Group News: Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, and Oʻahu
Hawaiʻi Island Group
Reckless Accessory Dwelling Unit Bill Passed by Hawaiʻi County Council
by Chuck Flaherty, Hawaiʻi Island Group Chair
Using the affordable housing crisis as political cover, the Hawaiʻi County Council passed a bill allowing up to three accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on all lots in the state’s Urban and Rural land districts. The bill passed by a 5-3 vote (with one council member absent), led by its co-sponsors, Council Chair Heather Kimball and Lower Puna Representative Ashley Kierkiewicz.
This county bill mirrored one of the most controversial and disputed bills from this year’s state legislative session, Act 39. While Act 39 requires all counties to pass legislation to allow up to two ADUs, it gives counties over two years—until December 31, 2026—to do so, allowing time to consider the potentially profound and still unknown impacts.
The bill was passed despite several significant concerns:
There was no consideration or assessment of potentially significant environmental and cultural impacts of increased density.
No economic study, market analysis, or other evidence was provided to determine whether allowing up to three ADUs per lot would increase or decrease market real estate prices, impacting housing affordability.
The Planning Department is conducting a comprehensive review of the county’s General Plan and has released a final draft. However, the department admitted in a public meeting that they do not yet know the impact this bill will have on the draft plan.
The county is currently operating under three federal Environmental Protection Agency Administrative Orders on Consent for non-compliance with federal wastewater treatment and disposal regulations, indicating insufficient infrastructure for existing dwellings.
The county already experiences rolling blackouts and requests to reduce electricity usage due to power plant repairs.
The county also already experiences periods of water use restrictions.
The potential impacts on the quality of life in residential communities, such as parking and traffic, were not considered.
Additionally, the county bill differs from Act 39 by allowing up to three ADUs per lot, rather than two, and by expanding the areas where ADUs are allowed to include the state’s rural land district.
Despite these concerns, the county council majority still rushed to pass this clearly reckless piece of legislation.
One basic principle of market economics is the law of supply and demand: when supply is low and demand is high, prices will increase.
Unfortunately, too many politicians believe we can build our way out of the affordable housing crisis. What they fail to recognize is that demand for housing in Hawaiʻi is global and is, therefore, effectively infinite. Regardless of how many dwellings are built, housing prices will not decrease unless a global recession occurs—and we cannot wait for that.
One proven solution to the affordable housing crisis is to create an exclusive market for affordable homes. This means creating housing markets where public or non-governmental organization investment partnerships, such as community land trusts (CLT), build, sell, and buy homes. In these communities, the land is owned by the CLT, while income-qualified residents own the homes. Title encumbrances ensure these homes remain affordable, with provisions like giving the CLT the right of first refusal and controlling purchase and sales prices, while guaranteeing homeowners a rate of return regardless of market conditions.
Maui and Hawaiʻi Island already have CLTs, and the counties should invest in and incentivize the creation of more CLTs.
The belief that Hawaiʻi can “build its way out” of the affordable housing crisis ignores both global demand and the impacts on environmental, cultural resources, and residents’ quality of life.
Creating and building an affordable housing market that competes with the “free” market is a proven approach to solving the crisis now, ensuring homes remain affordable into the future.
Maui Group
Maui Group 2024 Annual Meeting Brings Stories of Hope
By Lucienne de Naie, Maui Group Chair
Photo: Raina Myers
Scores of participants enjoyed food and fellowship on Monday, September 2, as the Maui Group held its first in-person annual meeting since 2020 at the Heritage Hall in Pāʻia.
The event opened with “For Crying Out Loud,” a powerful recitation by respected conservationist, musician, and poet, Walter Kanamu. Uncle Walter’s poem asked, “What happens when we run out of water?”—highlighting the challenges Maui faces in fairly managing its water resources amid the impacts of the 2023 Lahaina and Upcountry fires. He noted the irony of residents waiting years for water access while luxury developments are approved with multiple swimming pools. His heartfelt conclusion resonated deeply: “Honestly, the only new water resource we had was the tears flowing from the eyes of people from all corners of the world, who cried over the lives that were lost,” which brought a strong reaction from the audience.
During the meeting, candidates for the 2024 Maui races were given a brief time to introduce themselves. The Sierra Club ʻOnipaʻa Awards were announced, honoring Lynn Britton and Pam Daoust for their longstanding efforts to protect the 257-acre Pohakea Watershed lands immediately across from the Maui Ocean Center. Maui Komohana (West Maui) resident Toshio “Tosh” Fujita was presented the 2024 Aloha ʻĀina Award for his efforts in the fields of cultural preservation and his service to post fire recovery operations in Lahaina.
Photo: Lucienne de Naie
The theme for the 2024 meeting was “ʻĀina Resiliency: Stories of Hope from Around Maui,” featuring inspiring guest panelists: Kiaʻi Collier from Hawaiʻi Land Trust, Duke Del Beato and Scott Werden from Mālama Hāmākua Maui, Cody Nemet Tuivaiti of ʻĀinakūkoʻa O Waiohuli Kai Wetland Restoration in South Maui, Puanani Lindsey from Maui Cultural Lands in Lahaina, and Maui videographer Jerad Hobaugh of Picaflor Films sharing Maui water stories. Panelists shared their efforts to revitalize ancient fishponds in Na Wai Eha, restore degraded plantation lands of Maui’s Hāmākua coast with native plants, bring back the once thriving wetlands of South Maui, protect and care for West Maui’s wahi pana (storied places), and advocate for East Maui’s streams and communities.
The event also warmly welcomed Maui Group Volunteer Coordinator, Raina Myers, who created meeting publicity materials and ably guided meeting logistics.
We extend a heartfelt mahalo to each of our speakers, who received a gift bag of fresh, local organic produce and products thoughtfully prepared by Maui Group Conservation Committee Co-chair, Clare Apana.
We also thank Flatbread Company in Pāʻia for generously donating delicious pizza for our picnic-style lunch, complemented by homemade salads, casseroles, and vegan banana breads contributed by Kai Nishiki.
A special thanks to Tim Wolfe of Akamai Movies for providing outstanding audio-visual services, enhancing the experience for everyone who attended.
Finally, we are deeply grateful to our dedicated Maui Group Executive Committee, whose hard work made this event possible, and to all the speakers, candidates, community donors, and attendees who joined us.
Upcoming Outings
Sunday, October 13
Redwood Trail Polipoli State Park Hike (E)
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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Saturday, October 19
Kōkua Day at Fleming Arboretum, Pu‘u Mahoe (C/E/S)
Ulupalakua, 1 miles
Help maintain the Fleming Arboretum at 2600 feet in Ulupalakua, sanctuary to many endangered native dry land forest plants. Awesome views of Keoneʻoʻio (La Perous) coast and Kahoʻolawe. 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 Ulupalakua Ranch Store. Estimate 3 hours of work. 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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Saturday, October 19
Kahakapao Crew Trail Maintenance Day (S)
Upcountry, 1 miles
Join us for a rewarding day of trail maintenance in the beautiful Kahakapao Forest Reserve in Makawao! The Kahakapao Crew will be working to preserve and improve the trails that wind through this lush forest, ensuring they remain accessible, safe, and enjoyable for everyone. From 9am-12:30pm we 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. 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 (care for the land) and contribute to the long-term sustainability of our natural areas. 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). We’ll provide all necessary tools (McLeods, Pulaskis, etc.), protective gloves, and a light lunch after the work is done. We will meet at the top parking lot, at the entrance to the trailhead. Please arrive at 8:45am to sign in and complete the state waiver. Join our Facebook Group "Kahakapao Krew" to get the latest updates!
Leader: Raina Myers, raina.myers@sierraclub.org or 330-289-1087
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Sunday, October 20
Skyline Trail (C/E)
Haleakalā, 8 miles, strenuous, high elevation (10,000')
This is a prerequisite for the 10/27 crater hike - please join us for this hike if you are considering participating in the 10/27 Haleakalā Crater Hike. This hike will provide an opportunity to try a shorter high altitude hike. Spectacular Big Island vistas, numerous cinder cones from Haleakalā's most recent eruptions. Hike begins and ends at Skyline trailhead parking lot near Science City at the top of Haleakalā. Meet at 8:30am at Pukalani Terrace Shopping Center (Ace Hardware) to carpool. Please bring your National Park pass, otherwise there is a $30/car HNP entrance fee. Bring a camera, reef-safe sunscreen, water, lunch, hiking boots, and warm layers of clothing. Limit 15.
Leader: Mark Short and Ann Schultz, shortonmaui@gmail.com
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Saturday, October 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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Sunday, October 27
Haleakalā Crater Hike (C/E)
Haleakalā, 12 miles, strenuous
The Haleakalā Skyline hike on 10/20 is a prerequisite if you are considering participating in this crater hike. The Haleakalā Skyline hike will provide an opportunity to try a shorter high altitude hike. Strenuous, 12-mile, high-altitude hike through Haleakala crater from Keonehe'ehe’e Trailhead (Sliding Sands) at 9850’ to Halemau’u Trailhead at 7990’. The hike begins with a 2500’ descent and ends with a 1500’ ascent. Must be in great physical shape and comfortable with elevation changes. Bring 3+ liters of water, lunch and plenty of snacks, hat, reef-safe sunscreen, warm clothing, rain jacket, sturdy closed toe hiking shoes, and camera. Meet 6:30am at Pukalani Terrace Shopping Center (Ace Hardware) to carpool. Please bring your National Park Pass, otherwise there is a $30/car HNP entrance fee. Limit 10. Click here for NPS description of hike route.
Leaders: Annie Schultz and Mark Short, shortonmaui@gmail.com
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Friday, November 1
Seabird Protection at Makamaka‘ole (C/E/S)
West Maui, 2 miles
Join us on November 1 for a workday with the Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project (MNSRP) near Makamaka‘ole in West Maui. We will meet at the lowest Waiheʻe Ridge Trail parking area at 9am and caravan the rest of the way. This is an area otherwise not accessible to the public, now managed by MNSRP. There will be a 20 minute walk up a steep 4x4 road to access the unique site, where predator exclusion fencing protects seabird breeding habitat. After touring the site, we will spend about two hours removing invasive vegetation from native ʻōhiʻa trees within the exclosure. This trip is a rare opportunity to see how indigenous and endangered Hawaiian seabirds are finding a new nesting area with the help of a special social attraction system. Bring sun and rain protection, water, sturdy footwear, long pants and sleeves, and a snack.
Leader: Rob Weltman, robw@worldspot.com
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Sunday, November 3
White Cross Wailuku
North Shore, 1.5 miles
Strenuous uphill hike with great views. Long pants are recommended. Bring lunch & water. Meet 8 am. Take Main St. toward ʻĪao Valley, then take the left fork toward Wailuku Heights, a short distance to a large water tank. Park at the water tank (trailhead nearby). Limit 10.
Leader: Mark Short, shortonmaui@gmail.com
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Oʻahu Group
Upcoming Outings
Sunday, October 20
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, October 27
Awāwamalu Kahakai Coastal Plant Walk and Talk
An introduction to the native coastal plants of Awāwamalu—short, easy 15-20 minute walk highlighting Native Hawaiian plants and some of the bad invasives of Awāwamalu. There are five times available for volunteer-led interpretive talks: 8:45, 9:15, 9:45, 10:15 and 10:45am. Optional work, weeding and invasive plant removal, before or after the walk and talk. Under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult parent/guardian.
Leader: Suzan Harada and Reese Liggett