Group News: Hawaiʻi Island Group, Maui, and Oʻahu
Hawaiʻi Island Group
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!
Stopping the Spread of Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle
By Debbie Ward, Hawaiʻi Island Group Member
As a retired Extension Agent with the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources — and an active member of the Hawaiʻi Tropical Fruit Growers, the Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative, and the Hawaiʻi Organic Farmers Association — the spread of the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) has become a personal waking nightmare.
I’ve been operating my farm in Kurtistown on Hawaiʻi Island, Laiku Farm and Special Ti Nursery, for over 25 years. Every new pest introduced to our islands threatens not just my livelihood, but the ability of my fellow farmers across Hawaiʻi to provide healthy, local food to our communities.
While the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (DOA) provides some support to local organizations, through conferences and workshops, it’s hard to pinpoint what specific actions the agency is taking that truly make farming more efficient or financially viable. The failure to act decisively in past years has already led to catastrophic consequences.
On my farm alone, I’ve lost windbreaks to the Erythrina gall wasp, tī crops to the stinging nettle caterpillar, citrus trees to the Queensland longhorn beetle, rare banana varieties to Banana Bunchy Top Virus, farm workers due to the little fire ant, entire avocado crops to the avocado lace bug, soursop and Rollinia to a new, unidentified pest, and ʻulu trees to tusking and debarking by feral pigs. And the list goes on.
Each time I lose a crop, it chips away at my farm’s financial stability. I’m forced to spend more on pest control, and my son becomes more discouraged from taking over the family farm — at a time when all the government rhetoric about enhancing local food production feels like empty platitudes.
What do all of these challenges have in common? The failure of the DOA to take immediate and aggressive action to identify, fund, and stop the spread of invasive pests and diseases.
For Hawaiʻi families who care about eating locally grown food, I urge you to speak up: demand stronger action to prevent the spread of CRB at the DOA’s agricultural park in Keāhole. We need immediate, mandatory (not voluntary) regulations to stop the import and movement of materials that could carry this destructive pest to farms across our island.
The Legislature has already allocated the funds. The DOA has the expertise. And there are partners like the Big Island Invasive Species Committee doing everything they can—but they need more support. We’ve seen the devastation CRB has already done to farms on Oʻahu. Since the DOA owns the ag park in Keāhole, there is no excuse for delay. The time to act is now—before more farms, more crops, and more futures are lost.
How you can help:
Contact the Department of Agriculture and urge them to fully implement their statewide CRB response plan on Hawaiʻi Island and take immediate action on state-managed lands to prevent further spread.
Email the Plant Pest Control branch at hdoa.ppc@hawaii.gov or call them at (808) 974-4140 (Hilo) or (808) 323-7578 (Kona)
Attend the next Board of Agriculture meeting and urge the board to require the DOA take more immediate action at the Keāhole Agriculture Park.
Report any suspected CRB larvae, adults, or damage to 643-PEST or at 643pest.org
Properly manage green waste and other potential breeding sites on your property, and follow best management and transport practices for plants and materials
Live in the Kona Palisades area? Help monitor the spread by hosting a CRB trap. Email us at hawaii.chapter@sierraclub.org.
Stay informed by following updates from the Big Island Invasive Species Committee and signing up for Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi invasive species emails.
Plans for Proposed Hawaiʻi Island Plastic Bottle Recycling Plant Move Forward Despite Serious Unanswered Questions
By Chuck Flaherty, Hawaiʻi Island Group Chair
There’s no question that plastic pollution has become a global crisis — threatening ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Increasing numbers of sea mammals, turtles, birds, and fish are starving to death as plastic waste accumulates in their digestive tracts.
And now, science has made it clear: micro- and nano-plastics are not just in the ocean — they’re in us. Studies have found plastic particles embedded in human cells, tissues, and organs. Alarmingly, researchers have discovered the equivalent of a disposable plastic spoon’s weight in plastic in human brains.
So on the surface, the idea of a recycling plant that collects disposable plastic bottles and remanufactures them into new ones may sound like a solution. But, as with many petrochemical ventures, the reality is more complicated.
This past February, the Hawaiʻi County Environmental Management Commission (EMC) submitted a letter to the County Council and the Department of Environmental Management urging caution. The EMC wrote:
“The EMC respectfully advises the recipients of this communication to take the position that all considerations relating to the construction and operation of any plastic recycling facility be paused until the Hawai‘i State Department of Health (“DOH”) promulgates rules regulating the discharge of micro-plastic and nano-plastic pollution and establishes legally binding procedures through which plastic recycling facilities will be permitted.
Given the potential long-term impacts of micro-plastics and nano-plastics on human health and ecosystems, it is imperative that all parties proceed with caution during the approval process... it is not clear that those steps [taken by the company] will be sufficient to protect the public and prevent damage to the environment.”
Alongside the letter, the EMC submitted a list of questions gathered from commissioners and public testimony. These include:
What permitting processes are required for plastic recycling facilities of different sizes?
Who regulates and oversees such facilities?
Is it legal to import thousands of tons of plastic waste from other islands, and is Hawaiʻi Island equipped to handle that volume?
What water-use permits are needed?
What size micro-plastic particles will the proposed system capture, and how will they be handled?
What safeguards will be in place to capture smaller nano-plastic particles from process water?
What protections will prevent airborne micro-plastic particles and toxic volatile organic compounds from escaping?
What personal protective equipment will workers be required to use?
Will baseline environmental testing be conducted to track micro-plastic pollution over time?
Do we have a lab in Hawaiʻi that can test for these types of toxins, and who will pay for that monitoring?
What agency will be responsible for ongoing monitoring?
Does the proposed facility support policies aimed at phasing out single-use plastics?
How will solid waste and wastewater be handled — and where will it go?
What is the risk of fire or toxic chemical release from the plant?
At the June 25 EMC meeting, representatives from the proposed plant, Mālama One, gave a presentation to commissioners. However, both commissioners and members of the public expressed frustration that many of these important questions remain unanswered — and that no written responses have been provided.
The Hawaiʻi Island Group and its members will continue working with the EMC, county and state agencies, Recycle Hawaiʻi, and other partners to get clear answers and share them with our communities. Only then can the public make informed, independent decisions about the facility’s true impact on the environment — and on all life across Hawaiʻi Island.
Maui Group
Upcoming Outings
Saturday, July 12
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 from 10am - 1pm 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! Volunteers will help with tasks such as excavating trail sides, removing excess dirt, and clearing overgrowth to ensure the trail is safe and accessible. Tools like McLeods and Pulaskis will be provided, and volunteers will be trained on how to use them safely. This is a hands-on opportunity to help mālama ‘āina and contribute to the long-term sustainability of our natural areas. Please bring sturdy, closed-toe boots, water bottle to stay hydrated, protective clothing (long sleeves, hat, bug spray, sunscreen), work gloves if you have them (we'll also provide some). Join our Facebook Group "Kahakapao Krew" to get the latest updates! If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Raina at 330-289-1087.
Leader: Raina Myers, raina.myers@sierraclub.org
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Sunday, July 13
ʻĪao Valley Exploration
Wailuku, 5 miles
Explore ʻĪao Valley - there will be steep sections and trees with be there to hang on to. Wear a swimsuit and be ready to get wet!
Leader: Mark Short, shortonmaui@gmail.com
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Friday, July 18
Palauʻea Historical Sites Tour (C/E)
South Maui (Palauʻea), 2 miles
Explore traditional Hawaiian house sites, shelters, ceremonial sites and trails in the culturally important ahupuaʻa of Paluaʻea from the era of 1600's. We will explore some sites not usually viewed during our regular accesses. Be prepared for some rough lava flow adventures to locate these hidden gems.
Leader: Lucienne de Naie, huelogrl@icloud.com
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Saturday, July 19
Wahinepe'e Water Hike (C/E)
East Maui, 5 miles
Hike through East Maui forest, past pools, waterfalls, great scenery. Can be muddy. Elevation gain is 1,300 feet and there is some walking on large river stones. EMI waiver required (see emi.html) - must email name, address and phone number to jackie.thomas@mahipono.com at least one week in advance. Bring water and lunch. Meet at 8am Haʻikū Community Center. Limit 15.
Leader: Rob Weltman, robw@worldspot.com
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Saturday, July 26
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 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, August 2
Makapipi Watershed Trail
East Maui, 4 miles
Ko‘olau Ditch trail: Makapipi to Kopili‘ula Stream. Varied terrain with scenic vistas, pools, waterfalls, and native plant life. Hike crosses several bridges with no hand rails, not recommended for those sensitive to heights. EMI waiver required (see emi.html) - must email name, address and phone number to jackie.thomas@mahipono.com at least one week in advance. Meet at 8am at the Haʻikū Community Center. Limit 15.
Leader: Rob Weltman, robw@worldspot.com
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Oʻahu Group
Join Us For A Summer Pau Hana!
Aloha Sierra Club Oʻahu Group members and supporters,
Are you free in August and searching for a community? The Oʻahu Group is planning for an end-of-summer pau hana and we would love to see you there!
If you would like to attend, please call/text me at 808-255-6663 or email me at junshinbusiness729@gmail.com.
Hope to see you there!
Me ke aloha pumehana,
Jun Shin, Chair
Upcoming Outings
Sunday, July 20
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 the southwest access area just off to the left from the northeast driveway to Sandy Beach. Limited to 24 participants out of concern for the delicate planting environment. Participants under 18 require a parent or guardian. Please reserve your spot by emailing wrliggett@yahoo.com.
Leaders: Reese Liggett and Suzan Harada
Sunday, August 3
Mālama Tree Crew: Ala Mahamoe Service Project
Recognizing the crucial role of protecting Hawaiʻi's watershed in preserving its unique ecosystems and providing fresh water resources, we continue to care for the area where the Sierra Club Oʻahu Group and its partners planted over 1,000 trees. Our efforts will involve watering, weeding, and clearing debris to ensure these young trees thrive. Meet us at 8am by the gate located between 1800 and 1812 Ala Mahamoe St. To ensure you're prepared, please wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, water, a hat, sunscreen, gloves, and covered shoes. Bringing your favorite tool is optional as others will be available. We anticipate finishing our work between 10:30am and 11am. Reservations are required at least one day prior, so please RSVP to sherrycassetta@gmail.com with your full name and phone number.
Leader: Sherry Cassetta