Group News: Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, and Oʻahu
Hawaiʻi Island Group
Protect Hawaiʻi’s forested lands from becoming pasture
by Deborah Ward, Hawaiʻi Island Group Member | Reading time: 5.75 minutes
Transfer of forested conservation lands to permanent pasture may be approved by BLNR in July—testimony needed!
The Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) is expected to place the transfer of two large parcels currently under the management of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to the Department of Agriculture (DOA) on the BLNR agenda next week. They are Kapāpala Ranch in Kaʻū, and KK Ranch in Hāmākua. Some lands contain remnant native forests, or are strategic restoration sites. Pasture lands were originally diverse native forests – frequently overlaying the climatic zone best suited for koa. Forest protection and restoration are the most beneficial land use actions for sequestering carbon in Hawaiʻi, per a report from the Greenhouse Gas Sequestration Task Force. Click here for more information.
We encourage members who are interested in forest protection, watershed protection, and invasive species management to consider providing testimony in opposition to these transfers.
We expect BLNR to vote on this in July. To see if this is on the agenda, and find out how to do e-mail or oral testimony, visit https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/meetings/blnr-meetings-2023/.
Background
In 2003, the Legislature enacted Act 90, Session Laws of Hawaiʻi 2003 (Act 90), which created a process to transfer non-agricultural park lands under the management of DLNR to the DOA subject to the mutual agreement of the BLNR and the Board of Agriculture (BOA) and approval by the Governor.
In the 2023 session, Dawn Chang was approved as chair of DLNR and BLNR. Since taking office, under heavy pressure, she has decided to transfer lands that DLNR had previously sought to keep under DLNR management, due to lobbying by the ranching community, Farm Bureau and the Cattleman’s Association. The primary demand for transfer appears to be the lack of flexibility in the assignment and pricing of leases to established ranching ventures.
Unfortunately, despite the need for more flexibility in the way that general lease are handled, the legislature has failed to give DLNR statutory leasing powers like those of DOA, which are more favorable to ranchers because, under the DOA statutes, DOA does not need to go to public auction before entering into a general lease; DOA is not required to set lease rents at fair market value, while DLNR has a statutory and public trust obligation charge fair market rents to its lessees; DOA can enter direct leases with an existing tenant, resulting in a cumulative term longer than 65 years for a single tenant; and other agricultural uses in addition to cattle can be permitted.
The 2021 Act 90 Working Group’s Final Report, authored by the House and Senate Water and Land committee chairs, stated that “certain agricultural lands under DLNR have multiple management objectives, which can include agricultural production, forestry, native forest restoration, watershed protection, habitat conservation, public recreation, fire fuel suppression, and other public purposes which clearly fall within DLNR's purview and mission. These multiple-use lands should remain under DLNR's management."
Historically, DLNR has opposed bills that mandate the transfer of lands under DLNR management to DOA, even if those lands are in agricultural or pasture use. The primary reason is that these lands, especially certain pasture lands, possess significant resource values, such as forestry and watershed protection, that DLNR believes should be considered along with agricultural and pasture use. Another reason is that certain lands may have other uses that may provide significant public benefits above and beyond agricultural use.
Some lands contain remnant native forests, or are strategic restoration sites. Pasture lands were originally diverse native forests – frequently overlaying the climatic zone best suited for koa. Some of them still have a closed canopy of native forest, like the former pasture revocable permit that was voluntarily discontinued and designated the Waiea Natural Area Reserve in South Kona. Others may have been converted to grasslands, yet would be relatively easy and strategic to restore because the soil still contains a seed bank of koa and other natives; they are in high elevations where native birds and insects can also distribute seeds; and are far from invasive plants that plague restoration sites.
Protection of existing forests, and restoring forests in grasslands, is critically important for maintaining water supplies, particularly as much of Hawaiʻi’s driest areas are predicted to become even drier. This is a particular threat to Hawaiʻi’s agriculture which relies on water pumped or delivered from these watershed forests. Additionally, forest protection and restoration are the most beneficial land use actions for sequestering carbon in Hawaiʻi, per a report from the Greenhouse Gas Sequestration Task Force. In some cases, managing the species on these pasture leases (rather than existing reserves) is necessary because the leases may contain the main – or only – population of a species.
On areas proposed for transfer to DOA, DLNR intends on including reservations to ensure access for managing hunting, as well as public trails and roads. However, when the lands are transferred, the enforcement of those requirements is much more difficult. For example, lands transferred to DOA in ʻOʻōkala, Hāmākua, Hawai’i included road access to the historic Humuʻula Trail and a public hunting area. However, the lessee locked out the public and DLNR was only able to restore public access after hunters protested and elevated the issue to state legislators. When DLNR is no longer the lessor, the lessee will have less incentive to comply with these terms to ensure critical public access routes are safeguarded for traditional and customary gathering purposes as well as recreational uses.
DLNR oversight of these lands provides flexibility to re-evaluate areas for their highest and best use – which is key to changing land and climate conditions. Some lands might become unusable for pasture due to threats such as Two-Lined Spittle Bug. Under DLNR, the use of these areas could be reconsidered to include reforestation, hunting use, or other purposes in addition to pasture. DLNR is seeking “reversion” clauses in the executive orders to require that if the land is no longer being used for pasture, the land shall be returned to DLNR.
In addition to offering and managing hundreds of pasture leases for decades, DLNR works cooperatively with ranchers on public leased lands as well as private lands. A dozen large mauka ranchers have joined together in watershed partnerships to protect our forested watersheds from threats such as invasive species. DLNR cost-shares land management tasks of mutual benefit, such as fence maintenance, wildfire control, and shared road maintenance. DLNR has secured large Federal grants that support invasive species control and reforestation/timber projects on ranches. The Forest Stewardship program provides matching funds for ranchers willing to commit to sustainable land management practices. In some places, sheep and deer compete for pasture forage. DLNR runs hunting programs to help reduce this problem. DLNR is a Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Council agency lead, supporting the first responders and research on problematic ranch species such as the Two-Lined Spittle Bug.
Solar power project in Ocean View is opposed by local residents
by Deborah Ward, Hawaiʻi Island Group Member | Reading time: 1.5 minutes
In 2011, the Feed in Tariff (FIT) program was initiated to provide farmers and ranchers an opportunity to initiate solar projects, and offered high rates to produce solar power that were competitive with fossil fuel power production. In the twelve ensuing years, the cost of solar power is now dramatically lower than that of fossil fuel; currently rated at 8-9 cents per kilowatt hour.
Back in 2011, Solar Hub Utilities applied for 26 slots in the FIT program, exceeding the permitted power output allowed under the program. Nevertheless, Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO) approved the applications, although they were submitted by a single applicant. Residents in the Ranchos and Kula Kai subdivision in Ocean View on the Big Island were shocked to find that individual residential lots were being purchased to house the solar facilities, and that due to the large number of applications, that HECO would have to build a substation on community property to transmit the power to more populated areas, such as Kona. They were also shocked to learn that the ratepayers would be required to pay three times the going solar rate for the FIT solar produced for the thirty-year lifetime of the projects.
Ann and Peter Bosted, who own a home in Ranchos directly adjacent to one of the proposed facilities, sought a contested case before the Public Utilities Commission, and in June, the hearing was conducted. The only issue that the PUC allowed for consideration is whether the 26 FIT projects are to be considered individually or in aggregate, and whether they should be considered in the FIT program or in the Competitive Bidding Framework. If in the aggregate, the 6.5 MW projects would exceed the 2.72 MW allowed under the FIT program, and would require that they be competitively bid. Following a recommendation by the hearing officer, the PUC will make a determination later this year.
Upcoming Outings
Saturday, July 15
Pepeʻekeo Cliffs Day Hike (E/C)
Shoreline, moderate, D=4 miles, E = +/-200’
Scenic vistas, sea birds, and some historic sites depending on which part of the trail we go on atop Hāmākua cliffs. We plan to do the north section this time. Come join us on this hike along the ocean. Call for information and to sign up. Leader: Sunny LaPlante, 808 964-5017
Maui Group
Forest Friends: In Memorial
by Lucienne de Naie, Maui Group Chair | Reading time: 5 minutes
Maui’s conservation community lost two iconic advocates this month with the passing of renown botanist Bob Hobdy and pioneering urban arborist, Ernest “Ernie” Rezents. Both of these kamaʻāina made great contributions to protection of Maui’s forests by expanding our understanding of the importance of the trees and plants which surround us. Both also dedicated themselves to passing on their knowledge to future generations.
Robert “Bob” Hobdy
Robert “Bob” Hobdy was born on Lānaʻi and had the opportunity as a teenager in the 1950’s to assist legendary native plant botanist Otto Degener (1899–1988), first naturalist for Hawaiʻi National Park. Hobdy credits this experience as the inspiration for his life-long dedication to protecting Hawaiʻi’s native ecosystems.
Bob Hodby in Mākena
Hobdy received a forestry degree at Oregon State University and spent nearly 40 years at Hawaiʻi’s Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry & Wildlife, first on Kauaʻi, and after 1971, on Maui. He managed watersheds, removing invasive species, and seeking out rare native species for protection and quickly distinguished himself as a botanist who prioritized Hawaiʻi’s native and endangered species and their habitats.
Hobdy was known for his collaborative style. He worked closely with Bishop Museum, contributing to their collections which serve as a resource for researchers in Hawaiʻi and internationally. Hobdy discovered 12 new species of native plants, two of which he described in scientific publications and five of which were named after Hobdy by other botanists.
Hobdy’s years as state Forestry Department’s District Manager for Maui County took him hiking to the most remote locations, discovering natural and cultural resources along the way. His knowledge of Maui’s traditional trails and forgotten archaeological remains is legendary. He has spent his “retirement” as an environmental consultant and has served on the Maui Na Ala Hele (state trails program) advisory board for many years as well as lending his talents to Maui Nui Botanical Gardens, Hawaiʻi Land Trust, West Maui Mountain Watershed Partnership, the Maui County Arborist Advisory Committee, Friends of Puʻu Mahoe Arboretum and the Sierra Club Maui Group.
“Bob and his wife Doreen have very generously volunteered to serve as a resources on many Sierra Club hikes over the last 20” years,” Maui outings chair Rob Weltman noted. “He also offered his knowledge through lectures and slide shows sponsored by the Maui Group and other conservation organizations. He knew so much, and was so happy to share.”
Hobdy was the first to sound the alarm on Maui, in the early 1990’s, on the spread of Miconia calvescens, a highly invasive ornamental tree that has devastated Tahiti’s native forests. He went on to manage the first Maui field crew of the miconia control program—efforts that also involved Sierra Club volunteers. According to native forest advocate Art Medeiros, “[Hobdy] blew the whistle on something that could have sealed the fate of Maui, had we waited just a few more years.”
Bob Hobdy was part of the formation of the East Maui Watershed Partnership and the Maui Invasive Species Committee—each the first of its kind in the state, and each later duplicated on the other islands. In 2020 he was honored by the Hawaiʻi Land Trust as a “Champion of the Land” as a person that has made a substantial impact in conservation and sustainability in Hawaiʻi.
Most recently, Hobdy’s work as an environmental consultant led to his recommendation in 2019 of a 100-acre portion of the 1,800 acre Mākena Resort lands that will be preserved and managed in perpetuity for its native dryland forest, extensive archaeological sites and historic ‘Aupuni (Kingdom-era) trail. The preserve was set forth as part of a settlement agreement between Maui Group and allies with the owners of Mākena Resort. The community groups specifically asked for Bob Hobdy to be the consultant to survey and identify the best preserve location. “We knew we could trust Bob to identify the most important places to protect,” said Maui Group member Clare Apana, who was part of the settlement negotiations. “We will remember him whenever we visit these lands.”
Ernest “Ernie” Rezents
Ernie Rezents, who was lovingly referred to by one journalist as Maui’s “Tree of Knowledge” was born and raised on Maui, graduated from St. Anthony’s School and UH Mānoa. He taught high school math and science in the 1950’s, and college courses at Maui Community College in the 1960’s before he concentrated on his love of plants and obtained a Masters Degree in biological sciences from University of Oregon. Rezents then helped found Maui Community College’s agricultural program in 1975 and added an arborist’s certification program in 1995. He served on Maui County’s first Arborist Committee, established in 1985, a first in the state. For nearly 50 years he’s offered lectures, organized and guided a multitude of public tree plantings, and wrote a regular newspaper column on the importance of trees and their care. He retired from teaching in 2015, but continued in his life’s work as Maui’s number one tree advocate until his recent passing at the age of 91.
Ernie Rezents
Rezents’ former students went on to work for groups like The Nature Conservancy, the Maui County Arborist Committee, Maui Nui Botanical Gardens and the Hawaii Invasive Species Council. Ernie’s relationship with trees reflected his spiritual values: “Treat trees as you want to be treated; they will reward you with benefits you could not find elsewhere,” he would tell his students and his audiences.
In 2015, he was one of three arborists from around the world presented with the True Professional Award by the International Society of Arboriculture, only the second person in Hawaiʻi to be so honored. While back home, Rezents was described as “the most trusted source of sound tree care advice and information on Maui.”
Ernie Rezents leaves many lasting legacies on Maui. Some are highly visible, such as the majestic monkeypod trees he and his students planted in the 1970‘s to shade UH Maui’s front parking lot. Others, such as Rezents’s 2015 third edition update of the Maui County Planting Plan, remain to show the way to generations ahead. Many consider the Maui Planting Guide Ernie’s true legacy. Rezents agrees: “it is my legacy, Maui is my island. I was born here. I grew up here. I raised my family here. I want to leave it a better place.”
Coincidently, Bob Hobdy worked with his friend Ernie Rezents, to research and delineate the “island planting zones”, based on Maui’s rainfall and temperature, used in the county’s first-in-the-state “County Planting Guide.”
The Sierra Club Maui Group Helps Sponsor New Book on Māʻalaea’s History
by Lucienne de Naie, Maui Group Chair | Reading time: 2 minutes
For over thirty years, Sierra Club volunteers have stood shoulder to shoulder with residents of the seaside village of Mā’alaea and the many kānaka activists who wanted the area’s extensive natural and cultural resources respected and protected. These causes included the protection of Keālia pond, a traditional Hawaiian fish pond and salt gathering area, that was once proposed to be dredged into an industrial harbor for oil tankers. The plan was sent packing thanks to a broad alliance of community groups, but it was replaced by a scheme to create a 500-acre luxury marina with hotels and condos. Fortunately, in 1994, Maui’s largest wetland (704 acres) was protected as Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge.
Maui Group volunteers also played a major role in the large alliance of community groups who opposed a destructive Army Corps of Engineers plan to expand the charming, but aging Mā’alaea harbor. “The Corps plan had something for everyone to hate,” said Hannah Bernard, whose organization, Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund, was part of the Protect Māʻalaea Coalition. “The proposed plan destroyed four acres of living reef, displacing habitat for endangered and threatened sea turtles as well as eliminating a beach used by canoe clubs and interfering with the world famous ‘Māʻalaea Freight Train’ surf break.” After nearly twenty years of public hearings, the coalition was able to prevail and the Army Corp’s plan was cancelled.
These are just a few of the modern stories now preserved in the new book Māʻalaea: the Untold Story of Maui’s Historic Crossroads, researched and written by Maui Group chair Lucienne de Naie. The book covers the more than one-thousand years of Māʻalaea’s history—from its strategic location as a traditional canoe landing and moku boundary marked by a fresh water spring, to its role as a major shipping port for some of Maui’s first sugar plantations. Intertwined are the major events in Maui’s history—the world wars, statehood, the call for economic justice that birthed Maui’s unions and the eventual transition to a visitor-oriented economy. Richly illustrated with over 240 maps, paintings and photos, the book was debuted with a gala book signing event and slide show, on June 29, at the Maui Ocean Center in Māʻalaea.
For more information on “Māʻalaea: The Untold Story of Maui’s Historic Crossroad” contact the Māʻalaea Village Association at maalaeavillageassociation.org. The book will be sold at the Ocean Treasurers gift shop and online at mauioceancenter.org. Other locations on Maui, include the A&B Sugar Museum, Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, Māʻalaea General Store, and Lahaina Restoration Foundation. Native Books on Oʻahu will also carry the book.
Upcoming Outings
Saturday July 8, 2023
Twin Falls (C)
Haʻikū, 4 miles
Meet at Haʻikū Community Center at 8:00am. This is a very pleasant hike with shade and sun. Crosses streams several times. EMI waiver required. Contact Jackie Thomas to request a waiver: jackie.thomas@mahipono.com. She will have you DocuSign the waiver. We will hike about halfway to twin falls and veer right to several waterfalls and swimming pools. Bring a swimsuit if you care to get wet. A hiking stick will be useful in places. Limit 15.
Leader: Kit Carlan kit.carlan@gmail.com or (808) 445-0080
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Sunday, July 9, 2023
Makamakaʻole Stream (13 Crossings) (C/E)
North Shore, 2.4 miles
Beautiful hike with many stream crossings and waterfall-fed pool at the end. Trekking poles are recommended due to loose rocks in the stream and potentially wet trails if there has been recent rainfall. Bring water shoes, lunch, water, swimsuit. Limit 10. Meet at Waiehu golf course parking lot at 8:00am to carpool.
Leader: Ann Schultz, acm_schultz@hotmail.com or 808-344-6628
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Friday, July 14, 2023
Palauʻea Summer Blooms (C/E)
South Maui (Palauʻea), 2.5 miles
Explore the native plant landscape of the proposed Palauʻea Native plant preserve hidden above the Wailea golf course. Search for wiliwili trees in bloom, ʻāwikiwiki vines, and other rare native plants. Rugged terrain and amazing rock formations.
Leader: Lucienne de Naie, huelogrl@icloud.com
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Sunday July 16, 2023
Hanawi (Nahiku area) Stream Hike (C/E)
East Maui, 4 miles
Strenuous. Pools, waterfalls, native stream life. Numerous stream crossings. Good water footwear is a must. Meet 8:00am at Haʻikū Community center. EMI waiver required (see emi.html). Limit 15.
Leader: Rob Weltman, robw@worldspot.com
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Saturday, July 22, 2023
Huelo Pools and Stream Hike (C/E)
Hāmākualoa (Hanehoi ahupuaʻa), 2 miles
Explore a new trail on private land in Huelo to a nice pair of freshwater pools. No EMI waiver required. Be prepared for muddy conditions and stream crossings.
Leader: Lucienne de Naie, huelogrl@icloud.com
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Sunday, July 23, 2023
ʻAhihi-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, and snacks. Meet 7:30am at ʻAhihi-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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Saturday, July 29, 2023
Hāmākua Mālama Service Outing (C/E/S)
Ha‘ikū (Kaupakulua ahupuaʻa), 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
Waiwai Health Fellowship from Kokua Kalihi Valley at Wāwāmalu Beach Conservation Project
by Reese Liggett, Oʻahu Group Outings Leader
Waiwai Summer Health Fellowship co-leader, Misty Pegram (kneeling right), brought 15 participants to Oʻahu Group’s conservation project outing at Wāwāmalu Beach on June 21,2023, for a special service day—note the trophy koa haole (invasive alien plant), tap root and all, being waved in triumph. The Waiwai Summer Health Fellowship is a five-week program to focus high schoolers from Kalihi on community health and healthcare as a career. Outing leaders Suzan Harada (kneeling center) and Reese Liggett (photo by) were assisted by Justin Fong (front left) and Hawaiʻi Chapter interns Nicole Hiltbrand and Lisa Furger (back, white tees) from Switzerland.
You can read more about the Waiwai Summer Fellowship service day here.
Upcoming Outings
Sunday, July 16, 8am-11pm
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 8am at western access area just left off the eastern driveway for Sandy Beach Park. RSVP to leader Reese Liggett at wliggett@twc.com. Co-leader Suzan Harada.
Sunday, July 23, 7am
Mālama Tree Crew: Ala Mahamoe Tree Maintenance
1,000+ trees were planted in this area by volunteers led by Professor Mora, in partnership with The Outdoor Circle, Mālama Learning Center, Ko‘olau Mountain Watershed Partnership, and the Garden Club of Honolulu in 2018. Unfortunately it was a rough winter and many trees died. However in the years since, we have planted almost a thousand trees to re-establish the native watershed—and most of them have survived! Help us keep them thriving! We will be watering, weeding, and clearing debris from around these recently planted trees. Meet at 7am at the gate between 1800 and 1812 Ala Mahamoe St. Tools and refreshments provided. Bring long pants, long-sleeve shirt, water, hat, sunscreen, gloves. Reservations required at least 1 day prior to makikirandy@yahoo.com.