SUMMER 2018
Vol. 10 #2
greenmagazinehawaii.com
One of the most important ingredients of all.
Gas is reliable, efficient and gives Hawaii’s chefs precise cooking control while lowering greenhouse emissions. Gas helps to make a good meal great. 535-5933 I hawaiigas.com
Ca
ts
te
Re
st a
rs
ur
re
an
B a ke r i e s
c G ro
ery
Fa r m s
Ho
te l
Wh
o
a les
le
Mahalo to our Donors Aloha Harvest is the sole organization in the state that rescues quality excess food from businesses, and delivers it free of charge to nonprofit agencies that serve the hungry. Since its inception in November 1999, Aloha Harvest has distributed more than 20.1 million pounds of food helping to provide meals to the hungry. Aloha Harvest drivers regularly pick up perishable and non-perishable food from more than 300 donors including Breadshop, Starbucks, Tiki’s Grill & Bar, Brue Bar, Times Supermarket, Aloha Island Marts, ABC Stores, H&W Foodservice, and Nalo Farms.
For more information, call 537-6945 or visit www.alohaharvest.org.
Photos: Courtesy Hawaiian Legacy Restoration Initiative
THE WOMEN OF GUNSTOCK RANCH: A PANIOLO LEGACY
The women who run the North Shore ranch are the third generation to carry on its rich 45-year history of sustainable operations. Today, Gunstock Ranch is an award-winning destination for thousands of visitors each year. 2
GRE E N M A G A Z I N E H AWA I I .C O M
In 1973, eight years after arriving in Hawai‘i from Arizona to serve as a state meat inspector, Max Smith saw opportunity in the former sugarcane lands along the North Shore of O‘ahu. The third-generation rancher initially managed several thousand acres of land on a month-to-month lease through the former James Campbell Estate. Gunstock Ranch was started on these lands. The lease, now renewed in 25-year terms by landowner Hawaii Reserves, Inc., remains in the family through Max’s son, Greg Smith, and his wife, Kyndra Smith. Max retired as Hawai‘i’s state veterinarian in 1994 and was inducted into the Paniolo Hall of Fame in 1999 after seven decades of ranching and award-winning turns in Hawai‘i’s rodeos and show arenas. ADVERTORIAL
That rich paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) spirit is what inspires Gunstock’s operations today, says Kyndra. As the ranch’s CEO, she has overseen its growth as a popular destination for an array of North Shore activities, including a swim school and horseback tours. The ranch is home to more than 100 grass-fed cattle and 75 horses—45 of which provide horseback tours. The culture and operations at Gunstock have been sustained through each generation of the ranch’s owners. Guests are able to experience Hawai‘i’s natural history and beauty as they journey in the paths of the paniolo. All those at Gunstock embody the culture of aloha for the land, animals and people that have been passed on since the ranch’s beginnings.
“After moving to the ranch, we started to see some unmet needs in the community, and my mantra is when you see needs, you go around filling them,” Kyndra says. “After teaching lifeguarding and swimming for nearly 20 years at Brigham Young University-Hawaii, I dreamed of doing a swim school here, and that’s really what kept us alive during those earlier years while we raised a family.” Four of the five members of the ranch’s management team are women. COO Lilia Tollefsen joined Gunstock in 2011 after 15 years as a teacher. She says that the educational component of the ranch is an important part of what it offers to both residents and visitors. Part of this outreach includes Gunstock’s partnerships with community organizations that provide 3,500 youth with low-cost, half-day field trips each summer, giving them the opportunity to experience a working ranch. “The rewarding part is to watch them get off the bus and see and smell the ranch, and at the end, they are dirty and they are happy and not afraid of grass and dirt anymore,” Lilia says. Gunstock would eventually like to partner with the nearby BYU-Hawaii campus to provide handson academic opportunities for college-level students as well, she says. This spring, Gunstock partnered with the nonprofit Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative (HLRI) and Hawaiian Legacy Tours to provide guests with one-of-a-kind Hawaiian Legacy ADVERTORIAL
Tree planting opportunities via UTV, hiking and horseback in O‘ahu’s first Legacy Forest. The initial project will span more than 500 acres of land slated for permanent reforestation. The forest will support over 600,000 newly planted Legacy Trees and be home to numerous rare and endangered species. “This ahupua‘a was once part of a great coastal native habitat, and we are pleased to be working with Gunstock, Hawaii Reserves, Inc., our Legacy partners and thousands of individual tree sponsors to help return this magnificent place to its former glory,” says Jeff Dunster, executive director of HLRI. “We are taking a more holistic approach to ranching,” Kyndra says. “We can do both ranching and reforestation at Gunstock and make a positive difference for the community and the land.” The Hawaiian Legacy Forest at Gunstock Ranch will be the third forest of its kind in Hawai‘i. The second, a 700-acre Legacy Forest on Kahua Ranch, announced in April 2017, will include dozens of endemic and native Hawaiian species over a contiguous mix of forest, marshland and fully vegetated volcanic soil on the western slopes of the Kohala Mountains. The original forest at Küka‘iau Ranch along the Hämäkua Coast spans over 400,000 endemic koa, ‘öhi‘a, mämane, naio, ko‘oko‘olau, kükaenënë and ‘iliahi trees on almost 1,200 acres of former pastureland. HLRI uses state-of-the-art radiofrequency identification (RFID) technology to record the growth, health, location and sponsorship details of each tree. Sponsors can track their Legacy Trees online through HLRI’s TreeTracker™ program. HLRI and sustainable forestry company HLH are working to reforest 1.3 million trees across the state—one for each person in Hawai‘i. For more, visit HawaiianLegacyTours.com or LegacyTrees.org. GREENMAGAZINE HAWAII.COM
3
CONTENTS
SUMMER 2018
GREEN ___________________________
ENERGY ___________________________
8 Cool Stuff
24 Fuel
Gear and goods made from earth-friendly industrial hemp
9 Health
Exploring the link between wellness and sustainability at Eat Think Drink
10 Eat
Michelle Karr-Ueoka, chefowner of MW Restaurant, on the importance of buying local
12 Kalo
Lessons in land stewardship at Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach
14 Beef
The 411 on Kunoa Cattle Company and its mission to keep Hawai‘i’s cattle in Hawai‘i
19 Startup
Dawn Lippert, CEO of Elemental Excelerator, on going beyond energy to change the world through place-based innovation
DESIGN ___________________________ 20 Eco
Graham Hill’s low-impact Maui home does more with less
23 Home
Tiare Pinto, president of Archipelago Hawaii, on why there’s no excuse not to build green
Alicia Moy, president & CEO of Hawai‘i Gas, on the role of natural gas in Hawai‘i’s clean energy future
28 Net Zero
UH Mānoa’s net-zero classrooms are bringing energy education to life
29 Power
Caroline Carl, deputy director at Hawai‘i Energy, on empowering people to make smart energy choices
30 Grid
Sharon Suzuki, president of Maui Electric Company, on Hawai‘i’s ongoing journey to clean energy
NATURE ___________________________ 32 Update
Success stories from the past year of conservation in Hawai‘i
34 Watch
Environmental films Blue and Sonic Sea examine some of our ocean’s greatest threats
36 ‘Ulu
This Pacific Island staple crop could be key to food security and land-use management in Hawai‘i
38 Fish
Landmark study confirms hard reality that we are the ocean’s greatest threat
40 Trees
Give the gift of conservation through Mālama Learning Center’s Me + Tree campaign 4
GRE E NM A G A Z I N E H AWA I I .C O M
2018
H Y B R I D
HOW FAR WILL YOU TAKE IT? Explore nature in the sporty 2018 RAV4 Hybrid. With an EPA-estimated 34 MPG city 1 and innovative features such as the available Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) 2 with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) 3 , and Hybrid Energy Monitor, the 2018 RAV4 Hybrid redefines what a hybrid SUV can do. And with Toyota Safety SenseTM P (TSS-P) 4 standard, every adventure is as safe as it is fun. Innovative. Sustainable. Exciting. VISIT YOUR TOYOTA HAWAII DEALER TODAY.
1. 2018 EPA-estimated mileage. Actual mileage will vary. See fueleconomy.gov for details. 2. Do not rely exclusively on the Blind Spot Monitor. Always look over your shoulder and use your turn signal. There are limitations to the function, detection and range of the monitor. See Owner’s Manual for additional limitations and details. 3. 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 and range of the system. See Owner’s Manual for additional limitations and details. 4. Drivers are responsible for their own safe driving. Always pay attention to your surroundings and drive safely. System effectiveness is dependent on many factors including road, weather and vehicle conditions. See Owner’s Manual for additional limitations and details.
Published by Element Media, Inc. VOLUME 10 :: NUMBER 2 :: SUMMER 2018
President Jamie Giambrone Publisher Naomi Hazelton Managing Editor Lauren McNally laurenm@elementmediahi.com Art Director Keith Usher Contributing Writers Maxwell Bendes, Lindsey Kesel, Shannon Noelle Rivera, Jennifer Sudick Contributing Photographers Aaron Bernard, Dave Miyamoto, Darryl Watanabe Senior Account Executive Jennifer Dorman Publisher’s Assistant Maria Sumulong Administration Crystal Rogers, Sally Shaner
Subscribe and read online at greenmagazinehawaii.com. Contact Element Media at 1088 Bishop Street, Suite 1130, Honolulu, HI 96813; 808.737.8711. Follow Green on facebook at facebook.com/GreenMagazineHawaii and on Twitter at @greenmaghawaii. Green Magazine Hawai‘i is a quarterly publication available through subscription, direct mail 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.
ON THE COVER _______________________________ Kunoa Cattle Company co-founder and third-generation rancher Bobby Farias combines regenerative grazing and paniolo culture as steward of more than 4,000 acres of pastureland on Kaua‘i and O‘ahu.
PHOTO: Gil Cope
6
GRE E N M A G A Z I N E H AWA I I .C O M
NEW!
HAIR COLOR SHINE SERVICES Quick upgrade services that improve hair’s condition. Provide instant, healthy shine. Long lasting. Choose from Clear Glossing, Color Glossing, Color Refreshing or Grey Blending.
NEW!
FEED MY LIPS No compromise. 95% Naturally derived. 27 New Lipsticks, with sumptuous fruit butter and nourishing botanicals, topped by rich, longwearing color and a touch of aroma-flavor with certified organic peppermint, vanilla and a zip of ginger. LIPSTICK shades in a satin finish, expertly matched to complement your hair color.
EXCLUSIVELY
ALA MOANA CENTER 3rd Level next to Neiman Marcus Call 808.947.6141 KA MAKANA ALI‘I CENTER Near Macy's Call 808.670.2550
www.hoalasalonspa.com
GREEN
COOL STUFF // HEALTH // EAT // KALO // BEEF // STARTUP
| COOL STUFF |
IN HEMP WE TRUST Stronger than steel, more flexible than nylon and more durable than concrete, hemp sure gets a lot of shade for such a versatile, eco-friendly textile. See what those in the know have been doing with this sustainable wondercrop.
1
1. ROLKAZ Rolkaz skateboards are made from entirely renewable resources, including 100 percent natural hemp and flax fibers and highperformance plant-based resin. Looks and feels like a regular skateboard, way better for the planet. [$74–$197] rolkaz.co
2
2. HEMP EYEWEAR This line of premium eyewear is handcrafted from organic hemp fiber and 100 percent recyclable bio acetate temple tips. Comfortable and lightweight, each pair features a natural grain pattern that’s inherently one of a kind. Available in five frame styles and sunglass or prescription lenses. [$398] hempeyewear.com
3
3. MANA ARTISAN BOTANICS Hawai‘i Island-based Mana Artisan Botanics uses locally sourced ingredients and regenerative agricultural methods to produce artisanal whole-plant hemp extracts infused with pure Hawaiian botanicals. The company’s phytocannabinoid-rich products are lab tested for pesticides and other contaminants to ensure you’re getting the purest of the pure. [$35–$65] manabotanics.com 4. LALESSO X HEMPORIUM Made of 100 percent hemp canvas, this mandala-print beach blanket is a collaboration between Cape Town-based retailers Lalesso and Hemporium, an eco-friendly shop dedicated to raising awareness of the versatility of industrial hemp. Comes in a custom-print hemp canvas drawstring carry bag. [$103] lalesso.com
4
8
GRE E N M A G A Z I N E H AWA I I .C O M
GREEN
Photo: Seth Buckley
COOL STUFF // HEALTH // EAT // KALO // BEEF // STARTUP
| HEALTH |
EAT THINK DRINK
Building a greener Hawai‘i at the intersection of wellness and sustainability Collaboration was the theme of the hour at Eat Think Drink: Healthy People, Healthy Planet, a quarterly event series put on by the Hawai‘i Agricultural Foundation to address issues of agriculture and food in Hawai‘i. This quarter, an expert panel of women took to the stage at The Modern Honolulu to discuss the future of wellness and sustainability in the islands, sparking a dynamic conversation on the symbiotic relationship between the two industries and their shared interest in preserving Hawai‘i’s natural resources. The program kicked off with a talk led by keynote speaker Peggy Liu, chairperson of JUCCCE, an environmental nonprofit dedicated to building a greener China by accelerating societal-scale change in energy production, urban design and consumer behavior. “It’s inspiring to see Hawai‘i take the torch and pave the way for large-scale sustainability initiatives,” Liu says. “We’re working on stewarding our own communities in China through JUCCCE’s Food Heroes program, an educational offering that teaches young families how to make and share food that is good for them and the planet.” From there, national spearfishing champion Kimi Werner, a globally renowned advocate for sustainable food systems,
moderated a panel that included Kim Johnson, co-founder of the Kökua Hawai‘i Foundation, and Noelani Kalipi, executive director of the Kohala Institute. Together, panelists evaluated avenues of collaboration and key opportunities to achieve long-term impact, asking where we can find intersections between wellness and sustainability initiatives and encourage systemic change. In what way can these two industries work together to act as catalysts for a healthier, greener Hawai‘i? How can global leaders leverage their power to influence a shift towards sustainable consumerism? At the conclusion of the panel, local chefs launched an interactive dine-around showcasing creative dishes crafted from local and sustainably sourced ingredients. Featured chefs included The Modern Honolulu’s own Keith Pajinag, Eric Oto of Hoku’s at The Kahala Hotel & Resort, Lawrence Nakamoto of Mariposa at Neiman Marcus and Troy Terorotua of Brew’d. —Lauren McNally GREENMAGAZINE HAWAII.COM
9
GREEN
COOL STUFF // HEALTH // EAT // KALO // BEEF // STARTUP
MICHELLE KARR-UEOKA CHEF/OWNER MW RESTAURANT | EAT |
FARM TO TABLE Michelle Karr-Ueoka, chef-owner of MW Restaurant, on the importance of buying local YOU WERE ORIGINALLY ON TRACK FOR A CAREER IN TRAVEL INDUSTRY MANAGEMENT. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A CHEF? I enjoy reading and learning about food, so I externed at Alan Wong’s and fell in love with cooking. WHAT ROLE DO CHEFS AND RESTAURATEURS PLAY IN THE FARM-TO-TABLE ECOSYSTEM? A lot, because without the wonderful farmers, ranchers, fishmongers and producers in Hawai‘i, we wouldn’t have the beautiful product that makes Hawai‘i so special. WHAT CAN RESIDENTS/CONSUMERS DO TO IMPROVE FOOD SECURITY AND SUSTAINABILITY IN HAWAI‘I? Buy local.
Photo: MW Restaurant
WHERE DO YOU SEE HAWAI‘I REGIONAL CUISINE GOING IN THE FUTURE? DO YOU FEEL THERE IS A NEW GENERATION OF CHEFS BUILDING ON PRINCIPLES MINED BY CHEF ALAN WONG AND OTHERS AND, IF SO, WHAT ARE THEY BRINGING TO THE TABLE?
“The more people who buy local, the more we become self-sustainable.”
10
GRE E N M A G A Z I N E H AWA I I.C O M
I think that every chef has their own style that makes them unique, but we all share the same philosophy of showcasing Hawai‘i and helping to keep Hawai‘i sustainable. By educating the public about the importance of buying local, we will help to increase demand, thus supply will increase as well. The more people who buy local, the more we become selfsustainable.
Bring fresh,
healthy vibrant flavors
to your next gathering by having Jamba cater! A super-easy Smoothie Trio Pack with 15
smoothies in three flavors will provide
refreshment all around! It’s your your
bursting
meeting,
choice, order online at JambaHawaii.com.
Choose any 3 of the 5 flavors 15x16oz. Smoothies
Mango-A-Go-Go Acai Super Antioxidant Strawberries Wild Apple 'n Greens Orange Dream Machine
Don't have time to come by? Jamba delivers, for your convenience!
Delivery available at Jambahawaii.com
GREEN
COOL STUFF // HEALTH // EAT // KALO // BEEF // STARTUP
| KALO |
POUND IT
It’s not every day you can harvest an ancient Hawaiian canoe plant in the heart of Waikïkï. You can, however, do it every fourth Tuesday of the month at Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach, where an organic kalo garden thrives alongside the hotel’s chic rooftop pool deck. Beginning in 2017, Hyatt Centric has been inviting the public—including nonhotel guests—to join in monthly harvests with Daniel Anthony of Hui Aloha ‘Äina Momona, a nonprofit organization committed to land stewardship and resource management through traditional Hawaiian agricultural practices, including the cultivation of kalo and preparation of traditional kalo
12
GRE E N M A G A Z I N E H AWA I I.C O M
foods such as hand-pounded poi and pa‘i‘ai. Participants help harvest the kalo for consumption while learning the value of this staple food to Hawai‘i’s ecosystem and native culture. And who better to learn from than a stalwart advocate of food sovereignty, whose Käne‘ohebased pa‘i‘ai operation, Mana Ai, sources its kalo from small family farms throughout the islands? Hyatt Centric’s small plot of poolside kalo may not be enough to feed the masses, but as a living exhibit and thread of native Hawaiian culture stitched into urban Waikïkï, it conjures a noble vision for an abundant and self-sufficient Hawai‘i. —Lauren McNally
Photos: Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach
Know your kalo at Hyatt Centric Waikiki Beach
A GREENER CLEAN
Certified green cleaning solutions from Honey Bee Cleaners PROVIDED BY HONEY BEE CLEANERS Locally owned and operated cleaning company Honey Bee Cleaners has the distinction of being one of the few green cleaning companies recognized by Hawai‘i’s Better Business Bureau as a recipient of the Torch Award in Ethics 2017 and is the only company of its kind accredited by the Green Cleaning Institute in Hawai‘i. Operating for eight years, Honey Bee offers both contractual commercial cleaning and one-time cleaning services on carpets, windows and floors. Over the years, Honey Bee’s dedication to eco-friendly cleaning and efficiency has garnered the company a slew of commercial contracts, including Walmart, Sam’s Club, HouseMart Ben Franklin Crafts retail stores, Gordon Biersch, Chili’s
Grill & Bar and California Pizza Kitchen. Potential customers can request a free demo prior to signing up. For consumers looking to do their own eco-conscious cleaning, Honey Bee partners with cleaning-product and restroom-supplies manufacturers Maintex and Hospeco and green janitorial-equipment manufacturers IPC Eagle, EDIC and Tornado to offer an online store to buy or rent cleaning equipment and products, including scrubbers, washers and pure water cleaning systems. Whether you are in need of a cost-efficient green cleaning service or green cleaning supplies for your company, Honey Bee will get the job done around the clock and offers a 24-hour customer response guarantee.
TRANSFORMING - LAND BACK TO ‘AINA Specializing in Cultural and Ecological Landscapes
Photo: Honeybee Cleaners
• Hawaii’s largest selection of Native Hawaiian Plants & Endangered Species • Licensed and Insured • Erosion Control • Hydroseeding/Mulching • Xeriscaping • Landscape Services • Landscape Maintenance
nativehawaiianplants@gmail.com
808.235.6165
www.HawaiianNativePlants.com GREENMAGAZINE HAWAII.COM
13
Photos: Kunoa Cattle Co.
| BEEF |
Kunoa Cattle Company is on a misson to keep Hawai‘i’s cattle in Hawai‘i
BY JENNIFER SUDICK
Kunoa Cattle Company currently ranches nearly 2,000 head of cattle on several thousand acres of former sugarcane land on Kaua‘i and O‘ahu.
Nearly 225 years ago, the first small herd of cattle arrived in Hawai‘i. A gift to King Kamehameha from Captain George Vancouver, the protected cattle flourished. By the mid-1800s, nearly 25,000 cows and bulls roamed free. Hawai‘i paniolo (cowboys) were trained by Mexican-Spanish vaqueros to raise the cattle, and today nearly 1 million acres of land are devoted to ranching in the state, preserving vast tracts of open space. Prior to the early 1990s, 90 percent of the beef raised in Hawai‘i was finished, processed and consumed locally. Due to economic pressures that forced the closure of local feedlots, nearly three quarters of Hawai‘i’s cattle are now exported to the U.S. mainland for finishing and processing. According to figures from the Hawaii Beef Industry Council, state beef production is down to 5.5 million pounds, or just over 6 percent of the total beef consumed each year in Hawai‘i. This system has had a wide-ranging impact on Hawai‘i’s environment, economy, food quality and animal welfare, and ranchers are working together on sustainable solutions to keep more cattle in Hawai‘i. Kunoa (meaning “stand free”) is one of 10 businesses accepted into the first-ever cohort program at Mana Up, a newly launched product accelerator that helps scale Hawai‘i retail and value-added food products for the global market. 16
GRE E N M A G A Z I N E H AWA I I.C O M
“We are working to improve not only our supply of local beef and capacity to process it but also the way those cattle are raised,” says Robert Farias, a third-generation Hawai‘i rancher who founded Kunoa in 2014 with Jack Beuttell. Farias oversees nearly 2,000 head of cattle across 4,000 acres of ranchland on Kaua‘i and O‘ahu. Following World War II, an overabundance of inexpensive fertilizers and grains made a feedlot finishing model attractive to ranchers throughout the U.S., including those in Hawai‘i, resulting in a shift away from grassland grazing. After many decades, the rising cost of importing grains led to the collapse of Hawai‘i’s dairy and pork industries. Cattle ranchers turned to their most economically viable alternative—selling calves to the mainland for finishing and processing—to survive. “The markets are now reverting to the pre-industrialized model of both raising and finishing cattle on vegetative forages rather than grains,” Beuttell says. “This practice is much less resource intensive than feedlot beef, whose prices are artificially low due to federal subsidies of the cash crop and petroleum industries. Our goal is to help consumers understand their options and that livestock, if managed properly, can be a healthful component of our diet and a regenerative force for the land.”
"Our goal is to help consumers understand their options and that livestock, if managed properly, can be a healthful component of our diet and a regenerative force for the land.” —Jack Beuttell, co-founder of Kunoa Cattle Company
The challenge is integrating agricultural production practices in ways that are ecologically virtuous and soil building, Beuttell says. This includes cover cropping, intercropping, no-till drilling, integrated pest management and crop buffering. Renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, hydropower and waste-heat capture, as well as improved logistical systems for distributing product, are also being integrated by ranchers. On the consumer side, increased awareness around food waste— estimated to be between 30 percent and 40 percent of the U.S. food supply—can mitigate increasing pressure on agricultural resources. “We hold a systems view of the challenges in Hawai‘i’s meat supply chain,” Beuttell says. “To increase self-sufficiency and ultimately regenerate landscapes, we need to look at everything from genetics, feedstocks, grazing management, transportation and manufacturing, to consumer education and engagement. We can’t expect that surgically addressing one aspect of the food system will solve the whole set of challenges.” GREENMAGAZINE HAWAII.COM
17
S TA N D
FREE
In addition to offering its pasture-raised beef at more than a dozen Times Supermarkets locations throughout O‘ahu and Maui, Kunoa has inked deals with Times, Safeway, 7-Eleven and other retailers to stock its Hawai‘igrown beef bars at locations across Hawai‘i.
Third-generation rancher Bobby Farias teamed up with entrepreneur Jack Beuttell to launch Kunoa Cattle Company in 2014 and keep Hawai‘i cattle in Hawai‘i.
18
GRE E N M A G A Z I N E H AWA I I.C O M
Kunoa inherited a solar array on its USDA-inspected O‘ahu harvest and processing facility, which it purchased in 2016. The company also completed extensive upgrades to promote energy efficiency, worker safety and animal welfare and is in the accreditation period with the Savory Institute, a nonprofit organization that promotes the restoration of the world’s grasslands through holistic management. But mainland competition is fierce. Four companies control approximately 80 percent of the U.S. beef market, and standards vary around the use of language such as “grass-fed,” which is used to describe cattle that have been fed grass pellets in conventional feedlots. Plus, one mainland packing house can produce as much meat in a day as Kunoa does in a year. Those economies of scale are a massive advantage for the largest companies. The difference for many Hawai‘i consumers and abroad boils down to what they know about their food. “There is an emerging sensitivity to terroir in beef—the way soils, forages, climate and other factors shape the flavor of your meal,” Beuttell says. “When you develop an appreciation for that nuance in your food, and you combine it with a more intimate understanding of who raised it and how it was handled on its way to your table, food takes on a more meaningful role in our lives.”
COOL STUFF // HEALTH // EAT // KALO // BEEF // STARTUP
| STARTUP |
BEYOND ENERGY Dawn Lippert, CEO of Elemental Excelerator— formerly Energy Excelerator—on going beyond energy to change the world through place-based innovation, one community at a time WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST PRESSING OR OVERLOOKED ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES YOU HOPE TO SEE ADDRESSED BY FUTURE EEx PORTFOLIO COMPANIES? To me, one of the most pressing issues is rethinking the way we move around our islands. More than 60 percent of our fossil fuel use goes toward transportation. Elemental Excelerator is looking to fund startups with new mobility solutions, particularly in heavy freight, shipping and aviation as well as mobility for rural communities, shared mobility, last-mile solutions, fleet management and autonomous vehicle technology. An issue that requires a different kind of thinking is the equitable distribution of technology and innovation. The problem isn’t that people don’t understand the overarching benefits of clean technologies such as local food and energy-efficient appliances. The real hang-up is that most of these products and services tend to be geared towards those in higher income brackets. We are actively looking for companies that increase access to technology and innovation within low- to moderate-income communities.
GREEN
IN WHAT WAYS IS HAWAI‘I AT THE FOREFRONT OF SUSTAINABILITY AND IN WHAT AREAS IS IT LACKING? Hawai‘i has had a head start in transforming its electricity sector. In 2008, strong policy signals through the Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative helped define the market opportunity and create a magnet for startups with new, clean technologies. Our culture, which plays a big role our education system, also puts us at the forefront. One of my favorite moments of 2018 was at an event at Hälau ‘Ïnana. I was part of an “unpanel,” so instead of me sharing my expertise, my fellow “unpanelists” and I came equipped with a question for the youth in attendance. Their answers to our questions showed that students at our Hawaiian language immersion schools, public schools and private schools have a vision for Hawai‘i’s future that takes care of our islands and our people. They don’t need our answers, they just need our support. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE ON A POLICY LEVEL TO ENCOURAGE INNOVATION AND POSITIVE CHANGE AS IT RELATES TO ELEMENTAL EXCELERATOR’S NEW HOLISTIC SYSTEMS APPROACH TO MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE? We are intently focused on unlocking barriers to innovation, and we’re looking at this from two vantage points—how can policy enable companies with new solutions to accelerate their impact and how can policy actually spur new ideas? Data is one area that could use improvement and where we are trying new things. Elemental Excelerator has co-hosted two hackathons in agriculture and transportation with the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation and Hawaii Open Data and funded companies in our portfolio that help farmers, utility operators, transit authorities and small business owners make better decisions with easily accessible and digestible data.
Photo: Elemental Excelerator
DAWN LIPPERT CEO ELEMENTAL EXCELERATOR
“We are intently focused on unlocking barriers to innovation.” GREENMAGAZINE HAWAII.COM
19
DESIGN
ECO // HOME
| ECO |
A (SMALL)
HOME RUN Graham Hill’s low-impact Maui home does more with less By Lindsey Kesel
Photos: Shawn Hanna
Graham Hill is unshakeable in his quest to show the world how to live large in small spaces—not simply by extolling the virtues of minimalism, but also by demonstrating exactly how to pull it off. An entrepreneur and environmentalist, Hill first tested the small-living concept in 2010 when he transformed his 420-square-foot New York City flat into 1,000 square feet of functionality with the help of a design team recruited through a crowd-sourcing competition. The small living laboratory project was so successful that Hill parlayed it into a consulting business called LifeEdited and renovated a second NYC micro-apartment that achieved similar performance goals with even less space.
20
GRE EN M A G A Z I N E H AWA I I.C O M
In his 2011 TED talk, “Less Stuff, More Happiness,” Hill asks viewers to “edit ruthlessly, think small and cut the extraneous out of your lives.” His end game? To demonstrate just how feasible it is to live within your means while leaving a light footprint— and how fulfilling this way of life can be. Hill is also the brains behind Treehugger.com, an online ecocommunity that unites people with an affinity for green architecture, product design, technology and fashion. “I learned that if you want to get people out of a boat, you need to give them another, better boat to get into,” Hill says. “In other words, stopping things is only part of the change equation. You also need to show people a better way.”
With influential eco-focused sponsors like Blue Planet Foundation, Hill hosted a soft launch in March to celebrate the completion of a third small living project, LifeEdited Maui, a more ambitious 1,000-square-foot layout set on a 2.2-acre parcel of land near Haiku. Through smart home innovations, sustainable materials and renewable energy technologies, his latest LifeEdited model is geared toward meeting the needs of a family with an ultra-efficient fourbedroom, 2.5-bath home designed to harvest more energy than it uses and run off the grid. Blue Planet founder Henk Rogers worked with Hill to integrate a Blue Planet clean energy storage solution that features rapid recharging and 100 percent discharge. “Our Blue Ion system was a natural fit for Graham Hill’s vision of embracing the modern-day off-grid, sustainable lifestyle without sacrificing comfort or limiting what devices can be used,” Rogers says. “Seeing this project come to life has been a remarkable example of what we can do to make better choices for our generations to come.” LifeEdited Maui applies transformational design principles and products to create multi-purpose rooms that leverage every ounce of space for maximum functionality. Details like the Italian-designed space-saving pieces from Resource Furniture serve to double or triple the purposeful use of the home’s bedrooms and covered länai—Murphy beds fold away to reveal couches, tables and desks, and the deep outdoor sofas and coffee tables can double in height and length to accommodate additional guests.
GREENMAGAZINE HAWAII.COM
21
Solar energy, water catchment, composting toilets and intuitive home controls enhance user experience and minimize energy use, and electric bikes and Graham’s electric Volkswagen Thing tap the solar power generated and stored on site. The crew are working on agriscaping to grow food on the grounds, building raised garden beds and planting a fruit orchard full of edible trees like banana, papaya and mango, along with a variety of plants that support a healthy ecosystem. When complete, the strategic configuration of outdoor spaces will encourage residents and visitors to feel at home in nature with its walking paths, hammocks, benches and other interactive touches.
22
GRE E N M A G A Z I N E H AWA I I.C O M
Hill’s favorite LifeEdited Maui features? “I’m a huge fan of our solar system,” he says. “We have these fantastic Sunflare thin-film solar panels that you can easily miss, as they are so nicely integrated into our standing seam roof. I have been amazed at how neat it feels to be living entirely off-grid. There’s something really special about living from the sun.”
Hill is also fond of the modular and modern Bento Box kitchen they installed, with cabinetry that hangs off a set of rails mounted on the wall and Richlite countertops made from recycled paper products. Not to be overlooked are the marks of splendor the team blended in, like the ability to bathe with a view. “The big, white, curvy Kohler soaking tubs feel like such a luxury,” Hill says. “Particularly the one that we placed in an outside room that allows you to get a glimpse of the lush Hawaiian landscape and the stars.” All of the partners working to make Hill’s LifeEdited Maui home come to life—from design to construction to landscaping— make a solid case in their argument that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to enjoy the minimalist life. To borrow a quote from Hill’s TED talk, “Less might equal more, so let’s make room for the good stuff.” lifeedited.com
ECO // HOME
DESIGN
| HOME |
GREEN BY DESIGN
Archipelago Hawaii co-founder and Certified Green Professional Tiare Pinto on why there’s no excuse not to build green WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN SUSTAINABLE DESIGN?
“Green, sustainable products are now mainstream and not necessarily more expensive.”
Working with Mokulua High Performance Builder on a National Green Building Standard Gold-certified home was the beginning of realizing how easy it is to incorporate sustainability into every facet of home building. Now more than ever because it’s not really any more expensive. So the question is why isn’t everyone doing it? IN WHAT WAYS DOES ARCHIPELAGO HAWAII OPERATE SUSTAINABLY? HAS DEMAND FOR THAT INCREASED IN RECENT YEARS? We use as many sustainable finishes and products as possible, including recycled content, Energy Star appliances, WaterSense fixtures and LED lighting. Demand has not necessarily increased, we just do this as part of our practice. ARE THERE ANY CHALLENGES UNIQUE TO HAWAI‘I? Hawai‘i’s isolated location creates lots of issues. We need to get everything here to the middle of the Pacific Ocean. We are very limited in our selection of goods and services, so I use local artisans and utilize repurposed materials whenever possible. WHAT ARE SOME KEY RENOVATIONS THAT ENVIRONMENTALLY MINDED HOMEOWNERS CAN MAKE IF THEY’RE ON A BUDGET? Change out their existing recessed lighting to LED and change out old appliances to Energy Star appliances. WHAT’S THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT INCORPORATING GREEN FEATURES OR REPURPOSED MATERIALS INTO THEIR RENOVATION? That it is very expensive, which is just not true anymore. Green, sustainable products are now mainstream and not necessarily more expensive. Re-use Hawai‘i and Honolulu ReStore are great local venues to find repurposed materials.
Photo: Aaron Bernard
TIARE NOELANI PINTO PRESIDENT ARCHIPELAGO HAWAII GREENMAGAZINE HAWAII.COM
23
ENERGY
FUEL // NET ZERO // POWER // GRID
| FUEL |
STEPPING ON THE GAS
Hawai‘i Gas President and CEO Alicia Moy on navigating dynamic change in the energy marketplace and the role of natural gas in Hawai‘i’s clean energy future HOW IS THE NATURAL GAS SUPPLIED BY HAWAI‘I GAS DIFFER FROM OTHER SOURCES? Hawai‘i Gas produces natural gas synthetically at our synthetic natural gas plant in Campbell Industrial Park from a byproduct of the oil-refining process. As reported annually to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, this process makes up less than 0.5 percent of the entire state of Hawai‘i’s greenhouse gas emissions. In total, Hawai‘i Gas’ energy footprint is only about 2 percent of the overall energy picture in the state.
NATURAL GAS CAN BE A POLARIZING TOPIC IN THE CLEAN ENERGY CONVERSATION. HOW DOES IT FIT INTO THE PICTURE FOR HAWAI‘I’S RENEWABLE ENERGY FUTURE? The pathway toward a sustainable, resilient future must include diverse energy solutions and options to reliably and efficiently meet Hawai‘i’s energy needs. We have been working for many years to decrease our oil-based synthetic natural gas production through multiple initiatives, including renewable natural gas (RNG). We are excited to launch our first renewable natural gas project later this year, where we will be capturing and processing the gas waste stream from the Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant and blending it within our existing synthetic natural gas pipeline. Once the project is fully implemented, we expect to reduce the equivalent of 12,000 barrels per year of imported oil to the state. In order to get to scale with RNG, we are also investing in early-stage projects to test various energy crops for biogas. HOW DOES RENEWABLE NATURAL GAS FIT INTO HAWAI‘I’S GOAL OF 100 PERCENT RENEWABLE ENERGY BY 2045?
Renewable natural gas is one of the fuels that Hawai‘i Gas is pursuing for its customers now and for the future, but not at any cost. After much independent review, what we have concluded is that there needs to be a comprehensive statewide energy and resiliency plan that focuses on achieving highly efficient, low-carbon, low-cost, reliable, firm energy options across sectors for the benefit of Hawai‘i businesses and residents. Beyond our core business, we launched a solar farm on O‘ahu in 2016 to support the state’s renewable energy vision and we continue to explore new opportunities. In all of our energy diversification efforts, Hawai‘i ALICIA MOY Gas expects to have reduced the PRESIDENT & CEO equivalent of over 100,000 barrels HAWAI‘I GAS per year of imported oil to the state once fully implemented.
Photo: Courtesy Hawaii Gas
“The pathway toward a sustainable, resilient future must include diverse energy solutions and options to reliably and efficiently meet Hawai‘i’s energy needs.” 24
GRE E N M A G A Z I N E H AWA I I.C O M
OPEN B ig Business . s mall Business . a nd everything in Between .
Whatever your size, Hawaii Pacific Solar can help you with the best
approach to renewable energy. And unlike other solar companies, we stick around and manage your system. Track performance. And do preventative maintenance. All to ensure your system is running at maximum efficiency. So you can concentrate on growing your business. HawaiiPacificSolar.com
Congratulations to Green Leader Zoltan Milaskey
Toyota’s Ongoing Commitment to
SUSTAINABILITY A trio of eco-cars designed to help keep Hawaii green
2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid When it comes time to consider an environmentally friendly new car, things can get pretty confusing. Selecting the ideal powertrain used to be easy—4, 6 or 8 cylinders. Now there’s a complete alphabet to consider—ICE (internal combustion engine), EV (electric vehicle), HV (hybrid vehicle), PHV (plug-in hybrid vehicle), FCV (fuel cell vehicle) and more. 26
GRE EN M A G A Z I N E H AWA I I.C O M
As a longtime global leader in sustainability, Toyota knows there is no single best solution, or road, to follow. They make it easy by offering a number of ways to address energy conservation by promoting fuel diversification, including alternatives to gasoline such as electricity and hydrogen. The goal is to offer a variety of ecocars that lead the way to tomorrow and encourage their widespread use – not just in the future but today. Here’s a quick look at three of them. The 2018 RAV4 Hybrid falls under the HV (hybrid vehicle) energy conservation category by switching seamlessly between two power sources—gasoline and electricity—as driving conditions demand. The gas engine, electric motor generator and hybrid battery work together to produce 34-MPG1 fuel economy and comfortable, compact SUV driving style and utility. The award-winning 2018 Prius Prime is an advanced plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV). It produces zero C02 emissions when driven as a pure electric vehicle, which it can do for the first 25 miles2 after charging—enough for most daily activities. For longer trips, the gasoline engine extends the range to an estimated 640 miles3.
2018 Toyota Prius Prime
Charging at home requires no special equipment, with a full charge from a standard household outlet4 taking about 5.5 hours5. The Prius Prime has a fuel economy estimate of 133 MPGe6 (miles per gallon equivalent). And, as a preview of the most promising future alternative fuel, the Toyota Mirai fuel cell vehicle (FCV) safely converts hydrogen fuel into electricity—with no carbon emissions whatsoever. Hydrogen can be produced from a wide range of eco-friendly sources and refueling the Mirai, which has up to 3127--mile driving range and a fuel economy estimate of 67 MPGe8, takes about five minutes8.
1- 2018 EPA-estimated mileage. Actual mileage will vary. 2- Calculations based on 2017 Prius Prime EPA-estimated EV Mode range of 25 miles when vehicle is fully charged. Excludes driving conditions. Actual mileage traveled in EV Mode will vary and is dependent on many factors such as traffic, road and weather conditions, vehicle maintenance, driving speed and cargo load. 3- 2017 Prius Prime EPA-estimated range rating when fully charged and with a full tank of gas. Excludes driving conditions. Actual mileage will vary. 4- A heavier-duty wall receptacle with GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter) and a dedicated circuit are recommended but not required. 5- Charge time is for standard 120V outlet. Always plug-in in accordance with Owner’s Manual. 6- 2017 Prius Prime EPA-estimated combined MPGe. Actual MPGe will vary depending upon driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, and other factors. Batter capacity will decrease with time and use. For more information, see www. fueleconomy.gov. 7- Actual mileage may vary. 8- 2017 EPAestimated 67 city/67 highway/67 combined MPGe for Mirai and 312-mile driving range. Actual mileage will vary. Range measurement pursuant to SAE J2601 standards (ambient temperature: 20°C; hydrogen tank pressure when fueled: 70 MPa). Fueling time varies with hydrogen fueling pressure and ambient temperature.
Toyota Mirai
GREENMAGAZINE HAWAII.COM
27
FUEL // NET ZERO // POWER // GRID
Photo: Bruce Royer
ENERGY
| NET ZERO |
Photo: Hawaii Natural Energy Institute
CLASSROOMS OF THE FUTURE
University of Hawai‘i’s net-zero classrooms are bringing energy education to life Since their grand opening in November of last year, the University of Hawai‘i at Mänoa’s new net-zero classrooms have been impressing students and visitors alike. The UH Lab School holds classes in the two 1,400-square-foot FROG (Flexible Response to Ongoing Growth) learning spaces in the mornings, and afternoons and evenings are occupied by students of the College of Education for courses in art, science and everything in between. Executed by California company Project Frog, the super-efficient classrooms are designed to generate more energy than they consume. Installation of the buildings’ rooftop solar system was completed over the winter season; sensor-driven LED lighting, energy storage technology and a real-time dashboard that displays indoor and outdoor operating conditions are a few of the other features being tested to achieve this end. Project manager Jim Maskery stresses the importance of user impact on the classrooms’ performance. “With non-typical buildings such as FROGs, users have significant discretionary influence on energy consumption,” he says. “Choices they make—whether to turn on the lights, for example—will impact the usage patterns. Because of this relationship between user and consumption, awareness of how to best use the building features is critical. Another simple example is to open the windows for natural ventilation rather than turn on the air conditioner when conditions allow.” Maskery estimates the on-demand air conditioning controller 28
GRE E N M A G A Z I N E H AWA I I.C O M
is currently saving about 66 percent over conventional thermostats, and daylight-harvesting lighting controls are helping the classrooms consume a third of the energy they were before. The rooms have been successful in achieving net-zero energy thus far, with consumption around 70 percent less than the national average for K–12 classooms. “We couldn’t be happier with the energy performance,” Maskrey says. “They are comfortable spaces that use minimum amounts of energy through the use of smarter controls, natural ventilation and natural daylighting. Most days, these classrooms can easily operate with all the lights turned off.” —Lindsey Kesel
FUEL // ACCELERATE // NET ZERO // POWER // GRID
ENERGY
CAROLINE CARL DEPUTY DIRECTOR HAWAI‘I ENERGY
| POWER |
COLLECTIVE ACTION
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION THAT HOMEOWNERS HAVE ABOUT THEIR ENERGY USAGE? Many homeowners don’t think there is much they can do to impact their energy usage. They often don’t realize that little behavior changes can make a difference. Something as simple as taking a shorter shower can greatly reduce the energy used to make hot water. This is particularly important because the collective impact we can have as a community making these changes is significant. WHAT SMALL CHANGES HAVE THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON HOUSEHOLD ENERGY CONSUMPTION? Get rid of the second refrigerator in the garage. It’s costing you more than you think! It’s also easy to overlook the stuff that is always on in the house. If you take a look, you may find that there are game consoles, printers and other devices plugged in and wasting energy 24/7. Additionally, changing out old, inefficient light bulbs is a must. Make sure you check your exterior fixtures as well. Many of these lights are on all night, so installing an LED can save quite a bit.
Photo: Hawai‘i Energy
Caroline Carl, deputy director at Hawai‘i Energy, on empowering people to make smart energy choices
WHAT DOES HAWAI‘I ENERGY’S TRANSFORMATIONAL PROGRAM ENTAIL? We provide a wide range of programs, including community presentations, technical training for workforce development and strategic energymanagement support for larger institutions. These initiatives build the foundation for sustained impact and long-term energy savings.
“Little behavior changes can make a big difference.”
WHAT PROGRAMS OR INITIATIVES HAVE YOU SPEARHEADED AT HAWAI‘I ENERGY? ANYTHING NEW IN THE PIPELINE? This year I’ve been working a lot on developing new programs through collaborative planning efforts with key industry stakeholders. Hawai‘i is ripe for innovation, and Hawai‘i Energy is expanding our offerings to incorporate more emerging technologies. This includes building management systems and other communicating devices that provide both efficiency and advanced controls. Ultimately, the flexibility these devices offer will allow for more renewable generation on the grid. GREENMAGAZINE HAWAII.COM
29
ENERGY
FUEL // NET ZERO // POWER // GRID
SHARON SUZUKI PRESIDENT MAUI ELECTRIC COMPANY ARE THERE ANY CHALLENGES YOU’VE NAVIGATED THAT ARE UNIQUE TO HAWAI‘I? Maui Electric serves Maui, Lana‘i and Moloka‘i, and each island really has its own culture, so it’s important that we’re sensitive to the needs of the people who live on the different islands. Trying to meet the needs of our employees as well as the community has its challenges, but I have a pretty diverse professional background, so I think that gives me the ability to adjust and work with that diversity. We’ve learned to educate our customers about the different resources that are available and to get their feedback on our long-range energy plans as opposed to coming up with a plan and telling them what it is. Listening to our customers’ voices upfront and adjusting our plans moving forward is a better way. Photo: Aubrey Hord
WHAT OTHER STEPS ARE YOU TAKING TO HELP HAWAI‘I MEET ITS CLEAN ENERGY GOALS?
| GRID |
ENERGETIC SHIFT Maui Electric President Sharon Suzuki on Hawai‘i’s ongoing journey to clean energy WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO AT MAUI ELECTRIC SINCE TAKING THE REINS? We’re pursuing greater use of renewable energy by developing new solar programs, changing how we operate our existing generators and negotiating new purchase power agreements with third parties. We’re also increasing our involvement with our customers and communities. We are having discussions about different types of renewable energy and storage technologies, about how we can help them prepare for storms during hurricane season, for example, or explaining what we do to restore power when there’s an outage. Making ourselves available to the public by going to their community meetings and/ or hosting our own small group sessions about using electricity efficiently has worked well for us. 30
GRE E N M A G A Z I N E H AWA I I.C O M
It’s an exciting time as we continue to develop new ways for everyone to participate in our state’s transition to 100 percent renewable energy. This includes newly approved community solar—a community-based renewable energy program that enables more people, who perhaps live in apartments or are renting, to purchase shares in a renewable energy facility and receive bill credits for energy production. Our new demand response program also gives incentives to people to use energy in their homes or businesses at different times—for example, when variable renewable resources like solar are abundant during the day and we need help balancing available power with the demand or electricity being used at the time.
“It’s an exciting time as we continue to develop new ways for everyone to participate in our state’s transition to 100 percent renewable energy.”
Hyatt® and Grand Hyatt® names, designs and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation. ©2017 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved.
Alternate Energy Inc. is a residential and commercial renewable energy company. Providing 25 years of photovoltaic, PV battery storage, solar water heating, energy efficient HVAC, and solar attic fan solutions for the islands of Oahu and Maui.
Local, loyal, lasting choose Alternate Energy
GOOD IS nIce. GRAnD IS SublIme. Find your own paradise. Kamaaina receive special pricing on rooms, golf & spa. B OOK YOU R GE TAWAY N OW, CA L L 80 8 74 2 123 4 OR V I S I T K AuA I .G R A nD . H YAT T.cO m Honored with Green Key, Green Business and Green Innovation awards. grand hyatt kaua‘i resort & spa | 1571 poipu road | koloa, hi 96756 ta-207-370-2400-01
GREENMAGAZINE HAWAII.COM
31
NATURE
UPDATE // WATCH // ‘ULU // FISH // TREES
| UPDATE |
THE BRIGHT SIDE Success stories from the past year of conservation in Hawai‘i By Shannon Noelle Rivera It can be hard seeing the glass half full in a place known as the Endangered Species Capitol of the World. Luckily, conservationists are an optimistic sort. Here are some local victories in conservation we’ve seen over the last year.
Hawaiian monk seal One of the most endangered marine mammals in the world, this charismatic species has seen an annual population increase of 3 percent over the past few years. Monk seal numbers are now estimated to be more than 1,400. The arrival of Kaimana, a Hawaiian monk seal pup born at Kaimana Beach in June 2017, has helped raise further awareness for the species’ plight. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration even declared 2017 the “year of the monk seal.”
32
GRE E N M A G A Z I N E H AWA I I.C O M
‘Alalā The critically endangered Hawaiian crow has been extinct in the wild since 2002 and survived only in captivity until last year. The ‘Alalä Project, managed by San Diego Zoo Global’s Hawai‘i Endangered Bird Conservation Program, has successfully bred more than 125 birds. Eleven young crows were released into Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve on Hawai‘i Island and are reported to be thriving in their natural habitat.
Hawaiian yellow-faced bee
‘Ulupalakua Ranch
The Hawaiian yellow-faced bee is the first bee species in the country to be protected under the Endangered Species Act, and recovery plans to protect the seven species of native bees are well underway. The endangered status of these Hawaiian bees will pave the way for many more important insects around the country to receive much-needed protection.
‘Ulupalakua Ranch celebrated 20 years of native forest restoration and protection at Auwahi in Maui. Auwahi is among the world’s most endangered tropical dry forests, home to nine endangered species and seven other species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species. The Auwahi Forest Restoration Project has planted more than 125,000 native trees, and the numbers keep growing.
Laysan albatross O‘ahu’s Layson albatross are recovering quicker than expected following a disturbing human encounter in 2015 that left many seabirds dead and many others without their mate. Ka‘ena Point was home to 105 Layson albatross nests in 2017—the first time that nests have ever hit the triple digits.
Etmopterus lailae
Kiwikiu
Discovered only last year, this new species of deep-water shark was discovered in waters surrounding the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands in the beginning of this year. The two-inch lanternshark is found at depths of more than 300 meters and glows in the dark.
In 2015, the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project began steps to reforest a portion of Haleakalä to provide future habitat for the kiwikiu, or Maui parrotbill, one of six remaining species of Maui’s forest birds. Today the reforestation site is booming, and the native forest is growing strong.
GREENMAGAZINE HAWAII.COM
33
NATURE
UPDATE // WATCH // ‘ULU // FISH // TREES
| WATCH |
WATCH THIS In honor of World Oceans Day this June, here are two documentary films that shed light on the many issues plaguing our oceans and the environmental champions working to preserve our planet’s most valuable resource.
BLUE (2017)
SONIC SEA (2016)
Meet those actively defending marine habitats, campaigning for smarter fishing, combating ocean pollution and fighting for the protection of keystone species. Featuring passionate advocates for ocean preservation, Blue confronts two sobering truths: that half of all marine life has been lost in the last 40 years and that there will be more plastic in the sea than fish by 2050.
Oceans are a symphony of sounds essential to the survival and prosperity of marine mammals that rely on echolocation to navigate their environment. This award-winning film examines the devastating impact of ocean noise pollution on whales and other marine life and explores potential strategies to quiet the manmade noise threatening their fragile acoustic habitat.
34
GRE E N M A G A Z I N E H AWA I I.C O M
SAVE THE DATE 38TH ANNUAL HAWAII INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY HALEKULANI
NOVEMBER 8–18, 2018
NATURE
UPDATE // WATCH // ‘ULU // FISH // TREES
| ‘ULU |
THE GREATEST THING SINCE SLICED BREADFRUIT
This Pacific Island staple crop could be key to food security and land-use management in Hawai‘i By Maxwell Bendes
WHAT IS BREADFRUIT AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? Breadfruit, or ´ulu, is a crop that’s gaining more attention from sustainably minded farmers, and for good reason. Their fleshy fruit are heavy with starches and can be cooked several ways, but breadfruit trees are more than just a source of food. They can be used for timber, latex, mosquito repellant and more—the inedible parts of the fruit can even be recycled into livestock feed. Crops like breadfruit are key in agroforestry, a form of agriculture that seeks to create a more ecologically sound system of land-use management by incorporating trees into the cultivation of conventional crops. Agroforestry and other high-diversity farming systems are more sustainable than single-crop monocultures for a number of reasons. The presence of leaf litter and other organic matter returned to the soil reduces the need for synthetic fertilizer, which means no soil acidification and no fertilizer runoff into our waterways. A variety of species makes these systems less vulnerable to pests and disease, reducing the need for pesticides and protecting farmers from total crop failure. Diverse fields provide habitat for pollinators, eliminating the need to import bees and supporting native insect populations. These systems also produce more food than monocultures on the same amount of land. Few other trees can produce as many commercially viable products as breadfruit, so they’re a major component of agroforests in Hawai‘i and beyond. 36
GRE EN M A G A Z I N E H AWA I I.C O M
WHAT IS THE BREADFRUIT PHENOLOGY CATALOG? Because breadfruit is very sensitive to its climate, farmers have used it as an “indicator species” to help keep track of variations in weather conditions. By observing the timing of breadfruit flowering and fruiting, farmers can coordinate the plantings of other crops to make them more successful. Unfortunately, these cultural practices have not been well documented and the variable phenology of breadfruit trees in different climates and soil types is not well understood. A study out of the University of Hawai‘i at Mänoa seeks to change that. The Breadfruit Phenology Catalog, coordinated by Dr. Noa Lincoln and research assistant Blaire Langston, aims to track breadfruit phenology around the state. Hawai‘i has a broad range of soils, elevation and rainfall, providing many varied climatic conditions that affect breadfruit phenology, or the study of how seasons, climate and habitat influence plant and animal lifecycle events. “This research accomplishes several things,” Lincoln says. “It takes advantage of Hawai‘i‘s extraordinary setup as a living laboratory, it engages people as environmental observers, connecting them to their natural surroundings, and it provides important data for an underutilized crop of enormous potential. As a staple crop, coordinating and managing the production supply is a key part of developing it as part of our food supply.” This information will be distilled into maps and shared with farmers, distributors, processors and buyers to provide information and resources that support the burgeoning breadfruit industry in Hawai‘i. “It’s really up to people at the community level to make a difference,” Langston says. “In Hawai‘i we have a problem with imported food. Part of the purpose of projects that support ‘ulu as an emerging crop is to shift that [paradigm] and support local food.”
HOW TO GET INVOLVED The study employs the help of citizen scientists who “adopt” a breadfruit tree and provide researchers with biweekly updates and observations. Signing up and creating a profile for the tree takes about 30 minutes. After that, it’s just five to 10 minutes of visiting the tree and collecting data every other week. These observations are compiled and make up the entirety of the data collected by the project. Kat Hiu, a senior at the University of Hawai‘i at Mänoa, has adopted nine trees in cooperation with the project. “I look forward to getting out and observing my trees,” Hiu says. “Anybody can be qualified to survey an ‘ulu tree. It’s easy to get started and all [you have to] do is count fruit.” Nicky Davison, a lecturer at Leeward Community College, started with one tree in her yard. “It’s been pretty easy to collect data, the [online] materials have been really good at helping me to get started.” She has adopted more trees on the Leeward campus and uses them as an opportunity to give her students experience in data collection. The use of citizen scientists is becoming an increasingly popular model for the collection of scientific data. “It’s great for people who are emerging young scientists who want to get something on their resume, who want to have a meaningful experience,” Langston says. “As a volunteer it’s a good time to learn and have someone who can help you do it.”
To get involved, visit https:// breadfruit-phenology.herokuapp. com and create an account to become a citizen scientist. For more opportunities to assist in scientific research and environmental conservation, visit www.HISCB.org and become a member of the Hawai’i chapter of the Society of Conservation Biology.
GREENMAGAZINE HAWAII.COM
37
NATURE
UPDATE // WATCH // ‘ULU // FISH // TREES
| FISH |
(DON’T) GO FISH
Fishers take heed. Based on evidence from the most robust dataset of its kind ever published, the verdict is in that overfishing—not pollution or habitat degradation—is likely the primary driver of declining fish numbers in the coastal waters surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands. The findings come from a study comparing fish density across the islands by moku, a traditional Hawaiian resource management designation that encompasses several ahupua‘a. Data was collected by multiple agencies and researchers since 2000 and is based on more than 25,000 in-water surveys. “There have been arguments for decades about the impacts of other factors on reef fish populations, such as sediment, sewage and physical damage to reefs,” says study co-author Dr. Eric Conklin, marine science director for The Nature Conservancy of Hawai‘i. “But these threats would affect all fish similarly. The only impact that would affect food fish and non-food fish differently would be direct fishing pressure.” That doesn’t mean we can ignore the impacts of the myriad other things threatening to our oceans. “With climate change impacts predicted to increase in coming years, it is more important than ever to manage all the factors stressing our reefs, including overfishing,” Conklin says. But given that as many as a third of Hawai‘i residents identify as fishers, it’s critical for those living here to be mindful of keeping the majority of the ocean’s fish where they belong—the ocean. “Many important food fish species have declined by more than 75 percent across the populated Hawaiian Islands,” says Dr. Alan M. Friedlander, lead author of the study and a University of Hawai‘i marine ecologist who also serves as chief scientist for National Geographic’s Pristine Seas project. “This rate of loss can’t persist if we want to continue—and eating—reef fish in our islands.” —Lauren McNally 38
GRE E N M A G A Z I N E H AWA I I.C O M
Photo: Claudia Christman
Landmark study confirms hard reality that we are the ocean’s greatest threat
Open for Dinner, Lunch and Breakfast.
All our beef is grass-fed hormone-free beef from the Island of Hawaii. All our eggs are local USDA certified eggs hatched here on Oahu. our fish is line caught off the deep waters of Hawaii. saratoga 343 saratoga Road
Ala Moana plaza 451 Piikoi Street
Waikiki Beach Eggspress 2464 kalakaua avenue
Serving Quality Food and theSpirit of Aloha since 1974 ! www.eggsnthings.com
GREENMAGAZINE HAWAII.COM
39
NATURE
UPDATE // WATCH // ‘ULU // FISH // TREES
| TREES |
ME + TREE
Photos: Ma-lama Learning Center
Give the gift of conservation
40
GRE E N M A G A Z I N E H AWA I I.C O M
Gift swapping doesn’t have to be hard on the planet. A new campaign by the nonprofit Mälama Learning Center is making it easy to gift friends and family with a tax-deductible donation supporting much-needed reforestation efforts in the Wai‘anae Mountains. Each $50 donation enables Mälama Learning Center to cultivate a native tree and teach members of the community to mälama ‘äina. The program is part of the organization’s new Ola Nä Kini initiative, which is working to heal the land, ocean and Hawai‘i’s multitude of native wildlife through site restoration, educational programs, service learning and community engagement. Mälama Learning Center staff, students and volunteers have begun the process of regenerating native trees, shrubs and ground cover that once thrived but are now overrun with invasive plants in conservation lands within the Honouliuli and Nänäkuli watersheds. For donations of $500 or more, Mälama Learning Center will coordinate at least 10 plantings and a dedicated planting day for your group. All Me + Tree donors receive a certificate acknowledging their contribution, which can be dedicated to an individual or cause. So opt out of tangible gifts that take from, rather than give back, to the planet. Instead, gift a friend or family member with a donation in their name, or leave a lasting legacy on behalf your school or organization. It’s a gift that’ll keep on giving for years to come. —Lauren McNally