Malama i ka Honua: The Journal of the Hawai`i Chapter, Sierra Club

Volume 29, Number 1 January - March 1997

O`ahu Outings

• O'ahu Group Outings
• 1997 O'ahu Group Service Project Schedule
• 1997 O'ahu Group Service Project Descriptions
• Information for alll O`ahu Group Outings
• Information about all Sierra Club Outings

This hike is a loop in the Makiki-Tantalus trail complex. Expect mud and showers. Leader: Geral Toyomura 988-9213; Denby Fawcett 734-7017

Saturday/ March 8
*Kaneohe BIRD SANCTUARY SERVIDE PROJECT
1 mi/Moderate/Shoreline/Kane`ohe

Reservations required. Help to restore bird habitat while you learn about their nsting habits. Light work. Free! Leader: Doreen Line 395-3196

Sunday/March 9
HAU`ULA/PAPALI
6mi/Moderate/Ridge/Hau`ula

Get two loop hikes for the price of one! Two fairly easy loop trails that offer nice views of the Windward Coast. There are some sharp uphlls and a few rough spots. Leaders: Cindy Waddington and Jim Waddington 947-2732

Family Hike: `AIEA LOOP (PARTIAL)
2mi/Easy/Contour/`Aiea

Meet promptly at 9:15 AM at the 2nd large parking level on the right, niext to the stairs leading down, in Kea`iwa Heiau State Park, which is at the end of `Aiea Heights Drive. For adults, and chldren 5 and up accopanied by an adult. We'll take a delightful stroll on a forest trail to an overlook that provides beautiful views of Pearl Harbor and the ocean. Wear hiking boots or running shoes (no sandals). Bring water, snacks, raingear. Leader: TBA; Info: Roz Wright 623-1444

Sunday/March 16
SIERRA SEMINAR: GEOLOGY OF DIAMOND HEAD
1.5mi/Easy/Crater/Diamond Head

Reservations Required. Join Scott Rowland of the Universy of Hawaii for a geology field trip to discuss the geological features in and around Diamond Head. Leader training credit. Leaders: Arlene Buchholz 988-9806; Bob Goetschkes

Sunday/ March 16
POAMOHO
12mi/Strenous/Ridge/Helemano

This is a beautiul trail to the Ko`olau Ridge, offering incredible views along the way. The length of this hike depends on the passableness of the road - as short as 6 miles if the road is okay. 4WD vehicles helpful. Leaders: Adam Liss 988-2551; Wally Hiraoka 596-7767; Asst: Kevin Jim, Kate Heinzen

Saturday/March 22
MICONIA REMOVAL SERVICE PROJECT
2mi/Strenous/Ridge/Upper Manoa or Kalihi Uka

Bring insect repellent, rain gear. Work area is off the trail and surrounded by thick brush - recommend long pandts/shirt/ and clear lens eye protection. Bring a machete IF you are handy with one. T-shirt credit. Free! Leaders: Pat Conant 988-7538 (R); 973-9256(W); Mark Morita 833-3023

OUTING FOR VISUALLY IMPARIED HIKERS: MAKAPU`U LIGHTHOUSE

For the visually impaired and their sighted guides. Reservations required. Leader: Casey Jarman 923-9558; Asst: Doug White

Sunday/March 23
KUAOKALA
8mi/Moderate/Ridge/Makaha

This is a great hike oalong the Wai`anae Range that provides wonderful views of Makua Valley, west O`ahu. No cameras. Leaders: Betsy Weatherford 545-3199; Gwen Sinclair 734-3214

Sunday/March 30
HELEAKALA
6mi/Strenuous/Ridge/Nanakuli

Not for those uneasy about heights. This hike is for the very aerobically fit of strong will and leg power. We'll climb to 1900 ft. in the first hour, then descend about 1000 ft before making a spectacular, boulder leaping ascent to about 2200ft. We retrace our steps after lunch. It's open ridge all the way. Sunscreen and 2 liters of water are a must, extra snakcks and water recommnded. Leaders: Cedric Yoshimoto 988-5175; David Lassner 734-2452

DIAMOND HEAD BREAKFAST HIKE
1.5mi/moderate/uphill

Please meet promptly at 7:15 AM inside Diamond Head Crater, at the big tree in the parking lot, next to the restrooms. Please bring a flashlight and breakfast to share if you like. We'll return to the parking lot by 11:00. Leaders: Denby Fawcett 734-7017; Lorna Lee 545-7441

Saturday/April 5
ALA WAI BOAT HARBOR CLEANUP

Help make the harbor a point of pride and encourage the return of sealife to the harbor. We will work from the docks, using scoopers and nets to gather up flotsam and jetsam. Meet at 8:00 at the Harbor Master's Office, between the 3rd and 4th row of boats behind the Ilikai Hotel. Wear sturdy shoes with gripping soles and bring hat, thick gloves, sunscreen and water. Free! Leaders: Sharon Sutter 591-3855; Helen Sing 261-9044

Sunday/April 6
MAUNAWILI TRAIL FROM PALI LOOKOUT
8mi/Moderate/Contour/Maunawili

We hiked from Waimanalo in December, now let's look at the other end of the fabulous trail. Leaders: Atomman Kimm 538-3364; Maile Sakamoto 946-5712; Asst: Travis Ruetenik; Steve Salsedo

Saturday/April 12
WILIWILINUI RIDGE
5mi/Strenuous/Ridge/Wai`alae Iki

Enjoy terrific views on this short hike to the Ko`olau summit. Leaders: Adam Liss 988-2551; Mark Morita 833-3023

FAMILY HIKE: MAUNAWILI
2.5mi/Easy/Contour/Pali

For adults, and children 5 and up accompanied by an adult. Meet promptly at 9:30AM at the trailhead: Kailua-bound on the Pali Hwy., go through the tunnels, then just past the hairpin turn, pull off to the right at the lookout point. Enjoy a wonderful, leisurely stroll along a portion of the trail constructed by the Sierra Club in 1991. Beautiful views of mountains and ocean. Wear hiking boots or running shoes (no sandals). Bring water, snacks, raingear, mosquto repellent. Leader: TBA; Info: Roz Wright 623-1444

Sunday/April 13
MT. OLYMPUS
6mi/Strenuous/Ridge & Summit/Wa`ahila

Following the ridge from Wa`ahila State Recreation Area, we will end up on this colossal peak above Manoa Valley with great views of the island. Leaders: Gerald Toyomura 988-9213; Mel Yoshioka 623-6751

WA`AHILA RIDGE
3mi/Moderate/Ridge/Wa`ahila

Take a lovely stroll up this ridge above St. Louis Heights for views of Manoa and Palolo Valleys. Leaders: Betsy Weatherford 545-3199; Bob Moore 942-2734

KILAUEA POINT NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, KAUA'I

The trip to Kilauea Point Lighthouse is one of several service trips designed to improve the habitat of native birds. This beautiful, windswept peninsula serves as breeding grounds and home to a variety of seabirds including the Laysan Albatross, great frigate bird, wedge-tail shearwater, and red-footed booby.

Work in the past has involved removal of alien species and planting of the kinds of native vegetation the birds prefer for nesting material such as nehe (Lipochaeta succulenta), 'akoko (Chamaesyce celastrostroides varstokesii), and 'aheahea (Chenopodium oahuense). The work routine is occasionally interrupted by the appearance of humpback whales, Hawai ian monk seals, Pacific sea turtles, and spinner dolphins.

Accommodations are on the lower level of the Visitor Center on the refuge property. It is a real treat to be able to stay here overnight and experience the afterhours antics of the refuge's feathered inhabitants. The amenities here are luxurious in comparison to some of the other ser vice trips: electricity, refrigerator, folding futons, modern restrooms, and hot water showers in a nearby building. Participants need to bring their own linens and a light blanket to put on top of the futon, or use a sleeping bag.

Free time activities run the gamut from beachcombing and snorkeling to hiking such trails as the Na Pali Coast or Sleeping Giant trails. The trip leaders will determine which of the activities will be offered.

'AINAHOU VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, HAWAI'I

Even the most seasoned of travelers to the island of Hawai'i may be unfamiliar with 'Ainahou Ranch, the site of the old Shipman estate, located off Chain of Craters Road. In it's glory days the estate was a lovely home, complete with an English formal garden. After many years of neglect the home is now being repaired and will serve as our base of operations for this service trip. We have three trips scheduled this year to assist National Park Service personnel and each of the trips will entail a different work project; general maintenance around the 'Ainahou area, eradication of mullein(Scrophulariaceae Verbascum sp.), and archaeological preserva tion.

The rustic 'Ainahou ranch house has three bunk rooms, outdoor toilet, hot shower, and kitchen. Participants may bring their own tent and sleep outside. The ranch is located at approximately 3,000' and weather condi tions can be cool and rainy so all participants will need to bring a sleeping bag, warm clothing and footwear, and good quality raingear. Getting cold and wet at this elevation could lead to hypothermia, a life-threatening con dition.

Free time activities might include a night-time drive to see lava wend ing its way to the sea, a hike to one of the many unusual geologic features in the area, or a stroll through Thurston Lava Tube.

KALAUPAPA NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK, MOLOKA`I

This very special trip allows service trip participants to experience a taste of life at the Hansen's Disease Settlement on the north shore of Moloka'i. The Makanalua peninsula is rich with historical sites and natural wonders. The Kalaupapa National Historical Park was established in 1980 to preserve and interpret the natural and historical aspects of the area and also to maintain the community for the residents whose lifestyle and pri vacy have been guaranteed for as long as they choose to remain at Kalaupapa. Some of the projects we have been asked to help the National Park Service personnel with are habitat restoration, keeping fence lines clear, and eradicating alien plants.

We will make our temporary home in the visitor's Quonset hut which is equipped with beds, linens, towels, hot showers, flush toilets, and kitchen facilities. Among our free time options are going to the beach, a trip to the east side of the peninsula to see the old settlement at Kalawao and Saint Philomena Church which was built by Father Damien, or hanging out at the pool hall.

KAMAKOU PRESERVE, MOLOKA`I

A rare treat is in store for those volunteering for a work project at the Nature Conservancy's Kamakou Preserve. Though the work generally in volves removal of alien species which are encroaching on the boundaries of the preserve, free time hikes wander through a pristine rain forest, across Pepe'opae bog and on to the pali for a spectacular view of Pelekunu Valley or through a 150' water tunnel and on to the slopes of Pu'u Kolekole for another spectacular view of the entire south slope of the island of Moloka'i. There you will see the islands of Lana'i and Kaho'olawe, West Maui, or on a clear day Haleakala, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. A visit to the sand dune ecosystem at Mo'omomi Beach is also a possible free time activity.

The service project is likely to involve one of the following: removal of New Zealand flax in a moderately dry area, cutting down rose bushes, or digging out and then hauling white ginger rhizomes from a rather wet area.

Participants are housed in an old, wooden barracks-style building which has been used over the years to accommodate such groups as Boy Scouts and low security-risk prisoners. Lodge amenities include electric ity, refrigerator, hot showers, inside flush toilets, metal frame beds com plete with sagging springs and vintage mattresses, and the ubiquitous mosquito. The barracks are at an elevation of 2,200 feet and warm clothes are needed for evenings and mornings.

HAKALAU NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, HAWAI'I

The Fish and Wildlife Service, which manages this refuge is in the process of creating a mauka-makai corridor of native vegetation that native forest birds can use in their seasonal migrations up and down the slope of Mauna Kea. The service project often involves the planting of Koa seed lings, collection of Koa seeds, or the removal of alien species such as banana poka or gorse.

The very special free time activity is a hike into the Koa-Ohi'a forest to observe native forest birds, some of which are on the endangered spe cies list. Participants will be reminded to bring binoculars to spot birds such as 'apapane, 'amakihi, 'i'iwi, 'akepa, creeper, 'oma'o, and for the very lucky, very patient observer, the elusive 'akiapola'au.

Accommodations for this trip are at a fairly new cabin located on the slopes of Mauna Kea at the 6,200' elevation about two miles north of Magnetic Hill. The cabin is equipped with hot and cold running water, indoor showers, and a flush toilet. Electric lighting is provided from solar -powered photovoltaic cells and the stove and water heater run on bottled gas. There are five sets of double bunk beds with mattresses and partici pants will need to bring their own warm sleeping bags and pillows.

Due to the elevation of the cabin and work sites, there is always the chance of inclement weather. Morning temperatures outside the cabin can drop to below freezing. Therefore, proper warm clothing and footwear, and good quality rain gear are mandatory since getting wet and cold at this elevation during work can easily lead to hypothermia, a life-threatening condition.

Unless otherwise stated in the outing description, participants meet at 8:00 am at the back porch of the Church of the Cross roads, 2510 Bingham Street.

Do not leave your car in the church parking lot.

Participants in Windward outings which are designated with an asterisk (*) may also meet at 8:15 am at the First Hawaiian Bank parking area in the Windward City Shopping Center. (Intersection of Likelike and Kamehameha Highway in Kane`ohe)

Cost for participants age 14 and under and Sierra Club members with a membership card is $1; cost for all others is $3. Participants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Sierra Club outings are conducted according to Club policy and under the direction of certified Outings Leaders. Our outings are group activities, and all participants are expected to follow leaders' instructions and to remain with group for the entire outing.

We welcome all Sierra Club members, non-members and visitors on most of our outings; however certain outings may be restricted to members. Firearms, pets (unless specifically allowed), and audio devices with or without headsets are prohib ited.

Smoking is only permitted at breaks and then only if the smell of smoke cannot be detected by other hikers. Outing Leaders may prohibit smoking if, in their judgement, a fire hazard exists.

Bring with: a liter of water (2 liters for strenuous hikes), lunch, sunscreen, insect repellant, rain gear/jacket and day-pack. Boots, shoes with traction grooves (heeled footwear are best; no loafers), or tabis are required. No bare feet or sandals of any type will be allowed.

Sign in on the roster and pay the fee. When signing in, participants will be required to acknowledge their understanding that Sierra Club carries no participant insurance and that participants assume all risks for any car pooling as well as the outing being undertaken.