Friends of Hawai‘i Conservation Alliance Newsletter
Volume 2, Issue 2, October 2009
In this Issue:
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Aloha kākou,
Living in a time of change and uncertainty is unsettling, especially when that change is global in scale. With critical conservation and programs hobbled by the weak economy and relegated to low standing on the political to-do list, it’s no wonder that many people feel overwhelmed when you throw climate change into the mix. Yet this particular cloud has a silver lining; it is galvanizing positive changes at many levels – from personal lifestyle choices to national policies – and prompting new cross-sector partnerships.
I’d like to think that the record attendance at this year’s Hawai‘i Conservation Conference indicates that the conservation community views climate change as a galvanizing force for collaboration and innovation. More than 1,100 attendees gathered from July 28-30 to share information about and discuss strategies to address global climate change impacts in Hawai‘i. For those of you who want to continue this discussion, we invite you to the October 24th free screening of “A Sea Change” that HCAF is co-sponsoring to raise awareness about ocean acidification and its implications for our island home. Screenings will take place on Oahu, Maui and Kauai.
On a related note, the State of Hawai‘i soon will convene the opening meeting of the Climate Change Task Force, a much needed step toward developing a statewide climate change adaptation strategy. HCA and HCAF will work to ensure that native species and ecosystems remain front and center in any statewide strategy. That is one certainty we can guarantee in these changing times.
A hui hou,
Deanna Spooner
Correction: In the previous issue we credited the newsletter’s new title "KO KUA UKA, KO KUA KAI" to Pelika Bertelmann. Pelika has clarified that “I wasn't the person who composed it. It was something that I remember from my high school education and my participation in our Hawaiian club.” Mahalo to Pelika for reading the newsletter and helping us keep the facts straight!
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2009 Hawai‘i Conservation Conference & Conservation Week Highlights |
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HCC Speakers and Presentations
 The theme of the 2009 Hawai‘i Conservation Conference (HCC) was “Hawai‘i in a Changing Climate.” The opening session began with an address by Ted Liu, Director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, who spoke candidly about the challenges of translating science into policies and practices. We were honored to host keynote speaker and multiple award-winner Dr. Stephen Schneider of Stanford University, who shared his thoughtful and often humorous perspective on the evolution of climate change research and its attendant politics over the past three decades. Dr. Schneider reminded us that the public debate about climate change policies really comes down to values, not science, while he and other scientists on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change strive to keep policy making firmly grounded in science. Acclaimed Hawaiian cultural practitioner and scholar Dr. Pualani Kanaka‘ole Kanahele captivated conference attendees with a presentation on Big Island climate systems, weaving traditional oli (chants) and 'ōlelo no'eau (proverbs) into a talk that was highlighted by stunning photography of cloud formations. Jerry Mitchell of the National Park Service highlighted some of the challenges facing resource managers, while marine scientist Dr. Paul Jokiel urged conference attendees to reduce their carbon footprints thereby helping to redress ocean acidification. Ben Namakin related his moving personal quest to raise awareness throughout the globe about how climate change is altering the very way of life in the Pacific Island region and in particular his home of Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia.
This year’s HCC was marked by a diversity of oral and poster sessions covering a variety of topics and knowledge systems – climate change, invasive species on land and sea, rare plant conservation, communications, professional development, and much more. An “Open House” featuring a sustainability market and an evening lecture allowed members of the public to meet HCA member organizations and hear engaging presentations by Dr. Stephen Schneider and Ramsay Taum.
Conservation Awards
 The HCC also is a time for the HCA to recognize achievements in the Hawaiian conservation community at all levels—from high school students to seasoned professionals. The 2009 Distinguished Service Award was presented to Charles P. “Chuck” Stone who was a Research Biologist at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park from the early 1980s until 1990. During this period he was a major champion for conservation efforts in Hawai‘i, leading many important initiatives using his skills in scientific research and outreach to help others expand their values to include conservation of Hawai‘i’s unique biological resources. He was instrumental in conducting research on the impacts and control methods for feral pigs, expanding the successful National Park Service goat control strategies into getting rid of pigs in wet forests. Additionally, he helped establish a strong linkage between conservation and public education. Chuck authored many scientific publications but most people will remember the many books he, in conjunction with others like Cliff Smith and Linda Pratt, published to pull together scientific information in a form that was more accessible to not only scientists but also the general public. One of his most popular publications is Conservation Biology in Hawai‘i, co-authored with his wife and colleague Danielle B. Stone, Linda W. Cuddihy, and Martha E. Lane. This seminal book is a must-read for all who are starting out in the conservation field in Hawai‘i. Finally, Chuck and Cliff Smith collaborated in putting together an annual conference that highlighted research and management in Hawai‘i’s National Parks, which was the precursor for the Hawai‘i Conservation Conference. Although Chuck retired from federal service in 1995, his research, publications, and outreach products remain at the core of conservation biology in Hawai‘i.  Lea Hong was honored with the Outstanding Leadership Award for her significant impact on Hawai‘i’s environmental and cultural heritage through her compassionate and articulate advocacy, conservation ethic, and overall philanthropic spirit. Since graduating from the University of Hawai‘i’s William S. Richardson School of Law in 1991 as one of the Environmental Law Programs first participants, Lea’s tireless work has had far reaching consequences in environmental and Hawaiian rights jurisprudence from the tops of Mauna Kea, down the streams of Waiāhole/Waikāne, and to the ocean that she loves. Before joining the Trust for Public Land (TPL) Hawai‘i, Ms. Hong litigated complex land, water, and cultural preservation and access disputes on behalf of Hawaiian and environmental groups first an non-profit litigation firm Earthjustice and then in private practice as a partner in the Honolulu law firm of Alston Hunt Floyd & Ing where she founded their Environmental Practice Section. Since leaving her law practice, Lea has relied on her leadership skills, experience, and “street cred” at TPL Hawai‘i to build bridges and conservation partnerships among Native Hawaiian, conservation organizations, grassroots community groups, and government agencies at all levels to advance some of Hawai‘i’s most inspiring land conservation efforts. Simultaneously, Lea serves as an adjunct professor at the UH Law School, teaching courses in Environmental Litigation. There are few environmental and Native Hawaiian organizations that have not been touched by her work, whether through her practical legal advice and pro bono generosity as an attorney, or her reliable support as a concerned community member. All the while, she has managed to remain an avid long boarder and hiker keeping one foot in the ocean and the other on land. Modest to a fault, Lea helps to preserve our environment and cultural heritage by contributing to a growing aloha ‘āina ethic today, laying a greener path for generations yet to come.
HCA and The Wildlife Society-Hawai‘i Chapter honored four student presenters with certificates of achievement and monetary awards. Sheldon Plentovich (University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa won Best Student Oral Presentation for his talk on Effects of Eradication and Control of Two Species of Invasive Ants on Offshore Islets in the Hawaiian Archipelago. Runner-up Heather Spalding (University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa) presented on Deepwater Alameda Meadows in Hawai‘i: The ‘Ōhi‘a of the Ocean. The Best Student Poster Presentation honor went to Lisa Ellsworth (University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa) for Fuel Loading and Fire Parameters in Nonnative Grasslands on Military and Surrounding Lands on O‘ahu, Hawai‘i. Runner-up Cheyenne Perry (University of Hawai‘i at Hilo) presented on Effects of Light Availability on Biomass and Reproductive Organ Production of the Invasive Rangeland Shrub Ulex europaeus L. on Mauna Kea, Hawai‘i.
If you missed this year’s HCC, have no fear – more than 80 HCC presentations can be viewed online via our Web site. You also can view Dr. Schneider’s keynote speech on Ōlelo Television, both online (at any time) and broadcast on Monday 10/19/09 at 7:30 pm (Channel 52), Wednesday 10/21/09 at 6:00 pm (Channel 49), and Thursday 10/22/09 at 3:30 pm (Channel 52).
First Annual Hawai‘i Conservation Fair
 On Saturday, August 1, HCA and HCAF held the first ever Hawai‘i Conservation Fair at the ING DIRECT Café. This Waikīkī event included a special appearance by Leilani Münter – the vegetarian environmentalist racecar driver with Hawaiian roots. Special guests Dr. Lilikala Kame‘eleihiwa and Representative Mina Morita (Kaua‘i) opened the event and shared their mana‘o with all present. Ben Namakin and his co-founder of Pacific Islands Climate Revolution, Kimo Carvalho, talked about how youth can engage in climate change activism and advocacy, and Jeff Mikulina of the Blue Planet Foundation presented a vision of Hawai‘i's energy future. HCA partners and local sustainable businesses staffed exhibit booths and interacted with the 480 members of the public who visited the Café that day. Mahalo nui loa to ING DIRECT for hosting the Fair! |
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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge Complex |
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 Driving along O‘ahu’s north shore from Hale‘iwa toward Kahuku the highway passes by some well-known landmarks: Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach, Turtle Bay, and of course the shrimp farms with the mouth-watering aroma of garlic sauté wafting from the trucks parked out front.
Tucked between the golf courses and tourist attractions is the lesser-known James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), where endemic Hawaiian and migratory birds flock in the thousands during the wet season. Dave Ellis, Project Leader for the O‘ahu NWR Complex, recently took HCA staff on a tour of the Refuge to show us the impressive expansion planned for this gem in Hawaiian Islands’ Complex. Currently, James Campbell NWR consists of two separate units established in 1976: Punamanō (134 acres) and Ki‘i (126 acres). A new land agreement with the James Campbell Company will expand the NWR to 1,100 acres encompassing additional wetlands, coastal plain, and adding the largest remaining intact coastal strand habitat on O‘ahu. Once the expansion is completed, the James Campbell NWR will be the largest managed wetland and coastal wildlife refuge in the State of Hawai‘i.
 As we drive down the old narrow-gauge railroad right-of-way to the Punamanō Unit, ae‘o (Hawaiian stilts) took wing, their gangly red legs skimming over the seed-heavy bulrushes. A variety of birds gathered in an area mowed to simulate a natural clearing, and Dave rattles off their names as we slowly inch forward. This small-scale experiment for birds attracted to open areas has been quite a success, providing resting and feeding habitat for many birds that utilize the NWR. The ae‘o circle overhead then plunk down gracelessly on their red, stilt-like legs (hence their name), looking as though they might topple over at any moment, and yet they proceeded to strut and squawk across the shorn grass with nary a stumble. We continue on, past old WWII bunkers sticking out of the alien grasses and shrubs like cement mushrooms and at last we emerged at Punamanō’s natural spring-fed marsh. Quietly we observe the myriad birds gathered to rest and feed, including ‘akekeke (ruddy turnstone), ‘alae ke‘oke‘o (Hawaiian coot), and a variety of egrets.
 The James Campbell NWR was established for endangered Hawaiian waterbirds – specifically, the ae‘o, ‘alae ke‘oke‘o (Hawaiian coot), ‘alae ‘ula (Hawaiian moorhen), and koloa maoli (Hawaiian duck). Of course, other birds benefit from the protected habitat, such as ‘akekeke and more than 100 other bird species endemic to Hawai‘i and from as far away as Alaska, New Zealand, and Asia. As we survey the Punamanō wetlands, Dave points out a kioea (bristle-thighed curlew), a plump migratory shore bird with a long, curved bill that “began showing up at the James Campbell on a regular basis about a decade ago. They’re a big draw for birders from mainland and around the world.” The James Campbell NWR may be the last, best hope on O‘ahu for waterbirds and the “birders” that flock to the North Shore each winter to observe them.As we leave the Punamanō Unit and head to the Ki‘i Unit, Dave makes clear that after the expansion is finalized he and his staff will have their work cut out for them. “We’ll be cleaning up the site for decades,” he says as we pass by a crumbling cement structure. The area surrounding the two existing units is littered with barbed wire, scrap metal, concrete, refuse from past military and sugar cane operations, plus illegally dumped household items. And yet Dave becomes animated when talking about the expansion, pointing out sites where FWS could locate observation areas and interpretive trails. “We hope to build an environmental education center leading out to the Punamanō wetlands,” he adds.
Arriving at the Ki‘i Unit interpretive site at the same moment as a gentle rain shower, we take refuge in one of two interpretive shelters to look at a map depicting the extant units and the proposed expansion. A juvenile cane toad leaps onto the refuge map, curious to see what’s in the works to expand the protected areas, an unwitting example of the serious threats facing the birds inhabiting the refuge: invasive species. The list of threats is typical for Hawai‘i: predation by nonnative animals, invasive alien plants crowding out native plant species, and avian botulism. The koloa faces the rather unique threat of hybridization with feral mallards. A major management focus for the Refuge is to prevent predation of birds and their eggs by feral dogs, feral cats, mongooses, rats, and bullfrogs (who eat the chicks). On the habitat side, a variety of tools are used to control and eradicate invasive alien plants that can smother the wetlands, including prescribed burning. We examine a recently burned area surrounding an open wetland that stands in stark contrast to an adjacent weed-choked wetland before heading out to the dunes that will expand the Refuge into the marine realm.
“There’s nothing else like this on O‘ahu,” Dave explains as we walk up the crest of a dune and look out over a stunning seascape. “A relatively undeveloped stretch of coastal strand habitat is remarkable for such a heavily populated island.” Because access to the dunes and surrounding lands has been restricted for years, shorebirds, sea turtles, and monk seals have benefited from the site even though is has not been managed for wildlife. In 2009 there were three confirmed sea turtle nests and several monk seal sightings. The dunes could prove to be an important seabird nesting area in the future, particularly for mōlī (Laysan albatross). Past attempts by mōlī to recolonize were thwarted when dogs ate all the chicks.
As we retrace our steps back to the Refuge proper, Dave stops to chat with the young man who runs the traps along the fence demarking the coastal dune boundary, checking for unwanted predators. Trapping mongoose and rats is a year-round program, and recently feral pigs had been sighted at the Refuge boundary. A plump curlew perches on a fence post as it gazes out over the nearby wetlands, a testament to the constant vigilance that’s required to successfully manage this Refuge.
Back at the Ki‘i pavilion Dave points out that this is where school groups meet before walking out into the refuge to conduct outdoor classes and observe the wildlife. Starting in November, schools bring students to the James Campbell NWR to learn about native birds and their habitats as part of an environmental curriculum. From the third Saturday in October through the third Saturday in February, the Refuge is open to the public for wildlife viewing and photography. Additionally, guided interpretative tours are offered twice per week. For those seeking a more hands-on experience, the Refuge’s active volunteer program offers opportunities from beachside trash clean-ups to assistance with wildlife surveys and habitat management activities. The refuge also provides a worksite and activities for the Hawai‘i Youth Conservation Corps. The Refuge is closed during the rest of the year to protect ae‘o during their breeding season.
As we head back to the vehicle, Dave concedes that the biggest challenge his agency faces is balancing wildlife habitat with public enjoyment. The FWS has made a big push to reconnect people with nature without jeopardizing the primary purpose of the refuge complex: a system of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife and plants. Currently, the O‘ahu Complex is seeking public involvement in the development of a Comprehensive Conservation Plan for the James Campbell and Pearl Harbor National Wildlife Refuges. The Plan will provide a 15-yr planning window for the management of O‘ahu’s NWRs, including the James Campbell expansion. It will address known and anticipated management issues – such as sea-level rise due to global climate change and flood control for nearby town of Kahuku – and can be amended as the refuges expand and new information develops. A Draft Environmental Assessment is due out early in 2010, and planning updates are available online.
Leaving Ki‘i Unit, the raucous ae‘o calls fade into the distance and are replaced by the sounds of traffic. It’s almost inconceivable that this invaluable slice of coastal habitat lies between the highway and the sea. As we drive back toward Hale‘iwa in search of lunch, Dave emphasizes the necessity of strong public support for and involvement in fulfilling the National Wildlife Refuge Complex’s purpose. “Long term we cannot do it ourselves.”
For more information about the James Campbell & Pearl Harbor National Wildlife Refuges, contact:
David Ellis, Project Leader
O‘ahu National Wildlife Refuge Complex
66-590 Kamehameha Highway, Room 2C
Hale‘iwa, Hawai‘i 96712
(808) 637-6330
(808) 637-3578 Fax
http://www.fws.gov/jamescampbell
Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week – October 11-17, 2009
Did you know the Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge is celebrating its 100th birthday this year? Established in 1909 by Theodore Roosevelt's Executive Order 1019, the refuge covers the northwestern Hawaiian Islands, with the exception of Midway and Kure Atolls. Celebrating other anniversary dates this month are the Pearl Harbor NWR, established on October 17, 1972, and the Hakalau Forest NWR, established on October 28, 1985. National Wildlife Refuge Week is the perfect time to study up on these and other interesting facts about Hawai‘i Refuges. This year, National Wildlife Refuge Week focuses on the health of the world’s birds — especially those that depend on refuge lands and waters for nesting, foraging, wintering or as rest stops during their migrations. To find out how you can enjoy and support one of the Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuges near you, see this list of FWS refuges in Hawai‘i.
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Conservation Corner |
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Upcoming Events
October 21st: Visit the HCA booth at the Green Market on Fort Street Mall in downtown Honolulu for a chance to play our interactive native species games and win fun prizes. Wednesday, 10/21/09, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm.
October 24th: HCAF is co-sponsoring a free screening of “A Sea Change” to coincide with the International Day of Climate Action. The film, the first documentary about ocean acidification, depicts the journey of retired history teacher Sven Huseby on his quest to discover what is happening to the world’s oceans. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with Hawai‘i scientists and environmental leaders in the field of climate change and ocean acidification. For more information, contact kimo@350.org. Saturday, 10/24/09, 6-9pm at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Campus Center Ballroom, 2500 Campus Rd., Honolulu, HI 96822. Download flyers for screenings on Oahu, Maui, and Kauai.
October 28th: Join us for the launch of the “Natural Treasures of Hawai‘i” Free Lecture Series. Beginning in October of 2009, HCA in partnership with ING DIRECT will take you on a monthly exploration of the unique flora and fauna that inhabit the lands and seas of the Hawaiian archipelago. On the last Wednesday of each month, experts from HCA’s 15 member organizations will give 30-minute lectures about the places and native Hawaiian species they work to conserve and restore. Our first guest lecturer is Christian P. Giardina, PhD, research ecologist with the U.S. Forest Service Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry. His research focuses on understanding how global change will impact tropical forests and their restoration. Dr. Giardina will be presenting on Native Ecosystems and The Hawaiian Culture They Sustain: 21st Century Challenges & Solutions. Wednesday, 10/28/09, 5-7 pm at the ING DIRECT Café, 1958 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815, (808) 955-1435. Free parking in lot behind the Café!
November 14th*: Next month we invite you to partake in a very special “My Hawai‘i” Story Project celebration and fundraiser. The "My Hawai‘i” Story Project is an inspiring statewide outreach program developed by HCAF and the Pacific Writers’ Connection that provides a rare opportunity for middle school students to be published while also fostering environmental awareness in those who will be responsible for the future stewardship of these islands. ING DIRECT is hosting a fundraiser to support the 2010 "My Hawai‘i” Story Project on Saturday, November 14th, from 4:30-6:30 pm featuring readings by “My Hawai‘i” student authors, a silent auction, and a reception with live music and door prizes. Come to the ING DIRECT Café earlier in the day to explore exhibits from HCA member organizations, artists, and conservation related vendors. Saturday, 11/14/09, 10 am – 6:30 pm at the ING DIRECT Café, 1958 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815, (808) 955-1435. *Date changed to December 12, 2009.
Announcements
Calling all Graphic Artists, Designers, and Students! We need your help designing a logo for the 2010 Hawai‘i Conservation Conference! Next year’s conference theme is "Pacific Ecosystem Management and Restoration: Applying Traditional and Western Knowledge Systems." If your design is selected, it will be showcased on conference materials and you will receive a cash prize of $100 and free registration to the conference and other Conservation Week events (a value of over $300). Click here for contest rules. Deadline: Wednesday 12/9/09, 5 p.m.
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Volunteer Opportunities |
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The HCC 2010 Organizing Committee is seeking motivated volunteers to join us in developing the conference program and content. If the theme "Pacific Ecosystem Management and Restoration: Applying Traditional and Western Knowledge Systems" sparks your interest then this is the perfect opportunity to get involved with organizing the largest gathering in Hawai‘i of conservation professionals, students, and interested members of the public.
The HCA and HCAF are seeking enthusiastic volunteers to assist with developing graphic presentations and materials, create short web videos and slideshows about the HCA, and to assist with fundraising.
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Mahalo Ā Nui |
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To our Hawai‘i Conservation Conference and Conservation Week Sponsors:
Hawaiian Electric Company
ING DIRECT
Hagadone Printing Company
The Wildlife Society Hawai‘i Chapter
NOAA Climate Test Bed
The Nature Conservancy Hawai‘i
Sunetric
Honolulu Weekly
HCC Conference Organizing Committee
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HCC 2009 Volunteers:
This year we had 71 volunteers contribute 1,280 hours of their valuable time.
Without you the conference would not be possible. Mahalo!
And all of you who attended the conference. We hope to see you again next year!
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Donate Now to support native ecosystem conservation in Hawai‘i.
For more information about the HCAF please call 808-587-0061.
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Hawaii Conservation Alliance Web site
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© Hawaii Conservation Alliance 2006, all rights reserved.
This web-portal was developed by generous support from the Muriel Macfarlane Flanders Fund, January 2006
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