Group News: Hawaiʻi Island Group, Maui, and Oʻahu
Hawaiʻi Island Group
Upcoming Outings
Saturday, February 28
Puʻu Waʻawaʻa Hike (E/C/F)
Puʻu Waʻawaʻa Forest Reserve, Moku o Kona
6.5 miles, elevation: 2165’, +/- 1800’
Considered the oldest feature on the Hualālai Volcano, Puʻu Waʻawaʻa was the site of an eruption around 100,000 years ago. We will hike on the Vulcanite Road and the Cinder Cone Trail. At the summit of Puʻu Waʻawaʻa, we will enjoy a sweeping view of the island’s northwest coast. We will pass an abandoned pumice quarry on our way back. Bring rain gear along with your day-hike essentials. This will be a moderate to strenuous hike. Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death protocol, please. To get to the trailhead, look for a turnout on the east side of HI 190 (Mamalahoa Highway, Hawaiʻi Belt Road), between miles 21 and 22. Enter through the automated gate, bear left to reach the dirt lot and a shelter. Register for the hike by calling Phyllis Chung at 808-767-3563.
Solar vs Geothermal By the Numbers
By Stephen Holmes, HIG ExCom Member & Former US Department of Energy National Energy Champion
Geothermal continues to be pushed in Hawaiʻi as an energy solution, even when the economics don’t add up.
Because geothermal is still a marginal technology that relies on government subsidies, it doesn’t attract significant private investments and puts financial risk on ratepayers and taxpayers. There are current efforts to secure millions of dollars from the Legislature to fund geothermal exploration. It costs around $5-6 million per well and they need around 6 wells just to “prove the resource”. This level of expense is totally unnecessary with solar.
There are also hidden costs, such as capacity charges. Puna Geothermal (PGV) recently secured a new power purchase agreement that includes significant increases in capacity charges, which are added to base electricity rates. Solar projects generally do not carry comparable charges.
Location is another factor. Geothermal facilities are typically far from where energy demand is highest, leading to greater line losses (loss of energy during transmission, mainly due to resistance in the conductors) and higher transmission maintenance costs, expenses ultimately borne to ratepayers. Solar, by contrast, can be decentralized and installed closer to where electricity is used, reducing these losses and infrastructure costs.
Maintenance requirements also differ. Geothermal plants must be periodically shut down for maintenance, which means additional power generation must be available on standby, another cost to consumers. Solar systems require comparatively little maintenance, and their modular nature allows panels and batteries to be replaced without fully interrupting power generation.
In the energy industry, the common comparison metric is LCOE, or levelized cost of energy. By this measure, geothermal is often estimated to be roughly twice as expensive as solar. Meanwhile, solar panel and battery costs continue to decline due to rapid global deployment. Upfront investment costs for solar and battery storage are also typically lower.
Insurance presents yet another challenge. Many private insurance companies won’t cover geothermal facilities because they are viewed as too risky. PGV, for example, is structured as an LLC and disclosed in its most recent PUC contract that it is self-insured, since the private insurance market is unwilling to provide coverage.
Solar with battery storage also offers operational advantages. Stored electricity can be shifted to peak demand periods with high efficiency, and solar systems can respond almost instantly to fluctuations in energy needs. Geothermal plants, on the other hand, are less flexible in ramping output up or down in response to demand.
Supporters of geothermal often emphasize its potential benefits, but cost competitiveness remains a central concern. That means elected officials promoting geothermal either don’t understand the economics or they are just fine running up your electric bills.
Hawaiʻi’s Reefs Are Not a Supply Chain: Why the Aquarium Trade Must End
By Kara Dumaguin, Hawaiʻi Island Group Vice-Chair
In recent weeks, a resolution before the Hawaiʻi County Council urged the State of Hawaiʻi to prohibit the commercial harvest of reef animals for the aquarium trade. The message is clear. Our reefs are already under pressure from climate change, pollution, and overuse, and the aquarium trade adds an avoidable burden to ecosystems that need every chance to recover.
This county action matters for two reasons. First, it reflects what many community members, cultural practitioners, and ocean users have said for years. Reef ecosystems are not meant to function primarily as inventory for export markets. Second, it comes at a moment when state decisions could once again expand aquarium collection in West Hawaiʻi, despite the long history of controversy and community opposition surrounding the practice.
The aquarium trade in Hawaiʻi targets reef animals, especially colorful and iconic fish, captured from nearshore waters for export to the global pet industry. This is not subsistence fishing, cultural harvest, or local food gathering. It is commercial extraction from public trust resources for private profit.
This distinction matters. Fishing for food, culture, and community has sustained Hawaiʻi for generations and remains an essential part of island life. Responsible local harvest connects people to place, supports families, and reinforces stewardship. The aquarium trade is fundamentally different. While many people appreciate marine life for education and enjoyment, this industry is not rooted in feeding communities or sustaining cultural practice. It is primarily about removing living reef animals from public waters to supply an export market.
Supporters often describe the trade as managed and sustainable. But management on paper is not the same as healthy reefs in real life. Reef fish play essential roles in coral reef ecosystems. They graze algae, recycle nutrients, and help reefs remain resilient in the face of warming seas and coral bleaching. Removing large numbers of fish, especially from localized areas, can disrupt ecological balance in ways that ripple through the entire system. Recovery is not guaranteed as climate change continues to stress reefs across Hawaiʻi.
Legal permission does not automatically equal responsible practice. Hawaiʻi’s nearshore waters are held in trust for the public, for future generations, and for the health of the ecosystems themselves. Treating reef fish primarily as commercial commodities rather than living components of an interconnected system reflects a worldview increasingly out of step with science, climate realities, and Indigenous stewardship traditions.
This is why the Hawaiʻi County Council’s action is significant. While the resolution does not change state law, it sends a clear signal. Local governments are calling on the State to take responsibility for protecting reef ecosystems by ending commercial aquarium collection in state waters.
What do we owe these places that feed us, protect our shorelines, and shape our identity? Reefs are living infrastructure for Hawaiʻi. They sustain local fisheries, cultural practice, and everyday relationships with the ocean. Reef fish are part of that system, part of the knowledge and connections that sustain nearshore ecosystems.
Allowing commercial extraction for aquariums normalizes a model where living reef communities are treated primarily as export commodities. That approach is incompatible with mālama ʻāina. It also ignores a simple reality. We do not need this industry to thrive as an island state. People who love marine life can support reef safe tourism, visit educational aquariums that prioritize ethical sourcing, and advocate for policies that keep wild ecosystems functioning and abundant.
The County’s resolution now places responsibility squarely at the state level. Meaningful protection will only come through statewide policy that permanently ends commercial aquarium collection in Hawaiʻi waters. Without that clarity, the state risks repeating cycles of conflict and ecological uncertainty while reef ecosystems continue to degrade.
We can recognize that restraint is stewardship. We can affirm that public trust resources should serve public good, not private export markets. And we can align Hawaiʻi’s marine policy with the realities of climate change, reef decline, and our responsibility to future generations.
Protecting reefs does not mean removing people from the ocean. It means being intentional about how we use it. Fishing for food, culture, and community has always been part of Hawaiʻi’s relationship with the sea. Those practices, when grounded in knowledge and restraint, strengthen both people and place.
The question before us is not whether humans belong on the reef. We do. The question is whether extracting reef life for export serves the long-term health of these ecosystems and the communities who depend on them.
Hawaiʻi’s reefs are not a supply chain. They are a shared inheritance. Protecting them means choosing uses that sustain abundance, support local livelihoods, and keep reef ecosystems resilient for generations to come.
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
Upcoming Outings
Sunday, February 8
Waiheʻe 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: Annie Schultz, acm_schultz@hotmail.com, 808-344-6628
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Saturday, February 14
Makawao Forest Trail Maintenance Day (S)
Upcountry, 4 miles
Join us for a rewarding day of trail maintenance in the beautiful Kahakapao Forest Reserve in Makawao! The Kahakapao Krew will be working to preserve and improve the trails that wind through this lush forest, ensuring they remain accessible, safe, and enjoyable for everyone. We will be hosted this month by the Maui Mountain Bike Coalition and work from 10am-1pm. Tools and work gloves will be provided and volunteers will be trained on safety. Bring sturdy, closed-toe boots, water bottle, long sleeves, hat, bug spray, sunscreen, if can. Together, we can keep our trails open and thriving for everyone to enjoy. Join our Facebook Group "Kahakapao Krew" to get the latest updates!
Leader: Raina Myers, raina.myers@sierraclub.org
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Friday February 20, 2026
Upper Palauʻea Archaeological Tour (C/E)
South Maui (Palauʻea), 2 miles
Extensive clusters of archaeological sites are located in the upper portion of the proposed Honuaʻula Field system preserve. We will explore one portion of this rugged lava ridged landscape and relocate and mark ancient Hawaiian sites that are part of the preserve with advice from archaeologist Dr. Jeanne Schaaf. Part hike, part treasure hunt. Really fun, but be prepared for uneven terrain and some overgrown areas. Note: No donations are accepted for these accesses on Wailea 670 land. A waiver will be emailed to all participants a few days before the access to print, sign and bring to hike.
Leader: Lucienne de Naie, huelogrl@icloud.com
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Saturday, February 21
Honokala Bay and Ho‘olawa Bay (C/E)
East Maui, 3 miles
We will be visiting two different bays. The Ho‘olawa trail passes partly through what used to be the Ho‘olawa farm; the bay was once the bay a stop for sugar transport. Honokala trail is a short descent to the bay on wooden steps. There are beautiful coastal views from a lookout just above. Meet 8am at Haʻikū Community Center. Bring lunch, water and footwear good for slippery rocks. Limit 15.
Leader: Rob Weltman, robw@worldspot.com
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Sunday, February 22
Olowalu Valley Hike (C/E)
Olowalu, 5 miles
Meet at 7:30am in the “Park & Ride” parking lot at the north end of N. Kihei Road OR at 8:00am in the dirt parking lot south of Leoda's in Olowalu. We will carpool to the trailhead near the top of petroglyph hill. This is a mostly shady hike into Olowalu Valley following Olowalu Stream. This is a moderate to strenuous hike. It is a challenging hike due to stream crossings, sections of rocks, and a steep hillside climb. We will hike up the valley, along the stream, as far as the pig barrier that crosses the stream. The round-trip distance will be about 5 miles and will take about 6 hours. We will very likely hear, and possibly see, White-Rumped Shama and Red-Billed Leiothrix forest birds. Wear water shoes or shoes you don't mind getting wet. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, mosquito repellant, snacks/lunch, and lots of water. Trekking poles are highly recommended.
Leader: Annie Schultz, acm_schultz@hotmail.com or 808-344-6628
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Saturday, February 28
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 replant native species. Tools, snacks, trash bags etc will be provided. Take Hahana Road from Hāna Highway and turn right at the signage for Mālama Hāmākua. See this map. Co-sponsored by Mālama Hāmākua
Leader: Lucienne de Naie, huelogrl@icloud.com
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Sunday, March 1
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 significance. 3.5 mile roundtrip hike. Meet 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, 808-344-6628
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Saturday, March 7
Kanaio Stupa Hike and Service (C/E)
Kanaio, 4 miles
Some steep grades. Hike up the South slope of Haleakala to a beautiful shrine built in 1982 and view the South coast. We will also help pull invasive fireweed from Prayer Rock Meadow and then go up to Prayer Rock for lunch. Meet 9 am at the Ulupalakua Ranch Store (upper Kula). Bring lunch, water and rain gear. Limit 18.
Leader: Rob Weltman, robw@worldspot.com
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Oʻahu Group
Upcoming Outings
Sunday, February 8
Mālama Tree Crew: Pālehua Service Project
Join us to clear debris, weed, and water around 75 newly planted native trees in the Akupu Enclosure in the Gill Ewa Lands (GEL). GEL encompasses 1,600 acres in the southern tip of the Waianae mountains dedicated to preserving the land's important biological, cultural, economic and historical resources. The Akupu Enclosure provides habitat for endangered ʻelepaio to nest. Meet at 7:45am at Makakilo Community Park, near the top of Makakilo Drive. We will work from 8am-11pm. To help you prepare, we suggest wearing long sleeves, pants, and closed toe shoes. Although we provide tools, you might prefer to bring your favorite tool and gloves. Remember to pack water, a snack, and insect repellent. Reservations are required at least one day prior. Contact sherrycassetta@gmail.com to RSVP with your full name and phone number.
Leader: Sherry Cassetta, co-leader: Randy Ching
Sunday, February 8
Pālehua ʻElepaio Enclosure Akupu Service
We will be clearing alien invasive plants like strawberry guava, watering, and outplanting native plants to restore the native habitat for the endemic Oʻahu ʻelepaio. 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. Bring gloves and hand tools for weeding alien plants if you have any. Pack water and a snack and definitely mosquito repellent. We plan to meet in Makakilo at 8:30am and finish by 1pm. Reservations required at least one week prior. Contact Clyde Kobashigawa, clydekobashigawa@hawaii.rr.com, for reservations with first and last name and phone number. Please indicate any person who is a minor. Co-leader Curtis Kawamoto.
Leader: clydekobashigawa@hawaii.rr.com
Sunday, February 15
Wāwāmalu Beach Conservation Service Project
Join us for the 40th Third Sunday at Wāwāmalu Beach! Limited to 25 participants out of concern for the delicate planting environment. Participants under 18 require a parent or guardian. We will be encouraging native vegetation through weeding, native seed gathering, and sowing, as well as offering interpretation of the native ecosystem. Please bring closed toe shoes or boots, gloves, sunscreen and a water bottle. Meet at 9am, finish at noon. Water for refills will be provided. Contact wrliggett@yahoo.com to RSVP.
Leader: Suzan Harada & Reese Liggett
Friday* to Monday, February 13-16
Puʻu Makaʻala Natural Area Reserve System Service Trip, Hawaiʻi Island
We will be working with staff from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Natural Area Reserve System (NARS), focusing primarily on removing invasive ginger from the reserve. This aggressive species threatens native forest plants that rely on protection from invasive competition. Accommodations will be provided at the DLNR baseyard volunteer house in Hilo, which includes hot and cold running water and bunk beds. This trip is full but stay tuned for more trips this year! Email Clyde, clydekobashigawa@hawaii.rr.com for more info. Co-leader: Curtis Kawamoto.
*This trip requires a Friday afternoon arrival and Monday evening departure from Hilo.