Group News: Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, and Oʻahu
Hawaiʻi Island Group
Upcoming Outings
Monday, November 18
Kalōpā State Park (E)
2 miles, 2000’ elevation +/- 400’
This 100-acre State Park and Recreation Area is a bit off the beaten path, located near the village of Honokaʻa, about 15 miles east of Waimea and 40 miles north of Hilo. We will be going uphill to start and coming down on the Gulch Rim Trail. Enjoy seeing native plants as we hike here. Option afterward is to go on the nature trail that has a pamphlet for plant identification. We recommend water, mosquito repellant, warm clothes, and raingear. ROD protocol please. Call Sunny at 808 964-601 to register.
Leader: Sunny LaPlante
Saturday, November 23
Stewardship at the Summit (S/E/C)
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Ahupua’a of Keauhou
1-2 miles, 4,000’ elevation +\- 150’
We will be doing rewarding service in the park under the direction of project leaders Jane and Paul Field. Work consists of cutting invasive ginger for three hours and requires up to one mile of hiking. Removing ginger allows native species to grow thus restoring native forest understory. This event is sponsored by Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and we will need to sign up with them also. Wear hiking boots, long pants and bring water, snacks, raingear, and gloves if you have some. Lunch optional or in the park after we finish. Please RSVP with Diane at 808-967-8642 by November 15. ROD protocol event.
Leader: Diane Ware
Hawaiʻi County General Plan Comprehensive Review Moves to Windward and Leeward Planning Commissions
By Chuck Flaherty, Hawaiʻi Island Group Chair
Now that the public comment period for the draft county General Plan, General Plan 2045 (GP2045) has ended, the comprehensive review process is moving forward to its next phase.
On November 1st at 9am, the Windward Planning Commission will begin its review of the GP2045. The Planning Director has unexpectedly limited the meeting to just two hours, which may prevent the agenda item from even being discussed if there is a substantial amount of public testimony.
For more information, including the board packet, instructions for testifying before the WPC, and guidance for reviewing the livestream, visit the Windward Planning Commission Special General Plan Meeting page.
On November 21st at 9:30am, the Leeward Planning Commission will begin its review of the GP2045. For additional details, visit the Leeward Planning Commission Special General Plan Meeting page.
There are ongoing concerns about the Planning Department’s use of technology, which has hindered the public’s ability to identify substantial changes between the current and draft General Plans, limiting their capacity to provide informed comments and testimony to decision-makers.
Additional concerns include:
GP2045's Incompleteness: The draft insufficiently incorporates the history, knowledge, and wisdom of the current General Plan, particularly concerning cultural and environmental resources.
Lack of Imperative Language: The goals, objectives, policies, and actions outlined in GP2045 lack sufficient directive language to ensure the plan will be followed and implemented effectively.
Meanwhile, the County Council is continuing its effort to amend existing county code to revise the General Plan comprehensive review process, potentially allowing the council to make substantial changes to the GP2045 as submitted by the Planning Director.
Wastewater Infrastructure Compliance
By Steve Holmes, Hawaiʻi Island Group Member
After decades of neglect and truly terrible conditions, Hawaiʻi County now faces three EPA Administrative Orders on Consent, each carrying a significant price tag. Hundreds of millions of dollars will be required just to replace the aging Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant. New package plants must be built to serve Nāʻālehu and Pāhala, along with the infrastructure to connect homes in these areas. Additionally, miles of existing sewer pipes must be rehabilitated to prevent spills and raw sewage discharges into our coastal waters. Thousands of homes islandwide must transition from cesspools to sewers to establish a proper customer base.
The County must restore staffing to meet minimum standards and fill the many vacant positions. Workforce development funds are available, but more highly-skilled engineering positions will require better salary and benefits to attract qualified candidates.
To prevent similar issues from recurring, the EPA is mandating the creation of a standalone wastewater fund supported by new revenue sources. This fund must sustainably cover the capital needs outlined in the consent decrees, as well as all operating and maintenance costs. The County will need to work with bond experts to ensure these revenue measures are sufficient, and the fund will be independently audited to protect bond investors and secure the lowest borrowing rates.
EPA Region 9 Administrator Martha Guzman has offered the County access to federal loans, which are federally guaranteed and more cost-effective than County-issued bonds. The EPA is also offering technical assistance.
This initiative will be the largest public works project in the County’s history, taking years to complete. It will create jobs and boost the local economy. The State Legislature can support this effort by implementing Green Fee, which has been proposed but not yet enacted. Additionally, the application process for the State Revolving Fund monies under the Clean Water Act must be expedited. The EPA has indicated that more funding could be available if this bottleneck is resolved. The Hawaiʻi Department of Health, which manages the revolved fund, also faces staffing shortages, but a solution is critical as all counties are grappling with similar challenges, and federal funding is vital.
Many coastal water bodies around the state are federally listed as impaired, and this must change. Public health and our coastal ecosystems are at risk due to failing wastewater infrastructure. This has gone on far too long.
In addition to the EPA’s regulatory actions, Earthjustice has filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of Hui Mālama Honokōhau to address illegal effluent dumping at the Kealakehe wastewater plant in Kona. For over 25 years, wastewater has been discharged into a hole in the ground, where groundwater carries pollution to the ocean. The County has already announced plans to upgrade to R-1 treatment to enable water recycling and end the dumping. With thousands of homes in Kona required to connect under the Countywide Consent Decree, Kealakehe’s treatment capacity must be expanded to prevent worsening conditions. Proper water recycling could generate revenue to fund infrastructure upgrades, reduce potable water use, and maintain the aquifer’s sustainable yield. Hawaiʻi has successfully implemented water recycling for decades, and it’s time for Hawaiʻi County to move from talking about sustainability to taking concrete action, especially in the face of climate-induced drought.
The Sierra Club Hawaiʻi Island Group actively engages with community groups and elected officials to emphasize the importance of protecting public trust resources. Federal laws cannot be ignored, and everyone deserves safe recreational waters.
If your group or organization is interested in learning more, please contact the Sierra Club Hawaiʻi Island Group at hawaiiislandsierraclub@gmail.com.
Let's Not Play Monopoly
By Chuck Flaherty, Hawaiʻi Island Group Chair
If you’ve ever played the Parker Brothers game Monopoly, you know that buying property and houses is the key to winning. The more houses you own, the higher the payment from other players who land on your properties, until they eventually go bankrupt and are out of the game.
The reason Monopoly has remained so popular over the years is that it teaches kids the basics of real estate market capitalism. Unfortunately, US Senator Brian Schatz, majorities in the state House and Senate, Governor Green, the Hawaiʻi County Council, and Mayor Roth seem to have forgotten Monopoly’s lessons when they passed State Act 50 and County Bill 123.
This legislation now allows up to three accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to be built on every residentially zoned lot in the Urban and Rural land use districts on Hawaiʻi Island that already has a primary residence. Coincidentally, this makes it possible for residential property owners to place the same maximum number of homes as on Monopoly properties—four.
Proponents of the ADU legislation claim that it will create more affordable housing. Their argument is that building more homes will increase the supply of residential real estate. According to market theory, if demand for housing remains constant, an increase in supply should lead to lower property prices, making housing more affordable.
However, proponents have overlooked the demand side of the equation. In reality, the demand for residential real estate in Hawaiʻi is global.
The most critical demand, however, is from current residents seeking affordable housing, as well as former residents who have been forced to move away or are unable to return due to the high cost of housing. Many of the testimonies in support of ADUs came from families that have been split apart for this reason, often from ʻohana with deep roots to this ʻāina. Unfortunately, market economics does not allow this local need to be prioritized over off-island demand.
Opponents of the ADU legislation raise several concerns:
No Affordable Housing Requirements: The ADU legislation lacks provisions to ensure affordability.
Rising Real Estate Prices: Residential property prices may increase to cover the cost of ADU construction and potential rental income.
Ample Zoning Already Available: Over 200,000 dwellings could be built under existing zoning, subdivision, and building permits, making ADU legislation unnecessary.
Inadequate Infrastructure: Public infrastructure such as water supply, power generation, wastewater treatment, and roads is already insufficient for existing lots.
Environmental and Cultural Impacts: The legislation does not account for its effects on constitutionally protected environmental and cultural resources.
Community Disruption: It fails to consider the impact on residential neighborhoods and rural areas, especially in Puna, which already faces a major infrastructure deficit.
Increased ADUs per Lot: Instead of exercising caution and limiting ADUs to two, the County Council increased the number to three per lot.
ʻOhana Units Already Permitted: Existing county laws already allowed for ʻohana dwelling units, with a legislative deadline for ADUs set for 2026.
Vacation Rental Prohibition Removed: The ADU legislation lifted the ban on building ADUs on lots with existing vacation rentals.
Another significant issue is that Hawaiʻi County’s planning director collaborated directly with the County Council chair to draft and advocate for ADU legislation at both the state and county levels in 2024, despite the ongoing General Plan comprehensive process. Many were shocked when the final draft of the General Plan was released without any consideration of the significant potential impacts of ADUs on future planning and Hawaiʻi Island’s limited, fragile resources.
The solution to the affordable housing crisis is to stop playing this game. Otherwise, the basics of Monopoly will prevail, with more construction on existing lots driving up housing prices and long-term rents, resulting in less affordable housing and greater socio-economic challenges.
To genuinely address affordable housing in Hawaiʻi, we need to specifically promote, subsidize, and incentivize truly affordable housing developments. We must also implement price restrictions on sales, resales, and rents for new affordable housing projects.
In the meantime, the ADU legislation should be repealed and reconsidered by both the state legislature and the Hawaiʻi County Council. This would allow local demand for affordable housing to take precedence over off-island demand and prevent further damage to the housing market and island communities.
Unpermitted Burning Man-Style Event Proceeding Despite County Enforcement Efforts
By Chuck Flaherty, Hawaiʻi Island Group Chair
The Hawaiʻi Island Group (HIG) was recently surprised to learn that a property owner, Teppy Mountain LLC, is proceeding with plans to host an unpermitted event called “Falls on Fire” in November, despite receiving a Notice of Violation for state land use law and a cease-and-desist order from the county Planning Department.
Teppy Mountain is marketing the event as Hawaiʻi's version of "Burning Man" and aims to double its size annually.
The Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi and the HIG have been monitoring this issue since early in the year due to concerns about the potential environmental impacts on surrounding conservation land, given that hundreds of people are expected to attend. In response to numerous complaints from local residents, the Planning Department ordered the property owner to cease advertising and accepting reservations for the unpermitted event.
It was initially assumed that Teppy Mountain had complied with the cease-and-desist order when the event website was taken down this past summer. However, the website has resurfaced, and registrations are ongoing. It is unclear whether participants have been informed that the event currently constitutes illegal, unpermitted use of state land.
The property is located in the mauka area of the ahupuaʻa of Makahanaloa, north of Pāpaʻikou. The property was originally owned through a Great Māhele Royal Patent held by King Lunalilo, Hawaiʻi’s first elected monarch, known as "The People's King."
In July 2024, after a HIG member contacted the state Land Use Commission (LUC), the LUC sent a letter to the Planning Department supporting enforcement action against the unpermitted use in the state agriculture district, stating, "Land Use Commission Staff are of the opinion that a special permit or district boundary amendment is needed."
In August 2024, the Planning Department issued a cease-and-desist order, proposed fines, and granted an extension to allow Teppy Mountain to submit a special permit application. The extension included the stipulation, "...if the special permit is not obtained prior to the date of the upcoming November 8-11, 2024, event, the event shall not be held."
Shortly after, Teppy Mountain’s land use consultant, Land Planning Hawaiʻi LLC, submitted a special permit petition on its behalf. After reviewing the petition, HIG determined that it might be incomplete and may not meet the requirements of County Planning Commission Rule 6, "Special Permits."
For instance, the petition states, "It is not known whether the subject site or immediate surrounding area was ever used for traditional and customary rights by native Hawaiians." This is a disturbing misstatement of fact in that it reflects the same colonial mindset that resulted in the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi and the suppression of kānaka maoli traditional and customary practices and language after the overthrow.
The petition also claims, "There are no public access points to mountainous areas from the subject site and no cultural resources are known to be located on the property." However, Article XII, Section 7 of the state constitution states, "The State reaffirms and shall protect all rights, customarily and traditionally exercised for subsistence, cultural, and religious purposes by ahupuaʻa tenants who are descendants of native Hawaiians who inhabited the Hawaiian Islands prior to 1778, subject to the State’s right to regulate such rights." The “don’t ask, don’t tell” stance adopted by Teppy Mountain and its consultant is unacceptable and irresponsible, as it avoids investigating whether any rights of kānaka maoli exist.
The petition also appears to attempt to circumvent the LUC’s authority by defining a 14.9-acre site within the larger 1,419-acre state land use Agriculture district property. Boundary amendments for parcels under 15 acres do not require LUC review and can be decided at the county level, a common loophole used by real estate developers.
As of September 2024, $13,200 in fines have been imposed—an amount that may be insignificant for some landowners. Meanwhile, the cease-and-desist order continues to be ignored. It appears that, despite local opposition and enforcement efforts, neither the Planning Department nor the LUC currently has the authority to prevent the event unless legal action is taken and a court order is obtained.
HIG will keep its members informed if the special permit petition is accepted by the Planning Department and scheduled for a Windward Planning Commission meeting.
Maui Group
Maui Group Offers Food and Fellowship for Good Cause This Holiday Season
By Lucienne de Naie, Maui Group Chair
Get into the holiday spirit with two upcoming events hosted by the Sierra Club Maui Group!
Tuesday, November 26, 5-9pm: Fundraiser at Flatbread Pizza, Pā‘ia
Join the Sierra Club Maui Group at Flatbread Pizza’s weekly fundraising night during Thanksgiving week. It’s easy to participate—simply bring your friends or ‘ohana, order one of Flatbread’s delicious pizzas, and enjoy a fun evening. A portion of every pizza sold between 5 and 9 pm will be donated to support the Sierra Club Maui Group’s Trail Maintenance programs. There will also be exciting silent auction items up for grabs. Mahalo to Flatbread Pizza for their ongoing support!
Thursday, December 5, 5:30-7:30 pm: Holiday Party & Awards Ceremony at Maui Ocean Center Dome, Mā‘alaea
Mark your calendars for Sierra Club Maui Group’s first-ever holiday cheer and awards ceremony at the beautiful Maui Ocean Center Dome. This free event will honor Mā‘alaea community volunteers Lynn Britton and Pam Daoust for their decades-long effort to preserve the iconic lands of Mā‘alaea Mauka, the coastal plain of the Pōhākea Watershed. A number of community leaders who were instrumental in preservation of the 257-acre parcel rich in natural and cultural resources will also be recognized.
Enjoy food, fellowship, Hawaiian style holiday music by Peter DeLong and friends, an inspirational Mā‘alaea slideshow projected on the dome screen, and brief updates on the good work being done by the Sierra Club Maui Group and its allies to protect Maui’s lands, waters, and people. Mahalo to Maui Ocean Center for donating the dome theater for this event. Seating is limited to around 100 people, so please RSVP here.
Upcoming Outings
Sunday, November 10
Honolua Bay Snorkel and ʻŌhai Loop and Nakalele Blowhole Hikes (C/E)
West Maui, 3 miles
We will begin our Westside Maui Adventure with a short access trail hike and an hour of snorkeling at Honolua Bay (mile marker 32 on highway 30). We will then drive to the small parking lot between mile markers 40 & 41 on the makai (ocean) side of the highway, where we will hike the 1.2-mile ʻŌhai Loop Trail and Overlook. We will make a final stop at Nakalele Blowhole between mile markers 38 & 39 before returning to Maalaea by about 1pm. Bring snorkel gear, bathing suit, rash guard, towel, hat, reef-safe sunscreen, water, snacks/lunch, and shoes suitable for short (possibly muddy) hikes. Meet at 7:30am at the small parking lot on the southwest corner of North Kīhei Road and Honoapiʻilani Highway near Māʻalaea. We will carpool to the Honolua Bay parking area (very limited). People on the west side are welcome to meet us around 8:30am at the Honolua Bay dirt parking lot at mile marker 32 on highway 30. There are porta-potties at the Honolua Bay parking lot. Limit 12.
Leader: Annie Schultz, acm_schultz@hotmail.com or 808-344-6628
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Saturday, November 16
Makawao Forest Trail Maintenance Day (S)
Upcountry, 1 miles
Join us for a rewarding day of trail maintenance in the beautiful Kahakapao Forest Reserve in Makawao! We will be working from 9am-12pm to preserve and improve the trails that wind through this lush forest, ensuring they remain accessible, safe, and enjoyable for everyone. Our focus for the day will be improving the trail’s slope and widening the path. Volunteers will help with tasks such as excavating trail sides, removing excess dirt, and clearing overgrowth to ensure the trail is safe and accessible. This is a hands-on opportunity to help mālama ‘āina and contribute to the long-term sustainability of our natural areas. Bring sturdy, closed-toe boots, water bottle, protective clothing (long sleeves, hat, bug spray, sunscreen), work gloves if you have them. We will provide all necessary tools (McLeods, Pulaskis, etc.), protective gloves, a light lunch after the work is done. 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, November 17
Makawao Forest Reserve - Kahakapao Loop (E)
Upper Olinda, 6.5 miles
Moderate 6.5-mile hike in big tree forest on undulating trail. Estimated time 3-4 hours. Meet in parking lot across from St. Joseph's Church on Makawao Avenue at 8am. We will caravan to the trailhead. Bring water and snacks/lunch. Limit 15.
Leader Annie Schultz, acm_schultz@hotmail.com or 808-344-6628
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Friday, November 22
Palauʻea Archaeology Hike (C/E)
Honuaʻula (South Maui), 3 miles
Explore the historic ahupuaʻa boundary between Palauʻea and Keauhou with archaeologist Dr. Jeanne Schaaf and other knowledgeable guides. This ancient traditional boundary is one of the few places left on Maui where ancient Hawaiian ahupuaʻa boundary markers are still present. Rugged terrain. Be sure to wear long pants and sturdy footwear.
Leader: Lucienne de Naie, huelogrl@icloud.com
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Saturday, November 23
Paʻuwela Point Lighthouse and Tide Pools (C/E)
North Shore, 4 miles
Moderate, with some steep muddy sections. Dramatic coastal views and tidepools. Meet at 8am at Haʻikū Community Center. Bring lunch, water and footwear good for slippery rocks. There may be an opportunity to bathe in the pools. Bring a plastic garbage bag if you would like to help collect trash along the way. Limit 15.
Leader: Rob Weltman, robw@worldspot.com
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Saturday, November 23
Hāmākua Mālama Service Outing (C/E/S)
Ha‘ikū, 2 miles
Giant Thanksgiving Planta-a-thon on the Hāmākualoa lands. Help give 200 native plants new homes as part of long term restoration efforts on the 300-acre Hāmākualoa Preserve. Yes - we will also continue to clear away abandoned rubbish from gulches in Ha‘ikū. Tools, snacks, trash bags etc will be provided. Co-sponsored by Mālama Hāmākua
Leader: Lucienne de Naie, huelogrl@icloud.com
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Sunday, November 24
Waihe‘e Ridge Trail Hike (C/E)
Waihe‘e, 5 miles
This is a moderate to strenuous hike, as it is uphill most of the way to the top, a 1600-foot elevation gain. This trail can be very slippery if there has been recent rainfall, so a hiking stick is important. There is a beautiful forest, and spectacular ocean and valley views. Meet at 8am at the upper parking lot: turn mauka (inland) at Circle M Ranch (mile marker 6.9 on Kahekili Highway) and drive .9 miles to the upper parking lot.
Leader: Annie Schultz, acm_schultz@hotmail.com or 808-344-6628
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Tuesday, November 26
Flatbread Pizza Fundraiser
Northshore, 1 miles
Join us for a night of pizza and purpose at Flatbread Pizza in Paia on Tuesday, November 26th, from 5-9pm! This fundraiser will directly support Sierra Club Maui Group’s Trail Maintenance Program, helping us continue our vital work in preserving and improving trails across the island, like the beautiful Kahakapao Forest trails. A portion of all pizza sales will be donated to our Kahakapao Crew and other trail projects, where volunteers clear overgrowth, maintain trail paths, and restore natural ecosystems. These efforts not only make the trails safer for everyone but also protect our fragile environment. Mahalo for your kōkua, and we hope to see you there!
Leader: Raina Myers, raina.myers@sierraclub.org
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Sunday, December 1
Waiakoa Loop Trail (E)
Polipoli, 4.5 miles
The trail begins at the hunter's check-in station on Waipoli Road near the top of the switchbacks. 4.5 miles is the total hike length. The trail travels north on the contour for 1 mile, switchbacks down 400' elevation, turns back south above the forest boundary and then switchbacks up 500' elevation to the starting point. The vegetation is mostly native shrub and grass, with some planted pines near the gate and extensive black wattle in the lower portion. There are excellent views in all directions. Wear bright clothing. Be aware that you may encounter hunters who are hunting off the trail. Trail has been reopened after damage from rains. This is a beautiful trail. If you bring loppers you can help me rediscover a lava tube (probably behind raspberry thorns!). More trail info here.
Leader: Mark Short, shortonmaui@gmail.com
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Oʻahu Group
Upcoming Outings
Sunday, November 17
Pālehua ʻElepaio Enclosure "Akupu" Service (S)
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.
Leaders: Clyde Kobashigawa and Curtis Kawamoto
Sunday, November 17
Wāwāmalu Beach Service Project (S)
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 24 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.
Leaders: Reese Liggett and Suzan Harada
Wednesday, November 20
Lyon Arboretum Tour
Join us for a short tour of Lyon Arboretum. Please wear covered footwear and be prepared for rain, mud, and mosquitos by bringing a rain jacket/poncho, and mosquito repellent. Arboretum has limited parking so we will meet at 10am 3523 Manoa Road, watch for the 25 mph sign. We will carpool from there. Tour is limited to 12 people. Reserve your spot today by emailing iliahi.lama.aalii@gmail.com.
Leader: Suzan Harada
Friday to Monday, January 17-20, 2025
Kahaualea Natural Area Reserve System Service Project, Hawaiʻi Island (S)
We will be working with the Natural Area Reserve System (NARS), clearing primarily alien invasive yellow Kahili ginger. We will access the area via Volcanoes National Park where it is an easy 1/4 mile hike from Thurston Lava tube to the work site. This is a relatively new NARS site that is invaded with the alien Yellow Kahili ginger and a great way to see how it evolves into a truly Native Hawaiian Natural Area Reserve. There are native birds above and in the native ʻōhiʻa lehua forest trees. Our accommodation will be at the volunteer house in Hilo at the NARS baseyard. The Medical Form and Participant Agreement Waiver forms are required upon being accepted to participate. If interested, email Clyde, clydekobashigawa@hawaii.rr.com, with your name, phone number, and email address by Sunday, November 17, 2024. Note: This trip requires a Friday afternoon arrival in Hilo and Monday evening departure from Hilo.
Leaders: Clyde Kobashigawa and Curtis Kawamoto