Since January 1971, an activity section of Sierra Club Hawaii Chapter
INSIDE THIS ISSUE!
LEILEHUA’S MAUI TRIP
* DIAMOND HEAD EARTH DAY SERVICE PROJECT * H.S.T.P. SUMMER NEIGHBOR
ISLAND SERVICE TRIPS * POUHALA MARSH SERVICE PROJECT WITH HAWAII
NATURE CENTER * DLNR/NA ALA HELE’S YOUTH CONSERVATION CORP
* GREAT PICTURES!!!
HAWAII’S AGRICULTURE AND CULTURE: THEME OF ECOLOGY CAMP 2002
By Kathreen Thome and Katie Brummel
Leilehua High School Hiking Club
Ecology Camp 2002 was at Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens (Kaneohe) from February 16th-18th, 2002. Here was where the hiking clubs from several high schools came together to perform service projects and to hike. The gardens, which I might add, were absolutely gorgeous. And the weather, while not perfect, was fair.
At Ho’omaluhia we camped at the big campsite (Kahua Nui). After the schools had settled into their individual campsites, we had a group meeting. Following the meeting, we broke off into our different service projects. The service projects were performed in three separate areas: 1) clear weeds, 2) plant native plants and 3) to help some farmers along, planted some banana trees.
After the participants in the service projects got back, everyone hung around until it was time to eat. The food that we had there satisfied every ones appetites. And we had some people going back for seconds. Once everyone had finished eating we had another group meeting. At this meeting the students were divided into smaller groups intermixed with other schools. Each group was given a different ancient Hawaiian principle. Each group them made up a little skit to act out our principle and then stood still in that pose for 30 seconds. This meeting was designed for us to mingle with the other schools. And, it sure helped us to do so.
On the seventeenth most of us went hiking. We chose one of three trails. Each trail was very diverse so we all experienced something different. Each group enjoyed their hike, even the difficult ones. While we were hiking and doing service projects, another group was making kalua pig the ancient Hawaiian way. (See pictures.)
For dinner we ate mouth-watering, imu baked Kalua pig along with some other appetizing items. Once everyone was done eating, a presentation of plants was given to our guests and volunteers. Also, the lifetime achievement award was given to John Cummings III. After the award was given we went back to our campsites to prepare for the evening’s skits.
The skits we performed had to deal with the importance of agriculture, which was the theme of this year Ecology Camp. A while later we regrouped and the skits were then performed. All of the skits brought out the importance of agriculture. Some of the skits also made us laugh. After the skits were performed, we all waited in earnest to find out who had the best skit. We were told that there was no one sole winner because all of our skits were good.
After this had been announced we all went to our school’s campsite. Most of us went to bed not long after we got back because the activities of the day had made us weary. The next morning we packed up all of our stuff and ate breakfast, leaving behind Ecology Camp 2002, but bringing home memories with us.
MOST MEMORABLE MAUI
by Kelly Orner, Chris Smith and Tina Cummings
Leilehua Hiking Club
An early morning flight to Maui was the start of an unforgettable Spring Break weeklong adventure. After arrival, we went to Iao ValleyHawaii Nature Center. There we unpacked did some sight seeing at Iao Needle and Pacific Humpback Whale Sanctuary.
On our second day, we started our service projects for the Hawaii Nature Center. We began the day by clearing a stream and building a small bridge for elementary school students. Then we got rid of a non-native squash plant that was in abundance.
The third day, we expanded the area by pulling weeds and vines behind the Nature Center. We had plenty of time left over; so we hiked to a small secluded waterfall, and went swimming in a nearby water hole. Everyone loved the water hole. Even our advisors joined us despite the freezing water.
On the 4th day, we packed our bags and hiked the 8-mile Sliding Sands Trail into Haleakala Crater. Everyone was ecstatic to see Holua Cabin at the end of the trail. After a good nights rest we were ready to explore the crater. We saw some beautiful sights including the silversword and the bottomless pit. On the way back to the cabin we explored a lava tube. The lava tube was cold, wet, dark, and exceptionally beautiful. That night we went star gazing. The sky was clear and the stars were phenomenal.
We woke up early the next day and packed up. We said our goodbyes, and then hit the 4 mile Switchback Trail out of the crater. Thankfully, everyone made it to the top safely. We truly had the time of our lives on Maui. No one will ever forget this amazing experience.
SCHOOL ADVISORS and HIKE LEADERS
AIEA: Rebekah Roland
CAMPBELL: Fred Nakaguma
CASTLE: Alicia Rogan, Marc Morinaga, Nohea Tomas, Jamie Tanino
FARRINGTON: Sandra Nakagawa, Gilbert Tagaban, John Cummings, Adaline Kam, Nylen Takahashi, Darryl Nishimoto
KAMEHAMEHA: Richard Mills, Sigrid Southworth, Chuck Burrows, Nathan Nishimura, Jenga Viernes
KAPOLEI: Naidah Gamirot
LEILEHUA: Jeanette Ellis, Bob Keane, Natalie Borrello
MILILANI: Elaine Mahoney
MOANALUA : Erron Yoshioka, Frank Raymond
WAIALUA: Glenn Lee
WAIPAHU: Michael Sana
IT’S FOR THE BIRDS!
by Pauline Kawamata
In preparation for field testing of the Hawaii Nature Center’s new third grade wetland program at Pouhala Marsh in Waipahu, volunteers worked long and hard to get the teaching sites ready for the visiting school groups. They collected mountains of trash, including tires, small appliances, old car parts, barrels, scrap pieces of wood and broken glass, kiawe trees and even an abandoned homeless shelter! In addition, volunteers had the opportunity to see the Hawaiian stilt. Pouhala Marsh is the largest remaining wetland habitat in Pearl Harbor and is of vital importance to the endangered stilt. During non-breeding season, there can be up to 150 Hawaiian stilts in the marsh.
A big MAHALO to the following clubs and individuals from High School Hikers who came out to help: John M. Cummings III, Adaline Kam, Steve Montgomery, Anita Manning, Mark Lee, Nohea Tomas, Jamie Tanino, Connie Matthews, Leilehua High School Hiking Club, Waipahu High School Biology-Hikers Club, Aiea High School Hydroponics Aquaculture Program (HAPA) and Farrington High School Environmental Studies and Hiking Club.
HIGH SCHOOL HIKERS IN THE NEWS
>On Saturday, April 20, 2002, Earth Day was celebrated by three High School Hiker member schools at Diamond Head State Park. About 30 members from Castle, Farrington and Leilehua High School Hiking Clubs weeded and planted plants to beautify the popular park. The April 21st Honolulu Advertiser ran a picture of Farrington Hiking Club and others working. Go Nova!
Per Bob: The National Guard was so impressed by High School Hikers they want us to come on a regular basis. Bob proposed clubs set-up one day a month next year.
PLEASE NOTE: The following notice has a closing date of April 19, 2002. Although the deadline has past we could still inquire if you are interested. And this notice has good background information on what is required to work under the D.L.N.R.
Na Ala Hele Lima'akau (dependable helper) Internship 2002
BACKGROUNDNa Ala Hele Trails and Access Program is administered by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), under the Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW). Legislation established the program in 1988 in response to concern about the increasing loss of public access and the threat to historic trails from development. Na Ala Hele directives include: regulate trails and accesses; conduct trail and access inventory; conduct trail and access classification; conduct trail and access advisory council meetings; investigate potential and needed trails and accesses; construct, restore and maintain trails and accesses with staff, partnerships with community volunteers, and summer interns.
POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Summer Intern will be overseen by the Na Ala Hele Trails and Access Staff. They will provide assistance on trails and access matters including the development and maintenance of trails, roads and accesses. The Intern will learn the fundamentals and procedures of the Na Ala Hele Trails Access Program with an emphasis on understanding trail access issues through monitoring of trail use and activity, and their effects on soil erosion, vegetation change and the community. Other topics to be covered include trail construction, maintenance, tool maintenance, trail safety, basic resource management skills and volunteer organizing. In addition to working with Na Ala Hele, the Intern may have the opportunity to work with other programs within the branch including Forestry, Natural Area Reserves and Wildlife. Upon completion of the agreed term and supervisors approval, the Intern will receive a Certificate of Appreciation signed by the DLNR Chairperson.
SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES/DUTIES: Assist Na Ala Hele staff with various tasks as needed, including trail maintenance or construction (i.e. weedwacking, building water diversions and steps, spraying herbicide, weeding, fixing washouts), out-planting native plants, assisting with weekend volunteer service projects, sign installation, and trail mapping. The position may involve overnight, trailside camping.
HOURS: Full Time. Tuesday through Saturday, 7:00 A. M. to 3:30 P. M.STIPEND:$260/week
NUMBER OF POSITIONS: 3 LENGTH OF COMMITMENT: June 17, 2002 through August 9, 2002
WORKSITE DESCRIPTION: Office: standard air-conditioned office setting Field: beautiful, muddy, wet, hot, mosquitoes
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Must be at least 18 years old. Must be enrolled in high school or college.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Interest in natural resources management. A desire to work hard at protecting, preserving and maintaining public access trails and the ecosystems they go through. Ability to work in rough terrain and harsh conditions such as heat or rain. Ability to carry a heavy backpack long distances. A desire to learn. Ability to work with volunteers of all ages. Experience with data collection. Computer literacy, particularly with spreadsheets and GIS software. Basic knowledge of native Hawaiian plants.
CLOSING DATE: April 19, 2002
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ryan Peralta, Oahu Na Ala Hele Trails and Access Acting Technician, 808-973-9784(office)
HAWAII SERVICE TRIP PROGRAM (H.S.T.P.) Plan Summer 2002
Service Projects
WANTED! LEADERS, COOKS AND VOLUNTEERS. To work on two service trips to Lanai and one to Maui. Have the adventure of a lifetime! Visit the most beautiful places in the islands very few get to see. And at the same time help to conserve and preserve our precious aina (land). Interested? Have your advisor contact us to find out more.
MAUI: Leader - , Cook -
End of June? Trail work at Waikamoi for Maui Na Ala Hele.
LANAI: Leader – Jim Waddington, Cook – Waimea Williams.
Work under the Nature Conservancy of Hawaii.
LANAI: Leader - , Cook -
Work under the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
"RIOTOUS FUN AT END-of-YEAR BANQUET"
About a 100 students, advisors and guests took over the Pikake Room at the Neal Blasdell Exhibition Hall on the evening of Friday, May 10, 2002. Our master of ceremonies, John Cummings, organized an evening of fun that many will not soon forget.
We started with introductions and a dinner buffet of salads, fruit, rice, rolls, vegetables, chow mein, fried chicken and teriyaki beef. But the ice cream bar was da winnahs! In between, Pauline Kawamata, Jenga Viernes and Adaline Kam pulled door prizes.
Bags of stuff were passed out to each table. The game, "dress-up your advisor!" What a riot! We saw a couple advisors high tail it out of there, but the slower ones were caught. The idea was to dress-up your advisor very creatively with a theme. I wish I had my camera!!! (All you folks who took pictures, I would love to have copies!) Advisors from Aiea, Castle, Farrington, Kamehameha, Leilehua, Moanalua and Waialua participated. It was so hilarious! Uh, Mr. Raymond. What are you? Congratulations to Sandra Nakagawa from Farrington who was some Pokemon thing. Whatevas…
Hele Wawae Mamo Awards were given to Alicia Rogan (advisor) from Castle, Asia (student) from Moanalua and Darryl Nishimoto (hike leader), Farrington. Our two Lifetime Achievement Awards went to Mark Lee and Erron Yoshioka, both from Moanalua. And the last award was a big surprise to
"HI BOB"! Everyone in the room held up these signs when Bob Keane was giving the closing speech. He was totally thrown off guard.
The evening ended with dance music provided by "A Music Unlimited." Thank you all for all your hard work and a most memorable evening!!!!
HAVE A HIKER SUMMER! SEE YOU ALL NEXT YEAR!!!
(Seniors you’re always welcome to come back for more!)
ADVISORS: NEXT MEETING AUGUST 13TH!!!