The UH Urban Garden Center and the Master Gardener program are hosting their Annual Plant Sale, featuring the Honolulu Rose Society and CTHAR's Agriculture & Environmental Awareness Day, on Saturday, February 11 from 9 am till noon. It's Second Saturday at the garden and this year's plant sale includes fruit trees, herbs, ornamentals and roses, just in time for Valentine's Day. The Honolulu Rose Society will also be hosting the grand opening of the UGC Rose Garden.

http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/ougc/

The Sierra Club invites you for a day of service in the great outdoors.

Whether it's your New Years resolution or you just like getting dirty, joining a day of service with the Sierra Club gets you all of the following and then some: A dirty, sweaty, rugged workout mixed with a rewarding experience full of laughs, jokes awards, new friends and the simple gratification you get when you give back.

The Sierra Club is conducting the Manoa Falls Trail Restoration Project, in collaboration with the state's Na Ala Hele Trail Access System (click here for more info) February through December 2012. They are looking for up to 25 volunteers per work day to join the fun.

Work Dates as follow:

February 4 & 26
March 4 & 17
April 14 & 22

To sign up, just send a email to restoremanoa@gmail.com with your first and last name , email address, contact phone number and the work date(s) you want to volunteer on. We will contact you to confirm the week before your date to GET DIRTY! If you are bringing friends, then send us all of the same information for them too.

See you in the trails!

Check out the trailer at Ingredients Trailer

A beach cleanup of the James Campbell Wildlife Refuge, which was hosted by Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii, The Kokua Foundation and Plastic Free Hawaii on Martin Luther King Day, January 16, is a testament to the power of community programs, volunteers and the results they can achieve. Residents of Kahuku, La'ie, the North Shore, Hau'ula, Punalu'u and other communities, 247 volunteers to be exact, came out to show their support for this special stretch of coastline and collected 3,762 pounds of marine debris. Access to this restricted area was provided by Dave Ellis and the Wildlife Refuge to assist in creating a usable habitat for the endemic wildlife, which includes monk seals, green sea turtles, migratory birds, and other fauna and flora.

According to the environmental group Product Stewardship Institute, 410,000 tons of phone books find their way to landfills or incinerators, costing taxpayers about $60 million each year in management costs. As part of continuing efforts to minimize environmental impacts from large-scale printing, Hagadone is hosting its first-ever telephone-book recycling contest for O'ahu schools. Open to any school on O'ahu, the contest will feature a first place prize of $2,500 for the school that donates the most phone books. Second place will collect $1,000. The contest ends on February 29th, 2012. Schools must register online for the contest at www.HagadonePrinting.com/PhonebookContest. For more information about the contest, or for schools to register, please contact Ed Kobayashi, at EdK@HagadonePrinting.com or call (808) 852-6334.

The highly anticipated World Premiere of Ingredients Hawaii-Part One will take place February 4th, 2012 at the Mamiya Theater on the grounds of St. Louis High School. The public is invited to take advantage of this rare opportunity to intermingle with a variety of community activists instrumental in creating Oahu's new local food movement. The VIP reception and World Premiere of the one-hour film begins at 5:30 pm and includes a pre-show reception featuring locally sourced bites from the stars of the film.

Chef Ed Kenney of Town Restaurant, Chef Mark Noguchi of He'eia Pier and Sweet Home Waimanalo will partner with farmers also featured in the film to provide attendees with a taste of what the film is all about. Locally inspired cocktails will also be served and farmers and organizations featured in the film will be on-hand to answer questions and educate guests on the work they are doing in their community. An after film discussion on the future of sustainable agriculture in Hawaii will be facilitated by the interns of MA'O Organic Farms. The cost of the VIP premiere and reception is $45. The second screening of Ingredients Hawaii will air at 9:00pm for $10 pre-sale or $12 at the door. Discounted tickets of $5 for the second screening are available at the door for all students with a valid student ID.

Ingredients Hawaii-Part One illustrates Oahu's emerging local food community as an alternative to imported and processed foods. The film tells the story of the ways in which the people of Hawaii are reclaiming their agriculture and local food traditions in light of an uncertain food future.

The films Stars: Ed Kenney, the interns of Ma'o Farms, Mark Noguchi & Jay Maddock. Featuring: the Ahupua'a of Ko'olaupoko, Sweet Home Waimanalo & Farm Roof, Waikiki School, Aloha Harvest & Foodscapes Hawaii.

Become part of the possibility which serves as a model of culturally-based food production that we can share with the world. To purchase tickets to the event and for more information visit www.ingredientshawaii.com.

The Humane Society of the United States and The Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust are teaming up with the Hawai'i Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement to combat poaching and designated wildlife-related crimes by sponsoring a toll-free, confidential reward tip line, 1-855-DLNR-TIP. The statewide tip line allows citizens to confidentially report information about poaching crimes to law enforcement. The HSUS will offer $2,500 rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for specific, predetermined cases. The first case under this new reward program and tip line involves three monk seals killed on Moloka'i and a fourth monk seal found killed on Kaua'i. Necropsies performed on three of the four seals confirmed the deaths were suspicious. The fourth case is pending additional information. Anyone with information about these cases is asked to call the confidential reward tip line.

Along with The HSUS's $2,500 reward offering, the Conservation Council for Hawai'i, the Center for Biological Diversity and the Marine Conservation Institute are collectively offering $2,500 for each incident. A generous anonymous local donor has offered to match these rewards, bringing the reward total up to $30,000, or $10,000 per seal.

"We are pleased to support the critical work of DOCARE by funding a reward program and tip line for information on illegal wildlife-related offenses," said Inga Gibson, Hawai'i state director for The HSUS. "We must be a voice for these innocent animal victims and encourage anyone with information to please call the confidential tip line."

Wildlife officials estimate that tens of millions of animals are poached annually nationwide, but less than 5 percent of poached animals come to the attention of law enforcement. Wildlife officials report that poachers often commit other crimes as well.

"We thank The HSUS for their sponsorship of this new program to help protect Hawaii's precious wildlife," said Randy Awo, DOCARE chief. "Our hope is that the reward program will deter future wildlife crimes and also encourage the community to become more involved in protecting our environment and reporting wildlife offenses."

http://www.humanesociety.org/about/state/hawaii.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is focusing its efforts on ecosystem management to protect our islands' fresh water resources and has produced a half-hour television special illustrating the importance of watershed protection and restoration. "The Rain Follows the Forest" features Jason Scott Lee as he sets out on a journey to learn about sustainable life in our island home. Through interesting conversations, he learns about Hawai'i's fragile fresh water supply and discovers connections to our upland forest environment, and shares ways in which we all can contribute to protecting our watersheds.

Tune-in on Thursday January 19 at 6:30 p.m. on KGMB and join Jason Scott Lee as he learns about our watersheds and how they provide nearly all of our fresh water in Hawai'i. The PSA also airs: KGMB Thursday 1/19/2012 6:30 pm; KGMB Sunday 1/22/2012 at 4:30 pm; KHNL Thursday 1/26/2012 at 6:30 pm; KHNL Saturday 1/28/2012 at 6:00 pm; and throughout February on "Outside Hawai'i" on OC16.

DLNR has also launched a Facebook page, which has been following the production of the television special: www.facebook.com/HawaiiDLNR.

A coalition of sustainability and environmental groups will converge at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa's Campus Center Ballroom on Tuesday, January 17 from 11:30 am until 2:00 pm to launch the Semester of Sustainability Kick-Off. Keynote speaker Captain Charles Moore, the founder of the Algalita Marine Research Foundation who discovered the North Pacific Garbage Patch, will be talking about his new book Plastic Ocean and his research about the growing amount of plastic marine pollution in the Garbage Patch and the world's oceans.

Sustainable UH is hosting the event in conjunction with the KYA Sustainability Studio, the Surfrider Foundation, the UHM Sustainability Corps, the Kokua Hawaii Foundation and the Ecology Club. These and other organizations are coordinating to develop partnerships, recruit members, and share upcoming activities, projects and campaigns. Students and members of the community will learn about new sustainability initiatives launched by UHM students, faculty, and administration.

Building on Capt. Moore's talk about the environmental and human health hazards of marine plastic pollution, the coalition unwraps a new initiative to join the Rise Above Plastics (RAP) Campaign and make UHM a plastic bag-free campus. The RAP Coalition is working to pass a statewide bill to reduce single-use plastic and paper bags and encourage the use of reusable bags, bottles and containers.

In conjunction with the Semester of Sustainability Kick-Off, Capt. Charlie Moore and co-author Cassandra Phillips will also be signing books and giving free public talks at Bookends in Kailua on Monday, January 16 at 6:00 pm; Kahuku High School on Tuesday, January 17 at 8:15 am; and Indigo Restaurant on Tuesday, January 17 at 6:00 pm.

Celebrate and support the launch of an energy efficiency program for Hawai'i's students on Thursday, January 12 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at ARTS at Mark's Garage. Hosted by author Shanah Trevenna, the fundraiser is the launch of the Hawaii Student Energy Ambassador Development (SEAD) program, which is designed to empower Hawai'i's students to create a bright energy future. All proceeds from this event will bring energy handbooks, training, and equipment to Hawaii's high schools across the islands.

The fundraiser ticket price is $20 and each donation will provide a copy of Surfing Tsunamis of Change: A Handbook for Change Agents to a Hawai'i high school library or to a student energy ambassador. Enjoy live music from the Intire Project, complimentary local cocktails, and an assortment of locally sourced pupu. To register for the event or make a donation to the SEAD program, go to http://hawaiisead.com.

The 2012 Forces for Good Symposium is this Saturday, January 7 from Noon till 5:00 pm at the Hawai'i State Capitol. Attendees to this important event will learn about the exciting new watershed protection program and other important initiatives for the upcoming legislative session. Marjorie Zeigler, from the Conservation Council for Hawai'i, will be moderating one of the sessions, Protecting Hawai'i's Watersheds, from 3:45 to 5:00 pm in room 309. The guest speakers are Guy Kaulukukui, DLNR; Christy Martin, CGAPS, and Mark Fox, TNCH. Water is wealth and what better way to protect the people's wealth than to protect our watersheds, ceded lands, and habitat for unique Hawaiian species.

www.sierraclubhawaii.com/forgood

Honolulu is a community comprising 80 percent of Hawai'i's population, generating nearly 1.6 million tons of garbage a year. Throw to Grow marks the beginning of a new trash revolution movement, where abundant waste becomes an abundant resource. Throw to Grow is a Hawai'i-based food waste recycling project that implements rapid anaerobic composting with Bokashi fermentation in an effort to address the continuing landfill overflow problem. This process represents a much more sustainable way to manage food waste, but has yet to be implemented on an industrial scale.

To raise awareness and create capital, Throw to Grow is participating in several upcoming projects and events. Their website, throwtogrow.com, recently launched in conjunction with a Kickstarter campaign to raise money to fund the research pilot for larger scale waste recycling systems that will work to naturally reduce food waste. There is also an educational outreach component to help teach kids and the community that what is now seen as waste can actually be harnessed for energy.

Throw to Grow is also holding a charity art show to raise funds for the project at Fresh Cafe on Friday, December 16. Several prominent artists, including Patrick Parker and Clark Takashima are painting Bokashi Buckets, which will be auctioned off.

In addition, Throw to Grow is a participating partner in the Kanu Hawaii No Waste Challenge this month, providing tools and education to help households and businesses reduce their waste through composting.

www.throwtogrow.com

The federal government has reopened the public comment period for its proposal to designate more than 11,000 square miles of critical habitat for endangered Hawaiian monk seals. The comment period has been extended until Jan. 6, 2012.

"Saving Hawaiian monk seals from extinction means protecting the Hawaiian coastlines they rely on to survive," says Miyoko Sakashita, oceans director at the Center for Biological Diversity, one of the groups that sought protected habitat for the monk seal. "The public has an important opportunity here to speak up for these endangered monk seals. Protecting these coastlines is not only good for the seals but for all beach users."

The proposed rule protects beaches and coastal waters on all the main Hawaiian Islands and expands protected habitat in the Northwestern Islands. The proposal responds to a 2008 petition filed by the Center for Biological Diversity, KAHEA: The Hawaiian-Environmental Alliance, and Ocean Conservancy. Hawaiian monk seals are among the most endangered marine mammals in the world, with a population of approximately 1,000 animals.

"Endangered species with habitat protections are twice as likely to be recovering than those without designated critical habitat," says Sakashita. "Healthy beaches and healthy monk seals go hand-in-hand, and we'd like to see more people speaking up to save our seals."

Critical habitat designation will mean greater protection of Hawaiian monk seal habitat under the Endangered Species Act. Critical habitat protection does not close areas, but it does limit federal government activities that could harm monk seals or their habitat. Once designated, any federal activities that may affect the critical habitat must undergo review to ensure they will not destroy or damage that habitat. For example, habitat protections can help prevent pollution and require modification of construction activities to prevent destruction of the environment.

The easiest way to comment is to sign this petition: Sign Petition. Comments are due by Jan 6, 2012. More specific comments may be submitted on the proposed rule identified by 0648-BA81 by any one of the following methods: electronic submissions at the Federal eRulemaking Portal www.regulations.gov; or submit written comments by mail to Regulatory Branch Chief, Protected Resources Division, National Marine Fisheries Service, Pacific Islands Regional Office, 1601 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 1110, Honolulu, HI 96814, Attn.: Hawaiian monk seal proposed critical habitat.

The Wine Stop is doing something no other Hawai'i business has attempted to achieve sustainability. In partnership with KYA Sustainability Studio, they will create Hawai'i's first Carrotmob event to help transform The Wine Stop into a sustainable business. Carrotmob is a new way to support local business through consumer purchasing power and is based on a consumer activism tactic where buyers influence positive changes within a business by spending money. To accomplish this a large group of people mobs a store, making mass purchases so the business can use the extra revenues generated to implement sustainability-related changes.

KYA Sustainability Studio has chosen to work with their neighbor, The Wine Stop because of their desire to pursue the sustainable business philosophy that investing in what is right for our community is what is right for business. The Wine Stop has agreed to direct 80 percent of their sales generated from the Carrotmob to implement a full retrofit of the building's energy system, to help Hawai'i become energy independent.

The Carrotmob goes down from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 19 at The Wine Stop, 1809 South King Street, 96822. Additional parking at the KYA Sustainability Studio, 934 Pumehana Street. Stop by and buy some holiday beers and wines to help The Wine Stop achieve their goals. In addition, for every $20 spent, mobbers will receive raffle tickets for prize giveaways, sponsored by Mobi PCS.

There is a public meeting to discuss possible regulations on the taking of marine life for aquariums from the waters around O'ahu on Thursday, November 17, 2011 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. in the DLNR Boardroom at 1151 Punchbowl Street, room 132 in Honolulu. The discussion will focus on the collecting activity and the species that are taken around O'ahu, and would not affect such activity around the other islands.

Although the Division of Aquatic Resources' data indicates that the fishery is currently being fished sustainably, it was approached by experienced, commercial aquarium fishers who wanted to proactively propose reasonable and conservation-oriented regulations to ensure the long-term viability of this important fishery. Topics for discussion will include proposed gear and species restrictions, with bag and size limits for certain species and the taking of certain species that only eat corals. Copies of the discussion topics are available at the Division of Aquatic Resources office, 1151 Punchbowl Street, Rm. 330, in Honolulu, or on the DAR website: www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) invites the public to help the Division of Forestry and Wildlife take part in a national Big Trees competition. The Big Trees Program, run by American Forests, is a national competition to find the largest trees of particular species in the nation. American Forests' 2011 National Register of Big Trees represents more than 660 species-30 more than last year-with trees in 45 states and the District of Columbia. There are 751 grand champion trees, however there are still 210 species without champions.

"We hope that including Hawai'i on the national Big Trees register will help educate and encourage conservation of our native and culturally important trees," says William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR chairperson. "It is our goal to eventually create our own State of Hawai'i Big Trees Program."

The State of Hawai'i is looking forward to taking part in this Big Tree competition and is searching for potential candidates of the following species: wauke (Broussonetia papyrifera); niu, coconut (Cocos nucifera); hau (Hibiscus tiliaceus); manele (Sapindus saponaria); 'a'ali'I (Dodonaea viscose).

To nominate a tree, three measurements are needed: 1) trunk circumference (measured in inches), 2) height (measured in feet), and average crown spread (measured in feet). These measurements are combined to assign the tree a score. DOFAW staff will also need to know the exact location of nominated big trees to verify any candidates.

To learn more about the specific measuring requirements, please review the guidelines at the American Forests website. Please send your measurements along with GPS coordinates or specific directions to a candidate big tree before December 1, 2011 to: Sheri Mann, Cooperative Resource Management Forester, DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife, 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 325, Honolulu, HI 96813. Or email her at Sheri.S.Mann@hawaii.gov.

The Surfrider Foundation O'ahu Chapter is hosting a beach cleanup at Hale'iwa Beach Park on Saturday, November 5 from 10:00 a.m. until noon. Surfrider is partnering with Everpaddle and SPY Optic, who will be sponsoring lunch and donating t-shirts and prizes. Volunteers are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles and recycled plastic bags to pick up trash. Surfrider's O'ahu chapter will be selling reusable canteens, tote bags and T-shirts.

SPY has teamed-up with the Surfrider Foundation and designed a new product that gives back to the Islands. A percentage of sales of the new SPY Hawaii Dirk sunglasses will be donated to Surfrider's Hawaii Chapters. Anyone who joins Surfrider or renews their membership at the cleanup will be eligible to win a pair of SPY's new sunglasses.

As part of its Rise Above Plastics (RAP) campaign, Surfrider is working to reduce the proliferation of single-use plastics, especially bags and water bottles. The RAP campaign seeks to educate people about the prevalence of plastic marine debris on our beaches and oceans.

http://www.surfrider.org/rap
http://www.surfrider.org/oahu

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is holding a public meeting at 7:00 p.m. tonight, on Wednesday, November 2 at Camp Erdman, 69-385 Farrington Highway in Waialua to report back to the North Shore community on the latest in its community-based process of identifying which of the multiple dirt roads in the Ka'ena Point State Park Reserve (west of Mokule'ia) will be recognized as "designated" roads and therefore officially sanctioned for motorized vehicle use as part of their plan to address erosion and protect cultural and natural resources.

During four Saturday site visits in September and October, the community-based Ka'ena Point Advisory Group (KPAG) and State DLNR Ka'ena Point Stewardship Team (KPST) invited frequent Ka'ena Point Park Reserve users to join them in onsite inspections. The site visits covered the Mokule'ia side of the Park Reserve starting from the end of the paved highway towards Ka'ena Point. These walk-throughs were intended to assess the condition and use of all existing roads and dirt tracks and obtain public input to begin the process of identifying roads that will remain in use and those that will be closed.

At the Wednesday night meeting, the Department and KPAG will share the findings from these site visits so everyone will understand what the designated roads mean and how they will or may be marked and enforced. This Wednesday's meeting is another opportunity for the public to express their opinions on which roads stay open and which would be closed.

Currently the maze of road segments that crisscross the area contribute to ongoing degradation of the coastal landscape and impacts to cultural sites, through erosion, disturbance of sand dunes, denuding vegetated areas and attracting various inappropriate and incompatible uses. Once these roads and associated parking areas are designated and the public notified, any person operating motorized vehicles on non-designated roads or other areas in the Park Reserve will be subject to citation under Hawai'i Administrative Rule (HAR) ¤13-146-40.

For more information on this process visit the Ka'ena Point Advisory Group website at http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/kpsa or email your comments and/or questions to kpagcomments@gmail.com.

The Ecology Club at UH and the Surfrider Foundation present the First Green Friday at UH Manoa. This sustainability showcase will bring together faculty, students and the community to discover the ways in which we are striving towards reducing our shared ecological footprint. Featuring the Rise Against Plastics campaign, live music, ono local food, guest speakers, sustainability workshops and more!

November 4, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Manoa Campus, Sustainability Courtyard

www.hawaii.edu/site/calendar/view

It's your last chance to celebrate Raptoberfest and do something about plastic pollution. Support the Surfrider Foundation's Rise Above Plastics program by joining or renewing today and take advantage of special membership offers.

Join or renew your membership for just $25 and receive an awesome Alpine-inspired RAPTOBERFEST t-shirt. Made of 50% ring spun organic cotton and 50% recycled P.E.T. polyester, this comfy limited edition shirt is equally at home on the beach as it is at the Bier Garden. Join at the $50 level and in addition to your membership and a limited edition RAPTOBERFEST t-shirt, you'll also receive a special RISE ABOVE PLASTICS beer stein! This fired ceramic stein is adorned with the official RAPTOBERFEST crest and holds 20 ounces of your favorite brew. Perfect for rewarding yourself after a hard day of beach clean-ups!

ww2.surfrider.org

Each year, the Conservation Council for Hawai'i produces an educational wildlife poster celebrating Hawaiian species and ecosystems. Please join them this year as a 2011 Poster Partner, and help produce and distribute this popular educational tool. The posters are distributed free of charge to every public, charter, private, and native Hawaiian language immersion school in Hawai'i. The posters are also given to environmental, native Hawaiian and community organizations, environmental educators, kupuna educators, youth organizations, elected officials, agencies and the general public on request.

This year's poster celebrates Hawaiian anchialine pools, a little-known aquatic ecosystem that supports 'opae 'ula, tiny red shrimp. The poster will also feature an extinct flightless rail that used to grace the lowlands, and native vegetation that naturally occurred on lava flows near the anchialine pools. Wildlife biologist and artist Patrick Ching created the original artwork for the poster and Barbara Mayer wrote the teacher's guide on the back of the poster. A scientific advisory committee also helped guide the project.

If you would like to help fund the poster, print out and fill in the Poster Partner Commitment Form and mail it to: Conservation Council of Hawai'i, PO Box 2923, Honolulu, HI 96802 or fax it directly to CCH at (808) 593-0255. The forms must be received by December 31, 2011. Please send your check, made out to Conservation Council for Hawai'i with your completed Commitment Form to the address above. You can also charge your donation (VISA or MasterCard) by calling (808) 593-0255. Poster Partners have the option of having their name listed on the back of the poster. Please contact Marjorie Ziegler at mz@conservehi.org with any questions.

Click to print out form

With the rainy season starting in November, it's the perfect time to plant a tree, shade your home, and help the environment. To help you get started, Hawaiian Electric Company and its partners are giving away a variety of popular fruit trees, flowering shrubs, and native plants on Saturday morning, November 5. Featured for the first time this year are cacao, curry-leaf tree, red-leaved hibiscus, Song of India, and Transvaal gardenia.

Arborists and volunteers from Hawaiian Electric Company, Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program, Urban Garden Center, Wahiawa Botanical Garden, and Waimea Valley will help you select the right tree and will provide you with information to help you to properly plant and care for your new tree.

The Hawaiian Electric Arbor Day Tree Giveaway will take place at the following locations and times. Attendees will receive only one free plant per family, while supplies last, so plan to arrive early to select your favorite plant.

Locations:

Waianae: HECO Kahe Power Plant - 7:00 a.m.
Pearl City: Urban Garden Center - 7:00 a.m.
Honolulu: HECO Ward Avenue Facility - 7:00 a.m.
Kailua: HECO Koolau Base Yard - 7:00 a.m.

Wahiawa: Wahiawa Botanical Garden - 9:00 a.m.

North Shore: Waimea Valley - 9:00 a.m.

The Urban Garden Center and Waimea Valley will be holding plant sales in addition to the giveaway. For residents of Ewa Beach, the Hoakalei Cultural Foundation will also be celebrating Arbor Day. For more details on Arbor Day activities across the state and the plants that will be given away, go to www.arbordayhawaii.org.

www.arbordayhawaii.org

The Hawai'i Conservation Alliance's free lecture series continues this Wednesday, October 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the ING Direct Cafe. The presentation will be given by Christine Ogura, Natural Resources Planner of the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex and Board Member of 'Ohu 'Ohu Ko'olau Inc.

Born and raised on O'ahu, Christine has spent close to 15 years in conservation. She first began in Washington D.C. working for Congresswoman Patsy T. Mink, then moved on to Conservation International working on conservation projects in over 10 countries. She earned her Master of Science in Natural Resource Policy from the University of Michigan's School of Natural Resources and Environment. She then returned home to O'ahu where she has worked for the Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, The Nature Conservancy, the State Division of Forestry and Wildlife, and the Hawai'i Association of Watershed Partnerships. She is currently a planner with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Hawaiian and Pacific Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

For the lecture, she will join us not in this official capacity, but as a board member of 'Ohu 'Ohu Ko'olau Inc., a non-profit supporting the O'ahu based Ko'olau Mountains Watershed Partnership to talk about Hawai'I's Watershed Partnerships. As an island state, many aspects of our life critically depend on healthy watersheds. However, many threats impact our watersheds today. Come and learn what they are, what's being done, and how you can get involved. Each attendee will receive a coupon for one (1) free beverage.

Green Roofs for Hawai'i with: Leyla Cabugos
Tuesday, November 8, 2011 6:00-8:30pm
UHM Kuykendall 304
$50 (General), $40 (UH Student with ID)

Cities all over the world are turning green! From public buildings to private residences, green roofs are a visible face of sustainable innovation. Participants of this workshop are introduced to the many forms green roofs can take, and the benefits and challenges associated with their construction. Considerations for the design and maintenance of a green roof project are discussed, and locally available resources and examples are identified.

Course topics include:

- Overview of green roof (and wall) types and benefits (public and private)
- Considerations for green roof design: Defining project goals; team, plant and system selections
- Examples of green roofs in Hawai'i
- Resources for green roof projects in Hawai'i

Leyla Cabugos, MS in botany from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, developed the first academic green roof research and demonstration project in Hawai'i, and assisted in the preparation of a green roof feasibility study for the Hawai'i State Legislature. She has made numerous presentations on green roofs to diverse audiences and sits on the research committee of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities. Cabugos serves as a consultant for projects ranging from green roofs to urban food production.

Structural Considerations for Green Roof Design with: Lyle Carden
Tuesday, November 15, 2011 6:00-8:30pm
UHM Kuykendall 304
$50 (General), $40 (UH Student with ID)

Green roofs in the form of rooftop gardens may impose additional loads on structures or replace loads from another type of roofing finish system and must be appropriately considered. Rain loads and wind loads are also important in the design of green roofs, particularly in hurricane and windborne debris regions. The roofing systems provide a contribution to seismic loading on a building. The structural implications of green roofs will be discussed along with reference to construction, maintenance issues and associated relative costs.

Lyle P. Carden, PhD, Civil Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, ME, Civil Engineering, University of Auckland, New Zealand, has been a consulting engineer at Martin & Chock since November 2005. His research has focused on the design of bridges and buildings for the effects of large magnitude earthquakes and other extreme events. Recently he has been involved in the analysis, design, detailing and construction management of several notable structural engineering projects in Hawai'i. Lyle also teaches structural steel design as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Hawai'i.

Dr. Corilee Watters, with the assistance of senior dietetics student Crystal Bossola, is leading the UH Food Day, a national event to promote healthy eating, support sustainable farms and increase awareness of local food sources. On Monday, October 24 at Campus Center dining room from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., there will be an exciting forum of presentations by Dr. Corilee Watters, PhD, RD, Nutrition Professor, Dr. Ted Radovitch, a CTAHR specialist in Sustainable and Organic Farming Systems, and Dean Okimoto from Nalo Farms. Nalo Farms, located in Waimanalo, is a family founded and operated business that supplies approximately 130 restaurants with over 3,000 pounds of their tasty greens each and every week.

Following the presentations will be a food demonstration by Philip Shon, UH Sodexo Executive Chef who works in collaboration with Donna Ojiri, RD, and General Manager of Sodexo. Also available will be food tastings from local farms. Celebrate Food Day and emphasizes the importance of making healthy food choices and promote changes in food and farm policies that benefit health, the environment and well-being.

Locally produced vegetables and fruits can have greater nutritional value than the same foods imported from greater distances. This is related to the varieties available locally and vegetables and fruits being harvested closer to peak ripeness. In addition, eating locally grown produce supports farmers, promotes the local economy and help preserve green space in Hawai'i.

National Plug In Day comes to Haleiwa Farmers' Market this Sunday, October 16. This is an unprecedented nationwide observance drawing global attention to the environmental, economic and other benefits of plug-in electric vehicles through simultaneous events staged in at least 20 major cities nationwide. Plug In America, the Sierra Club, and the Electric Auto Association have teamed up to support this effort, which will sound the bell through plug-in parades, tailpipe-free tailgate parties, test-drives and other grassroots activities in 25 cities, including Haleiwa!

http://haleiwafarmersmarket.com
http://www.pluginamerica.org/pluginday

Senator Pohai Ryan is hosing the Geothermal Summit 2011 in Honolulu at the Hawaii National Guard Training Center Auditorium on Saturday, October 15 at 8:00 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. Sign in starts 7:30 a.m. The summit is free and open to the public. There will be multiple presentations and exhibits by experts in the geothermal industry.

Enter the auditorium from the street between Weinberg village and Jack in the Box. Just have your driver's license ready at gate for entry. The program will open at with oli by Kahu Ryan Kalama and refreshments will be available in the dining center.

The Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) is hosting a new category of films this year, called the Green Screen. The seven films from this section emphasize the importance of staying energy efficient, protecting the environment and all its wildlife, as well as showing the benefits of living a self-sufficient lifestyle.

This year, HIFF is hosting the world premieres of Mai Ka Piko Mai A Ho'i: Return To Kanaloa, Minds In The Water, and When The Mountains Were Reborn as well as the Hawai'i premieres of The Tsunami And The Cherry Blossom, In The Eye Of The Whale, Revenge Of The Electric Car, and Think Global Act Rural.

The 31st Hawaii International Film Festival features 212 films from 43 different countries and will be held at the Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 Theatres & IMAX from October 13 - 23. General admission tickets are available for $12 or $10 for students, seniors, children and military. Tickets may be purchased in person at the guest services desk at Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 Theatres & IMAX or by phone at (808) 447-0577.

Film Synopses and screenings (all screening times subject to change):

MAI KA PIKO MAI A HO'I: RETURN TO KANALOA
Saturday, October 15, 3:15 pm, Regal Dole
Sunday, October 23,11:45 am, Regal Dole
Screens with THE TSUNAMI AND THE CHERRY BLOSSOM

Fourteen years after Native Hawaiians stop the U.S. military from bombing the Hawaiian island of Kaho'olawe (Kanaloa), the brave activists who led the movement return to tell their stories. With them come the families of modern Hawaiian navigators, returning to a land that was sacred to their ancient seafaring predecessors. When these two groups come together on this special island they rediscover ancient connections, renew common bonds, and heal old wounds.

Preceded by THE TSUNAMI AND THE CHERRY BLOSSOM
Survivors in the areas hardest hit by Japan's recent tsunami find the courage to revive and rebuild as cherry blossom season begins. A stunning visual poem about the ephemeral nature of life and the healing power of Japan's most beloved flower. Directed by Academy Award Nominated filmmaker Lucy Walker (Waste Land), featuring photography by Aaron Phillips and music by Moby.

MINDS IN THE WATER
Saturday, October 22, 6:00 pm, Regal Dole
Screens with IN THE EYE OF THE WHALE

Minds In The Water is a feature-length documentary following the quest of professional surfer Dave Rastovich and his friends to protect dolphins, whales and the oceans they all share. Through Dave's journey, a five-year adventure spanning the globe from Australia to the Galapagos, Tonga, California, Alaska and Japan, we see one surfer's quest to activate his community to help protect the ocean and it's inhabitants.

Preceded by IN THE EYE OF THE WHALE
A short documentary film exploring the work of whale photographer, Bryant Austin. In Austin's pursuit to end whaling, he sold everything he owned to follow his dream of photographing whales up close, creating high-resolution, life-size photographs of endangered whale species to exhibit in whaling nations and beyond. Austin's journey is dangerous, rewarding and is inspiring change globally.

REVENGE OF THE ELECTRIC CAR
Sunday, October 16, 10:45 am, Regal Dole
Monday, October 17, 3:00 pm, Regal Dole

You can't kill an idea whose time has come. When the electric cars first appeared on the market in the 1990s, its mass production and commercialization was abruptly and dubiously shut down. Just a few short years later, behind the closed doors of Tesla, General Motors and Nissan, the race is back on to develop an affordable, stylish electric car and win over a skeptical public.

THINK GLOBAL ACT RURAL
Thursday, October 13, 8:15 pm, Regal Dole

Director Coline Serreau delivers an informative and humanitarian documentary that is sure to spur an emotional response. This film is filled with interviews of farmers, agricultural specialists and philosophers who discuss the serious problems with industrialized farming. Diving into the political and economical topics surrounding the revolution of the farming industry, Serreau shows the loss of the modern farmers' ability to control the processes in which they produce their crops.

WHEN THE MOUNTAINS WERE REBORN
Saturday, October 15, 2:30 pm, Regal Dole
Tuesday, October 18, 3:00 pm, Regal Dole
Screens with RESTORING THE LIGHT

When The Mountains Were Reborn follows East Himilayan locals Yang Xuerong and Baimawuxue as they attempt to reconcile the toll that traditional customs and modern infrastructure have taken on the environment. Director Chuljay Lee skillfully captures the beautiful landscapes of Laojun Mountain and Meili Snow Mountain, as well as the depth of his two heroes, whose struggles to divert environmental deterioration are at odds with the culture in their souls.

www.hiff.org

HECO's 2011 Clean Energy Fair, previously called Live Energy Lite, is right around the corner on Saturday, October 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Uptown Center Court in Pearlridge Center. The annual event is a celebration of Energy Awareness Month, featuring live entertainment, interactive displays and exhibits and energy games and prizes. All ages are invited to attend, as there is something for everyone, like Mad Science for the kids; Hoku Zuttermeister for Hawaiian music fans; preview the new Nissan LEAF (located outdoors fronting the food court entrance); and witness the high energy moves of Kapolei High School's Polynesian Club. Plus, everyone can benefit from the educational displays highlighting solution for a clean energy future.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of State Parks is pleased to announce that seventeen (17) vacant recreational residence leases in Koke'e and Waimea State Parks on the island of Kaua'i are now scheduled for public auction. These 17 recreational residence leases will be sold by means of a three-tiered public auction, as is required under Act 223 SLH 2008. The recreational lease is awarded to the highest bidder with a minimum upset price determined by appraisal.

Per the law, the first round of the auction will be offered to residents of a county in the state with a population of less than 100,000 (which includes Kaua'i County), the second round is then to be offered to statewide residents, and if there are any leases still available after this second round, a third round will be opened to non-residents. The minimum bids start as low as $2,500 per year and the lots are for part time, recreation use only.

"This auction is a great opportunity for residents to bid on rustic recreational cabins and lots in one of Hawai'i's most beautiful State Parks, that have not been available to the general public in decades," said William J. Aila Jr., DLNR Chairperson. "The revenues from these leases will go to supporting improvements on public lands by restoring recreational areas in the Hawai'i State Park System."

The deadline for applications is November 7, 2011at 4:00 p.m., and the first round of the auction will be held December 8. For more detailed information and a Public Auction Bid Packet, call (808) 587-0505 or visit http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/plans/index.cfm.

This Saturday, October 8, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, visit Second Saturday at the Garden, at the UH Urban Garden Center in Pearl City. This month will feature aquaponics. There will be a workshop at 9:30 a.m. and a repeat session at 10:00 a.m. to learn about the basics of aquaponics. No pre-registration required for the workshops, but come early to sign in at the classroom. There is a $5 fee to attend the class. In addition to the workshops, there will be free tours of the garden center, Master Gardeners on hand to ask a plant question and herbs for sale.

http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/ougc/