Group News: Hawaiʻi Island, Maui and Oʻahu
Hawaiʻi Island Group
Please sign petition and help protect ʻOpihihale and South Kona
by Melanie Seyler | Reading time: 2.75 minutes
On August 10, 2022, residents of Hawaiʻi Island, Hawaiʻi learned about a Beverly Hills-based developer's plan to build a large luxury "boutique" resort named The Kona Estates at ʻOpihihale in the heart of a rural, pristine fishing and farming community that is one of the last remaining areas in the archipelago not already dominated by overdevelopment, resource exploitation, emigration, and mass tourism. We need your support and involvement to put an end to this prospect! Please read on for details and please sign the petition here against this development.
The proposed development site is located in the ahupuaʻa (land division) of ʻOpihihale and is immediately downslope of Mauna Loa's historically very active southwest rift, an area classified by the USGS as lava flow hazard zone 2. It is also in the heart of an area currently zoned as Agriculture-5 acres, accessible only by air, water, and an already over-used, often deadly, and notoriously unreliable two-lane highway. The proposed resort use is not allowed under either the current state Agricultural Land Use District or the Hawaiʻi County General Plan.
The sole source of fresh water in this predominantly dry leeward area is rainwater catchment. Furthermore, the ahupuaʻa of ʻOpihihale as well as the surrounding ahupuaʻa of ʻŌlelo Moana, Kolo, Kaʻapuna, and Kipāhoehoe contain a high degree of pristine and sensitive cultural and environmental resources. These resources include several federally-listed endangered dry forest species, an intact section of Hawaiʻi Island's federally-recognized ancient trail system, and myriad other sites that hold extreme cultural significance to contemporary kanaka ʻōiwi (Native Hawaiian) populations, including ancient burial grounds and caves.
The proposed development area is also just a stone's throw north of the community of Miloliʻi, which is designated as a Community-Based Subsistence Fishing Area (one of two in the entire state). Among other stipulations, this designation establishes rules pertaining to the protection of coastal and marine resources 18 miles in either direction of the community. The proposed development would undermine and threaten years of work by the South Kona community.
Additionally, the proposed development absolutely conflicts with the existing Kona Community Development Plan, which states that the "density in South Kona should be kept low and the character should remain rural", "future growth should occur where and when infrastructure is already in place", and that the "majority of future growth should be directed north of Kailua Kona" (p. 245). If the development, which is reportedly planned to include "60 1-3 acre homesites, a 40 villa boutique resort, residents-only clubhouse, pool, restaurant and bar, heliport, walking and biking trails, health club, spa, kids club, and event area" were to be built, it would require that the developer meet several major permitting and zoning benchmarks including rezoning, subdivision, acquisition of a water source, approval of multiple special use permits, and approval from the Hawaiʻi County Council and Planning Department.
Finally, the local community—which includes a large number of people identifying as kanaka ʻōiwi who have genealogical connections to ʻOpihihale and the surrounding ahupuaʻa—passionately oppose this development and are fervently committed to ensuring that Kona Development Partners DOES NOT move forward in their attempt to destroy one of the last remaining untouched areas in our state as well as a way of life that has been held sacred, enjoyed, and passed on for generations.
Your help and support matter! Please sign and share.
Mahalo nui loa. Thank you SO much.
$$$ For Recycling
by Cory Harden | Reading time: 1.75 minutes
We hope Sierra Club members will urge County Council to seek federal dollars for recycling.
Here is a sample letter:
Aloha Council members,
Please take action to pursue a Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grant.
Please fund a grant writer to prepare an application, if County departments do not have the time or expertise to do it, and please fund a facilitator to organize meetings with stakeholders, so they can coordinate their efforts when the Request for Applications comes out this fall.
Mahalo!
Here are Council members’ e-mail addresses:
And here is some background, written up by the Zero Waste Hawaiʻi Island group:
A historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was passed by President Biden, November 15, 2021. To enact the law, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a Request for Information (RFI) on June 3, 2022 to design the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grant program. The program will provide $275 million for Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grants to counties and states. The funding will be allocated as $55 million per year from Fiscal Years 2022 to 2026; 40% will be targeted for rural and socio-economically disadvantaged communities. Hawaiʻi County is well positioned to be a recipient of these funds having one of the highest poverty levels in the country at 21.1% and 97.9% of its population residing in rural areas.
To complete the RFI for Hawaiʻi County, a working group made up of representatives from Zero Waste Hawaiʻi Island, Hawaiʻi County Department of Environmental Management, and community members with expertise in recycling, reuse, and source reduction developed and distributed a survey in June 2022 to diverse stakeholder groups, representing small businesses, non-profits, Native Hawaiian organizations, education, tourism, County Council, County government agencies, housing community associations, and individuals. Questions in the survey loosely followed EPA questions covered in Section IV. Request for Information, posted in the Federal Register (Notices, pages 35200-35202).
There were 76 responses to the survey representing the stakeholder groups listed above. Respondents identified the top barriers preventing recycling and reuse as:
Inadequate infrastructure (facilities and warehouse space),
Inadequate collection systems
Insufficient end markets for reuse and recycling
Policy and staffing needs
Hawaiʻi Island Group Outings
Photo: Mary Marvin Porter
by Diane Ware
We are restarting our outings program with a monthly hike or two. This photo is from a hike summer 2022 to Puʻu OʻO trail in the Saddle area of Mauna Loa.
Join us for our next hike along the southern coast.
Saturday, October 22
Whittington/Honuʻapo Coastal Hike (E/C/F)
Kaʻū Moku, moderate, 3 miles, sea level +/- 200'
Expect a rugged exposed coastline hike, not always on an established trail but always beautiful views, sea arches and blow holes. Sturdy shoes a must along with plenty of water, a hat and the usual requirements for a day hike.
Leader: Diane Ware, 808-967-8642
Maui Group
Vote YES to create Maui County Community Water Authorities (Charter Amendment # 12)
Please Help Spread the Word to Your ʻOhana and Friends! More info at waterislifemaui.com
by Tara Apo | Reading time: 2.25 minutes
This November, Maui residents will help decide Maui County’s water future.
The charter amendment for the Community Water Authorities represents a once in a generation opportunity to shift control of public waters out of corporate hands and back to the communities.
Much of Maui Nui depends on century old water delivery systems that are not being adequately maintained to promote water security, leading to high levels of water waste and unreliability for our future. As the impacts of climate change unfold, water security is one of the most important things we can build!
The Water Authorities would fill a big gap - facilitating efficient management and public control of these old plantation systems, investment in aging, leaky infrastructure to reduce water waste, and adaptation of our water delivery systems for the 21st century and a changing climate – no government department or private entity is currently filling these essential needs.
As a public entity, the Water Authorities would be eligible for significant federal grants and low interest loans that would allow us to invest in these systems to build water security for all. The department is designed to be self-sustaining, with water delivery revenues used to fund operations and infrastructure maintenance, and implement watershed restoration programs. If our largest agricultural users paid the same irrigation water rates found statewide, rates for homeowners and small farmers would remain in current ranges and the authority would still have more than enough funding for staff and operations.
The charter amendment creates the framework for communities across Maui County to form regional community boards, incorporating the people who are from those areas and know their ‘āina the best into decision making about local water systems and watershed management. The community boards approve a long-term watershed management plan and watershed-related programs and priorities, along with other environmental and operational reports.
For over a century, Maui Nui’s water systems have been controlled by large corporations, despite the fact that our water is legally defined as a Public Trust. This era of corporate water control has been defined by a lack of accountability, maintenance, and investment – leading to mismanagement and waste of our public trust water. With an uncertain climate future and more frequent droughts, Maui residents must take control of our public water supply, not leave our water future in corporate hands
Please visit our website, Water is Life Maui, to learn more, and don’t forget to share with your Maui Nui family and friends!
All of our votes are needed to help protect Maui Nui’s water future!
E ola i ka Wai
Maui Group Outings
Saturday, October 1, 2022
Old Haleakalā Trail (C/E)
Haleakalā, 4 miles
Hike down the segment of the Old Haleakala Trail from Crater Road to the top of Olinda Road, on the path described by Jack London and Mark Twain. We will meet at the Waihou Spring Trailhead near the top of Olinda Road and shuttle to the top. It is almost all downhill, with some rocky areas in the beginning and then mostly pasture land. There is a video of the trail from the trial leading to access being allowed: https://youtu.be/8pHpIbJ_Ic8. Although this is a relatively short hike, it is rated moderate/strenuous because of some steep gulch traversals and the 2,500′ elevation change. Outing leader this time is VP/Land Manager of Haleakala Ranch Jordan Jokiel jordan@haleakalaranch.com.
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Sunday October 9, 2022
Waihe’e Ridge Trail Hike (C/E)
Waihe‘e, 5 miles
This is a moderate to strenuous hike, as it is uphill all the way to the top, a 1500-foot, 2.5-mile elevation gain. This trail is very slippery if there has been any moisture at all, so a hiking stick is important on this one. There are beautiful forest and spectacular views. Meet at 8am at the upper parking lot: turn mauka at Mendes Ranch (mile marker 6.9 on Kahekili Highway) and drive .9 miles.
Leader: Annie Schultz, acm_schultz@hotmail.com or 734-308-0482
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Saturday October 22, 2022
Kōkua Day at Fleming Arboretum, Pu‘u Mahoe (C/E/S)
ʻUlupalakua, 0 miles
Help maintain the Fleming Arboretum at 2600 feet in ʻUlupalakua, a sanctuary to many endangered native dry land forest plants. Awesome views of Keoneʻoʻio (La Perouse) coast and Kahoolawe. Bring a light jacket, lunch and gloves. It is recommended to have shoes with ankle support in case we are working on uneven ground. Meet 9am at the ʻUlupalakua Ranch Store. Estimate 3 hours of work and 1-2 hours of tour and lunch. Refreshments available. A BYO lunch will be at the Fleming cabin with a great view of South Maui. Limit 20.
Leader: Rob Weltman, robw@worldspot.com
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Sunday October 23, 2022
Makawao Forest Reserve – Kahakapao Loop (E)
Upper Olinda, 7 miles
Moderate 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. Limit 15.
Leader Annie Schultz, acm_schultz@hotmail.com or 734-308-0482
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Sunday November 6, 2022
King’s Highway (Hoapili Trail) to Kanaio Beach (C/E)
La Perouse, 6 miles
King’s Highway from La Perouse Bay to shady beach south of major lava flow. Bring water, snacks/lunch, reef-safe sun protection, hat, and footwear with toe protection and strong soles. Also bring a bathing suit (and water shoes for the rocky entry) if you want to get into the water at Kanaio Beach. Most of the hike is on lava and fully exposed to the sun. Meet at La Perouse parking lot at 8am. There are porta potties at the La Perouse parking lot.
Leader: Annie Schultz, acm_schultz@hotmail.com or 734-308-0482
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Friday November 11, 2022
ʻĪao Valley (C/E)
Central Maui, 4 miles
Take an invigorating hike in ʻĪao Valley and then be prepared to cool off in the clear and refreshing waters of ʻĪao Stream. We will be rock hopping and trail hiking. Be prepared for slippery rocks. Bring water, sunscreen, snacks. Meet at Kepaniwai Park right before the ʻĪao State Park gate at 8am. There is a parking area on the right across from the park. We will meet up there. Limit 12.
Leader: Miranda Camp, mauimiranda@hotmail.com
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Saturday November 19, 2022
Paʻuwela Point Lighthouse and Tide Pools (C/E)
North Shore, 4 miles
Moderate, with some steep muddy sections. Dramatic coastal views and tidepools. Meet 8am at Ha’ikū Community Center. Bring lunch, water and footwear good for slippery rocks. Bring a plastic garbage bag if you would like to help collect trash along the way. Limit 15.
Leader: Merrill Ranken, merrill.ranken@gmail.com
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Sunday November 20, 2022
ʻĀhihi-Kīnaʻu 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, snack. Meet 8am at ʻĀhihi-Kīnaʻu Natural Area Reserve parking lot south of Makena Beach. $5 non-resident fee per vehicle. Limit 9.
Leader: Annie Schultz acm_schultz@hotmail.com, 734-308-0482
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Friday December 2, 2022
Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge (C/E)
Māʻalaea, 1 miles
Come see a variety of waterfowl and shorebirds and hear an overview about the refuge. Meet 10am inside the refuge visitor center (turn into driveway at mile post 6 on Mokulele/Maui Veterans Highway and then right to the parking lot). Bring binoculars, suitable closed toe shoes for mud and water, sun protection, water. Limit 20.
Leader: Rob Weltman, robw@worldspot.com
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Sunday December 4, 2022
Mākena Shoreline Hike (C/E)
Mākena, 4 milesModerate, pleasant walk on “fisherman’s trail”, road, sandy beaches, rocky beaches past tidepools to Keoneuli (Black Sand Beach). Beautiful views. Hiking stick useful. Meet 8am in public parking lot for Polo Beach, near entrance. Almost entirely exposed, so bring sun protection. We’ll stop to eat anything we have with us at Keoneuli. Limit 15.
Leader: Rob Weltman, robw@worldspot.com
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Friday December 9, 2022
Moonlight South Maui Tidepool Trek (C/E)
Honuaʻula, 0.5 miles
Crabs and other Crepuscular Creatures abound in our tide pools when the light begins to fade.We will explore the geology, biology, cultural and natural history of this unique ecosystem between the shore and the sea and observe some of the marine fish and invertebrates in a safe and sustainable way- under a (just recently) full moon! A snack will be available as well as field guides for viewing. I’ll have some extra headlamps available but please bring your own if you have. Wear close-toed shoes that can get wet (reef tabis, old sneakers, etc.) Sunset is at 5:46pm, moonrise at 7:13pm. Porta potty is available in the parking lot. Click here for map.
Leader: Merrill Ranken, merrill.ranken@gmail.com
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Sunday December 11, 2022
Honolua Bay Snorkel, and ʻŌhai Loop & Nākālele Blowhole Hikes (C/E)
West Maui, 2 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) while we listen for whale song. We will then drive to the small parking lot between mile markers 40 & 41 on the makai side of the highway, where we will hike the 1.5 mile ʻŌhai Loop Trail and Overlook. We will make a final stop at Nākālele Blowhole between mile markers 38 & 39 before returning to Maalaea by 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 Maui Ocean Center parking lot near Carl’s Jr. 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 734-308-0482
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Friday December 16, 2022
ʻĀhihi Kīnaʻu to Anchialine Pools (C/E)
South Maui, 3 miles, moderate.
Rare access to this protected area across the lava field, led by Jeff Bagshaw, Volunteer Coordinator of the DLNR for ʻĀhihi Kīnaʻu. Jeff has a wealth of knowledge about the plant and animal life of this sensitive region. Meet 8am at the Kanahena (“Dumps”) parking lot. Bring water, sun protection (reef-safe), and footwear with toe protection and strong soles. Limit 15.
Leader: Rob Weltman, robw@worldspot.com
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Sunday December 18, 2022
Waihe’e Coastal Dunes And Wetlands Refuge (C/E)
Waihe‘e, 4 miles
This area was acquired by HILT to keep it from development. The walk covers about two miles round trip on level ground and we will probably take about three hours to do it. There is no shade, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. Although the paths are well worn, covered shoes are 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 an early lunch or snack at the turning point. If you are willing and able to pick up trash on the way back, bring a bag. Meet at 8:30am across from Waihe’e School on Kahekili Highway.
Leader: Miranda Camp, mauimiranda@hotmail.com
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Oʻahu Group
New Service Project by Oʻahu Group Outings
by Reese Liggett, Outings Leader | Reading time: 1 minute
Wāwāmalu Beach Service Project participants on September 18, 2022. Photo: Reese Liggett
Twelve volunteers started a service project at the Wāwāmalu Beach section of Sandy Beach Park Sunday morning, September 18. This project is expected to continue monthly for an indefinite term—to begin restoration of this expanse of undeveloped shoreline that was brutalized by vehicular incursions for decades before installation of a boulder barrier by City Parks in 2021. You can read more background regarding Wāwāmalu Beach below.
About half the volunteers, under native-plant-restorative specialist, Suzan Harada, planted native and heritage plant seeds in preparation for the coming rainy time of year. Seeds included those of pili, kou, ʻahu ʻawa, mauʻuʻakiʻaki, milo, hala, kamani, naupaka kahakai, ʻalaʻalawainui, and nanea.
Sierra Club Oʻahu Group Member, San Albers, admires pile of removed koa haole trees—taproot and all! Hawaiʻi director Wayne Tanaka with pickaxe. Photo: Reese Liggett
The remaining half of the group, armed with pickaxes and a Pullerbear tree jack, removed many of the most invasive, alien plant in Hawaiʻi, the koa haole (Leucaena leucocephala)—taproot and all. Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi Director, Wayne Tanaka, joined in.
The next such event is planned for October 23 from 8:30-11:30am at Wāwāmalu Beach. Watch for it in the Oʻahu Group Outings Schedule and join in.
Ongoing Oʻahu Group Conservation at Wāwāmalu Beach
by Reese Liggett, Oʻahu Group ExCom Member | Reading time: 2.5 minutes
Conservation of the natural environment at Wāwāmalu Beach has been a goal since 2001 when an Oʻahu Group activist contacted a sympathetic, then-councilmember Duke Bainum (District Four). This undeveloped shoreline, home to native plants and animals, includes many vegetation-covered dunes, that historically were considered burial grounds by NativeHawaiian. Wāwāmalu Beach on the Kaiwi Coast, is categorized as a section of City’s Sandy Beach Park—it lies between Sandy Beach and the State Parks Division’s Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline. Interestingly, Awāmalu (earlier Lit shady valley) and Wāwāmalu (later) are geographic names ascribed to the entire region, makai to mauka, stretching roughly from Makapuʻu to Hanauma Bay.
In 2014, City Council candidate Tommy Waters agreed to make the security of Wāwāmalu Beach from motorized vehicles a goal of his tenure. His tenure began in late winter 2019 and soon, after skillfully gaining a supporting resolution from Hawaiʻi Kai Neighborhood Board and additional support from multiple, conservation advocates, there was $900,000 in the 2020-21 City budget for a boulder barrier to protect Wāwāmalu Beach. The boulders, having been earlier removed for Henry J. Kaiser’s development of Hawaiʻi Kai, were stored nearby on what is now state park land. Since substantial completion of the boulder barrier in April 2021, there have been some, but very few, incursions by vehicles that move boulders aside or careen down an “unbarriered”, steep embankment.
Mayor Rick Blandgiardi is very supportive of protection for Wāwāmalu Beach and led a well-attended Hawaiian blessing event for the newly protected, natural-area park in January this year.
Interestingly, this section of undeveloped shoreline lies at the center of State Department of Transportation’s Maunalua-Makapuʻu State Scenic Byway. And since natural features are treasured facets of scenic byways, Oʻahu Group activists have sought the installation of a guardrail by the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation in an area of steep drop-offs that is just northeast of the traffic signal at the intersection of Kalanianaʻole and Kealahou Street. This is the site of many past, careening incursions, where in early 2021, City Parks Department ruled out placement of boulders at the base of the steep drop-off since it deemed that such boulder installation could prove to be unsafe to trespassing, off-road vehicles.
And despite the steepness, off-roaders still do penetrate the protected areas of Wāwāmalu Beach there—most recently in broad daylight August 28 and September 5—as evidenced by truck tire tracks and damaged vegetation. Perhaps, post-election, a new administration will favor Wāwāmalu Beach with guardrail protection. Letters from the public that encourage such installation could bring guardrail action from the incoming administration.
On September 13, in a KITV-4 report, Council Chair Tommy Waters cited the vulnerability of boulders as a barrier (can be moved aside by off-roaders). In the report, it was indicated that Waters is urging cooperation by state leaders to install guardrails along the entire makai-side of the highway border of Wāwāmalu Beach (about 2,000 feet of guardrail).
Above, you can read about a conservation service project instituted September 18 by Oʻahu Group Outings Chair, Randy Ching. It will continue monthly in order to help remove invasive vegetation and restore damaged vegetation and terrain caused by decades of rampage by vehicle incursions.
Aerial diagram showing the sought-after prospective new guardrail in red by State’s Department of Transportation—and the current, continued boulder barrier in yellow. Photo: City and County of Honolulu.