Web Newsletter - Spring 2007

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President’s Report

Happy New Year to all! I have finished my first quarter as President of Friends and can report you have a terrific Board to work on your and the Park’s behalf. Here are a few highlights. The rest of the newsletter gives a more in-depth report on the news.

At our marathon, five-hour Board meeting on Saturday, January 13, the Board voted unanimously to begin the process of recruiting an Executive Director (ED). We formed an ED subcommittee to draft the position description and to begin the search. If you are interested in the position or know of someone with non-profit management experiences, with a particular expertise in fund raising, please have them contact the office by phone or email.

Our seminars continue to draw crowds and accolades. Our goal of exploring the evolution of our programs into an educational institute that would permit us to expand our offerings has been put on hold – hopefully only temporarily – in favor of turning our energies at this time towards raising money for and hiring an ED to lead the Friends.

I’m pleased to report that we ended the year on a fiscal positive note having raised almost $10,000 more than we expected. We are working on our new 2007 fundraising initiatives. Of course we will continue our regular fundraisers, including the annual 4th of July Silent Auction and National Public Lands Day. We’ll need many hands to make these events succeed; contact Linda-Jane Irwin, our Volunteer Coordinator, if you haven’t already signed up to be a volunteer for the Friends.

A special thanks to Ken Fujiyama and Volcano House for signing an agreement to implement a $1 voluntary donation to the Friends by guests staying at the hotel. Other Park Friends groups have similar agreements with their in-park hotel concessionaires that have proven to be a solid source of income. We hope to expand the program beyond the Volcano House as the year progresses.

We continue to have challenges in getting access to `Āinahou to fulfill one of our founding missions – the care and maintenance of historic `Āinahou Ranch and grounds. See the article in this newsletter for a complete update. The good news is that Jim Gale has helped us over the latest hurdle and we are pressing on.

Our membership continues to grow from just 40 members 5 years ago to over 320 today! Keep your eye out for our beautiful new Friends’ Membership Display that will soon be up in the Park. Invite your friends and family to join or give them guest memberships. If you haven’t bought a t-shirt yet or bought one for all your friends and family, contact our office and order some now. I get compliments on mine whenever I wear it.

For pictures of all the latest Friends activities, log on to our website periodically! Webmaster Lanaya Deily, who is also our premiere photographer, updates it frequently. You can review the biographies of the new board if you haven’t done so already. It’s a good place to catch up between newsletters.

The Friends and Park staff collaborated on two successful grants from the Hawai`i Tourism Authority. The first provides continued support for the Park’s annual Cultural Festival. The second is a new initiative that funds weekly cultural demonstrations, such as lei making and hala weaving at the Visitor Center.

Just a reminder – now your recycling can benefit the Friends and the environment at the same time! When you take your HI-5 recyclable containers to any of the Arc of Hilo redemption centers during redemption hours, you can instruct the collectors to donate your refund to the Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

Finally, I want to say thank you and best wishes to our first-ever Administrative Assistant, Sharron Faff, who will shortly be leaving us to work full-time in the Park. We are in the process of hiring her replacement. But not to worry, she isn’t leaving us totally. She has promised to turn her skills and energy to helping out the Friends as a volunteer. And, of course, she will be working where her heart and ours lie – in our spectacular Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.

I want to thank everyone who has helped us these past three months and I look forward to the rest of the year with enthusiasm and good cheer! Casey Jarman, President

Invasive Species Committee Report

On February 10 we will be helping the Park Resources Management staff (RM) make experimental restoration plantings of native species at the Kahuku Unit. We will meet at the main Park Visitor Center at 7:30 AM then drive to Kahuku. We probably won’t be back until mid afternoon.

The Invasive Species Committee service trips were on a hiatus during the summer while liability issues were resolved. These have been worked out, but needless to say, now there are forms to sign before each trip!

On Public Lands Day (Sept 30) Rhonda Loh and Pat Conant led a group of 13 volunteers to pull out knotweed (Percicaria capitata), a sprawling plant with red leaves, off the Devastation Trail. Rhonda gave an introductory talk before we started discussing why alien plant control in the Park is so important. She mentioned that the Devastation Trail site was unique since it has been studied by botanists to document the re-colonization of the area by both native and alien plants since the 1959 Kīlauea Iki eruption. It was obvious that the alien plants faya tree (Myrica faya), blackberry, Himalayan raspberry and knotweed are all colonizing well and probably competing with native species. Our target was only the latter and we pulled up about 15 garbage bags full of the plant and hauled them out. It was nice to see an area free of the weeds but there are still plenty more all over the park. This creeping plant is insidious since it can invade both bare lava flows and deep shaded native under story habitats.

Our next trip on November 4^th had misty weather and a small turn out of hard-core Friends, including Sunny Welborn and Carol and Mark Johnson. We swept the area between the Volcano Observatory and the Kilauea Overlook parking lot, bounded on the sides by Crater Rim Drive and the rim itself. We killed a total of 30 faya trees. The area is very open and easy walking and we all had a fine time.

On December 3^rd, the Friends were assisted by David Benitez and Jon Maka`ike to lead a group of 22 high school girls from Japan on a faya tree pulling expedition. Two of their teachers came along, along with Kumiko Hasegawa, their local guide. The two teachers spoke little English and several of the girls spoke some. Sunny Welborn, Linda-Jane and April Newman were along to help wrangle the group. The area where we were working near the Volcano Observatory is expansive so it took us 2 passes. Keeping the girls from “clumping up” was the biggest challenge. They seemed to behave like charged particles that can’t be separated for long. Jon, David, Kumiko and the Friends all worked valiantly to keep them in a fairly straight sweep line. Some of the miscommunications were really humorous and made for an entertaining trip. Without Sunny and Kumiko, giving orders in Japanese, it would have been pandemonium. In the end we only pulled about 15 trees but that saves the park staff precious time to put into areas with bigger weed problems.

The Invasive Species Committee is still plugging away at preparing a “Do not Plant in Volcano” brochure. We have now teamed up with the new Big Island Invasive Species Committee Outreach Coordinator Diana Greenough since she is already engaged in similar work. It may end up including a wider geographic area since BIISC is charged with alien species control over the entire island. We are confident we can come up with something that will really benefit the greater Volcano and Park community. Pat Conant, Invasive Species Chair

Cultural Demonostrations in the Park

Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park (HVNP) is delighted to partner again with the Friends in providing visitor services. This year the Friends sponsored two grants submitted to Hawai`i Tourism Authority on behalf of the Park and successfully acquired both. They are the annual Cultural Festival Grant for $15,000 and the new `Ike Hana Noyeau Cultural Demonstrations at Kīlauea Visitor Center for $35,000. These grants create opportunities for the Park to reach out to thousands of visitors so they can experience and embrace the Hawaiian culture through music, talk story and hands-on learning of traditional Hawaiian crafts.

HVNP Education Specialist Joni Mae Makuakāne-Jarrell wrote the inspired grant proposals, and states "I hope to have about 40 cultural practitioners present throughout the year, sharing their knowledge and expertise with visitors and residents". Joni Mae adds, "having Hawaiian musicians playing and singing in the background welcomes and draws the visitors while providing enjoyment for everyone.” She hopes to have over 20 musicians participating with the cultural practitioners.

The Friends will handle the book keeping, report writing and distribution of the funds and will also provide volunteers to help set up and break down the demonstrations and answer visitor questions at the Visitor Center. The Park appreciates the Friends and all of the volunteers who are supportive in this and many other endeavors.

The four cultural demonstrations in January included:

• The Makuakāne ohana---mother Violet May with her daughter Joni Mae and son Kenneth shared the arts and music of Hawaiian culture with park visitors.
• Momi Subiono, a native Hawaiian who focuses on Hawaiian ethnobotony, taught about the traditional uses of Hawaiian plants: Lā`au Lapa`au.
• Master lei makers nā kūpuna Malu Waltjen and Pele Hanoa taught the art of lei wili.
• Ab Valencia, kumu hula of Halau Hula Kalehuaki`eki`eika`iu, shared stories of the Hawaiian volcano goddess Pele through chant and dance.

`Āinahou Ranch Update

Up until the early part of October, work on the grounds at ‘Äinahou Ranch went wonderfully. Those of you who joined us at our Annual Meeting certainly were aware of the level of upkeep that went into maintaining the grounds and allowing us to present `Āinahou Ranch in such magnificent shape. Unfortunately, because of the possibility that a pair of nēnē might be considering nesting near this Historic ranch house, we have not been able to continue that maintenance at all this fall.

A small crew went in to pick up some equipment after our work ended in October in one of the worst downpours. Water was pouring into the house on both floors and was seeping in under the wall in the living room and the closet. The gutters had not been cleaned and rainwater was gushing off the roof, pouring down onto the electrical boxes. Photographer and `Āinahou volunteer Lanaya Deily took many photos of where the damage was occurring. We immediately sent a report with those photos to the appropriate people in the Park, but we were not able to get back in to air out the house. Park personnel opened some windows but did not fully address the problem.

Two years ago after similar problems occurred, the Friends, Jim Gale and others began a series of meetings developing “The `Āinahou Guidelines”, including working out how to manage the building and the beautifully landscaped grounds, so that any nēnē that might wish to nest there would not be disturbed. Due to lack of clarity in detail of the Guidelines for the fall season, they were not implemented as intended this year. The volunteers were supposed to be allowed in on an occasional basis to air out the house, check conditions, and keep the landscaping under control. After many further discussions, and much distress over the worsening condition of the house and grounds, we are amending and improving the Guidelines.

We are currently getting back to work on the grounds at a reduced level, as no nēnē are presently nesting there. There will be a lot of work to do this spring, but because goslings may feed in the area, larger crews will not be allowed back until they fledge. Alana McKinney, Vice President and ‘Äinahou Chair

Volunteers in Action

We are very gratified to have well over a third of our members signed up to actively participate as volunteers, many in several categories. We now have contact lists for the various specified interests.

There are two areas that have been most active. The first has been our long-standing work on the grounds and the historic house at `Āinahou Ranch. More recently we have had outings in the forest for removal of invasive species and occasionally working with Resources Management planting native plants. This year some members have stepped up for various tasks in the office and with computer work. We anticipate many more options coming up in the future, but always would like to hear from our members if they have ideas.

National Public Lands Day was our best volunteer effort yet, with 45 members working in one or more of three areas in the Park. On this “fee free day” $4800 in donations was collected at the gate. We also sold $425 in T shirts, gained 4 new members, and dug up 15 large garbage bags of knotweed at Devastation Trail. (Photo by LJ Irwin)

We were more actively involved in the Cultural Festival this year, as we were asked to sell the beverages. The day was rainy and cold so sales were slow, but we had wonderful volunteers and good fun.

Many of you participated in the 4^th of July festivities, helping with our silent auction, selling T shirts and walking in the parade. That day was also both enjoyable and productive, making $3800 through the auction and $756 with T shirt sales. We will need lots of help this coming 4^th of July once again.

Joni Mae Makuakāne has asked for volunteers to help set up, take down and work with the practitioners during the Weekly Cultural Demonstrations, and a number of you are already in full swing. If anyone else would like to join in, please get in touch.

The ongoing work on the grounds and at the Ranch House at `Āinahou is at a minimum now (see associated article), but we will need lots of help in the spring. We will also be looking for docents this summer when we start working with the park conducting tours of `Āinahou Ranch from the Visitor Center.

If you want to get more involved or if you have ideas for other volunteer areas, contact our office. Linda-Jane Irwin, Volunteer Coordinator

Mahalo!

Mahalo nui loa again to Don and Cathy O’Reilly at Hilo Bay Printing for donating yet another 3500 of our updated brochures!

San Francisco Meetings

In early November Park Superintendent, Cindy Orlando, and a contingent of Park staff and Friends Board Members attended two meetings in San Francisco. The first was a full day sponsored by The National Parks Conservation Association. Discussion included the needs of the park system and a proposal for the Centennial Challenge, inviting the private sector to help inspire public interest and address these needs.

The two day Friends Alliance Meeting began the next day with other National Park Partners. Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne spoke on behalf of President Bush, endorsing the Centennial Challenge and inviting the Park Partners to participate.

These Alliance meetings are held bi-annually and attended by senior Park staff and Park Partners such as our own Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park for the purpose of sharing information and gaining an expanded perspective as to the challenges facing our National Parks. The main theme of the November 2006 meeting was to initiate planning for the 100-year anniversary of the National Park System in 2016.

The Park Service is embarking on the "Centennial Challenge" to coincide with the National Park’s anniversary. This is a broad reaching program to look at fundamental shifts for the National Park System and how Parks will be structured and operated over the next 50 to 100 years. As mentioned in the October 2006 edition of National Geographic magazine, Park Service Partners such as our Friends organization are being increasingly called upon to help maintain a “Margin of Excellence” within the Parks. The efforts of the Park Partners are not meant as a substitute for public monies, but by adding to the physical and enjoyment qualities it is hoped that the American public will be reconnected to our National Parks. Friends and other Cooperating Partners will play an ever-increasing role in assisting with the stewardship of our Parks. As Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park also will have its own Centennial Celebration in 2016, we are accepting this challenge and are looking forward to assisting our Park prepare for the future.

These Alliance meetings are very valuable for your Friends organization as they allow us to gain information and have creative dialog with other active Friends organizations from across the United States.Randy Ashley, Development Chair

Field Seminars – 2007

Two outstanding January seminars launched the 2007 program year. On January 14, Ranger Peggy Bohan led the always-popular Wild Cave Tour through a tropical rainforest and into a seldom-visited lava tube. Participants donned helmets with headlamps and leather gloves to emerge amazed and delighted with the hidden formations they had seen.

The following week, the Friends were hosted by Hawai`i’s award-winning ecotourism company, Hawai`i Forest & Trail (F&T), for a spectacular trip to the summit of Hualālai. Three Pinzgauer vehicles with the traction of mountain goats, skillfully driven by F&T drivers, each carried twelve enthusiastic Friends to rare and stunning views of the Island’s other peaks. Rob and Cindy Pacheco, F&T founders and owners, accompanied the group, with Rob providing inspired interpretation of the craters and flows on Hualālai’s slopes.

Hualālai Summit Adventure (Photo by LJ Irwin)

Upcoming Events

On Saturday, February 24^th, the Friends will offer the first Kahuku Photographic Expedition, guided by three experienced Park volunteers and photographers, Dave Boyle, Amos and Charlene Meyers. This all-day excursion into the Park’s Kahuku Unit affords a unique opportunity for photographers at all levels to sharpen their nature photography skills. Check the Programs link on our website for details.

On Sunday, March 25^th, the Friends expect to host noted ornithologist, author and artist, Doug Pratt for an evening reception and lecture at the Park’s Visitor Center. Doug Pratt’s most recent major work is a definitive study of Hawai`i's honeycreepers. You will find his illustrations, books and cards at the Park’s Visitor Center shop. Program arrangements are presently being finalized. Please check the website for confirmation and details of this very special occasion. Caroline Garrett, Programs Chair

Membership

The Friends of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park is a not for profit 501c(3) membership organization whose mission is to support and promote restoration, protection, understanding, and appreciation of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Membership is open to anyone interested in supporting this effort to enhance the living history and the educational potential of the Park. Membership benefits include: invitations and discounts for seminars, the newsletter, and special membership events. Membership contributions are deductible under state and federal income tax provisions. At the end of 2006 we have reached 320 members, a new record! If every member recruits just one person, we can double our membership!! So pass along the membership form or refer a friend to our website to sign up. Have them put your name down as the person who recruited them so we can acknowledge your help.