All great changes are preceded by chaos
Many great changes are already underway. We are experiencing massive upheaval in the ways we work, learn and interact with each other. Let’s use the time to re-build connections with each other to reclaim our collective strength. We know social transformation is necessary, now is the moment to act—join us! Read more.
Emerging together: The changes we seek
A note from our organizer
By Lauren Ballesteros-Watanabe
When we recognize that our systems were built this way, reform is not enough, the only answer is radical transformation—it is what is needed at this time. We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reset. Read more.
Re-imagining Maui’s food system
By Autumn Rae Ness
As Maui continues to struggle with the impacts of COVID-19 related shutdowns, a new nonprofit has linked arms with Maui’s small farms to support them through the crisis, while also laying the foundation for long term food system change. Read more.
Keeping Hawaiʻi’s lights on
By Kirsten Kagimoto
Through advocating for a utility shutoff moratorium extension, we learned a lot about our energy systems, electric utility, and what we need in our move to clean energy—some of which was surprising. And there is a lot left to learn. Read more.
Food rescue is having a moment. How do we make it stick? By Leslie Pyo
Treating hunger as an issue of lack of resources as opposed to wasteful, inequitable systems was a failure even before the pandemic. Now, it’s becoming impossible to ignore. Read more.
It’s time to THRIVE
From Sierra Club National
The THRIVE resolution is intended to build a bold economic renewal plan that tackles racial injustice, mass unemployment, public health, and climate change. Read more.
Food resilience through community gardens
By Hannah Rose Azouz
Community gardens are more essential than ever, and will help our islands bounce back stronger than ever as we move forward one resilient step at a time.
Read more.
Honolulu City Council CARES
By Lauren Ballesteros-Watanabe
The Honolulu City Council has created an Economic Assistance and Revitalization Committee to make sure CARES funding is used to make our community more resilient. Learn about some if their work.
COVID-19 Gardens
By members and supporters like you!
Seems like everyone got into gardening during the Stay at Home Orders—and that’s a great thing! We asked members and supporters like you to share photos of your gardens. Check them out today!
Community Resilience Spotlight: Kōkua Kalihi Valley By Puni Jackson and Tanya Dreizin
As we move into a new normal, community leaders are helping us navigate the process by providing resources, care, and connection. Kōkua Kalihi Valley’s may programs are doing that and more. Read more.
2020 Vote Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi General Election Endorsements
We need strong lawmakers in all levels of office fighting to advance environmental and social justice policies. You can help achieve that by supporting our endorsed candidates.
Follow Vote Sierra Club Hawaiʻi:
The General Election is all mail-in voting. You can also drop your ballots in a deposit box or at Voter Service Centers. Learn more here.
2020 General Election Key Dates
October 5: Last day to register for the general (Register here)
October 16: Ballots Received
October 20: Voter Service Centers Open
October 27: Places of Deposit Open
October 27: Recommended day to return ballot by mail
November 3: General Election
Paid for by Vote Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi without the approval of any candidate.
Legislative wins from 2020
We started the 2020 legislative session in January with high hopes for passing a variety of top priority bills to address the climate crisis and make Hawaiʻi more equitable and sustainable. However, due to COVID-19 the legislature suspended session in mid-March and reconvened shortly in May and June with modified legislative processes. Thankfully, and gratefully, we were still able to pass a few good bills during this unusual and unprecedented 2020 legislative session. Read more.
Sierra Club outings and events remain suspended through February 2021 to keep our communities safe.
As public trails and parks are reopened, we remind you to practice safe and legal hiking as you get back outdoors.
Group Quarterly Reports
Nate’s Adventures: ʻŌhiʻa Tree Complex
By Nate Yuen, Chapter Outings Chair
I went to see a big old friend who lives in Puʻu Makaʻala on Hawaiʻi Island.
My ‘friend’ is actually several friends—a huge complex of native trees and ferns—a behemoth with multiple legs. I was pleased to see them thriving and doing well…[read more]
Vote for your next climate leaders!
Elections for Chapter and Group Executive Committees will be held from October 15-November 15. Elections will be held electronically and active members will receive their ballots via email.
Make sure your membership and email contact information is up to date to ensure you receive your ballot! Contact member.care@sierraclub.org or check MyAccount.
More news: Litigation, conservation, other updates
The road to justice for East Maui streams
We sued the Board of Land and Natural Resources for authorizing an increase in the amount of water taken out of the East Maui watershed. Our case when to trial in August. Read how it went.
Red Hill Fuel Tank Permitting
It’s taken the Navy almost a year to apply for a permit to operate its antiquated and leaky underground storage tanks at Red Hill and then the Department of Health sat on the Navy’s application. Read more.
AES Greenhouse Gas Emissions
AES Hawaiʻi, which burns coal at its power plant in Kapolei, Oʻahu proposed to increase its emissions in 2019. Then Department of Health sat on AES’ application, so we sued. Read more.
Community Compost Movement
By Danielle Marriott
It’s going to take a coordinated effort to move to a zero waste economy that prioritizes the health of the land and people. We can build that future one house, one garden, and one kitchen at a time. Read more.
ReTree Hawaiʻi
By Rob Weltman
Join ReTree Hawaiʻi Friday, October 30 for a tree planting across the state at conservation sites, schools, parks and many other places. You can also plant a tree on your own time! Read more.