Green v7#1 - Jan/Feb/March 2015 by Green Magazine Hawaii: Hawaii's Sustainable Living Magazine

IS LNG RIGHT FOR HAWAI‘I?

POISONED PARADISE

HO‘OKELE SCHOOL

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY CELEBRATES 35 YEARS IN HAWAI‘I

greenmagazinehawaii.com JAN/FEB/MAR 2015

Vol. 7 #1

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CONTENTS VOLUME 7 NUMBER 1 // JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015

FEATURES _________________________________________________________________________

16 THE NATURE CONSERVANCY

A photo essay celebrating 35 years of conservation

28 AT SEA WITH LNG

Is liquefied natural gas a bridge to nowhere?

34 WAIKAMOI PRESERVE

A private nature reserve on Maui becomes the largest in the state

BUILD + DESIGN __________________________________________________________________

Ho‘okele The Navigator Hawai‘i’s school of the future sets a course for sustainable education

NOW __________________________________________________________________

38 42 43 44

O‘ahu Maui Kaua‘i Big Island

PEOPLE ____________________________________________________

Bernice Fielding on bioswales and rain gardens

Maile Sacarob Woodhall on selecting seeds

U.S. Green Building Council Hawai‘i Chapter President Jason Selley

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24 POISONED PARADISE Seeking answers from Hawai‘i’s GMO industry

2015 Camry XSE shown

New striking style

Safety technology to help you drive with confidence Available Blind Spot Monitor1 with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.2

Prominent grille and commanding stance Wireless charging 3 Camry’s available wireless phone charging system lets you charge up your Qi-compatible device.

Build yours at ToyotaHawaii.com or drive it at your Toyota Hawaii Dealer. † Toyota Hawaii Care is complimentary with any new Toyota vehicle purchased. Covers normal factory-scheduled service for 2 years or 20,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Subject to change without notice. Toyota vehicle may not be part of a rental or commercial/government fleet or a taxi vehicle. See a Toyota Hawaii Dealer for additional details. 1 Available on select 2015 Camry XSE and XLE models. Do not rely exclusively on the Blind Spot Monitor. Always look over your shoulder and use your turn signal. There are several limitations to the function, detection, range and clarity of the monitor. For a complete list of limitations and directions regarding use of the monitor, please see the Owner’s Manual. 2 Available on 2015 Camry XSE and XLE models. Do not rely exclusively on the Rear Cross-Traffic Alert system. Always look over your shoulder and use your mirrors to confirm rear clearance. There are limitations to the function, detection, range and clarity of the system. To learn more, see the Owner’s Manual. 3 Available on select 2015 Camry XSE and XLE models. Qi wireless charging may not be compatible with all mobile phones, MP3/WMA players and like models.

Published by Element Media, Inc. VOLUME 7 :: NUMBER 1 :: JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 Publishers Jamie & Naomi Giambrone Associate Publisher E. S. Adler Account Executive Bonnie Kish Managing Editor Kevin Whitton, kevin@elementmediahi.com Copy Editor Lauren McNally Contributing Writers Edward Huls, Lindsey Kesel, Alyssa S. Navares Myers, Grady Timmons, Tara Zirker Art Director Keith Usher Contributing Photographers Dave Miyamoto, Kevin Whitton Administration Kathy Bell, Sally Shaner Publishers’ Assistant Chelsea Tsuchida Advertising Inquiries Elise Adler, esadler@elementmediahi.com Bonnie Kish, bonnie@elementmediahi.com Editorial Advisory Board Mike Fairall, Dr. Jack Kittinger, Jeff Mikulina, Nicole Milne Subscribe and read online at greenmagazinehawaii.com. Contact Element Media at 1088 Bishop Street, Suite 1130, Honolulu, HI 96813; 808.737.8711. Follow Green at facebook.com/GreenMagazineHawaii and Twitter @greenmaghawaii. Green Magazine Hawai‘i is a quarterly publication available through subscription, direct-mail program and bookstores throughout Hawai‘i. The views expressed within Green Magazine Hawai‘i do not necessarily reflect the opinions of management and ownership. Green Magazine Hawai‘i may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Correction: In the October/ November/December 2014 issue, “Hawaii Ecotourism Association’s 2014 Sustainble Tour Operator of the Year” was written by Chris Barzman.

ON THE COVER The Nature Conservancy protects marine environments as well as terrestrial areas. In 2000, the Conservancy purchased Palmyra Atoll, a national marine monument, wildlife refuge and an international center for the scientific study of climate change, coral reefs and island conservation. Cover Photo: Tim Calvers

Now Online See the complete Nature Conservancy gallery of images celebrating 35 years in Hawai‘i at GreenMagazineHawaii.com.

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t h e p e r f e c t pa i r . on waikiÂŻkiÂŻ beach at the royal hawaiian a luxury collection resort

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EDITOR’S NOTE

MAKING LEMONADE

Illustration: Kevin Whitton

The waves are small, chest to head high, but the conditions are beautiful—light offshore winds, sunny skies, crystal-clear water and round little barrels peeling down V-land’s sharp, shallow reef. North Shore resident and iconic surfer Pete Johnson paddles into a little screamer, pulls in for a quick cover up, then blasts a turn on the shoulder. Spray flies into the air. He paddles back out and sits up on his board next to me. “Hey Pete. How’s it going?” “Good. Fun little waves,” he says. “How’s the magazine?” “Going great, the issues keep coming.” “Hey,” he says, eager to share what’s on his mind. “Did you notice all the white spots on the reef?” There are light blue and white polka dots scattered over the reef, right under our feet. From the surface, they look about the size of a soccer ball or basketball. I thought it was just pockets of sand in the reef. “The coral bleached,” Pete continues. “It’s all over the reef. And it’s worse at Backyards.” “It’s so shallow over there, I bet the water’s even a few degrees warmer than here,” I concur. We chat about the extent of the damage the unseasonably warm water caused along North Shore reefs all the way to Mokulē‘ia until a few waves pop up on the horizon and steal our attention. While it was near impossible to ignore the stifling air temperatures in the high 80s and low 90s during August, September and October last year, you might not have been aware that, close to shore, the water temperature was hovering in that same range. For almost two months, sea surface temperatures in Kāne‘ohe Bay were hanging tough around 86 degrees and Laniākea is said to have jumped into the low 90s. The coral bleaching event that had gripped North Shore reefs, leaving local surfers wondering what was happening to their home breaks, was also affecting windward O‘ahu reefs to a much greater extent, most severely from the north end of Kāne‘ohe Bay to Waimānalo. According to researchers from the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources and the Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology, about 70 percent of all corals surveyed on the windward side were showing signs of coral bleaching. They are calling it the most significant bleaching event in recorded history. Pristine reefs untouched by the hand of man, however, like those surrounding Hawai‘i’s island neighbor Palmyra, have a different reaction to coral bleaching. During this same time period, Palmyra also experienced elevated sea surface temperatures and coral bleaching, though not to the extent seen on the windward side of O‘ahu. Researchers say that the coral colonies surrounding Palmyra will bounce back much more quickly, in months instead of the years they’re predicting for O‘ahu’s hardest-hit reefs. The conditions we’ve created in Kāne‘ohe Bay—water pollution, excessive sediment and invasive algae—add a stress level to the corals that will more than likely cause a slow return to low levels of health or, worse case scenario, coral death. In the face of this terrible news for local reefs, many people may feel that the damage is done and there’s nothing left to do. But science has a keen way of extracting the emotion from an event and finding logical explanations to understand the many facets of a problem. At a press briefing at He‘eia Small Boat Harbor in early October, one researcher exclaimed that what really interested her about the bleaching event was not the reasons it was happening, but how and why 30 percent of the corals escaped unscathed. Now that’s making lemonade out of lemons. —Kevin Whitton

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Photo: Hawaii State Department of Eduction

BUILD + DESIGN

HO‘OKELE THE NAVIGATOR

Hawai‘i’s school of the future sets a course for sustainable education BY LINDSEY KESEL According to the Center for Ecoliteracy, an estimated 55 million students spend their days in schools that are “too often unhealthy, restrict their ability to learn, require unsustainable amounts of resources to construct and maintain and contribute substantially to environmental problems such as pollution and climate change.” A green-designed, high-performance elementary school in Kapolei is turning the tables on conventional learning facility limitations. Meet Ho‘okele, the Hawai‘i Department of Education’s first new school built in a single phase using the design-build procurement. Unofficially referred to as Kapolei II Elementary during initial construction, the $38.3 million school was renamed Ho‘okele by a committee of educators and community members. Translated as “wayfinder” or “navigator,” Ho‘okele is a pioneer project and possibly the most responsible, intelligent, environmentally-friendly school ever built in Hawai‘i. From the decision to involve the community in the ambitious planning stages to the solar and wind energy it could generate, this school

is a model of conscious collaboration. Located across from Kapolei High School, Ho‘okele will host up to 750 students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade starting in July of 2015. Construction is expected to conclude in April. The 12-acre campus will house seven buildings surrounding a central courtyard—including a library, cafeteria and a dedicated arts and sciences building—with an impressive 122,000 square feet of outdoor physical education space. The school will also feature a 21st century learning environment—one of four support systems developed by the Partnership for 21st Century Skills, a national organization that aims to provide students with learning practices, human support and physical environments that will support the teaching and learning of 21st century skill outcomes. Last October, the Hawai‘i Department of Education completed a draft environmental assessment detailing findings that Ho‘okele’s construction will have “no significant negative impact on the environment.” But there’s so much more to this school than a light footprint, starting with the collective intention behind its design. The school’s preliminary design was guided by the beliefs and values of the students, educators, teachers, administrators and organizations in the community, allowing form to follow function. The request for qualifications packet the Department of Education submitted to the State Procurement Office seeking construction approval described the school’s progressive vision as “nurturing a community of leaders, dreamers, explorers and global thinkers for a brighter future.” A task force and steering committee were created to guide the school’s

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BUILD + DESIGN development, with the aim of establishing a dynamic place of learning rich in technology where students could explore their creativity, learn 21st century skills like communication and critical thinking and gain valuable knowledge through exploratory curriculum, all in a caring and supportive environment. Student representatives from area schools also contributed their input on the types of learning environments that promote engagement and spark genuine interest. Charged with the task of having the school ready by mid-2015, project manager Damon Gray and design manager Sherman Wong of Kiewit Building Group needed to think efficiently from the time the project was green-lighted after Governor Abercrombie released the funding last June. With a track record of successful leadership in Hawai‘i’s sustainable construction movement, Kiewit joined forces with NAC Architecture and KYA Design Group to carry out a design-build project execution that would transform the Ho‘okele blueprints into a 21st century school. By coordinating the ownership, design and construction teams,

“

preservation, stewardship and strategic management of resources throughout the campus. A separate water source will tap into Kapolei’s recycled water to irrigate the playing fields, significantly minimizing the school’s use of potable water. Rainwater will be channeled into outdoor learning garden areas and landscaped bioswales—a type of natural filter that pulls silt and pollution from runoff water—to capture toxins in the vegetation before the water trickles into the ground or the city’s drainage system. The facility will also feature HVAC systems that run off of a campus-wide condenser water loop, where the water supply is set at a higher temperature. High-efficiency, water-cooled air conditioning units throughout the campus will translate into significantly less energy use compared to conventional air-cooled or chilled water systems. The campus’s “smart lighting” strategy will integrate daylight sensors, occupancy sensors and zoned lighting to allow adjustments to student workspaces, shaving excess energy consumption without sacrificing functionality. Ho‘okele will not only avoid negatively impacting its surroundings

We are all schoolmasters, and our schoolhouse is the universe. To attend chiefly to the

”

desk or schoolhouse while we neglect the scenery in which it is placed is absurd.

—Henry David Thoreau, “Walden”

green-focused solutions could be seamlessly integrated into an advanced educational framework poised to outperform conventionally built schools. The team used an integrated project delivery strategy—a method of expedited decision making to reduce waste and optimize efficiency—to ensure all of the sustainability goals were met. “Though the decisionmaking process required extra coordination, each partner was extremely valuable, and collaboration with facility managers from other schools in the area helped to identify design priorities that would affect the operability of the buildings,” says Sharon Tom, senior vice president and Hawai‘i area manager for Kiewit, about the school’s extremely fast-paced design process and the integral role of teamwork. Ho‘okele is being forged according to the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED for Schools 2009 rating system to achieve LEED Silver certification. Prudent waste management practices are diverting 50 percent of the rubbish created during construction from local landfills. The school will radiate responsibility by consistently minimizing energy consumption, incorporating renewable energy sources, providing daylighting, reducing water usage and incorporating native landscaping and on-site bioretention. According to Duane Kashiwai, the Department of Education’s public works administrator in the Facilities Department who is overseeing construction of Ho‘okele, this “smart school” will benefit the community immensely, specifically through reduced energy consumption, lower operating costs and an overall smaller environmental footprint, both during development and throughout the life of the facility. In particular, he says students will feel the direct rewards of the green-centric design; the school's environment is highly responsive to the needs of the occupants without wasting energy in the process. Ho‘okele’s architecture, planning and development hinge on

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but also being groomed to actually generate energy. The design-build team has been working with OpTerra Energy Sources—the contractor selected by the Department of Education to develop the state’s Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Master Plan—to maximize energygenerating potential on campus. All buildings are being equipped with the ability to add photovoltaic systems to the rooftops and, after the campus is fully operational, OpTerra will coordinate with Hawaiian Electric Company to assess energy consumption and consider the feasibility of power-generating components. Kiewit is also working on engineering solar canopy structures over the parking areas and wind turbine structures are a possibility in the near future. Net Zero Energy Building Certification is likely once Ho‘okele's energy-production potential is tapped. The buildings’ electrical systems are being prepped to easily adapt to multiple types of energy-creation technologies and the school’s data center will run on its own “cold-aisle cooling” system, another feature that conserves energy while optimizing performance. “Sustainability awareness is one of the greatest benefits that a net-zero campus presents to all who attend or visit Ho‘okele,” says Department of Education Communications Director Donalyn Dela Cruz, about the powerful effect Ho‘okele could have on the public as a net-zero school. The school’s energy-saving technologies offer immediate sustainability lessons that will create a foundation for our young students to share and carry on for the rest of their lives. In that sense, this school is creating positive change for their school community and the community at large.” The Center for Green Schools, a program of the U.S. Green Building Council, asserts that eco-conscious design creates healthier learning environments through measures like optimized classroom acoustics, integrated daylighting and improved air quality via ventilation and

Rendering: Kiewit

intuitive temperature control. Not only do these green buildings enhance the students’ learning abilities by keeping them healthy, attentive and present, eco-conscious structures also offer invaluable opportunities to apply hands-on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) concepts as they apply to the facility and community. At Ho‘okele, the student experience will be anchored by principles of sustainability that give each individual room to experiment with innovative solutions and collaborate on new and more responsible methods. Using a project-based, experiential teaching style, educators will share a curriculum that promotes engagement with the natural world, teaches students the value of their environment and allows them to practice daily conserevation. The campus layout will foster collaborative problem solving through strategic learning spaces that encourage interaction. Learning neighborhoods for each grade level are being built around alliance spaces called learning hubs, which encourage exploration beyond the traditional teacher-led classroom. Students and educators will have the opportunity to control

and monitor the school’s energy consumption with the help of a comprehensive dashboard, which presents real-time feedback on how the various energy systems are performing. Students can regularly evaluate the integration of the built and natural environment and promote synergy through exercises like tracking utility cost savings, comparing energy usage with other schools, workshopping new ideas for saving energy and discussing the local and global impacts of energy usage. By incorporating

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BUILD + DESIGN assessments of resource use into class projects, involving students in energy audits and creating plans for new programs and facilities, teachers and administrators can guide students to acknowledge the impact they have on the environment. These ongoing energy measurement and supportive activities will ingrain in students the necessity of an eco-conscious mindset. Young minds will be given opportunities to apply critical thinking to create sustainable solutions on campus and imagine applications in universal scenarios. Comparative studies support the assumption that green schools produce a healthier bottom line and healthier, happier students. Ho‘okele’s green engineering and progressive features will likely reduce energy costs and improve a student’s ability to focus through better air quality and natural lighting, with broad potential benefits like improved productivity, lower operations and maintenance costs, reduced insurance and risk-related costs and even fewer sick days for teachers and students. “Exposure to net-zero energy buildings, specifically at the school level, provides the next generation opportunities to explore and assess models of self-sufficiency, which will hopefully shift mindsets and foster behavior changes that become instinctive,” says U.S. Green Building Council Hawai‘i Green Schools Committee Chair Melanie Wong. Whether or not Ho‘okele achieves net-zero status, it’s clear that this state-of-the-art school designed to respect the environment and the people within its walls will have a positive impact. Through its earth-conscious conception and by operating with eco-friendly practices, Ho‘okele will inspire island communities to become more mindful of the natural environment and expose young minds to revolutionary concepts of sustainability.

CONSERVATION IS KEY IN SUSTAINABLE DESIGN Here’s how Ho‘okele is conserving its energy and water output: Efficient lighting combines highefficiency linear and compact fluorescent lighting fixtures, LED parking lot lighting and occupancy and daylight sensing controls. The superior HVAC system design includes high-efficiency, water-cooled air conditioning units, variable speed pumping systems, high-reflectance roof membranes and integrated building management control systems. The low-flow plumbing fixtures will save thousands of gallons of water a day and water-efficient irrigation uses zero potable water.

Special low-flow design on urinals, sinks and lavatories will contribute to a

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in potable water consumption. 10

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BUILD + DESIGN

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ventilation and cooling for the entire home and feature the best warranty in the industry. While the fans remove pet dander, odors, germs, smoke and VOC gases, they can also save homeowners up to 90 percent on air conditioning bills. The savings also include a $75 rebate from Hawaii Energy. Velux natural lighting solutions offer a wide variety of affordable, high-performance lighting solutions that bring daylight into interior spaces and improve indoor air quality. Velux fresh air skylights significantly reduce the need for electricity lighting and are also eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit. Clipper Creek EV charging stations are a perfect marriage for those with solar panels. RevoluSun has chosen to install the workhorse of the industry, Clipper Creek, which has universal stations compatible with any electric vehicle on the market. As an Alarm.com dealer, RevoluSun advanced home automation and security offers energy management, home automation, video monitoring, keyless entry codes and locks and motion sensors. IntelliFlo variable speed pumps lead the way in poolside savings with electricity bill reductions of up to $1,500 a year, energy savings up to 90 percent over traditional pumps, dramatically quieter operation, variable speeds and built-in timers to assure optimum efficiency. “Solar is just one way to make our homes more energyefficient,” says Chief Innovation Officer Eric Carlson. “We can help homeowners save in a variety of utility costs. We will be continuously adding to the Smart Home offerings and will hold

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GR E E N M A G A Z I N E H AWA II.C O M

BY GRADY TIMMONS

A History of Protection

The Nature Conservancy Celebrates 35 Years in Hawaiʻi The Nature Conservancy has been active in Hawai‘i since the late 1960s, when Charles Lindberg and Laurence Rockefeller spearheaded a $1 million drive to purchase upper Kïpahulu Valley on Maui and donate it to Haleakalä National Park. The organization established an ongoing program in the islands in 1980, operating as a small, struggling non-profit. When the organization acquired its first preserve on Moloka‘i in 1982, the preserve manager was its sole staff member, working out of an old tool shed and making do with a donated Ford truck and a borrowed backpack. This year, The Nature Conservancy celebrates its 35th anniversary in Hawai‘i with a staff of 85, an annual budget of $11 million and programs on five islands as well as Palmyra Atoll, 1,000 miles south of Hawai‘i. Thanks to its many supporters and partners, it also has an impressive record of accomplishments benefitting both nature and the community. The Conservancy’s mission is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Using a collaborative, non-confrontational, science-based approach, it has established a statewide system of preserves that protects Hawai‘i’s spectacular natural diversity. The Conservancy has also helped create new federal wildlife refuges, worked to expand national parks, forged dynamic partnerships to protect our most important watershed forests and coral reefs and led efforts to stem the tide of invasive species entering the state. In total, it has helped protect more than 200,000 acres of the islands’ natural lands and waters. The pages that follow highlight a selection of those accomplishments. They illustrate how, 35 years after opening its doors in the islands, The Nature Conservancy has become Hawai‘i’s largest and most successful private conservation organization.

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In 2000, the Conservancy purchased Palmyra Atoll, a spectacular marine wilderness area located 1,000 miles south of Hawaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;i. Today, Palmyra is a national marine monument, wildlife refuge and an international center for the scientific study of climate change, coral reefs and island conservation. Photo: Tim Calvers 18

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In 1982, the Conservancy established its first Hawaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;i preserve at Kamakou on Molokaâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;i. The 2,774-acre preserve protects a primeval rain forest that is a primary source of water for the island and a habitat for native forest birds, insects and tree snails. Photo: Rikki Cooke

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In 2003, the Conservancy negotiated purchase of the 116,000-acre Kahuku Ranch on Hawaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;i Island for Hawaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;i Volcanoes National Park. The purchase was the largest land conservation transaction in state history and increased the size of the park by almost 50 percent. Photo: Adriel Helsey

In 2009, the Conservancy worked with Resource Mapping Hawaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;i to develop an aerial camera system that can map invasive weeds across entire forest landscapes. On Kauaâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;i, the technology has already been used to identify and remove more than 4,000 Australian tree ferns. Photo: Chad Riley GREENMAGAZINEHAWAII.COM

In 1999, the Conservancy acquired the first of three adjacent parcels that make up its 8,081-acre Kona Hema Preserve. Kona Hema was the Conservancy’s first Hawai‘i Island preserve and is home to the world’s largest known koa tree. Photo: Phil Spalding III

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In 2005, the Conservancy partnered with the state and the Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology to develop and launch the Super Sucker, a revolutionary underwater vacuum that sucks invasive algae off coral reefs. Today, the Conservancy and the state are using the vacuums to clear invasive seaweed from windward O‘ahu’s Käne‘ohe Bay. Photo: Christopher Spezzano

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POISONED PARADISE

SEEKING ANSWERS FROM HAWAI‘I’S GMO INDUSTRY By Alyssa S. Navares Myers When flying into Lihue, it’s likely you will be greeted with more than warm weather. Signs welcoming visitors to a “poisoned paradise” can be seen along the highway, a striking contrast to the backdrop of verdant Mount Wai‘ale‘ale. They’re a reminder that Hawai‘i continues to be on the front lines of a global food fight over the research and testing of genetically modified organisms. The current debate, however, is not necessarily about the food itself, but about the associated pesticides sprayed on the produce, specifically near schools and homes. Agrichemical corporations say the community has nothing to worry about and point out that their operations bring in huge amounts of money and jobs for the state. It’s true; these companies do provide jobs for a fraction of Hawai‘i residents, but this issue involves a much larger population. As awareness grows, more and more people are demanding to know what’s going in their air, soil and water.

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Photo: Alyssa S. Navares Myers

Sadly, because Hawai‘i is ground zero for GMO research, it has become one of the most toxic chemical environments in American agriculture, hosting more outdoor field tests than any other state in the nation according to the Hawaii Center for Food Safety. Not much is known about where, how frequently or in what quantities pesticides are applied, which is why island communities have resorted to legal action for answers. It has been a frustrating process. Instead of getting answers, the concerned citizens have been sued. This trend begs the question, what are biotech companies so unwilling to say?

companies have always worked closely with Maui County’s government to be as transparent “as possible about their operations.” Yet the possibility of transparency is limited. In a pending Kaua‘i County lawsuit, biotech companies argue that disclosing pesticide regimens would force them to reveal “trade secrets” and put them at risk of “commercial espionage.” Citizens are left wondering, what’s more important: commercial espionage or people’s health? Despite the powerful opposition, Mercy Ritte is prepared to fight. The 30-year-old mother of three lives downwind from

MONSANTO v. MAUI COUNTY

“GMO farming operations make up only one percent of the nearly 900 registered farms on Maui and no family farmers would be affected by the moratorium.” The recent passage of a GMO moratorium for Maui County is the latest example of how lawsuits trump transparency yet again. The measure passed 50 percent to 48 percent in the 2014 general elections and defied all odds against the opposition’s historic $8 million in campaign spending. The measure immediately halts genetically engineered crop production until the county conducts environmental and public health impact assessments. But even before supporters could revel in their success, Monsanto announced its intent to challenge the bill in court on the grounds of it being “legally flawed.” Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa has echoed this concern. A week after the announcement, moratorium drafters fired back, surprising everyone when they filed suit against Maui County to ensure the law is implemented. At time of press, both lawsuits were still pending. Tom Blackburn-Rodriguez, spokesperson for Citizens Against the Maui County Initiative, says they’ve been educating the community “on the misleading nature of the initiative and the serious negative consequences.” He explained that biotech

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Monsanto’s fields on Moloka‘i. But it wasnt until her son got sick after a heavy dust storm that she started to worry, naming pesticides as the culprit. “It’s not an option for us to leave our home,” she explains. “This is where my roots are and I will continue to fight for the health and safety of my children and Moloka‘i until my very last breath.” This commitment to having a safer home in Hawai‘i led her to create The Mom Hui, a network of mothers across the state concerned with Hawai‘i’s GMO industry. What has plagued the island the most, she points out, is the division of its people, which has pitted neighbor against neighbor and turned friends into foes. The opposition to the moratorium has called it a ban on farming that will lead to the loss of more than 650 jobs in Maui County and be a detriment to Hawai‘i’s $243 million seed industry. But members of the Sustainable Hawaiian Agriculture for the Keiki and the Aina Movement, or SHAKA, argue that GMO farming operations make up only one percent of the nearly 900 registered farms on Maui and that no family farmers would

be affected by the moratorium. Contrary to what was said in the “anti-farming ban” commercials that aired in the months before the election, the initiative does not “criminalize” all farmers, just those knowingly growing GMOs, says Ritte. It is one of several myths about the moratorium she hopes to clear up. This propaganda, as many have called it, is what succeeded in dividing a community that really should be coming together over these issues. Rather than fighting about hypotheticals like job loss, Hawai‘i residents should be asking about the effects these companies’ practices have on their health and environment and if they are worth the momentary monetary gain. Despite repeated efforts to contact Monsanto about these issues, the company did not respond for an interview. Hawai‘i has seen many “firsts” in the debate over GMOs. The Maui County moratorium was the county’s first-ever citizeninitiated bill. SHAKA collected over 9,000 signatures to add it to the 2014 election ballot. Over on Kaua‘i, the county council passed the first local law in the United States regulating the cultivation of existing GMO crops. However, a federal court judge ruled the law invalid in August 2014 after determining that state laws preempted the county law. At time of press, two separate appeals have since been filed in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court. The law would have required disclosure of pesticides and created no-spray buffer zones near schools, homes and medical facilities, many of which share fence lines with GMO companies. Testimony submitted by science policy analyst Bill Freese of the Center for Food Safety posits that a major concern is pesticide drift, which, he says, “is known to happen even when all rules are followed.” Drift may occur during application, especially when winds exceed 10 miles per hour, which is often the case in Hawai‘i. Some pesticides may even drift for days to months after application. According to sales records from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, atrazine is a popular pesticide used by Hawai‘i seed corn growers. Beyond its drifting tendencies, it’s known to be a common contaminant of ground, surface and drinking water. On Kaua‘i, atrazine in runoff water is suspected to be a major cause of

SERVING CHEMICAL COCKTAILS ON KAUA‘I

“On Kaua‘i, more than 80 chemicals are sprayed on crops, 22 of which are restricted-use pesticides.” the dying coral reefs on the island’s north shore. In response to these suspicions, biotech companies point out that the United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency tightly regulate their operations. But Freese warns that people should not always rely on the EPA for protection from pesticide hazards. "The EPA assesses risks from exposure to only one active ingredient [in pesticides] at a time,” explains Freese. “In the real world, we are exposed to multiple pesticides.” On Kaua‘i, more than 80 chemicals are sprayed on crops, 22 of which are restricted-use pesticides. That means there could be more than a trillion different chemical combinations, says Dr. Lorrin Pang, who works for Maui County’s Department of Health but speaks as a private citizen. “It’s impossible to test the side effects of all those combinations, but it doesn’t mean there isn’t a risk,” he says. If the EPA’s research doesn’t aptly reflect these health effects, then why is so much riding on their opinions? Mystery chemical combinations aside, the fact remains that many of these pesticides are proven to have harmful effects on the environment and people’s health. Still, the government seems to have turned a blind eye on these hazards, which is why so many are concerned. While the debate over GMOs continues to polarize the state, the pot continues to boil over with unanswered questions. Those seeking answers say that, with history on their side, it’s only a matter of time before they gain access to information they need to protect their keiki and the ‘äina. Whether from the EPA or the biotech companies, these communities deserve this information and not the misinformation they’ve been fed thus far.

GMO BAN UPDATE As of mid-December 2014, Hawaii County Council voted 5-4 to pursue an appeal of a judge’s ruling that a county law banning GMO agriculture is superseded by state law. On Maui, authors of the GMO ban succeeded in intervening in a federal lawsuit challenging the measure and can file their own motions and respond to motions filed by the plaintiffs.

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Illustration: Keith Usher

AT SEA 28

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Is liquefied natural gas a bridge to nowhere and why does Hawai‘i want more of it?

B Y T I F FA N Y H E RV E Y

WITH LNG Energy consumption in Hawai‘i is almost entirely petroleum-based because of the state’s physical isolation and lack of indigenous fossil fuel resources. Residential electricity prices on the islands have been three to five times the average residential prices of electricity on the mainland in recent years. Hawai‘i’s unique energy challenge is one of necessary change. Do we continue to seek out fossil fuels or do we find a way to harness energy sources like the ever-shining sun and blowing trade winds? Do we spend money on fossil fuel transport and infrastructure or on upgrading our grids and battery storage technology to harness Hawai‘i’s abundant renewable energy? The power utilities claim it’s not that simple. They say we need to rely on fossil fuels as dependable energy sources until renewable energy is more reliable and easier to store. Hawai‘i’s utilities are planning a shift from oil to liquefied natural gas, or LNG, but is this truly a step in the direction of cleaner, sovereign energy?

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MEET LNG

LNG’S DIRTY SECRET In the documentary Gasland, Josh Fox receives a letter from a natural gas company offering to lease his family’s land in Milanville, Pennsylvania for $100,000 to drill for gas. Fox set out to see how communities were being affected in the west, where a natural gas drilling boom as a result of fracking had been underway for the last decade. Fox spent time with citizens in their homes and on their land as they relayed their stories of natural gas drilling in Pennsylvania, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and Texas. He spoke with residents who were experiencing a variety of chronic health problems directly traceable to contamination of their air, water wells and surface water. The federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 contained a provision that has come to be known as the “Halliburton Loophole,” an exemption for gas drilling and extraction from requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Similar exemptions exist under the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act and five other federal acts. The companies are essentially exempt from disclosing the chemicals used during hydraulic fracturing and allowed to inject known hazardous materials—unchecked—directly into or adjacent to underground drinking water supplies. Essentially, this provision took the Environmental Protection Agency and any other state regulation off the job. “Hydraulic fracturing can lead to earthquakes, groundwater and freshwater contamination and the emission of greenhouse gases through leaks at the drill site, former capped and uncapped wells and through soil seepage in oil field regions,” says Executive Director of Life of the Land Henry Curtis. “Natural gas exploration is going through a Wild West type of process where there is little regulation, giant loopholes and large sums of money. It is a recipe for disaster.” Proponents of LNG point out that the fuel emits 45 percent less CO2 than coal and 30 percent less than oil. However, the super-cooling process that turns fossil fuel Photo: Hawaii Gas

Liquefied natural gas is a natural gas that is cooled into liquid form at -260° Fahrenheit and then stored at atmospheric pressure, which reduces its volume by about 600 percent (like reducing the volume of a beach ball to that of a ping-pong ball). This allows LNG to be transported internationally via cargo ships. Once delivered to its destination, LNG is warmed back into its original gaseous state so that it can be used just like existing synthetic natural gas supplies across the residential, commercial and industrial sectors for heating and cooling homes, cooking, generating electricity and manufacturing. LNG is also being used to fuel heavy-duty vehicles. Natural gas, from which LNG is made, is obtained via two methods: drilling gas wells in conventional natural gas fields and hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, in shale gas fields. Enormous deposits of shale gas have recently been discovered in the Marcellus field extending across large sections of Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York and throughout British Columbia, but shale gas requires a much more aggressive method of collection since it is buried deep in the earth under many layers of shale. Much of the United State’s recent increase in natural gas production has been a result of fracking in shale gas fields. Fracking is a relatively new technology that has become quite controversial. According to fracking developer the Halliburton Company, here is how the process works: “It starts with a good bit of water and a lot of sand. Mix those two together, apply a couple thousand pounds of pressure, and introduce them to a reservoir several thousand feet below, often with the help of a small percentage of additives that aid in delivering that solution

down the hatch. “Then physics takes over. The force of the water creates a network of tiny fissures in the impermeable rock. The flow of water acts as a delivery mechanism for the sand, which finds its way into those newly created cracks and holds them open. This creates passageways through which the previously trapped natural gas can travel to get to the wellbore. The fracturing process is now finished; on average, it takes three to ten days to complete. The operator then removes the water, clearing the way for the newly stimulated well to produce energy for the next 20, 30, 40, even 50 years.”

Once LNG arrives in Hawai‘i it is regasified and injected into the synthetic natural gas distribution pipeline. 30

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vapor into LNG requires an immense amount of energy—so much, in fact, that LNG’s lifecycle can be as dirty as coal. LNG also emits carbon dioxide when burned and contains 80 to 95 percent methane, a potent greenhouse gas. While utilities see LNG as a bridge fuel that Hawai‘i can use until renewable energy technology becomes cost-effective, LNG opponents say this is a mistake. “It is what the existing energy monopolies want because it works for them right now,” contends Robert Petricci, a small business owner, farmer and grassroots organizer who helped found the Puna Pono Alliance, which banned fracking on Hawai‘i Island to protect ground water, prevent seismic events and protect the communities from the toxic gasses released by proposed geothermal plants. “In the bigger picture beyond special interest and Hawai‘i politics, we have universities, corporations and countries around the world racing to bring clean green energy to market. With trillions up for grabs, these innovations are happening on a global scale faster than most people understand. LNG would hold us back. It would take us in the wrong direction. Building more dirty, centralized power plants may benefit corporate bottom lines, but it would hurt our people, our state and our planet.” Sierra Club Hawai‘i wants the state of Hawai‘i to produce an environmental impact statement before continuing down the LNG path. The organization contents that the argument that LNG is cost-effective and will lower people’s electricity rates remains to be proven. “It is based on assumptions that LNG would remain cheap compared to oil and less carbon-intensive than coal,” states Sierra Club Hawai‘i’s Chair Scott Glenn. Whether or not LNG produces as much greenhouse gas pollution as coal, increased use of any fossil fuel is not consistent with mitigating climate change. The International Energy Agency recently did a study considering the increase of LNG and gas use due to the gas boom, determining that it would result in a 3.5° Celsius temperature increase, further exacerbating climate change.

CONSUMER COST VS. ENVIRONMENT COST Petroleum has long been a traditional fuel for Hawai‘i for logistical reasons. President of Hawaii Shippers’ Council Mike Hansen refers to the islands as stranded markets—island economies without access to natural gas via pipeline. “Hawai‘i is an anomaly as approximately 70 percent of the state’s electric power production is oil-fired,” he says. “In comparison, nationwide, less than one percent is oil-fired and, worldwide, it’s approximately 5.5 percent. However, this reliance on petroleum liquids is no longer cost effective due to the significant increase in crude petroleum oil pricing.” Throughout North America there has been a significant switch from coal- and petroleum-fired power production to natural gas in recent years. This change is largely the result of falling prices for natural gas, the need to comply with new emissions regulations

and the availability of natural gas through the gas pipeline system that covers much of the continent. According to a recent study by Colorado-based think tank HIS, natural gas prices are likely to stay relatively low for at least the next 20 years, with a longterm annual average price around four dollars per million British thermal units. Rita Beale, IHS senior director of power, gas, coal and renewables, stated in a February 2014 CNBC report that the United States has 900 trillion cubic feet of gas that can be recovered for four dollars or less. Petricci argues that touting LNG as cheap is misleading and out of context. “They do not take into account the economic damage in ruining aquifers and further greenhouse gas cost to the planet,” he says. “The environmental cost of fracking to ground water is unacceptable. Fracking is not sustainable and the damage to the surrounding communities only benefits corporations that provide energy to far away places like Hawai‘i. We oppose that, particularly when we have better long-term options here that we should be moving to implement instead.” “LNG is cheap right now because there is a glut in the U.S. market and LNG production has exemptions from the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act that allow fracking companies to dump pollutants into our streams and air instead of cleaning up after themselves,” determines Glenn. Curtis adds, “If LNG is imported here, then Hawai‘i should require that the natural gas extraction is not contributing to a major environmental international scandal.”

LNG HAS ARRIVED Hawaii Gas was the first company to bring LNG into Hawai‘i. The first shipment arrived in April 2014. It was delivered in a 40-foot International Organization for Standardization container aboard a conventional container ship from the West Coast and was transported to Hawaii Gas’ Pier 38 gas operations facility. There, the LNG was regasified using a mobile vaporization unit and injected into the synthetic natural gas, or SNG, distribution pipeline, which serves residential and commercial gas utility customers. Since Hawai‘i has no underground source of natural gas, Hawaii Gas makes synthetic natural gas at their Campbell Industrial Park, where 1,000 miles of underground pipeline carry SNG to residential and business customers all the way to Hawaii Kai. “After years of research, planning, training and effort, we concluded that LNG is the ideal solution for Hawaii Gas customers and the lower-cost alternate bridge fuel to renewables,” explains Hawaii Gas Senior Vice President, Business Development & Corporate Affairs Joseph Boivin, Jr. “Hawaii Gas is currently using LNG as a backup fuel for our SNG distribution system, increasing the reliability of our gas supply for our SNG pipeline customers.” On October 16, 2014, Hawaii Gas filed an application with the Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission, or PUC, to convert up to 30 percent of the SNG production at the SNG plant on O‘ahu GREENMAGAZINEHAWAII.COM

to lower costs with cleaner-burning LNG. If the application is approved by the PUC, Hawaii Gas could begin delivering LNG to O‘ahu pipeline customers by late 2015. Hawaii Gas will invest about $13 million in its expansion plan, according to a 2014 third quarter earnings report. Depending on demand, Hawaii Gas would need approximately two containers—20,000 gallons—per day, to service its customers.

According to Hawaii Gas, converting a portion of SNG production to LNG will further diversify their fuel supply, enhance reliability and, by leveraging existing pipeline infrastructure, provide customers with near-term cost savings. During the 20-year life of the project, the savings to utility customers on the SNG pipeline system are predicted to be over $6 million per year due to a reduction in the annual cost of fuel. While the state’s primary energy focus is on maximizing indigenous renewable resources, part of its overall strategy is to reduce our dependency on petroleum and provide a lower cost to consumers. Thus, the state is looking at LNG as a possible complement to renewables in Hawai‘i’s energy portfolio. “Although LNG is a fossil fuel, we view it as an interim solution for electrical generation,” says Hawaii State Energy Office Administrator Mark Glick. “We remain firmly committed to renewable energy and believe that, in the long run, most of our power generation will be derived from renewables. LNG will go a long way toward reducing our costs and enabling our electric utilities to accommodate more renewable energy. Initial studies conducted by our utilities project savings in the neighborhood of 25 to 35 percent from incorporating bulk shipments of LNG. LNG-fired generation is cleaner, cheaper and more responsive than oil.”

WHO WANTS MORE LNG IN HAWAI‘I? Hawaiian Electric hopes to incorporate LNG in their generators by the end of 2017. Last spring, Hawaiian Electric took bids on having LNG delivered to eight generating plants on five islands, requesting 800,000 metric tons (about 39 billion cubic feet) annually. As with all activities of a regulated utility, the entire process will require approval from the PUC, including approval of contracts and for the costs of any infrastructure and 32

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generator conversions. “As a less expensive fuel, LNG is an enabler of renewable energy,” maintains Hawaiian Electric spokesman Peter Rosegg. “Some of the cost savings from LNG can be used for necessary investment in new infrastructure to enable addition of more renewable energy to our systems. We see it as an efficient, cost-effective bridge to renewable energy that will initially displace less environmentally friendly oil products, with use declining over time as more renewable energy of all kinds is added to the system.” Rosegg says they can modify existing Hawaiian Electric Company generators to use natural gas at a reasonable cost. “Meeting upcoming stricter EPA standards by adding the capability to use natural gas makes more sense than investing over $900 million in new equipment to add to our aging—and in many cases soon to be deactivated—generator fleet,” he says. Modifications will need to be made to any plant that uses LNG. Hawaiian Electric’s cost estimates are preliminary and will be finalized when they go to the PUC for approval. “Given the benefits, we are sure the costs will be reasonable and much lower than the plant modifications that would be needed to meet new federal power plant emission standards if we stay on oil,” Rosegg explains. He contends that LNG is cleaner than oil and certainly cleaner than coal. “LNG is chiefly methane, which is a climate changing gas if released directly into the environment,” he adds. “We will have very strict natural gas protocols to avoid such release.” The contract Hawaiian Electric is negotiating will call for a declining natural gas supply over 15 years as they bring more renewables on-line. “We believe we will be able to provide 65 percent of electricity to our customers from renewable sources by 2030, up from 18 percent at the end of 2013,” Rosegg reveals. “We are already well ahead of Hawai‘i’s legally mandated goal of 15 percent by 2015.” Hawaiian Electric is also working with Hawaii Gas to examine the possible bulk import and bulk regassification of LNG. “We are not contractual partners but we do have an understanding with Hawaii Gas to proceed together on the bulk examination,” Rosegg says. Hawaii Electric is also in the process of a smart grid conversion, which will be complete by about 2018. “The costs of grid upgrades are separate from LNG upgrades,” Rosegg details. “One is about ‘wires’ and one is about ‘making electricity,’ so it is wise not to confuse or compare the two. Each process is essentially separate, except that Hawaiian Electric Companies are doing both, at once.” The State Energy Office says LNG also holds promise as a potential low-cost replacement fuel for ground fleet and marine transportation. “To make a significant impact on the consumption of petroleum in Hawai‘i’s transportation sector, it is apparent that the range of solutions be expanded to alternative fuels, such as natural gas and renewable methane, while placing a greater emphasis on the reduction of petroleum-based fuels in aviation and marine transportation,” Glick maintains.

WILL LNG BRING US CLOSER TO OUR CLEAN ENERGY GOALS? Hawaii Gas is continuing to explore how they can expand LNG delivery and enable larger economies of scale in the longer term. They maintain that with LNG, Hawai‘i can have more renewable energy, lower costs and realize both benefits sooner since natural gas is available and can be brought to Hawai‘i affordably. They also contend that it is an ideal transitional fuel and supplement for intermittent and variable sources of renewable energy, like wind and solar. “We believe that a bulk LNG program will bring significant savings to our customers and all people throughout Hawai‘i,” maintains Boivin. The voices of opposition see the adoption of LNG as a wrench in the gears for distributed renewable energy. “Does anyone really think that LNG will just go away in 20 years? Once it’s in place, the economic incentive will slow the pace of renewable energy adoption,” Sierra Club Hawai‘i’s Scott Glenn argues. “If we are going to invest money into lowering electricity costs, why not

spend the money and time on helping extend renewable energy to everyone in Hawai‘i instead of building out an LNG system that even its own proponents argue would be used for only 20-or-so years before becoming obsolete?” Robert Petricci of the Puna Pono Alliance recommends going in a different direction. “Hawai‘i has one of the greatest solar resources in the United States. Why are we so afraid of the solar option? Is it hard to monopolize? Will it finally kill the archaic grid and force the transition to diversified power?” Since LNG is not beholden to stricter EPA standards and rising costs like oil, it is easy to see why Hawai‘i’s power utilities find it attractive. From a strictly business perspective, LNG makes sense as Hawai‘i’s bridge fuel. However, considering the environmental impacts and public health risks of LNG, it seems like more of a bridge to nowhere. We must know that every time we import LNG here, we are contributing to global climate change and there is likely a hard-working community being poisoned on the other end. Like many of the big corporations that come here to promise local jobs and then leave once they have profited, those mainland communities that we don’t see will be lucky if they can get any protection or payment for their suffering.

Photo: Hawai Gas

Proponents of LNG see imported liquid natural gas as part of an interim solution for electrical generation that will lower near-term costs to energy consumers. Opponents fear that swapping out one form of fossil fuel for another will only further environmental degredation and slow the state’s progress toward utilizing locally produced renewable energy.

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By Lauren McNally

WAIKAMOI PRESERVE A PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE ON MAUI BECOMES THE LARGEST IN THE STATE

Adjacent parcels of land in the East Maui watershed have combined under management by The Nature Conservancy to form the largest private nature reserve in the state. The island’s newly expanded Waikamoi Preserve spans almost 9,000 acres of remote, undeveloped native rainforest, nearly doubling the original preserve through a conservation easement granted by East Maui Irrigation Company (EMI), a subsidiary of Alexander & Baldwin. Funded through a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Recovery Land Acquisition grant with a 25 percent subsidy from Alexander & Baldwin, the agreement confers management of the property and adds 3,721 acres of rainforest to the

Photo: Phil Spalding III

Conservancy’s Waikamoi Preserve.

The easement is located in the heart of the East Maui watershed, the state’s largest single source of harvested surface water and one of its largest intact native forests. United under the East Maui Watershed Partnership, regional landowners work collaboratively to protect the 100,000-acre forest ecosystem and natural water supply. Prior to gaining easement of the EMI parcel, The Nature Conservancy co-managed a portion of the bordering 3,721-acre expanse, facilitating the recovery of native vegetation by reducing populations of feral animals. The product of a permanent conservation easement from the Haleakalä Ranch Company, the Waikamoi Preserve is one of 10 preserves managed by The Nature Conservancy of Hawai‘i, which cumulatively total over 40,000 acres statewide. Globally, the organization has protected over 119 million acres of land and operates more than 100 marine conservation programs around the world. The organization will execute further conservation initiatives within the Waikamoi Preserve’s new addition, including 1,000 acres of previously unmanaged land. The Nature Conservancy has long considered the property a high priority. Parts of the new addition have been deemed critical habitat by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and are home to a variety of threatened native flora and to rare forest birds including the ‘akohekohe (crested honeycreeper) and kiwikiu (Maui parrotbill). The EMI addition also functions as the primary watershed for Maui’s upper Kula region. Given that the majority of major East Maui watershed streams originate within the bounds of the preserve and its new addition, diligent maintenance of the EMI parcel is a crucial component of protecting not just neighboring areas but the entire upper watershed. Wild pigs, deer and other ungulates pose the greatest threat to the watershed’s native habitats. Feral animals roaming the terrain feed on endemic plants, disturb natural groundcover and undergrowth, accelerate soil erosion and aid in the introduction and spread of invasive plant species. Fencing has effectively decreased ungulate populations in the Waikamoi Preserve, so The Nature Conservancy’s chief strategy for regulating their numbers in the EMI addition entails the construction of an additional barricade along the parcel’s unfenced western boundary, along with the use of snares and hunting dogs to control existing populations. Future objectives include exploring alternative options to ensure the most humane management procedures. GREENMAGAZINEHAWAII.COM

Photo: Eric Nishibayashi

above: The Maui ‘amakihi is one of several rare forest birds found in the state’s largest nature preserve. below: The delicate pua maka nui flower.

A conservation easement granted by East Maui Irrigation Company has enabled The Nature Conservancy to expand its Waikamoi Preserve in the East Maui watershed to form Hawai‘i’s largest private nature preserve. The preserve contains a number of natural communities including subalpine mesic grassland and subalpine dry forest, two rare varieties of native forest. Courtesy: The Nature Conservancy Hawaii

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The Nature Conservancy’s long-term management plan for the EMI parcel outlines additional conservation objectives and proposes relevant action strategies to be carried out with support from the Department of Land and Natural Resources Natural Area Partnership Program, which matches the funds of privately owned protected areas on a two-for-one basis. The plan includes a number of targeted measures such as resource mapping and rare plant propagation to supplement its core emphasis of protecting indigenous species through habitat conservation. Mutually beneficial partnerships and routine evaluations optimize management practices and foster ecological resilience throughout the preserve, aligning state, federal and private entities through a shared dedication to protecting Hawai‘i’s native ecosystems and rich, natural resources.

Photo: Pat Bily

The organization will address invasive weed growth— another pressing concern—through an integrated approach to pest management. Partnering with the Maui Invasive Species Committee, they will adopt a combination of biological, mechanical and chemical containment methods. Protocols like pesticide applicator certification and gear sanitation target Himalayan ginger, strawberry guava, pampas grass and other habitat-modifying weeds present throughout the addition.

Photo: Bernice Fielding

BIOSWALES AND RAIN GARDENS Sustainable landscape designs for mitigating stormwater runoff By Bernice Fielding Although Hawai‘i is not considered a particularly rainy state, specific mauka areas on O‘ahu can receive in excess of 170 inches of rain in a year. In a burgeoning metropolis like Honolulu and its surrounding towns and suburbs, this abundant rainfall is cause for serious concern. Excessive stormwater runoff in urban areas and residential neighborhoods is a leading cause of water pollution. Pollutants build up on impervious surfaces such as roofs, sidewalks, parking lots, driveways, roads and compacted lawn areas following heavy rains and are carried into near-by storm drains. These large, impervious concrete viaducts create a high velocity flow of unfiltered water that directly enters the ocean. This has a devastating effect on the water quality and health of nearshore reef ecosystems, which is negatively impacted from a variety of pollutants including nutrients, heavy metals and sediment from sources such as fertilizers, pesticides, eroding soil, automobiles and animal waste. In the natural environment, low depressions of land such as swales and gullies reduce the amount of pollution that enters the ocean by intercepting, treating and infiltrating stormwater into the ground and evaporating it back into the air. Bioswales and rain gardens are manmade landscape elements designed to mimic these naturally occurring depressions and can be incorporated into any urban landscape as an attractive, cost-effective tool for reducing the quantity of storm water and pollution that reaches the ocean. Some of the many factors to consider when designing a bioswale or rain garden are soil stability, slope retention, water velocity and soil permeability. Bioswales are cut into existing soil and lined with gravel or rock to aid in the stormwater infiltration process. One of the most critical elements of implementing a rain garden is selecting the correct plants to clean the water. Native

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plants are recommended as they generally do not require fertilizer and are more tolerant of our local climate, soil type and water conditions. Plants like ‘uki, kupukupu, kalo, ‘ae‘ae, ‘ahu‘awa and ‘ihi‘ihi take up excess water through their root systems before it enters the groundwater system. They help with water infiltration, maintain soil permeability, provide moisture redistribution and, through the process of transpiration, they return water vapor back into the atmosphere. Bioswales and rain gardens are also an aesthetically pleasing way to encourage biodiversity and attract native birds, beneficial insects, bees and butterflies. They improve water quality, aid in localized flood control and present opportunities for intriguing garden designs. They provide a way to use and optimize any rain that falls, reducing the need for irrigation as well as enabling households to manage excessive rainwater runoff without burdening public stormwater systems. These sustainable landscape elements help connect a home to its surrounding environment in an attractive and environmentally advantageous way while providing a partial solution to an environmental concern that affects us all.

Bernice Fielding owns horticulture consulting firm BEvolved Hawaii. She is also an arborist, garden writer and landscape designer. Her work has been featured in multiple garden books and magazines as well as HGTV. Bernice helped to design and manage Ulu, one of Hawai‘i’s first educational sustainable gardens. bernice_fielding@hotmail.com

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PEDAL POWER Honolulu unveils a new protected bike lane

Photo: Hawaii Bicycling League/Intan Clement

On December 6, 2014, the City and County of Honolulu took a big step forward in taking the bicycle seriously as a mode of transport. Turning to a 19th century invention to help solve 21st century urban challenges, 377 bicyclists came together at Thomas Square to celebrate the inauguration of the King Street Cycle Track. Led by bike-friendly Mayor Kirk Caldwell, the parade of cyclists moved uniformly out of Thomas Square Park and onto King Street to ride the twomile bike-only lane. Honolulu is the 56th city in the country with a protected bike lane. The aim of the dedicated lane is to improve cyclist safety to promote biking as an alternative to driving. The oneway lane will transition into a two-way track once lanes and arrows are painted. City and County of Honolulu Bicycle Coordinator Chris Sayers is pleased with the new addition to King Street and with the Bicycle Friendly Community Bronze Award that was awarded to the county by the League of American Bicyclists. According to Sayers, Honolulu is now listed as the ninth-most bicycle-friendly city in the country behind Seattle, Portland and Boston. To celebrate the opening of the cycle track, the Hawaii Bicycle League hosted a festival in Thomas Square where vendors passed out literature about bicycle awareness, gave away free LED bicycle lights and old-school handlebar bells and offered free bicycle maintenance. Amplified music was possible with pedal power, which relied on event goers to take turns pedaling stationary bicycles hooked into a generator to produce alternative energy to power the show. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Edward Huls

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Photos: Kevin Whitton

SEASONAL, SANDWICHES, SUNDRIES Kaimuki Superette redefines local food The roasted root vegetables are ridiculous—ridiculously good. When paired with the Porchetta sandwich, a slow-roasted pork shoulder with braised fennel on rustic country white bread, plus a bright, sweet purplette tomato salad dusted with oregano and ricotta cheese and a sampling of their signature mahi‘ai pickled vegetables, a meal doesn’t get much more satisfying. “The idea behind Kaimuki Superette is based on the ASAP counter that was at Downtown in the Hawai‘i State Art Museum,” explains General Manager Wei Ping Lum. “Simple grab-andgo things like sandwiches, quiche, salads and soups.” Kaimuki Superette, a deli and general store stocked with locally produced and house-made value-added products, is the brainchild of Town owners Ed Kenney and Dave Caldiero. The casual and comfortable eatery is finished with reused materials like the corrugated tin sheeting arched across the ceiling. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the bright teal walls, yellow floor and décor are a reflection

of the superette’s slogan “seasonal, sandwiches, sundries,” which intentionally shortens to sea, sand and sun. Kaimuki Superette really stands apart from its sister restaurant across Waialae Avenue because of the value-added products it offers. Salad dressings, marmalades, pickled mixed vegetables, inamona and shrub vinegars change with the seasons and available produce. Products like house-made Shinsato sausage, sheets of fresh, hand-cut pasta and tomato paste are often available for cooking fresh meals at home. Or sit down and indulge in the dessert panini sandwich that’s developed a cult following since the superette opened in August. The “banini” features Punalu‘u Bake Shop sweetbread, apple banana and house-made chocolate macadamia nut sauce, which is pressed, cut and served with housemade whipped cream. Ridiculous. —Kevin Whitton kaimukisuperette.com

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WHITE AS A GHOST

Hu¿ ku- Maol¿ Ola Transforming Land back to ‘Aina

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A severe coral bleaching event sweeps across Kāne‘ohe Bay When sea surface temperatures around Hawai‘i rose above 80 degrees Fahrenheit last September and October, Kāne‘ohe Bay and Lanikai saw the worst coral bleaching event on record. With temperatures spiking to 86 degrees in the bay and over 90 degrees in Lanikai’s shallow nearshore waters, 75 percent of the dominant coral in those areas showed signs of bleaching—when corals expel the algae living in their tissue, turning them snow white. Divers from the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources Rapid Response Team, The Nature Conservancy and the Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology conducted in-water surveys that mapped affected corals from Waimānalo to the north end of Kāne‘ohe Bay. While healthy corals in pristine ecosystems can withstand spikes in sea surface temperature and even sporadic bleaching events, scientists are not so optimistic about the resilience of the corals in Kāne‘ohe Bay. The bay’s barrier reef absorbs wave energy and stifles the circulation of cleaner, cooler water, causing higher levels of pollution, sediment accumulation and foreign algae, all major stresses for delicate corals. Experts say that coral bleaching will increase if we don’t mitigate climate change, which is causing a rise in sea surface temperatures. They are also looking at the 25 percent of corals in windward nearshore waters that were not affected by the prolonged rise in sea surface temperatures in hopes of understanding how they survived the event. —Kevin Whitton

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Photo: Dan Dennison/DLNR

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WAIKIKI SAND VILLA HOTEL Home away from home The Waikiki Sand Villa Hotel opened its doors in 1972. Your home away from home is one of Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ahuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading economy hotels and one of the most energy-efficient buildings on the island. The property is made up of two buildings, one housing 204 rooms and another with 10 rooms. Our property boasts energy-efficient equipment and is designate an Energy Star Certified building. The installation of a photovoltaic system, variable frequency drives for all major equipment, water-to-water heat pumps that coincide with our chiller system to make hot water, LED lighting for all 24-hour lighting, motion detection systems and timers for the stairwells, garage areas and exterior lighting, in-room energy control systems, highly efficient washers and dryers and low flow showers and toilets have all contributed to earning this award. Waikiki Sand Villa Hotel also has recycling policies for guest linens, plastic, paper and glass, along with soap and shampoo dispensers in every room to eliminate the need for plastic bottles and cut back on waste. The Waikiki Sand Villa Hotel takes pride in keeping up with energy and green savings standards that utilize the most innovative ideas in the industry. sandvillahotel.com Created by Waikiki Sand Villa Hotel

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MAUI

SECOND CHANCE ‘Iao Stream returns to life

Photo: Dan Dennison/DLNR

On October 13, 2014, the Wailuku Water Company opened a rusty valve and began releasing 10 million gallons of water per day into ʻIao Stream. One of four streams at the heart of the Nä Wai ‘Ehä contested case, community members have been fighting to restore mountain-to-ocean stream flows in the area for nearly 11 years, hoping to bring life back to the streams and agriculture opportunities to farmers downstream. “For the first time in more than a century, there will be a continuous flow of water from mauka to makai in the ʻIao Stream, providing great potential to restore native fauna habitat,” says William J. Aila, Jr., chairperson of the State Commission on Water Resource Management. “We will work closely with our Division of Aquatic Resources to monitor how this increased flow affects aquatic life in the stream.” ‘Iao Valley taro farmers downstream will have enough water to sustain taro fields. The new stream environment will also provide much-needed habitat for native freshwater shrimp, ‘opihi and fish. Since the 1800s, the Wailuku Water Company has diverted water from the Central Maui streams to irrigate cane fields. High in the mountains, ‘Iao Stream literally disappeared into a grate, its water never reaching the ocean. “Wailuku Water Company supports the instream flow standards for the Nä Wai ‘Ehä streams agreed to by the parties and adopted by the commission,” says Avery Chumbley, president of Wailuku Water Company. “These standards are flexible enough to address the variability in stream flows that naturally exist.” Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Company is still largest user of diverted water from Nä Wai ‘Ehä. —Kevin Whitton

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KAUAI

LIVING FOODS GOURMET MARKET & CAFÉ

Photos: Bryce Johnson

Wholesome, local, organic, just plain good Walking through The Shops at Kukui‘ula, familiar names like Merriman’s Fish House and Downstairs Café, Dolphin Sushi and Fish Market, Josselin’s Tapas Bar & Grill and Lappert’s can easily steal your attention. On the west end of the plaza, Living Foods Gourmet Market and Café flourishes under new ownership and offers the quality and culinary know-how of its Kukui‘ula counterparts with the variety, ease and accessibility of a market. Owners Jeff Sacchini and Howard Warner are foodies and their philosophy at Living Foods is simple, to be concerned and socially conscious about how all of their products are raised, grown and manufactured. They source only the finest products. They buy direct from Kaua‘i farmers, fisherman, artisans and small businesses first. They search for premium organic products and are committed to quality, uniqueness, GMO free and gluten free. Living Foods has succeeded in becoming a thriving foodie hub for south shore visitors and residents. In addition to carrying dry goods that are nearly impossible to find elsewhere in the area, Living Foods Gourmet Market and Café’s on-site commercial bakery uses only organic ingredients in all of their creations, including fresh breads, scones and bagels. The butcher sources locally caught, fresh island fish and is known for his house-made chicken, Italian and Portuguese sausages. The gourmet market carries a full assortment of fresh vegetables including locally grown corn, sunrise papaya, apple bananas, mangoes and sugar loaf pineapples, the perfect fruit to grill up with the gourmet sausages. The prepared foods section is ripe with deli sandwiches, house-made sauces and dips and salads. Whether sitting down on the lanai or taking a meal to-go, Executive Chef Michael Simpson works directly with island farmers, ranchers and fishermen to provide the freshest ingredients for all of their breakfast, lunch and dinner entrées. The café offers house-roasted Kaua‘i coffee, fresh-squeezed juices and refreshing smoothies. —Kevin Whitton

SO CLOSE

yet seems so far

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THE BUSINESS OF FLYING

Ranch and working closely with the Daniel R. Sayre Memorial Foundation top the list of recent activities. “The minute you turn the engine off and hear the birds and the rushing water, the mode of transportation matters less,” Kwon says. “My quest and joy is helping others gain an appreciation for the land and show them places they didn’t know existed.” —Tara Zirker

From tours to conservation with Paradise Helicopters

Photo: Paradise Helicopters

paradisecopters.com “I can’t keep our pilots out of the sky,” says Waynette Kwon, director of marketing for Paradise Helicopters. “They just have to be helping out in some way or sharing what they love about Hawai‘i with our visitors.” That jones for airtime is met with a solid foundation in sustainability on the ground. In addition to its sightseeing operation, Paradise Helicopters transports birders and entomologists, works closely with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies on special projects, conducts bridge and irrigation repairs, provides maintenance and pilots for the backup helicopter at the Hawaii County Fire Department and, most recently, operates media flights around Pahoa and resident flights for families who want to see their homes from above. “It just so happens that we also fly tours,” Kwon says. “And they are awesome, but we do so much more.” To Dorn and his team, sharing Hawai‘i is nearly as important as being involved in the community. Community service, he insists, is just good stewardship. Partnering with the Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative, leading the restoration of Puo‘o

YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME A quite hidden hideaway on the outskirts of Waikiki yet centralized to everything you would need to enjoy your vacation or business trip. Our small but yet personalized hotel with spa, all night dining, quaint wine bar, large pool, jacuzzi, fitness center, and foot spa will take you to a place where you can just relax and have fun. Enjoy the splendor of the Waikiki Sand Villa Hotel your “Home Away from Home.” 2375 Ala Wai Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96815 PH: 808.922.4744 sandvillahotel.com 44

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Photo: Maile Sacarob Woodhall

KNOW YOUR SEEDS

plants, greater vigor and faster growth. Heirloom seeds refer to an old cultivar that has typically been saved and handed down through multiple generations of families. Heirloom seeds are exceptional in taste, less uniform (meaning that they don’t usually all ripen at once), likely to be more nutritious, open-pollinated (meaning you can save your seeds to replant) and typically less expensive than other types of seeds. Genetically Modified Organisms or GMOs come from seeds developed to resist herbicides and accept chemical fertilizers. This is done by altering their DNA with that of a completely different species. GMO seeds typically have a longer shelf life, produce a bigger yield and are resistant to weeds, pest and other diseases. Although there are benefits to GMOs, they also raise many questions. If a seed’s DNA has been altered, could that possibly affect our health and what are the long-term impacts on our environment?

Understanding the different types of seeds to help you grow that perfect garden

Maile Sacarob Woodhall is a USDA—National Organic Program Standards and Good Agriculture Practices—Farm Food Safety inspector for Organic Certifiers, Inc. She travels throughout the state of Hawai‘i visiting farms and facilities to verify compliancy.

BY MAILE SACAROB WOODHALL At the tip of every green thumb is the magic of bringing a plant from a seed. The amount of soil you use or how deep you plant a seed depends on the size of the seed. A seed should be planted at a depth equal to its width. Choosing the perfect seed can be a daunting task for any gardener or farmer. Seeds come in all shapes, sizes, colors, textures and varieties—organic, conventional, treated, hybrid, heirloom and GMO. With so many choices, how do you know which is the best for your operation? Organic seeds are untreated and must be grown in compliance with guidelines set forth by USDA National Organic Program (NOP) standards which state that the producer must use organically grown seed, transplants and planting stock, or meet specific alternative criteria, to be represented as organic. Conventional, untreated seeds are from plants that were grown conventionally with the use of synthetic and chemical products for weed control, pest control and fertilization and can be used when organic seeds are unavailable. Typically, seeds that are grown as conventional and use synthetic materials allow for greater resistances to pest and disease issues, produce a higher yield, have a greater longevity and generally are greater in mass. Treated seeds have been treated with chemical or biological methods to protect them from pathogens and increase their performance. Some of the benefits of using treated seeds are increased germination, higher yield, improved crop quality, a safeguard against disease and protection against pests. Hybrid seeds manipulate two different varieties of plants to bring out desired qualities through cross-pollination. Benefits of hybrid seeds are higher yield, disease resistance, uniformity of

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A BETTER WAY TO TRAVEL Discovering authentic green tours in Hawai‘i

A vacation to Hawai‘i is so much more than a typical vacation. Couples come to create magical moments, families come to share memories that last a lifetime and others come

to experience cultural and natural beauty unmatched the world over. It also takes effort to end up in Hawai‘i, from digging out swimsuits in the dead of winter and researching exquisite restaurants, to dealing with TSA screenings and paying baggage fees. In short, visitors expect their time to be unforgettable. Unfortunately, the Internet provides information overload and is beset with greenwashing. Reviews range widely and become bewildering with paid commentaries. Companies with the savviest marketing departments don’t necessarily provide the best tours, leaving visitors confused and frustrated.

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The Hawaii Ecotourism Association has stepped in to help alleviate this travelers’ dilemma. With their Sustainable Tourism Certification, visitors to the islands can identify sustainable tour operators that have gone through rigorous third party verification. These companies give visitors peace of mind knowing that they provide highly trained guides who deliver authentic and memorable experiences support local companies who give back to the community. Furthermore, these companies stay abreast with environmental and cultural best practices to help maximize their guests’ enjoyment while still minimizing their impact. “We travel to Hawai‘i every year,” shares a California family. “Since we started traveling with certified operators, we’ve seen more, had better guides and can feel better knowing we are helping to preserve paradise for our children.” After all, when it comes to the vacation of a lifetime, it makes sense to travel with the best.

hawaiiecotourism.org/travelpono Created by Chris Barzman for the Hawaii Ecotourism Association

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The Hybrid ‘Ohana The smart way to drive

ASK THE

EXPERT

SOLAR, HECO, NEXTERA & YOU

Hawaii commuters know the price of living and driving in paradise: hours spent sitting in traffic and one of the highest gas prices in the nation. With 12 years of proven Hybrid Synergy Drive® (HSD) technology and the Prius line of vehicles, Toyota Hawaii meets local drivers’ demands for fuel efficiency and durable design. Prius Liftback: Collectively, the Prius family performance history is telling of its quality—more than 95 percent of all Toyota Prius models sold in the last 10 years are still on the road.1 The model that started it all, the Prius Liftback, boasts three generations worth of fine-tuning along with the renowned ecosensitivity, wind-slipping shape and roomy interior comfort that drove the Prius to become the most popular hybrid vehicle on the market. The Liftback offers different modes for distinctive types of driving: ECO Mode for maximize fuel economy, EV Mode for drives solely on battery power for up to one mile under certain conditions and POWER Mode for increased throttle response. Prius c: Not to be outdone are the other Toyota Prius family vehicles. The stylish, compact Prius c is the most affordable in the line and offers the highest city MPG estimate of any vehicle on the road.2 The Prius c was named 2014 Best Overall Value of the Year.3 Prius v: The Prius v is a larger vehicle and the model offers more cargo room than most small SUVs4, with 34.3 cubic feet of available cargo space.5 It also possesses the highest combined fuel efficiency of any SUV, crossover utility vehicle or wagon.6 Prius Plug-In: The Prius Plug-In model provides the efficiency of an electric vehicle minus the range anxiety. The Plug-In is equipped with EV mode for short trips, normal hybrid mode for longer distances and a quick three-hour charge time from a standard 120V home outlet.7 Whether you’re commuting across the island or running a quick errand in town, the Prius family of vehicles is the smart choice for the eco-savvy driver. Stop in for a test drive today. www.ToyotaHawaii.com [1] Based on IHS Automotive: Polk U.S. vehicles in operation vs. new vehicle registrations for MY 2005-2014 as of October 2014. [2] 2015 EPA 53/46/50 city/highway/combined mpg estimates. Actual mileage will vary. Does not include vehicles with fuel efficiency rated by the EPA in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent). Based on 2014/2015 fueleconomy.gov listed vehicles. [3] 2014 IntelliChoice, www.intellichoice.com; Compact Passenger Car. Based on 2014 model year study. [4] Based on manufacturers’ data for cargo volume behind second-row seats; MY 2013 Small SUV segment. [5] Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution. [6] Among applicable hybrid and gas models within EPA Midsize Cars, Station Wagon and SUV classes. EPA-estimated 44 city/40 highway/42 combined mileage for Prius v. Actual mileage will vary. [7] Requires a dedicated 15-amp circuit.

Q A

HOW WILL THE SALE OF HECO TO NEXTERA AFFECT ME?

If you are considering the purchase of a solar PV system for your home or business, better do it now. NextEra has implemented huge utility scale solar farms in other states, which is a good thing. At the same time, their track record for Gail Slawson-Eich, MBA advocating for rooftop solar for individual Owner & Chief Minion homes and businesses is less than OceanHead Solar desirable. & Electric NextEra will likely continue its practice of implementing utility scale solar here 808.735.5745 in Hawai‘i. This will be great for the OceanHeadSolar.com environment, but it doesn’t mean it will be great for your pocketbook because the utility company will still be in control of what they charge for electricity. The only way to assure your electricity bill goes down is to purchase your own solar PV system THIS YEAR! With all the changes taking place at HECO, getting approval to install PV in the future will likely get more complicated and restrictive, not easier. Take control of your electricity bill by investing in your own solar PV system now. DON’T WAIT!

SHRINK YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT WITH GAS

CAN USING GAS FOR HEATING, DRYING AND COOKING LOWER MY CARBON FOOTPRINT?

Absolutely! Gas emits considerably less carbon dioxide and particulates when combusted than other sources of fuel. By replacing equipment with efficient gas appliances, consumers can save energy, lower utility payments and contribute Jill Tokunaga toward cleaner air and a sustainable Vice President environment by reducing emissions of Sales, Marketing & air-polluting compounds and greenhouse Communications gases. Hawaii Gas The direct use of gas traveling from source to burner tip in Hawai‘i’s homes 808.594.5512 and businesses loses only about eight hawaiigas.com percent of its usable energy. Conversion of fuels into electricity to power comparable electric appliances results in losses of about 68 percent of its usable energy. This means homes using gas for heating, drying and cooking burn less fuel to produce the same number of hot showers. Saving energy helps save the environment and your pocketbook. To learn more about gas options for your home or business visit us at www.hawaiigas.com.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

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HEALING HAWAI‘I

ONE BUILDING AT A TIME “Hawai‘i has to be one of the absolute best places to explore and practice,” says Jason Selley, co-founder of Workshop-Hi and president of the U.S. Green Building Council Hawai‘i Chapter. “I love the rich tradition of storytelling and how, as a designer, you can tap into that spirit and create an experience that also shares a story.” For Selley, green means going beyond LEED design toward a type of architecture that’s healing for Hawai‘i. “Restorative and regenerative architecture is the next stage of sustainable architecture, where more is given to the environment over a building’s lifetime than is taken during its construction and operation,” Selley explains. Instead of LEED as a guiding principle, the design uses the functions of a tree as a checklist—generating oxygen, distilling water, using solar energy as fuel and creating beauty. It’s this kind of out-of-the-box thinking that Selley brings to the table as co-founder of Workshop-HI, an environmental design and planning studio in Hawai‘i. Although a fairly new start up, the studio already has an impressive lineup of projects in the works, from a stateof-the-art sand volleyball facility in Kaka‘ako to Selley’s award-winning Eulu net-zero classrooms, which are designed to mimic an environment under the canopy of a tree. Selley has always been about sharing ideas and collaborating with others to design a greener future. He takes this philosophy beyond the blueprint as president of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Hawai‘i Chapter. With this position, Selley hopes to inspire similar out-of-the-box environmentally friendly designs, having spent the last two years educating and offering resources to help guide the industry toward more conscious decision making. workshop-hi.com

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By Alyssa S. Myers Photo: Dave Miyamoto