Group News: Hawaiʻi Island Group, Maui, and Oʻahu
Hawaiʻi Island Group
Upcoming Outings
Saturday, June 13
Puʻu Mahana and Papakōlea (Green Sand Beach) Hike
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Keauhou, Moku o Kaʻū
Ka Lae (South Point, 6 miles
Please join us on a moderate hike to Pu’u Mahana and Papakōlea (Green Sand Beach). Olivine crystals eroded from Pu’u Mahana, an ancient tuff cone, and collected in the bay, forming the extremely rare green sand beach. From the trailhead, we will hike along the coast and be rewarded with a spectacular view of Mahana Bay as we near our destination. We will explore the Pu’u Mahana area and have lunch before returning to the trailhead. After the hike, participants may choose to visit the nearby South Point Complex, a National Historic Landmark, to explore and appreciate its geographical and historical significance. This hike is on uneven, rough ground and offers no shade. Please wear sturdy shoes and have sun protection – sunglasses, a hat, and sunblock. Carry at least 2L of hydration (water, electrolytes). Bring rain gear, lunch, snacks, and your day-hike essentials. We follow the “Leave No Trace Principles” in all our hikes. Register by contacting Phyllis Chung at phyllischung8@gmail.com or by calling 808-767-3563. Leader: Phyllis Chung
Hawaiʻi Island Group’s New Chair!
The Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi Island Group is pleased to welcome Kara Dumaguin as its new Chair.
Raised with deep connections to both Hawaiʻi and Aotearoa through her ʻohana, Kara's values and approach to stewardship have been shaped by the people, places, and ʻike that continue to guide her. She believes that caring for natural resources is inseparable from caring for the communities connected to them, and that lasting conservation is built through relationships, responsibility, education, and a shared commitment to future generations.
Kara's professional background is rooted in education, community engagement, and stewardship. She currently serves as Director of Community Relations for the Canada-France-Hawaiʻi Telescope, where she works to strengthen relationships between the observatory and the broader Hawaiʻi community through outreach, education, and stewardship initiatives that connect people to the lands, skies, and natural resources of Hawaiʻi. She also works with Hui Kahuwai, supporting community-based marine stewardship efforts in Kaʻūpūlehu, including the Try Wait initiative and collaborative efforts to care for nearshore resources through education, partnership, and community engagement. Kara is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Leadership for Adaptation and Change at Chaminade University of Honolulu, with a concentration in Indigenous Leadership.
Throughout her work, Kara has focused on building bridges between communities, organizations, and different ways of knowing. As Chair, she looks forward to working alongside Sierra Club members, volunteers, and partners to protect Hawaiʻi Island's lands and waters while strengthening the relationships that make stewardship possible.
Hawai’i County General Plan Comprehensive Review Ending, Will Interim Amendments Begin?
By Chuck Flaherty, Hawaiʻi Island Group ExCom member
Since September 2023 when draft General Plan 2045 (GP2045) was first released to the public, Hawaiʻi Island Group (HIG) asked a simple question: “Why was draft General Plan 2040 released in 2019 gutted-and-replaced by GP2045?”
We now know one big reason was that the county Planning Department had to make changes to comply with Hawai’i Revised Statutes (HRS) 225P, the "Hawaiʻi Climate Change, Mitigation and Adaptation Initiative," as amended in 2022, as well as a state Supreme Court ruling in March 2023.
HIG had supported GP2040 because of its brevity, simplicity, relevance, clear paths to implementation, finance and budgeting guidelines, department responsibility, etc. It addressed climate change, but not to the extent necessary. Stakeholders made good faith efforts to improve GP2045 with sections of GP2040, such as the recommended amendments by the Hawai’i Island Nā Ala Hele Advisory Council, county Game Management Commission, and the Leeward Planning Commission. These recommended amendments were all supported by HIG, but none were incorporated into GP2045 prior to its introduction in the county council.
This created a catch-22 situation. The General Plan Comprehensive Review procedures prevented GP2045 from being “substantially amended” by the county council without the amendments being referred back to the separate county Planning Commissions. It would then be several months before the amended GP2045 could return to the county council. The current county council term ends in December. There was a great risk that the current council would not have had an opportunity to pass a final draft 2045 before its session ended. There would be no end in sight for the already years-long, costly, General Plan Comprehensive Review.
So after 11 years and thousands of hours of public and private interest inputs and comments, after nearly $2 million in county taxpayer funds being expended, a county council six-vote veto-proof majority made the tough decision to pass now and amend later.
HIG supported this strategy to pass GP2045 “as is” in the hope that current council members would immediately submit and introduce “interim amendments”, that is substantial amendments to GP2045 allowed once the General Plan Comprehensive Review process ended.
Several council members had already transmitted several communications that were “substantial amendments,” but were not introduced so the Comprehensive Review process could be ended.
These can now be introduced as “interim amendments” to improve GP2045.
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
Maui Group 2026 Plant Sale Big Success
By Lucienne de Naie, Maui Group Chair
It’s all about the Lā’au!
Maui plant lovers drove off with many lovely and fruitful new plants during our May 17 benefit plant sale, which increased Maui Group coffers by over $3,000. A portion of the proceeds of this year's event will be donated to longtime Maui Group ally, Ho’oponopono O Makena.
We are very grateful to Sierra Club members Scott and Rita Werden for hosting the event at their Ha’ikū farm homestead and donating many hours of set up and prep time. Maui Group staff person, Raina Myers, organized an excellent event assisted by her volunteers: Donovan Levinson, Alexa Lombardo, Robbie Friedlander, Scott Werden, Miranda Camp, Lilia Davis, Michele Roman, David Dale, Barbara Kaneshige, Neola Caveny, and Daniel Grantham.
Maui Group salutes the long-time plant sale contributors Barbara Kaneshige of Kihei and Robbie Friedlander of Huelo for their most generous donations of plants and sales expertise. A great abundance of healthy ornamentals, native Hawaiian plants and food plants were also contributed by numerous community members.
Mahalo nui loa to all our 2026 plant donors: Garden of Eden Arboretum, Ke Ao Hali’i nursery in Hana, Harvest Garden of Ha’ikū (owner, Dave Pollmiller), Hale Ho’ola Farms of Huelo, Mary Dixon, Angela Kepler-Rust, Peter DeLong, Jeanne Schaaf, Howard Sharpe, Carol and Michael Schwarz, Neola Caveny, Lucrezia Oddie and Dennis Holzer and many more!
Maui Group is also deeply grateful to Tim Wolfe for use of his folding tables and Clare Apana, Robbie Friedlander and Carol Lee Kamekona, for use of their pop-up tents and tables.
In spite of the steady sales on the day of the event, a number of beautiful plants were not taken home. A selection of native plants were donated by Maui Group to the Mālama Hāmākua Maui Restoration effort in Ha’ikū and were installed as part of the group’s May 30 planting day.
If you are looking for healthy native or ornamental plants, we still have a few lovely plants- native ʻōhiʻa, hala, naupaka, ma’o and colorful ornamental orchids and others. Please contact Maui Group Chair, Lucienne de Naie, if you want to know more (808) 214-0147
Upcoming Outings
Friday, June 12
Palauʻea Summer Tour
Wailea, 2 miles
Summer is here. Late, beloved kumu Michael Lee offered many interpretations of sites in Palau'ea that were traditionally used for agriculture and ceremonial purposes during the summer season. This month's visit to Palau'ea will explore some of these sites in the upper Palau'ea village. Abundant spring rains mean that foliage is often dense and overgrown. Long pants are definitely recommended to avoid lantana scratches. No donations are accepted for the hikes on Honua'ula Partners (HP lands). Leader: Lucienne de Naie, huelogrl@icloud.com
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Saturday, June 13
Makawao Forest Trail Maintenance Day
Upcountry, 4 miles
Kahakapao Krew Trail Maintenance Day 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! Tools, work gloves, and safety training will be provided. What to Bring: Sturdy, closed-toe boots, water bottle, long sleeves, hat, bug spray, sunscreen, if can. Join our Facebook Group "Kahakapao Krew" to get the latest updates! Leader: Raina Myers, raina.myers@sierraclub.org
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Sunday, June 28
Waiheʻe Coastal Dunes and Wetlands Refuge
Waiheʻe, 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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Sunday, July 5
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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Sunday, July 12
Redwood Trail Polipoli State Park Hike
Polipoli, 3.7 miles
We will start at the Redwood Trailhead for a 3.7 mi loop on 3 trails. Bring sunscreen, layers in case it is cold/misty, water, lunch, and snacks. There will be fabulous views. 4WD is required on the dirt road. Leader: Mark Short, shortonmaui@gmail.com
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Oʻahu Group
Outings Leaders Seek Name Change for Wāwāmalu Beach, Near Sandy Beach Park
By Reese Liggett, Oʻahu Group Outings Leader
Wāwāmalu Beach. Red and yellow lines depict boulder barriers. Sandy Beach is to the right, Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline to the left. Vegetation cover is much improved since dated depiction above due to elimination of four-wheelers and conservation efforts by volunteers. Photo: Reese Liggett
They have already renamed their monthly service project—held on the third Sunday of each month—to “Conservation at Wāwāmalu Beach Nature Park.” Now, Outings Leaders are seeking to convince the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to update the name of this historic, cultural, and ecologically significant shoreline.
The three- to four-acre coastline lies between Sandy Beach Park and Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline along the Kaiwi Coast, a region of eastern Oʻahu formerly known as Wāwāmalu (Awāwāmalu in premodern times). This lowland area once stretched from Sandy Beach to Makapuʻu and was renowned for ʻuala (sweet potato) cultivation—even exporting ʻuala to hungry fortune seekers during the 1849 California Gold Rush.
The campaign to rename this meaningful area to Wāwāmalu Beach Nature Park is driven by several key reasons:
Wāwāmalu is a traditional Hawaiian place name that currently lacks any location sign. It originally designated the coastal land from Sandy Beach to Makapuʻu, and deserves signage to perpetuate the name.
Wāwāmalu Beach appears on maps—including Bryan’s Sectional Maps and The Oʻahu Mapbook—as the name for the area makai of the traffic-lighted intersection of Kealahou Street and Kalanianaʻole Highway. However, Google Maps and Apple Maps incorrectly place Wāwāmalu Beach within Sandy Beach Park.
The area is ecologically distinct from Sandy Beach Park. Although often considered a section of Sandy Beach Park, as mentioned above, it is decidedly different due to its wild and undeveloped nature—lacking mown lawns and swimmable waters. This uniqueness makes “Wāwāmalu Beach Nature Park” a more fitting and descriptive name.
MauʻUmae Nature Park Sign. Photo: Reese Liggett
Native vegetation is noticeably thriving since the beach was bounded off by a boulder barrier in January 2021.
Designating Wāwāmalu Beach as a nature park would help protect natural dunes, native vegetation, beach rock, and the beach itself. Currently, the area suffers from incursions by motorized two-wheelers that damage native plants and endanger native animals. A “Wāwāmalu Beach Nature Park” sign should be accompanied by a “no motorized vehicles” sign, as many riders are unaware they are on city parkland dedicated to native Hawaiian habitat and public exploration on foot.
Wāwāmalu Beach Nature Park would join other Oʻahu nature parks, such as Mauʻumae Nature Park in Kaimukī.
Bestowing this name would fulfill more than ten citations in the City’s East Honolulu Sustainable Communities Plan (2022), which calls for Wāwāmalu Beach to be developed as a nature park.
A new ground sign will accompany the Oʻahu Group conservation outings at Wāwāmalu Beach Nature Park beginning June 21. Many bystanders have wondered who we are and what we do—we hope they will join us on our monthly conservation service, held on most third Sundays of the month in the morning, to learn more.
New Oʻahu Group Sign. Photo: Reese Liggett
Come join us! Over 600 volunteers on more than 40 Sunday mornings have contributed under the leadership of renowned native plant specialist Suzan Harada and longtime advocate Reese Liggett.
Check the Oʻahu Group Hikes/Outings for the next scheduled outings and details: June 21, July 17, August 16, and beyond. The Oʻahu Group holds an ongoing permit from the City DPR for our conservation outings to remove invasive plants and encourage native growth at what we hope will soon bear the new name: Wāwāmalu Beach Nature Park!
Upcoming Outings
Sunday, June 14
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 8-11am. 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: Randy Ching and Sherry Cassetta
Sunday, June 21
Wāwāmalu Beach Nature Park Service Project
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.
Leaders: Reese Liggett and Suzan Harada
Sunday, June 28
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.
Leader: Clyde Kobashigawa