking a declaration that the Coco Palms Resort redevelopment permits had expired as a matter of law.
Despite decades of community opposition, the impacts that the resort’s redevelopment may have on the environmental and cultural integrity of Wailuanuiahōʻano, and the fact that the law requires their years-old development permit to be repealed if a finding of “substantial progress” was not made in two years - which it was not - development investors have continued to push forward with their plans to rebuild the Coco Palms resort.
Notably, the developers’ redevelopment permits had been issued under a repealed 30-year-old law that fast tracked redevelopment after Hurricane ‘Iniki, and were thus based on shoreline certifications and conditions that never considered our modern understandings of sea level rise, over tourism, historic preservation, and the restoration and perpetuation of Native Hawaiian cultural practices and values.
Accordingly, the petition filed in August, if granted, could have required the Coco Palms developers to go through the same permitting process as every other developer, where these present day understandings and realities could have been properly considered and accounted for in any development proposal.
A final hearing on the petition was held on Tuesday, January 24. The Planning Commission, unfortunately, denied the petition on an alleged technicality. However, the developer’s representations, and the light shed by the petition and voluminous public testimonies submitted in support, resulted in a sea change in the Planning Department director’s apparent perspective on the developer’s plans.
Describing how he was “shocked” at the developer’s statements - which included a backtracking of their earlier promises to demolish a dilapidated commercial building - Director Kaʻāina Hull expressly indicated that those statements may merit an assessment of “whether or not revocation or modification of these permits need to be proposed.”
Given that Director Hull had thus far done little to question the Coco Palms developerʻs representations, much less the validity of their permits, his reaction and express reference to permit modifications or even revocation could indicate that the Planning Department may finally apply much more critical and badly needed oversight in the embattled and controversial development proposal for Wailuanuiahōʻano.
It remains to be seen whether the Planning Department will follow through on its “assessment” of the Coco Palm permitsʻ validity and appropriateness. In the meantime, the community group I Ola Wailuanui continues to work towards a community proposal to purchase the Coco Palms property, and realize a community-driven, culturally-based vision for this important site. Read more about their work and vision here.