Group News: Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, Oʻahu, and Kauaʻi
Hawaiʻi Island Group
UH Hilo researchers track sewage leakage rate into Kahaluʻu Bay
By Susan Enright, Public Information Specialist, UH Hilo Office of the Chancellor
Marine scientists from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo conducted a dye test Aug. 9, 2024, on the coastline of Kahaluʻu Bay, just south of Kailua-Kona on Hawaiʻi Island. The goal of the test was to learn more about the impacts of sewage disposal systems on water quality and marine life. The results prompted a call for faster cesspool replacement.
In testing conducted on August 9, near Kahaluʻu Beach Park, a small amount of the dye was added to a sewage disposal system of a nearby residence. The researchers were surprised at how fast the groundwater was carrying sewage to the shoreline. Photo: Ihilani Kamau
A small amount of fluorescein dye was added to a local residence’s sewage disposal system. The test was designed to track whether the dye would reach the shoreline and, if so, how quickly.
“We added dye to a cesspool to see if wastewater in the cesspool would reach the shoreline, and how long it would take,” said Steve Colbert, professor of marine science who is leading the study. “And, sure enough, the dye emerged at a shoreline spring, telling us that the wastewater from at least one home, and possibly more, is flowing out into Kahaluʻu Bay.”
Kahaluʻu Bay is home to an important and unique coral reef ecosystem and is also one of the most popular snorkeling locations in Hawaiʻi. According to the County of Hawaiʻi, more than 400,000 people a year visit the shallow, nearshore reef each year to view its diverse marine life, colorful fish, and coral colonies.
Fast flow rate
What surprised the researchers most during the testing was how fast the groundwater was carrying sewage to the shoreline.
“We measured groundwater flow rates of 304 yards per day,” said Colbert. “So for homes with cesspools near Aliʻi Drive, sewage can reach the shoreline in less than six hours. Put another way, a toilet flush at high tide may be at the shoreline by the next low tide.”
Colbert noted this is faster than any flow rate the researchers have measured in Keaukaha, Hilo, and twice as fast as the fastest flow at Puakō.
“At this flow rate, for homes within a couple miles of the shoreline, there is not enough time for biological processes to break down the sewage or for dilution of the sewage to occur,” said Colbert.
“Based on a statewide assessment, which didn’t include information from site-specific studies, homes in the Kahaluʻu ahupuaʻa [land division] are set at priority two for cesspool replacement,” Colbert said. “We hope that this data [collected by the research team] can be used by the community, county, and state in modifying those priority rankings so that cesspools with the greatest impact on coastal resources are removed first.”
Rising sea levels
The Kahaluʻu Beach Park research is a part of a larger project funded by the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center, which is a collaboration between the U.S. Geological Survey, UH Mānoa, and UH Hilo. The project is looking at hotspots of sewage pollution between Kailua-Kona and Keauhou Bay, and the impact of sea level rise on sewage infrastructure. Sea level rise is an increase in the level of the world’s oceans due to the effects of global warming.
“The purpose of this project is to assess potential water quality impacts based on current water quality conditions in order to predict how it will be impacted in the future during sea level rise,” said Ihilani Kamau, a UH Hilo student in the tropical conservation biology and environmental science graduate program who is conducting, recording, and analyzing the research for her thesis project.
“Another purpose is to document and identify sewage pollution hotspots along the Kailua-Kona shoreline and determine which onsite sewage disposal systems and wastewater treatment infrastructures will be affected by sea level rise,” said Kamau.
The primary partners Kamau is working with are the County of Hawaiʻi; The Kohala Center, which is a community-based nonprofit located in North Kohala that conducts research, education, and stewardship for healthier ecosystems in Hawaiʻi; and the nonprofit Waiwai Ola Waterkeepers and their Kona Coast Waterkeeper group.
Hawaiʻi County Council Puts Brakes on Additional Dwelling Unit Legislation
by Chuck Flaherty, Hawaiʻi Island Group Chair
In January 2024, Senate Bill 3202 was introduced and signed into law by the Governor as Act 39 in May 2024.
Act 39 mandates that all counties pass legislation allowing for a minimum of two Additional Dwelling Units (ADU) for residential use on all residentially zoned lots in the state’s Urban Land Use District.
The singular purpose of Act 39 is to address housing deficits identified in studies published by the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation.
While it’s widely recognized that Hawai’i faces one of the most critical housing crises in the nation, and that it must be addressed swiftly, Act 39 has the potential to profoundly impact neighborhoods, quality of life, public infrastructure, and environmental and cultural resources if enabling legislation at the county level is not carefully crafted.
Fortunately, the deadline for counties to pass legislation conforming with Act 39 is December 31, 2026, over two years from now.
In a strange coincidence, two county council members introduced ADU legislation, Bill 123, in December 2023 along with two other bills forming a complex set of bills addressing transient accommodations, bed & breakfasts, and ADUs.
The county legislative package was referred to the Windward Planning Commission and the Leeward Planning Commission.
The Planning Commissions began reviewing the legislative package, including the ADU bill, in their April meetings. A Planning Department Background and Recommendation Report (PD Report) had been submitted with the proposed legislation. However, the report on the county’s ADU bill did not contain any reference or consider the contents of Act 39.
At its May 2nd meeting, the Windward Planning Commission lost quorum due to a potential conflict of interest, forcing the ADU bill to be forwarded to the county council with an unfavorable recommendation, as Planning Commission rules limit the number of days an agenda item can be considered for recommendation.
The Leeward Planning Commission had quorum at its May 22nd meeting when the ADU bill was on the agenda. It was during this meeting that the Planning Director first mentioned SB3202. However, there was no formal presentation, nor was the content of SB3202 provided to the Leeward Planning Commission. Since this was the last meeting at which the commission could make a recommendation on the ADU legislation, the commission had to decide. It voted to favorably recommend the ADU bill, including an amendment recommended by the Planning Director that would end a 25-year prohibition against ADUs on lots where transient accommodations rentals are operating.
Act 39 was signed into law on May 28th, after the Planning Commission had considered the county’s ADU bill. Additionally, the PD Report contained no reference to or consideration of Act 39. As a result, the ADU bill was forwarded to the county council without being reconciled with Act 39.
The county council considered the ADU bill at its Planning Committee meetings in late July and early August. The contents of Act 39 were never presented or discussed in an informed, deliberative manner during these meetings. For various reasons, including the lack of local news sources, the public remained largely unaware of the ADU bill and its potential significant impacts on our neighborhoods, communities, and the county as a whole.
Nevertheless, the ADU bill passed out of committee to the full council with a favorable recommendation on August 6th.
However, at its August 21st county council meeting, the Sierra Club Hawaiʻi Island Group gave oral and written testimony highlighting that:
The county’s proposed ADU bill and Act 39 have not been reconciled.
Portions of the ADU bill were not in conformity with Act 39.
The impact on urban neighborhoods, quality of life, and public infrastructure had been adequately considered.
Act 39 requires compliance with the county’s General Plan, but the General Plan Comprehensive Review process was still on-going.
The county still has over two years to consider ADU legislation.
The Hawaiʻi Island Group recommended that the ADU bill should go back to the drawing board, using Act 39, the General Plan, and the six Community Development Plans as its foundation.
The council voted to defer the ADU bill for further consideration.
Hawaiʻi County Planning Department Releases Final Draft General Plan; Continues Non-Transparency
By Chuck Flaherty, Hawaiʻi Island Group Chair
The Hawaiʻi County Planning Department released its “final” draft General Plan (7/24 GP2045) on July 29th and provided public notice of the process moving forward.
In-person public workshops were held on August 28th in Kona and August 29th in Hilo, with an online webinar workshop on September 5th (link TBD). The public comment period ends on Sept. 26th
Unfortunately, the public will have difficulty making informed comments, as the 7/24 GP2045 does not identify changes made from the draft released in September 2023. Additionally, the 7/24 GP2045 fails to identify changes from the current General Plan, despite months of public testimony requesting this information.
In an effort to compel the Planning Department to provide more transparency, the Hawai’i Island Group submitted a formal “Request for Government Records” to the department on June 20th. The request sought a list and locations of land use map changes between the current General Plan and the draft GP2045, along with the reason for each change and any parties consulted in making these decisions.
The Planning Department initially refused, claiming the records did not yet exist. This seemed incorrect, given that land maps with changes had already been released by the department. As a result, the Hawaiʻi Island Group filed a complaint with the state Office of Information Practices. The Planning Department then responded that the records/information could not be provided until August 15th, two weeks after the 7/24 GP2045 had been released to the public.
The Hawaiʻi Island Group filed an appeal with the Office of Information Practices, asserting that the public has a right to this information to provide fully informed comments to the Planning Department, the planning commissions, and the county council.
On August 23rd, the planning department requested that the Office of Information Practices grant an extension of time to Oct 4th, one week after the public comment period ends.
The Hawaiʻi Island Group responded to the Office of Information Practice, stating that the additional delay is unacceptable for the following reasons:
The Planning Department initiated the public comment period on the latest draft General Plan on July 29th.
The requested information is crucial for the public to easily identify specific changes between the existing General Plan land use maps and the draft GP2045 land use maps.
The information is necessary for the public to be adequately informed of the proposed land use map changes, enabling meaningful participation and comments.
The Planning Department has refused to provide the requested information since the first draft of GP2045 was released on September 18, 2023, almost one year ago.
The Planning Department has scheduled public workshops (8/28-9/5/24) on the draft GP2045, and the information is needed to facilitate public participation in these workshops.
The public comment period ends on September 26, 2024.
The Planning Department is now requesting the Office of Information Practice to allow an additional 30 business days, extending to to October 4, 2024, before providing information that has been in possession for nearly a year.
October 4, 2024, is long after the September 26th public comment period ends and after five of the six island-wide community meetings will have already occurred.
There is no further update as of August 27th.
Outings Report: Seeking Hike Leaders and Updates on Recent Outings
By Diane Ware, Hawaiʻi Island Group Outings Chair
Photo: HVNP Volunteer Leader Paul Field
We are still in need of new leaders to replace those who have retired since COVID. We are also looking for a new chairperson. I have been chair or co-chair for over 10 years and the Sierra Club policy advocates for changes in leadership positions every 4-5 years. Anyone interested in these roles please contact me, Diane Ware, at 808-967-8642 for more details.
In the meantime we have had successful recent outings with our two current leaders Sunny Laplante and myself. I led a service project on August 2nd, Stewardship at the Summit, sparked by a visiting family who contacted the Sierra Club in search of a service project during their time here. Luckily their travels aligned with the Stewardship at the Summit, as the Hawaiʻi Island Group has volunteered several times with them before and I know the leaders Paul and Jane. They were very accommodating the group and the visiting family, who shared “Thanks again for letting us join this volunteer effort. We learned so much, and hope it inspires our kids to continue with environmental volunteer work wherever they may travel.” This experience reinforced the importance of outings. I think we removed an acre of thick kahili ginger that now looks like native forest, as you can see in the photo.
Our second adventure was a 3.5 mile hike in the Puʻu Makaʻala Natural Area Reserve, expertly led by Sunny. The weather was perfect for a rainforest hike and we had a group of 10 nimble hikers navigating downed giant hāpuʻu and ‘ōhiʻa through a very old growth forest with few invasives. I think it was one of Nate Yuen’s favorite hikes on Hawaiʻi Island. Photo coming next month.
Upcoming Outings
Saturday, September 28
Onomea Bay Day Hike (C/F)
2 miles, coastal, elevation = +/- 250’
We will explore a coastal rainforest on a loop trail near the Tropical Botanical Gardens. The shoreline is scenic with streams and waterfalls and a pebble beach. Expect to get wet feet. Bring water, rain gear, snack, and sturdy shoes—tabi helpful for stream crossing.
Contact leader, Diane Ware, at 808-967-8642 to register.
Maui Group
Upcoming Outings
Saturday, September 7
Old Haleakalā Trail (C/E)
Haleakalā, 5 miles
Hike down the segment of the Old Haleakalā 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. Here is a video of the trail from the trial leading to access being allowed. Although this is a relatively short hike, it is rated moderate/strenuous because of some steep gulch traversals and the 2,500' elevation change. All hike participants will need to sign two different waivers for this outing, prior to actually hiking: the regular Sierra Club sign up sheet you are familiar with; you will just sign it as usual at the meetup spot and a Haleakalā Ranch waiver. Please download, print and sign the ranch waiver and bring it with you to the meetup spot. We will have to hand them over to the ranch later. There will be a couple of blank forms in case you are not able to print.
Leader: Rob Weltman, robw@worldspot.com
Sign up
Sunday, September 8
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 was reopened in April after damage from rains. There is a potential new trail on land now owned by the state (former ranch land) that goes from the highway all the way up to Haleakalā National Park. This is a beautiful trail, learn more here. Leader: Annie Schultz, acm_schultz@hotmail.com or (808) 344-6628
Sign up
Sunday, September 8
Māʻalaea Mauka Victory Tour
South Maui (Māʻalaea), 2 miles
Enjoy a sunset walk on the 257-acre Māʻalaea mauka parcel that was just protected as open space forever. The land is located across from the Maui Ocean Center and Harbor Shops and includes the trailhead for the popular Lahaina Pali Trail. Beautiful views and lots of potential for future restoration. We will walk along the jeep trail service road on the upper edge of the parcel.
Leader: Lucienne de Naie, huelogrl@icloud.com
Sign up
Saturday, September 14
Makapipi Watershed Trail (C/E)
East Maui, 4 miles
Varied terrain. Ko‘olau Ditch trail: Makapipi to Kopili‘ula Stream. Scenic vistas, pools, waterfalls, native plant life. Hike crosses several bridges with no handrails, not recommended for those sensitive to heights. EMI waiver required (see https://mauihikes.org/s/emi.html) - must email name, address and phone number to jackie.thomas@mahipono.com at least one week in advance. Meet at 8am at the Haʻikū Community Center. Limit 15.
Leader: Rob Weltman, robw@worldspot.com
Sign up
Sunday, September 15
Honokala Bay Trail, a Hidden Gem! (C/E)
East Maui, 2 miles, moderate
We will descend to the bay on wooden steps (there is even a pavilion with benches). There are beautiful coastal views. Meet at 9am at Haʻikū Community Center. Bring lunch, water and footwear good for slippery rocks. Limit 15.
Leader: Mark Short, shortonmaui@gmail.com or 808-276-3226
Sign up
Saturday, September 21
Hanawī (Nāhiku area) Stream Hike (C/E)
East Maui, 4 miles, strenuous
Pools, waterfalls, native stream life. Numerous stream crossings. Good water footwear is a must. Meet 8am at Haʻikū Community center. Limit 15.
Leader: Rob Weltman, robw@worldspot.com
Sign up
Saturday, September 21
Kahakapao Forest Trail Maintenance (S)
Makawao, 1 miles
Starting in July, Sierra Club is co-hosting monthly Makawao Forest Trail clean up volunteer days with Nā Ala Hele! Come out and join the team at Kahakapao Forest Reserve. Volunteers will assist with trail clearing, erosion control, and maintenance tasks to keep our trails safe and enjoyable for all. No prior experience is necessary, just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to get your hands dirty. Please wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and wear sunscreen. All tools, supplies, and snacks will be provided.
Leader: Raina Myers, Raina.Myers@sierraclub.org
Sign up
Sunday, September 22
Haleakalā Supply Trail to Rainbow Bridge (C/E)
Haleakalā, 5.5 miles
Beautiful high altitude round trip hike from Hosmer Grove campground (7000’) to Rainbow Bridge (8,000’) at the crater rim and back. Prepare for wet/windy conditions. Wear footwear for rocky terrain. Bring hat, jacket, lunch, plenty of water, trekking poles, and park pass if you have one.
Leader: Annie Schultz, acm_schultz@hotmail.com or 808-344-6628
Sign up
Sunday, September 29
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: Mark Short, shortonmaui@gmail.com, 808-276-3226
Sign up
Oʻahu Group
Upcoming Outings
Sunday, September 15
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 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.
Kauaʻi Group
Honoring Their Legacy: Remembering Kathy Valier and Janis Lyon
Kathy Valier (July 1953 – October 2023) by Rob Culbertson, Former Kauaʻi Group Member
As a Sierra Club Kauaʻi Group volunteer during the time when Kathy was leading outings for Kauaʻi Group, I got to know and appreciate Kathy as a gentle and very observant guide to the natural world, and so as a friend.
Kathy's keen interest in our native plants, especially within the family of ferns opened my eyes and heart to a world spanning the unlikeliest tiny and fragile one cell 'filmy ferns', to the spectacular forests and primeval landscapes that enchanted the public in film productions such as Jurassic Park.
Kathy's book, "Ferns of Hawaiʻi" is still a classic and indispensable field guide. Kathy combed the countryside of New Zealand as well as her beloved home on Kauaʻi's north shore to record and share her impressions and discoveries in that book and other published materials.
After Hurricane Iniki devastated Kauaʻi in 1992, Kathy helped organize Sierra Club volunteers to clear away the debris-strewn trails that were the gateways to our cherished paradises on Earth.
The ʻŌkolehao Trail was one of her favorites, climbing the steep ridges above the Hanalei Valley. The work over several years was tough, but our diligence paid off when we finally cleaned and re-opened the trail. Now, it offers truly inspirational panoramic views of the entire Hanalei Bay, coastline, and the blue seas beyond.
This trailside camaraderie and simple things, like a cup of tea brewed outdoors, would always make Kathy smile. Her smiles and love of nature were truly infectious.
I will miss, but I will remember, and be richer in spirit, for having joined her on many a path.
Janis Lyon (March 1950 – October 2023) by Rayne Regush, Kauaʻi Group Co-Chair
Janis first joined the Sierra Club Kauaʻi Group in 1981 because she loved hiking Kauaʻi’s wilderness. And with that, she embraced the responsibility to protect the areas she enjoyed so much.
Within a few years, she was serving on the Executive Committee and was elected to many leadership roles including Publicity Chair (1984); Membership Chair (1984); Kauai Group Chair; and Treasurer (1989) a position she held until Fall of 2023.
What follows are a few highlights of her environmental work with the Club:
Battling helicopter landing permits at Kalalau, Miloliʻi & Nuʻololo ʻĀina (1984)
Advocating against the proposed aerial spraying of malathion to eradicate fruit-fly populations (1985)
Targeting helicopter noise on the Nā Pali Coast (1988-1990)
Working with federal agencies to expand the Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge and acquire Crater Hill & Mōkōlea Point (1987-1990)
Battling the County Planning Department to address inadequacies of developer Chris Hemmeter’s proposal for a golf course at Ninini Point (1989)
And, working with the Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund to challenge the US Army’s proposed Polaris Missile Launch Defense System at PMRF (known as “Star Wars”) in early 1990s.
Protecting the environment and quality of life on Kauaʻi requires a strong commitment, perseverance against many obstacles, and much passion. Janis was an outstanding environmental advocate. We thank and remember her with much gratitude for her decades of Sierra Club service!