Sierra Club volunteer trail builders, under Outing Leader Wally Hiraoka, wrappedup 1996's project at Maunawili this fall. While raising several thousand dollars of vital money for the Group, the real accomplishment was opening a public access to Maunawili Falls. Over 130 people came out at least once and about 60 earned their '96 trail builder T-shirt, which was beau tifully designed by Outing Leader Bill Aoki. State Land Direc tor Michael Wilson and Mayor Harris along with over 200 hik ers and two TV crews attended an opening and dedication ceremony October 5. At about 9:45 a.m. we parted a maile lei and the hikers surged up the new trail at the mauka end of Maunawili Road. The trail is a delight to all who value public access to wild places.
Volunteer trail builders were honored at a banquet October 26, sponsored by Luana Hills Country Club and the O'ahu Group. Marcia Okada and Janice Ing staged a delightful event. Top volunteer recognition went to Dick Schmidt. Awards of mer chandise and gift certificates were generously provided by Hawaii Outdoor World, Patagonia, The Bike Shop, The Sports Authority (Waikele) and an anonymous donor.
We've started a new service project to improve native bird habitat at the ancient fish ponds bordering Kane'ohe Bay. Marine Base Hawaii's Dr. Diane Driggott asked the Outings Commit tee to support her restoration project. There is both light and heavy work. The setting of prehistoric fish ponds and wildlife is breathtaking. Come out and support this service project. Environmental service projects are some of the most impor tant activities we do in the Sierra Club but if the members do not turn out, we will not be able to accomplish, or even sched ule, this important work. Each time at Kane'ohe, when work is pau for the day, we'll explore a wild place on the Makapu`u Peninsula normally restricted from access. See our schedule at the centerfold.
Five new Outings Leaders joined our program this fall: Wel come to Kate Heinzen, Kevin Jim, Hiroko Kazama, Travis Ruetnik and Doug White. If your interested in learning about our leader checkout program, come to our next Outing Leader Seminar January 27. See details at centerfold.
Finally, Outings Committee meetings are open to everyone and are held at the call of the chair. You don't have to be a certified Outings Leader to help with the outings program. The next meeting is January 13, 1997 (see centerfold for details).