Group News: Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, and Oʻahu
Hawaiʻi Island Group
Hawaiʻi Island Wastewater Consent Decree Victory
by Steve Holmes, Hawaiʻi Island Group member
Hawaiʻi County has been hit with an EPA regulatory action based on decades of neglected wastewater islandwide. This is in addition to two existing administrative orders of consent from the EPA and the litigation by Hui Mālama Honokōhau over illegal dumping at the Kealakehe treatment plant in Kona.
The Hilo wastewater plant is a train wreck and needs complete replacement. The county has allocated funds for the first phase, but still has a long way to go. In the meantime, the risk of infrastructure failure is high. Additionally, the entire collection system of Hilo and several other plants are in bad condition which could lead to spills and bypasses, plus seepage into coastal waters of raw sewage. The consent decree also requires major rehabilitation of these collection lines.
The consent decree also looks to connect thousands of homes presently unsewered. Typically, this is done with sewer improvement districts that spread costs out over a 20-year bond to bring costs down. By using low pressure systems that seal out groundwater and reduce trenching along with directional boring, costs can be reduced. Sealed lines keep out saltwater intrusion, reduce energy costs, and reduce treatment capacity, resulting in big savings.
To meet the financial challenge, the consent decree requires the adoption of a dedicated wastewater fund with new revenue to provide sustainable funding for operations and maintenance to prevent these conditions from happening again in the future.
The consent decree sadly left out the issue of illegal dumping to groundwater where effluent is then conveyed to nearshore waters which is subject of a current lawsuit regarding Kealakehe in Kona. Similar discharges at Ulu Wini and Honokaʻa county wastewater facilities were also not addressed. There is more legal work to do, but this is a huge step to protecting our recreational waters and coastal ecosystems.
2024 Moku Loa Group Awards for the Hawaiʻi District Science & Engineering Fair
by Deborah Ward, Hawaiʻi Island Group member
Every year since 1995, the Hawaiʻi Island (previously Moku Loa) Group provides monetary awards and certificates to deserving young scientists who focus on an element of Hawaiʻi’s environment. We have dedicated these awards to Sierra Club members whose scientific contributions have made an historic, positive, and sometimes political impact in Hawaiʻi. As we have every year (with the exception of the pandemic years), our members met to evaluate the inspiring presentations.
We mahalo the organizing committee, and science fair judges Deborah Ward and Anna Ezzy and Hannah Hartmann for their assistance. Members who would like to support our upcoming young scientists are urged to donate to Moku Loa Group’s Sierra Club Foundation (tax deductible) account.
Congratulations to the following young scientists:
Moku Loa Group Awardees. Photo: Deborah Ward.
Ms. Mae Mull Award for Junior Research
Vivek Varricatt
A pHantom menace: Don’t be Lead Astray
Dr. Wayne Gagne Award for Junior Research
Mahina Maag
The Effects of Kaulana Mahina on physiochemical parametric statistics of Honokea lokoi`a
Dr. Ruth Lani Stemmermann Award for Senior Research
Sarina Lam
Investigating Effectiveness of Fungicides on Disinfesting Ceratocyctis lukuohia Fungi Spores
Dr. Don Worsencroft Award for Research in the field of physical science
Mace Peng
Generation of Electricity from Rain Gutter
Moku Loa Group Award for Research in the field of Earth Science
Kathryn J. Son
Investigating the Organic Chemical Components of Inonotus hemmesii
Lillian Tao, Joanna Tao
Investigation of Safer Treatment for Cardiovascular Diseases using Noni
The Hawaiʻi Island Group is incredibly proud of these next generation scientists, we hope you consider supporting them too.
Maui Group
South Maui’s water supply: Where does it come from? Where does it go? What happened to the promise of 19 million gallons a day of water from Na Wai ‘Eha? by Lucienne de Naie
The Sierra Club Maui Group and Mālama Kakanilua are hosting a community forum on the relationship between the South Maui water supply and its sources in the ‘Īao aquifer. “It's a popular topic,” said Mālama Kakanilua board member Carol Lee Kamekona. “Everyone wonders how much water South Maui actually uses, and how we can hold the largest resort users accountable to reduce their water demands and leave more water for affordable housing our residents need.”
The forum will be held March 14 at the UH Maui ‘Ike Lea (science) building in room 102, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Light refreshments will be offered outside the room. The event will also be live streamed on the Sierra Club Maui Group Facebook page.
The forum will be moderated by Kamekona and will feature panelists with expertise in urban planning, water policy and traditional Kānaka Maoli water management practices.
South Maui’s Wailea resort, with its five hotels and hundreds of resort condominiums, was a partner in the original joint venture with Maui County to develop a 23-mile long water pipeline to transport water from new wells in Na Wai ʻEha to South Maui. A number of Wailea resorts are currently among the county system’s largest water users.
The forum will also give participants a deeper understanding of the 1979 Central Maui Joint Venture water agreement that brought a reliable water supply to the arid lands of South Maui. The agreement, initiated fifty years ago by Maui County leaders, spanned 20 years (1979-1999) and provided for the county to partner with two large South Maui landowners: Wailea Development Company and Seibu Real Estate (“Mākena Resort”), to jointly fund a 23-mile pipeline transporting potable water from Na Wai ‘Eha (Wailuku) to South Maui. The agreement also provided that Wailea Development, Alexander and Baldwin Lands, Seibu/Makena Resort and Hawaiian Investment Co. would, at their own expense, drill a series of new wells in the ‘Īao aquifer (Wailuku area) to connect to the new pipeline.
The Maui County Water Department agreed to accept the new wells as part of their Central Maui system, which already served the Kahului-Wailuku-Pāʻia area. Based upon water studies done in 1973, Maui County promised the two proposed resorts that they could have access to up to 19 million gallons a day of groundwater from the ‘Īao aquifer. County water consultants estimated that an additional 10 million gallons a day of water from ‘Īao aquifer would be left to serve the future needs of the rest of the Central Maui system.
The county’s hydrological consultants proclaimed the ‘Īao aquifer had two distinct sections that each had up to 20 million gallons a day available, for a total capacity of 30 to 40 million gallons a day. A few knowledgeable scientists pointed to flaws in this assumption, but they were ignored and the 19 million-gallon promise was made. Within a decade it was realized that the consultants had severely overestimated the amount of available water the ‘Īao aquifer could safely produce. The actual total capacity was re-estimated to 20 million gallons a day, with an allowable pumping rate of 18 million gallons a day. The two resorts who invested in the joint venture pipeline were eventually paid back by the county, but they continued to push the county water department for additional allocations of water to fulfill the rosy expectations of the original agreement.
Although the “19 million gallon promise” was not kept, thousands of South Maui resorts and visitor-oriented housing units planted lush landscaping as if the ‘Īao aquifer could still supply an abundant supply of water. In 2000, a group of South Maui citizens, concerned that the ‘Īao aquifer was being over pumped, asked the State of Hawaiʻi to designate the aquifer as Maui island’s first groundwater management area. In 2003, ‘Īao aquifer was so designated and a few years later the four streams of that flow through the aquifer area were also designated as a Hawaiʻi’s first surface water management area.
“South Maui is expected to grow by thousands of new housing units over the next 20 years,” noted Maui Group chairperson Lucienne de Naie. “Our hope is that we can learn from the overly optimistic expectations of fifty years ago, and learn to match our future water demands with more realistic expectations of available resources.”
To find out even more about South Maui’s water supply, attend the upcoming forum in person or watch online. For updates on the event check out the Sierra Club Maui Group Facebook page.
Upcoming Outings
Sunday March 10, 2024
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 along coast and through forest. 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 or 808-344-6628
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Friday March 15, 2024
Māʻalaea Historical Walking Tour (C/E)
Wailuku Moku (Māʻalaea), 2.5 miles
Learn about Māʻalaea’s colorful past, spanning over 600 years, as we stroll through the modern day harbor and along Hauʻoli Street to Haycraft Park. Guided by Lucienne de Naie, author of the recently published book- “Māʻalaea: the Untold Story of Maui’s Historic Crossroads” with commentary by other longtime Māʻalaea residents. PS Those who have copies of the Māʻalaea book are welcome to bring them to have them signed.
Leader: Lucienne de Naie, huelogrl@icloud.com
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Sunday March 17, 2024
Sunset Hiking and Yoga Wailea Coastal Trail (E)
South Maui, 3 miles
Join us for a sunset hiking & yoga practice that includes hiking, mindfulness, and yoga. We will start from Polo Beach and walk along the Wailea Coastal Path. This will be an easy 3 mile walk along a paved path with beautiful views of the ocean. Once we get to our yoga spot, Meeyoung will guide a 30-minute all levels yoga practice to stretch and open up the body…no mat needed. Please wear good shoes for walking and bring plenty of water. A light source, sunscreen and hat are also recommended. There are restrooms at each end of the walk. We will meet at the Polo Beach Parking lot at 4:00pm. Stormy weather cancels the hike.
Leader: Meeyoung Lepore, hikewithaloha@gmail.com
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Sunday March 24, 2024
Hana‘ula Ridge Hike and Service Outing (C/E/S)
Māʻalaea, 1 miles
Help Maui Cultural Lands maintain native plant habitat on state land near Kaheawa Wind Farm. Hike to ʻōhiʻa forest nearby. Panoramic views. More information from our host here. Covered shoes, long pants, clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, rain jacket. Dress for cold, you can always unlayer. Bring lunch and gloves. Meet 8:30am at Mā‘alaea Ocean Center parking lot (Carl’s Jr. end). You will need to print and bring with you the completely (front/back) signed waiver found here. Four wheel drive vehicles needed for access, please contact the leader if you have 4WD. If we do not have sufficient 4WD vehicles (have to fit into the cab), we will rent and all participants will split the cost. Limit 19.
Leader: Rob Weltman, robw@worldspot.com
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Saturday March 30, 2024
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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Oʻahu Group
Hawaiʻi Kai Neighborhood Board takes up Oʻahu Group’s animal-feeding-in-parks issue—HPD responds
by Reese Liggett, Oʻahu Group Outings Leader and member
Hawaiʻi Kai Neighborhood Board #1 seized on the Oʻahu Group’s idea to curtail feral and pet cat feeding at the Wāwāmalu Beach section of Sandy Beach Park.
In January, Oʻahu Group sent a letter to the neighborhood board asking for the enforcement of posted city park regulations that place a $500 fine on both the introduction of animals to city parks and for the feeding of animals in the parks. The source of the regulations posted on the park’s signage is the Chapter 10 of the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu.
The Hawaiʻi Kai Neighborhood Board responded on Monday, February 5 with a letter to Hawaiʻi Police Department Chief Joe Logan, stating that “The Board approved a motion (8 Ayes, 1 Nay) to support the Sierra Club’s request for assistance to urge the Honolulu Police Department to enforce compliance with the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu as they apply to Sandy Beach and Wawamalu Beach Park.”
The board’s letter went on to say: “[The] Sierra Club letter also noted that the Department of Parks and Recreation relies on the Honolulu Police Department for enforcement of the ROH Chapter 10 park provisions as noted on posted park signage. A picture of the posted sign is attached to this letter.”
Further, “The Sierra Club’s letter also noted that the prohibition on the feeding of animals was being violated on a regular basis and that this prohibited activity posed a grave danger to the native birds and mammals on our beaches. We strongly urge the Honolulu Police Department to enforce the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu as posted on the park signage.”
The animals referred to in the board's letter are cats—cats that owners leave in the park and return to feed and interact with. Cats that are abandoned and fed by well-meaning but uninformed feeders attract rats, mongoose, and other pests. These cats, and their offspring, also prey on shoreline birds while possibly excreting toxoplasmosis-laden feces that cause death to monk seals and porpoises. Both practices are completely in violation of city park rules that are plainly posted for all to read and heed—animal bringers and feeders to cease their practices and Honolulu Police to cite violators of the posted regulations. The signage in every city park:
What remains to be seen is: will our police chief and his patrolmen take action and will the cat bringers and feeders cease their practices in this and other parks.
In a February 12, 2024 email, Honolulu Police Department District 7 (East Honolulu) responded to the Hawaiʻi Kai Neighborhood Board’s letter:
“We have received your letter regarding the cat feedings at Wawamalu Beach Park. We conducted some research and there is currently no cat colony care agreement with the Department of Parks and Rec. That being said, officers would either need to observe the feedings, or have someone who is willing to meet, provide a statement, and point out who is conducting the feedings in order to take enforcement action.”
It is notable that there is a move afoot in the City and County of Honolulu government to address such cat/animal practices on public lands of all natures on Oʻahu, not just city parks. Tell your elected officials, both city and state, that such government action is one way to help curtail feral cat abandonment at UH campuses and many other places housing thousands of feral cats and hundreds of feral cat colonies. Popular spay-and-neuter actions and policies do nothing about the disease spread in feral cat feces—so are no answer to the feral cat problem.
Upcoming Outings
Sunday, March 10, 7:45-11am
Mālama Tree Crew: 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.
Sunday, March 17, 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 the southwest access area just off to the left from the northeast driveway to Sandy Beach. Limited to 25 participants out of concern for the delicate planting environment. Participants under 18 require a parent or guardian. Please reserve your spot by emailing wliggett@twc.com. Co-leader Suzan Harada.
Sunday, March 17, 8:30am-1pm
Pālehua ʻElepaio Enclosure "Akupu" Service (S)
We will be outplanting native plants to restore the native habitat for the endemic Oʻahu ʻelepaio. We may also be helping with the installation of the water system for the native plants outplanting. 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. Co-leader Curtis Kawamoto.