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The Hawaiian Trail & Mountain Club Newsletter October - November - December 2002 |
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The Hawaiian Trail & Mountain Club Newsletter October - November - December 2002 |
SUMMARY OF THE HTMC ANNUAL MEETING DATED APRIL 7, 2002 CARMEN CRAIG
The meeting was called to order at 2:18pm.
After Patrick Rorie gave the Presidents report, the officers gave their reports.
Mike Algiers, treasurer, reported that the club realized a total operating income of $13,268.84 and a total operating expense of $9,717.73, yielding a net gain of $3,551.11.
Laura Owens, accounting, reported that the audit report is pending and will be presented to the Board.
Ralph Valentino, corresponding secretary, explained that there has been an increase of information sent out regarding the outer islands and via e-mail.
Carmen Craig, recording secretary, reported that all copies of the Board meeting minutes are on file in the clubhouse.
The committees then reported.
Justin Ohara, Membership, reported that we have 126 life members and 331 current members.
Steve Brown, Trails, reported that there have been 51 Sunday hikes, 24 Saturday hikes, 27 members-only hikes, and four super hikes. There were also three backpacks and one campout.
Mabel Kekina, Trail Maintenance, reported that 60 trails have been cleared during 2001 with 74 volunteers assisting, 36 of whom show up regularly.
Donna Davis-Brown, Schedules, reported that the committee meets on the second Wednesday of each month.
Grant Oka reported for Investments chairperson, Joyce Oka. Investments have increased by $1000 since the first of the year. Grant Oka and Larry Oswald, clubhouse, stated that the clubhouse continues to be used for club events and by members, as well as private events. It has been holding up to bad weather but it does need work. This committee is also currently looking for a new clubhouse resident.
Deetsie Chave, librarian, reported that work on the clubhouse library continues and is making progress. Donations are being eagerly accepted.
Jim Yuen, web site, reported that the web site is being actively used and continues to be updated regularly.
John Hall, Na Ala Hele, gave a brief update about the Mariners Ridge project and the Manoa Falls closure. We are currently awaiting access information about Poamoho.
Bev Valentino, Da Kine Kokua, reported that cards are being sent off as needed on behalf of the club. The note cards reflect a pencil drawing done by Thelma Greig.
There was no unfinished business.
The first item of new business was to change the bylaws to increase the dues. Changes are as follows:
Life membership is open to individual or family members in good standing upon payment of twenty (20) times the annual individual dues for individual life membership or twenty (20) times the annual family dues for family life membership.
Annual dues for membership shall be twenty (20) dollars.
Annual dues for family membership shall be one and a half (1.5) times the annual dues for individual membership.
Annual dues for the spouse of a life member shall be one half (0.5) times the annual dues for family membership.
This change became effective July 1, 2002. Current dues under the above formula are, life member dues $400, family life member dues $600, regular member dues $20, family dues $30, and the spouse of a family member $15.
The membership then discussed where the life member dues should go. Currently they go to the general treasury, but there was discussion about creating a separate fund. The Board will look into this topic.
The club membership approved honorary life membership for Dick Davis.
Three Board of Directors seats were open for election. Fifty members participated in the secret ballot. The newly elected Board members include Mike Algiers, Ralph Valentino, and Justin Ohara.
Letters of appreciation were handed out and the meeting was adjourned at 4:56 pm.
MORE MEMORIES OF DICK BOOTH
My memories of Dick span 30 years of hiking, two oceans and two continents. Always a pillar of HTMC, he led hikes during most of those thirty years. I attended one of his last, the Pali Falls Saturday hike. I remember him on the Schedule Committee, where for years he kept a record of our hikes on 3x5cards and flipped through them. Another constant image is of Dick aat the clubhouse on work days when he would tinker with the lawnmower and keep it going.
In the 70's, some club members took a trip to Glacier National Park in Montana, and after days of logistical maneuvering, we finally got on the trail. Dick hooped and hollered as he joyfully skipped down the trail, delighted to finally be hiking. In 1989, when the Booths visited Myra in Germany, I happened to be there and was invited to join the family events. I remember well how Dick was the navigator for Myra on a drive through the countryside. At each intersection, Dick carefully directed Myra to turn away from each village which appeared on the map. We thus avoided any populated areas as we drove around for several hours. His 80th birthday party at HTMC Clubhouse was memorable, with most of his children there, as was the 50th wedding anniversary luncheon. Shortly after his passing, I was coming down the trail and a black butterfly flew by and I knew it was Dick...Joyce Oka.
The following is a tribute to Dick said by a group of HTMrs atop Mauna Loa at the rim of Moku`aweoweo on July 6, 2002. Before we depart, we hold hands and remember Richard "Dick" Booth. It went something like this: Dick was a long-time member of our club and we want totake a moment to remember him in this very fitting place. Some of us knew him, others just knew of him, some have hiked and camped with him. We all share a bond by our passion for hiking and the outdoors. As the older generation passes on, the younger generation rises up to come forward to take their places as the new leaders. This is the way of the Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club in the past, now, and in the future. To our brother, Dick, "Aloha and rest in peace."...Grant Oka.
RETURN TO WAILAU Patrick Rorie
[Recently, Patrick made his fourth backpack trip into Wailau Valley on Molokai, one of Hawaii's most isolated places. This article was due to appear in the July newsletter, but was delayed due to tributes to Dick Booth. Accounts of Pat's three previous trips are archived on the OHE-L listserv. Ed.]
This past Memorial Day weekend Mark Short, Eric Kendrick and I paid a visit to the friendly isle of Moloka`i for a jaunt into wondrous Wailau Valley.
Thursday, May 23
The three of us rendezvoused at Moloka`i airport Thursday afternoon, Mark flying in from Maui, Eric and I from O`ahu. Linda of Moloka`i Outdoor Activities drove us to Mapulehu near the ili`ili`opae Heiau where we established base camp on Greg Kerner's property. After setting up camp near the porch of Greg's new house, we three amigos walked to Pearl Petro's home to deliver a signed hold-harmless agreement she requires from anyone crossing her land to access the trail. We then kicked back on Greg's porch, enjoying the beautiful moonlit evening, complete with mild temperatures, light winds and the quiet rural ambience of Moloka`i (two-lane road, no street lights, etc.) and each others company, talking story about a variety of subjects.
Friday, May 24
Arose to a gorgeous day, entirely blue sky above, clear summit, and a gentle breeze. In order to take advantage of the coolness of the morning, Mark departed for the trailhead at 6:30 am. Eric and I got started about an hour later. When the two of us reached ili`ili`opae Heiau, we paused to study the impressive rectangular structure (about the size of a professional tennis court). According to legend, the rocks which form the heiau were transported from the north shore via a human chain stretching the entire length of the trail--8 miles. Then we began ascending the Wailau Trail.
Despite the early start, Eric and I felt the affects of high humidity and light winds as we climbed steadily along the sparsely vegetated ridge line. We reached an ironwood/eucalyptus forest in about half an hour and worked our way through it. Farther up the trail, while meandering amongst a confusing canopied region dominated by guava/Christmas berry, Eric stopped to record GPS readings. I would not see him again until Sunday, but we kept in contact via walkie-talkie. In a muddy ohi`a lehua segment, I came upon Mark, who had just finished taking a nap. Together, the two of us tramped to the summit bog en route to the crest of the mountain range (elev. 2,800 ft), where we plopped down for a breather and to hydrate.
At about 11 am, I led the way and we began descending precipitously along the vegetated sheer windward pali. We found the trail to be dry (a significant advantage when negotiating such steep cliffs) and employed ropes before and after crossing a dry waterfall chute and at a near vertical section, the home of three rare lobelias. The adrenline was certainly pumping. We paused on several occasions to take in the awesome sights--massive Mount Olokui, Wailau Valley stretched out before us, Waiakeakua Falls cascading hundreds of feet down Wailau's east wall, and Wailau's "wall of tears", also located on the east wall.
When I reached the valley floor (elev. 1,000 ft), a gap existed between Mark and myself. Just inside the Kekumu ili, and much to my surprise, the trail ended. Apparently, the clearing Thomas Yoza had done in August of 2001 hadgrown back--not a criticism, just stating a fact. Fortunately, a short distance makai, where Thomas and I had met the previous year, the swath reappeared, baby clidemia branches rising from the woody stumps we created. Meanwhile, Mark veered off the trail, dropping down to Waiakeakua Stream, not only because the trail ended but also due to the fact that he had run out of water.
At 1:05 pm I arrived at the lower Kekumu campsite, immediately removed mypack and then descended to Waiakeakua to obtain much needed H2O and for a refreshing dip. A short time later, I erected my tent, ate lunch and took a nap in the small circular campsite, Olokui looming in the distance. Rested and fed, I slipped on my tabis and headed up Waiakeakua at 3 pm with the goal of reaching the base of Waiakeakua Falls. En route to the falls, I ran into Mark traveling in the opposite direction. I invited him to join me, but he preferred to "cruise" at the campsite. Pressing on, I discovered many delightful pools fed by tiny, picturesque waterfalls, and swam in and under a few of them. Ultimately, my quest to reach the bottom of Waiakeakua Falls came to an end at a pretty, 15-foot cascade surrounded by sheer walls. Lorin Gill, HTMC kupuna and noted naturalist, had warned me this would be the case in a phone conversation a few days earlier, but I had to give it a shot.
Retraced my steps to the campsite, stopping once again to swim in a couple of the lovely pools and sit under the small waterfalls that make the stream so special. With some daylight still remaining, I hiked north along the trail, armed with fiskar loppers and a saw to soften up the footpath and give us momentum for the next day's journey. By the time I returned from clearing, night had fallen, and I found Mark inside the protective womb of his Hennessy hammock. During dinner a nearly full moon rose above Wailau's east wall and illuminated much of the valley.
Saturday, May 25
Another spectacular day--an abundance of blue sky and sunshine, completely clear summits, light winds, and not a drop of rain. After making radio contact with Eric, who had camped near Waiakeakua Stream farther mauka, I broke camp and headed toward the north shore. Mark did the same a short time later. Upon fording the stream, I immediately entered the Kapu'uiki ili. Because of the work I had done the previous afternoon, the two of us negotiated the region without too much trouble. The same could not be said of the ensuing ili (Olona). The trail contours above Wailau Stream, with a sizeable dropoff and a couple of washed out spots. One wrong step could lead to a mishap.
Farther ahead, we endured a wicked combination of uluhe and clidemia, easily the worst stretch of the trail. "I wish I had the hedge trimmer" I thought to myself. Fortunately, we emerged from the thicket as we entered a series of small gullies. While I attempted to communicate with Eric via walkie-talkie, Mark continued makai, and I would not see him again until my arrival at Wailau Beach in the afternoon. Progress came easier in the gullies, but we still had to tolerate in-your-face clidemia branches. Inside the 5th gully, I cooled off in a small pool fed by a lovely bridal veil cascade. Upon exiting gully #6, I dropped my pack and employed the fiskars for at least 45 minutes to eliminate a significant "crawl" section among clidemia trees between gullies 6 and 7. A wealth of ginger bordering a gently flowing brook exists in gully #7. Soon the footpath begins to contour high above Wailau Stream, scarred by brief eroded tracts where the grade has been lost, providing an impressive sight and sound of rapids and small waterfalls in the river below. It is not a good idea to walk and gawk at the same time.
I passed through a grove of mountain apple trees, then, leaving Po'okiukaha behind, tramped into the Malama ili, an area in which Keith Palmer, Dave Waller and myself did important clearing work in August of last year. Other than baby clidemia shrubs rising out of the stumps, the swath has remained open. Recognized plenty hau in the Paihala ili. At one point I had to scramble on all fours under a thick hau tree growing horizontally to continue north. Not very pleasant.
Reaching two tall, large mango trees, a big pool in the stream below the first mango would make an excellent campsite. After a thick stand of bamboo, the trail is now almost at stream level, closely paralleling Wailau Stream, and giving the feeling of coming down the final stretch--"the triumphant entry" that I've referred to in other backpacking write-ups. Rather than proceeding all the way to the mouth of Wailau Stream (and the end of the trail), I took a detour, fording the river and hiking to a grassy campsite near a copse of hala trees, arriving there at 4:49 pm. Mark and I exchanged greetings, and I gladly removed my heavy pack.
While definitely happy to be at Wailau Beach, my joy diminished when I realized that the lone tall loulu palm had died, it was no longer visible behind the campsite. After erecting my tent, I went for a relaxing stroll along the soft black-sand beach, gazing up periodically at the imposing, rugged sea cliffs and the Washington Monument spire, the sound of waves breaking onto the coast filling my ears, the sensation of the ocean gently washing upon my bare feet. Later, Mark and I witnessed an unobstructed sunset, and the coming and going of the golden hue as night fell. "Dis is da life!" I told myself.
Once dinner was over and everything put away, I lingered outside mytent to enjoy the exquisite evening. Mark had already retired for the night. Suddenly, the full moon appeared above Wailau's east wall, beautifully illuminating much of the valley. I did another beach walk in the pale moonlight, and went to the former loi field between the stream and campsite for better views of Olokui's long east wall, as well as the back of the valley, which extends at least 5 miles to the south. Reluctantly, I entered my tent and dozed off a few minutes prior to 1 am.
Sunday, May 26
Awoke to a conversation between Mark and Chris Scott, Wailau's "resident caretaker." When Chris had departed the area, I emerged from my humble abode, grabbed a balance bar, peanut butter/honey sandwhich and a Dr.Pepper, and then walked to a spot on the rocks fronting the shore break to eat breakfast (of champions!). The locale afforded a superb vista of the black-sand beach, sea cliffs and Washington Monument spire. While I consumed the morning meal, Mark uttered a friendly farewell and then commenced the 4.5 mile tramp to the lower Kekumu campsite at 7:30 am. Mark had decided to split the return leg to Ili`ili`opae into two days.
Following breakfast, I got my act together and headed west, rock-hopping beyond Wailau's black-sand beach along Molokai's north coast. When I skirted the region called Waiehu, much of Molokai`s world-famous sea cliffs came into view, including the prominent sharp peak Haupu, Mokapu Island, and, inthe distance, Makalanua Penninsula, which contains the historic village of Kalaupapa. I also recognized Wailele Falls on the cliffs adjacent to my location, but it was barely flowing. At a place where the ocean blocked further progress near Oloupena, a waterfall exists with a tide pool at its base, so I decided to cool off in the cascade. Refreshed by the chilly waterfall, I sat down in the tide pool and experienced the warmth of the ocean while the cascade continued to flow over my head, shoulders and torso. What a great combination!
Eventually, the tide began to rise and I had to leave the wonderful spot. Retraced my steps to the Wailau campsite, arriving there shortly before 1 pm. At about 2 pm, I started destroying what remained of the lantana patch I had worked on in August of last year. Just as I was about to pull up the last shrub, Eric appeared and filled me in on his activities and whereabouts since we last saw each other. He reported losing his Palmcorder along the trail, but that he had taken copious GPS way points nonetheless. Like Mark, Eric also opted to hike up valley a distance prior to nightfall rather than attempt the entire arduous 8 mile trek to Ili`ili`opae in one day.
After Eric left the scene, Chris made an appearance and we carried on a brief but cordial conversation. I then moseyed over to the former loi field to remove baby guava plants, and to cut asunder adult guava trees. "It would be nice to have some garlon right now" I thought to myself. Spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing around the campsite, walking the black-sand beach, reclining on the west end of the beach near the cave in the shade of the sea cliffs, and swimming in the ocean. Later, I witnessed another beautiful sunset, the golden hue, night fall, and watched na hoku appear in the heavens. This is living! Enjoyed another gorgeous moon-lit evening. However, anticipating a tough traverse on Memorial Day, I called it a night at 11:15pm.
Monday, May 27
Chris dropped by on his way to watering some plants for a quick chat and to bid me adieu. After he disappeared in the guava/hala grove above the campsite, I went over to the rocks fronting the shore break to gaze one last time at the Washington spire, the sea cliffs and the black-sand beach, then reluctantly "saddled" my heavy backpack and departed the area near Wailau Beach at 8:10 am. With the entire day to cover the 8-mile Wailau Trail, I set a deliberate pace, knowing that all but a few of the "crawl" sections had been eliminated.
When I reached the Keahou campsite at 9 am, I dropped my pack, descended to the big pool, jumped in and swam and frolicked in the invigorating stream for slightly less than half an hour. Also during the interlude, I enjoyed the terrific vista of Olokui's lengthy verdant east wall, lit up nicely by the rays of the morning sun, an abundance of clear blue sky visible above the enormous mountain.
Pressing on, I continued south and some time after 10 am Eric and I were reunited in one of the small gullies. Eric had spent much of the day clearing trail, so I encouraged him to put away his tools and just hike, since we had to make the heiau by nightfall. The "GPS-man" offered no resistance to my request. I forded Waiakeakua Stream at 11:43 am, and then climbed to the campsite to rest and consume lunch. Prior to my departure, Eric crossed the stream but paused before going any further, to obtain as much water as he could carry for the hot, steep ascent to the summit. Once I reached the upper boundary of the Kekumu ili, I dropped my pack, busted out the fiskars and cleared the footpath in both directions of hau branches and clidemia trees, so that the route would be unmistakable in terms of where to proceed through the region.
During my effort to reopen upper Kekumu, Eric passed me en route to the summit. However, we kept in touch via walkie-talkie, establishing radio contact every hour. Upon completing the clearing task, I commenced the tough climb to the summit at 2:30 pm. Both Eric and myself methodically worked our way through the uluhe tunnels, up the steep rope sections, and, ultimately, I joined him at the apex of the mountain range at 4:31 pm, 1,800-foot elevation gain from valley floor to summit in about half a mile--now that's a serious ascent!
From the summit, we cruised down the leeward side of the mountain range, enjoying superb views of West Maui, Kaho'olawe and Lanai in the process. At 6:50 pm the two of us arrived at the trailhead near the heiau, taking exactly two hours to descend from summit to Ili`ili`opae. At Greg's house, we found Mark relaxing on the porch. Our final evening on Molokai--another serene, moon-lit night--was spent sharing notes, reminiscing about the trip just completed, and kicking around plans for the next great adventure.
REFLECTIONS ON THE SUPERIOR HIKER Jay Feldman
I always hike with a group, though I am usually alone. I hike just fast enough to stay ahead of most people but not so fast as to be able to stay with the speedy hikers. Because of this much of my hiking time is spent in introspective thought, and yesterday during some of that quiet time I came to believe that there are three general classes of hikers in most groups. The inexperienced, the experienced, and the superior hiker.
The inexperienced hiker unwisely carries either too much or too little. Because he or she hasn't hiked very much and does not know the trail or its conditions, they will over- or underestimate how much food, drink, gear, clothing, to bring. Their packs may be over-weighted or they may carry the smallest of packs with barely enough water or gear. Their leg muscles may not be strong yet, their trail agility undeveloped, their breakfast too large. They typically seem uncomfortable and awkward on the trail. Time and experience will change all that.
Experienced hikers know the trails, what conditions to expect, and the limit of their capabilities. They will pack lightly with just enough of everything. Often the last gulp of their water will occur 15 minutes before their return to the trailhead. With a light pack they are graceful on their feet and almost dance up the most difficult ridge line. They are quick, capable, and serve as an excellent example for any newbie hiker to learn from. They are prepared for most emergencies and can take care of themselves. They are excellent hikers, knowledgeable, capable, and skilled. Every group is the better for having them along.
The Superior Hikers, as I have come to know them, seem to combine many of the attributes of the above two. Like the experienced hiker they are strong, knowledgeable and skillful on the trail, and completely at ease in almost every situation. However, like the inexperienced hiker they seem to be carrying too much in their pack. Extra food and water, a huge first aid kit, space blanket, cell phone, flashlight, rope, a radio (sometimes two radios), compass, map, paper and pencil, trash bags, and extra whistle, socks, rain gear, and/or hat. In a word an amazing amount of excess gear. Because of that they rarely lead the pack to the summit, though they do typically get there. Do they carry all that extra stuff because they know something the rest of us have yet to learn? That given enough time on the trails, they just may need something in their packs to save themselves? Yes, I think that is part of the answer. However, I believe the larger part of the truth is that they know given enough time on the trails something bad will happen to someone, and they want to have available whatever it takes to provide help; perhaps only to bind up an injury, perhaps to save a life. They intend to be ready to help whoever needs it, be it inexperienced newbie or long time veteran. The Superior Hiker is there for all of us, ready, willing, and able.
I typically hike with a light pack, but after yesterday's thoughts I've decided it's time to fatten it up a bit.
HTMC CLUBHOUSE DAZE Grant Oka
Our Waimanalo Clubhouse serves as the hub for HTMC's activities and meetings. It is also available for use by members for rest, recreation and socializing.
Clubhouse Happenings:
The laundry shed and outside shower was dismantled to comply with building regulations as part of consolidating Club property and acquiring an "existing use" permit. The "existing use" permit gives the Club more flexibility with its Waimanalo property, including the possibility of rebuilding the Clubhouse at some future date if the membership so desires. Mahalo to Peter Kempf for contributing his professional expertise to helpguide the Club through what was required to acquire the permit.
Since the Clubhouse no longer has laundry facilities, members who use the clubhouse must provide their own linen, towels, sleeping bags, pillows, pillowcases, etc.
The second story fire escape needs to be rebuilt to also comply with building regulations. This is an ongoing project and the Club needs anyone with skills and/or the desire to help or contribute supplies and materials.
The Clubhouse committee has started removing non-native plants and high-maintenance vegetation from the grounds. The intent is to provide some relief for the very labor-intensive management of the property grounds.
The Clubhouse committee needs help (skills, labor, donations) for a variety of fix-up projects, as well as getting rid of bulk trash.
Clubhouse slide-show events needs much more help in setting up before and cleaning up after. The food is delicious, the socializing wonderful, and the presentations are fun and interesting, so if more people help then everyone can enjoy the event.
Please call Grant (674-1459) or Larry (638-7268) with comments, questions or if you want to get involved with Clubhouse Activities, Property Management, or Entertainment Events.
KO`OLAU SUMMIT TRAIL HISTORY - PART 8
[This article is a continuation of Stuart Ball's series on the history of the Koolau Summit Trail]
The War Years (1942-1945).
Note: This episode has significant gaps because I haven't reviewed the Army records in the National Archives on the mainland.
Immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbor the U.S. Army took control of the Territory of Hawai`i. Under martial law the authorities placed severe restrictions on civilian hiking and hunting. The Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club suspended its hiking schedule for the duration of the war. During 1942-43 hunters killed only 258 wild pigs, compared with 3,834 during 1931-32, the heyday of the Special Hunters. Presumably, the pig population soared along the Ko`olau summit.
The Army also took over maintenance of the Summit Trail and its connectors. The CCC men at the Wahiawa Camp were transferred to high priority military projects. On 17 September 1942 the entire CCC program in Hawai`i was disbanded, and the workers transferred to the Army. The CCC program had lasted for over eight years and employed 7,195 men at a cost of about $5,845,000.
In July 1942 the Army and Navy staged a mock invasion of O`ahu. The invaders established beachheads along the south and north shores of the island. The northern force attacked across the Ko`olau Range, much as envisioned by General Wells ten years earlier. The Summit Trail and its windward connectors, Pupukea-Kahuku and La`ie must have been the scene of some fierce skirmishing.
At the top of each connecting trail was a cabin, and/or a network of trenches and foxholes for defense and training. The Army built at least three new cabins along the Ko`olau summit. The first stood just to windward of the Kawailoa Trail junction and had sheet metal siding covered with camouflage paint. A second cabin was elevated on four by four posts to leeward of the SchofieldWaikane junction. The third Army cabin was situated just before the Kipapa Trail junction. Mules of the Army's Hawaiian Pack Train delivered supplies to those remote cabins and fortified areas.
During wet weather the Summit Trail and its connectors took a beating from the heavy use by mules and men. Hapu`u tree fern trunks were cut down and laid across mud holes for better traction. The repeated trampling and occasional fires from field exercises decimated the surrounding vegetation.
In 1943 the Army established the Unit Jungle Training Center to better prepare its soldiers for combat in the Pacific Islands. The center had three layouts or courses of instruction, Red and Blue in Kahana Valley, and Green in Punalu`u Valley. The Green Course was the most demanding as it taught instructors for the other two courses. Both the Castle and the Ko`olau Summit Trails formed a part of the Green Course for field exercises and edible plant identification classes. Punalu`u Valley is still known as Green Valley after the name of the layout there.
On the afternoon of 14 August 1945, word of the Japanese surrender reached Hawai`i, and a wild, impromptu party broke out in the streets of downtown Honolulu. On V-J Day, 1 September, the Japanese formally surrendered aboard the battleship Missouri in Tokyo Bay. On 2 September a few members of the Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club began a 2-day traverse of the Ko`olau Range. Their route led through Kahana Valley, up the Waikane Trail, along the Ko`olau Summit Trail and down Kipapa. The war was over.
MICONIA REMOVAL Steve Brown Join members of HTMC, the Sierra Club, and others, to help rid Oahu of this invasive threat to our environment. Bring insect repellant & rain gear. Work area is off-trail and brushy; long pants/shirt & clear lens eye protection is needed. Bring a machete IF you are handy with one. Call the leader for more info.
Saturday, October 12 - Leader: Amy Tsuneyoshi, 487-7552
Saturday, November 9 - Leader: Hoala Fraiolla, 239-9877
Saturday, December 14 - Leader: Jordan Jokiel, 739-6710
PIG HUNTERS ASSOCIATION Dayle Turner
On June 20, Mabel Kekina and I attended a meeting of the board of the Oahu Pig Hunters' Association, and we had a really nice talk with them. Their president is Pascual Dabis, a pleasant and well-spoken gentleman, much like our own John Hall and (veteran) Bill Gorst.
Pascual set aside time at the beginning of the meeting for Mabel and I to speak. Mabel mentioned how some hunters seem territorial and inhospitable and I talked about how our trail- marking ribbons occasionally disappear, citing the example of the previous Saturday during my club hike when ribbons I had placed a week earlier had been removed. We both acknowledged that the above could have been the actions of "bad eggs" in their club or maybe even hunters who aren't in their club or, in the case of missing ribbons, not even hunters at all. Interestingly, one of the board members, a young, burly local guy, said he's removed ribbons he's found along "hunter trails."
Listening to them, the feeling I get is that the hunters have no problem with hikers being on main trails; however, spur trails (we call them "hunter trails") that stem off of these routes are their domain. They suggested using hunter-style cut marks on trees as a method of marking. All this, I must make clear, was said in a hospitable, friendly manner--no animosity at all.
Some other things I found out:
- Items on their agenda focus mainly on access issues. For example, like us, they are concerned about the FWS Critical Habitat designation and how it might effect their access to hunting areas.
- The pig hunters' club is small, with only 65 members presently.
- Regular membership is open to anyone with a hunting license.
- They have an agreement with the Halawa quarry management to drive up to the Halawa trail starting point (gotta see if we can get a similar agreement).
- Most members of their club hunt with dogs and knives instead of with guns or bow & arrow.
- Lost hunting dogs: do not turn them over to Humane Society. "The HS hates us," said one of the board members. The HS has the perception that hunters abuse their dogs.
- When coming upon hunters and dogs, just continue hiking along. No need to stand aside. If, by chance, hunting dogs are encountered and are acting in an aggressive way (which is rare), stay still and show no fear.
Most of all, I found a lot of aloha from these folks. They seemed genuinely interested in what we had to say. They encouraged us to continue the communication with them in the future. I'm thinking that at least once a year, someone from HTMC should attend one of their board meetings and/or we should invite reps from their club to attend one of ours.
POWDER EDGE DISCOUNTS Jay Feldman
Both Powder Edge stores are offering a 10% savings on non-sale items to HTMC club members, as verified by their copy of the membership roster or your current membership card.
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS ALONG THE TRAIL is a quarterly publication of the Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club designed to inform the membership of club activities and matters of interest to the hiking community. HTMC members and any other interested parties are welcome to submit articles to ALONG THE TRAIL. Submissions must be received by the 5th day of March, June, September, and December in order to appear in the newsletter published for the quarter, and may be sent in any of the following ways (email preferred):
E-Mail: Richard27@hawaii.rr.com
Computer diskette: MS/DOS [3.5"]
FAX: 293-2603
Phone: 293-2554
Mail: Richard McMahon
57-531 Kamehameha Hwy
Kahuku, HI 96731-2128
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P.O. Box 2238
Honolulu, HI 96804
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Waimanalo, HI 96795
Phone: 259-5443
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