Take part in the January Fund Drive now underway. Use our easy, secure, one-step credit card submission form. Over $1600 dollars raised so far. Find updates on CCH events all through the month of January and early February as they happen. Read announcements regarding our properties and volunteer activities and see same day photos from the field.
Aloha!E komo mai - Welcome to our website. |
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THE CAVE CONSERVANCY
OF HAWAI`I
Don Coons, President
Ric Elhard, Secretary
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Over the past 15 years, land conservancies have been established in various regions of the mainland with one specific purpose in mind.¬Ý Dozens of preserves have been established by these organizations in order to protect significant cave systems.¬Ý Projects of this type have been completed by the Western Region Cave Conservancy (California, Oregon, Washington), the North Eastern Cave Conservancy (New York and New England states), the Southeast Cave Conservancy (Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky) and more than a dozen additional conservancies that operate in individual states or specific cave areas.
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The Cave Conservancy of Hawai`i (CCH) was established as a non-profit 501-C-3 corporation in 2002.¬Ý It grew as a grass roots organization originally formed by people with an interest in documenting cave resources on the Big Island of Hawai`i. Land owners and cave cartographers from various areas of the mainland realized the significance of the Hawaiian lava tube caves and the resources they contain.¬Ý The original concept of the organization included several goals.¬Ý Land acquisition, public awareness, education, and land owner relationships were the main focus. The Kipuka Kanohina Cave System near Ocean View has been the primary focus of the organization, though it is licensed to operate throughout the state of Hawai`i.
Specifically the CCH has been successful in purchasing land in this area in order to protect one of the most significant cave areas of the Big Island. From a geologic perspective, this cave system comprises one of the longest lava tube complexes currently known on the planet. The labyrinths of underground passages that comprise this system also preserve and protect a wealth of archeological resources.¬Ý Documentation of this extensive cache of material has begun and promises to be an extremely valuable ongoing program. With funding we will continue to pursue this particular project and reach out to acquire other properties that contain significant resources. The CCH is also working in concert with the National Speleological Society (NSS) and other land conservancies on the Big Island. All lands acquired by the organization will be designated for conservation in perpetuity.
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MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES
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The overall management objective is to preserve cave systems from adverse impact inadvertently created by development of commercial or residential properties. Backfill for road and foundation placement, breaching by septic installation and use of puka entrances as landfills are some of the more significant threats.¬Ý One prime objective of the organization is to survey and photograph the cave in order to record all significant resources.¬Ý This is the first step in commencing research on the archeological, mineralogical and geological resources that the caves protect.
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PUBLIC AWARENESS
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Lands that are owned by the conservancy will be designated as green areas within the existing subdivisions.¬Ý An effort will also be made by the CCH in order to establish working relationships with land owners that have cave passages underlying their properties.¬Ý Documenting the nature of the cave in relation to the surface and any structures, septic systems or roads that are to be constructed has proven to be a very effective tool that will both minimize impact to the cave and avoid dangerous construction hazards for the private land owner.
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS
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As an organization, the CCH has been successful in acquiring 49 acres overlying the Kanohina Cave System in Kau.¬Ý All of these lands will be designated as preserve with no construction projects to be undertaken in these areas.
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Signed agreements with private land owners in the subdivision are also in place.¬Ý These documents establish a cooperative management effort between the CCH and many of our individual members.¬Ý This effort ensures that another 45 acres of land overlying the system will be developed in a ’Äúcave friendly’Äù fashion.
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An information kiosk describing cave resources and their management has been erected near the road frontage of one CCH parcel.¬Ý This project was completed with a grant from the NSS.¬Ý A complex providing living accommodations for researchers performing scientific studies in caves on the Big Island is also underway on land owned by our current president.
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Mapping and photo documentation have currently inventoried 24.6 miles in the Kanohina System.¬Ý Future work promises to reveal much more in the area. Mapping and inventory of many other caves on the Big Island is also underway. These efforts are made in conjunction with NSS cavers and the Hawaii Speleological Survey (HSS).
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FUTURE GOALS
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With the continuing support of membership and grant funding the organization expects to continue to acquire, document, and foster conservation awareness on the Big Island of Hawai`i.¬Ý Establishing preserves in order to protect the valuable resources of this most unusual environmental niche will continue to be our primary mission.
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2007 ANNUAL MEETING NOTES
February 18, 2007
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The annual meeting of the Cave Conservancy of Hawai`I (CCH) was commenced on February18, 2007. A quorum was established with 7 of the 8 directors present at the meeting. The meeting was well attended by approximately 30 other members and interested individuals.
REPORTS
¬ÝPRESIDENT - Don Coons thanked the attendants for taking the time to attend the meeting. It was probably the biggest turn out so far for an annual meeting. He stated that he is willing to remain president and hopes the organization can continue in the positive and upward direction.
¬ÝVICE PRESIDENT - Mike Warner suggested that the organization needs to fulfill the election process to vote for the board of directors; that the compiled acts of the board must be kept in the corporate file to track the intention and actions of the board; and that any further land purchase must reflect financial actions through a budgeting process.
¬ÝTREASURER - Judy Davis reported that she had a summary of the bank account but due to glitches in the on-line banking with the Community Credit Union she was unable to produce a hard copy report. After her review of the accounts inability to garner any interest and inadequate online records, she recommends that the organization change banks. She was able to rectify all check expenditures after reviewing the bank statements and check book register in the local office of the Conservancy.
¬ÝSECRETARY - Ric Elhard reported that accounts payable such as taxes and association dues were paid for 2006 and due for 2007. Membership and accounts were entered into the Quick Books Program with the help of a local accountant. This was successful and financial documents were produced for
2006. The current membership stands at approximately 38 people. Notices of donations received and confirmation for donor tax exemptions were mailed out.
¬Ý¬Ý¬ÝSCIENCE AND BIOLOGY - Fred Stone reports that he is currently studying the Hawaii Cave cricket. He had brought supplies to set traps in the Kanohina Systen and would do so after the meeting. He plans to set traps in Lani Kai Cave also.
¬ÝELECTIONS AND BOARD STATUS
¬ÝThe Bylaws of the CCH state that the board shall consist of not less than 5 or more than 9 persons. Currently there are eight directors: Don Coons, Steve Lewis, Fred Stone, Cindy Heazlit, Rose Herrera, Ric Elhard, Mike Warner, and Jack Vose.
¬ÝMike’Äôs and Cindy's terms have expired leaving 2 seats open for a 3-year term. Don and Fred have been provisionally filling 2 positions for a year so there are also 2 vacancies for a 2-year term. This means that there are currently four vacancies of the existing board and one potential addition as per the by-laws. The Ballots are prepared and ready for mailing to all current members. All current board members are willing and eligible for re-election. Barb Caposey was nominated as a candidate as well. Barb is a mid-west caver knowledgeable of the doings of the CCH. She is active in the Illinois Cave Conservancy and would be a beneficial addition the CCH board. Also nominated is¬Ý Dr.Michael Smith a Honolulu physician interested in Hawaii caves and the CCH. Michael attented the meeting and would be an excellent candidate for the board.
¬ÝBUDGET
¬ÝEXPENSES
¬ÝBudget Projections for 2007
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Co. Hawaii Taxes¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý $1167.34
Assoc. Dues KKVECA¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý ¬Ý¬Ý ¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý70.00
HOVE Roads¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý ¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý ¬Ý¬Ý90.00
Office and administrative¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý ¬Ý¬Ý ¬Ý250.00
Total ¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý $1577.34
Current Balance¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý $8865.03
Projected 2007 Expenses¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý ¬Ý 1577.34
Balance¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý $7287.69
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2 years of taxes held¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý ¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý $3000.00
Balance available¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý¬Ý $4287.53
¬ÝAbove is a current synopsis of projected cash and balance funds available for projects.
It was discussed that the balance funds be used as seed money for land purchase.
¬ÝMEMBERSHIP AND DONATIONS
¬ÝIt was reported that the current membership stands at 38 members and donors. Two major donors for last year were as follows: (1) Alan Beall, a land owner from Kona that donated $1,500.00 to the Conservancy after the Hawaii Speleological Survey performed some survey work in his cave; and, (2) A $750 donation was received from Emily Davis’Äô mother’Äôs estate through Capitol Trust Company of Delaware. There was also a $125 donation from the Hawaii Speleological Survey.
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Solicitation for 2007 membership has been mailed with 8 responses to date. A second mailing is planned that will include election ballots, membership applications, and a copy of the minutes.
¬ÝCOMPILED ACTS OF THE BOARD
¬ÝMike Warner stated that a file containing the compiled acts and motions before the board should be part of the corporation file. This file has been placed within the Corporation File located at 92-8864 Lauhala Drive the current office of the secretary of the CCH.
¬ÝMOTIONS OF THE BOARD
Don coons moved to pursue an offer to purchase the remaining 2/7ths share of the Keone¬¼s lot 43.Ric Elhard seconded. The motion was carried by a unanimous vote of the attending directors.
¬ÝNEWSLETTER FOR 2007
¬ÝMike Warner reported that a newsletter was successfully printed in 2006. This was done with the help of Dale Pate. Mike edited articles submitted for publication and Dale was the primary force to format and publish the newsletter. Mike thanked all contributors and plans to publish a 2007 newsletter. He requests that articles submitted for future publication be specific to CCH activities and conservation issues and not too much in the vein of anecdotal activities.
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BANK ACCOUNT
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It was discussed and determined that the current check and savings account
¬Ýat the Community Credit Union (CU Hawaii) in Kona was inconvenient and that changing to the Community Federal Credit Union in Capt. Cook¬Ý would be a good idea. It was determined that Judy Davis, Ric Elhard and Don Coons should be signers on the account. Ric stated that he would close out the accounts and safety deposit box and transfer funds as soon as possible.
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PURCHASE OF THE REMAINING SHARE OF THE FLIESHON LOT
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It was presented at the annual meeting that the CCH has paid all mortgages for land purchases. This was due to the generous donations from the membership as well as various grants solicited by the grant committee.
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Currently the CCH treasury is in good shape to cover two years expenses for tax burdens and other obligations. The good news is after this reserve is slated we have 5000.00 surplus to approach another land purchase or project.
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The CCH owns a one acre in Ocean View, a 3-acre parcel in Kula Kai, a 20-acre parcel in Keones, and a 5/7th interest in a separate Keones lot as well. All of these parcels overly parts of the Kanohina Cave system.
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Don has recently discussed purchasing the remaining 2/7th interest in the Keone’Äôs parcel with our partner/owners. They are interested in selling and the consensus at the meeting is that we should pursue an offer to buy out the partners. This would add another 6 acres into the Kanohina Preserve.
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The plan is to offer $20,000. This is at or a little under the current market value. We think the owners may be willing to deal and we will explore cash out or mortgage options with them.
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At the meeting there were matching funds donated towards this effort. A total of $5000.00 was put up if matching funds can be garnered. This means we are potentially halfway there. Due to the nature of our charter at least 2/3rds of the CCH funding needs to come from outside of the directorship. This means we need your support. Membership renewal will help in this effort and a donation specific to the cause is even better as it will go towards matching funds.
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WEB SITE STATUS
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Mike reported that he had made some changes to the web pages this year. It is unclear weather Cindy Heazlit is still interested in working on the site. Uploading documents is a task that needs to be done.
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The meeting was adjorned. Food and refreshments were supplied by Rose Herrera after the meeting..
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2006
Kanohina Cave Chronicles
Kat Richardson
2006 Research in Kipuka Kanohino
Project: Analysis of bedrock weathering and alteration, and minerals derived from these processes.
Field Work: February 21, 2006
Report Date: November 1, 2006
Personnel: Arthur N. Palmer
Margaret V. Palmer
Department of Earth Sciences
State University of New York
On February 21,2006, The Palmers sampled representative minerals from the Refuge Cave section of the Kipuka Kanohina System, located in Ocean View on the southern flank of Mauna Loa. Sampling was done under Cave Conservancy of Hawaii (CCH)permitand included only loose or broken fragments. The samples were from the vicinity of survey station CRX 38,about 100 feet from the entrance puka.The tube is well ventilated at this spot and high evaporation rates were expected, especially on this dry side of the island.Six samples were obtained.
The minerals identified in the bedrock are typical ingredients of basalt lava. Much of the rock shows some kind of alteration.The red and white flaky or granular deposits formed after the lava cooled.The lava is very porous and
easily transmits water. Some water enters the cave, mainly as minor seeps that evaporate quickly. As water moves through the basalt, it alters the rock chemically and carries off ions in solution. These include calcium and magnesium,
which are incorporated in some of the secondary minerals that are deposited in the cave. Minerals that are deposited by evaporation include the white and red secondary deposits concentrated around the infiltration sites.Gypsum and calciteare t he most common.
For a complete version of this report, including sample analysis, photographs and extented discussion of this investigation see The Hawaiian Speleogical Survey Newsletter for Spring 2006.
Project: Evolution of flightlessness of the schrankia moth
Field Work: May 26, 2006
Report Date: June 30, 2008
Personnel: Matthew J. Madeiros
Ph.D. Student
UC Berkeley
Moth Man, Matt Medeiros and an Assistant, from U.C. Berkeley, spent a day with Kathlyn Richardson (Kula Kai Cave guide) searching for flying moths, non-flying moths, and dead moths. Matt’s thesis involves the sexing of the Shrankia cave moth found in Hawaiian Lava tubes. Capturing moths and dropping them in a flight chamber it was noted whether the moth took flight or dropped. Matt thinks that the flightless moths are the female species. Studies of the plant hopper cave adapted Oliaris indicates a similar mode demonstrated by genetic studies of the insects. 3 moths were removed to the laboratory for further study. The moths were removed from the Jewel Box section of the Kula Kai Cavern area of the system. This area is in the upper section of the cave system. Further studies of the cave animal biota are proposed by Fred Stone as time permits.
Discoveries
Quarry site found right under our noses at Kanohina Cave… With PETROGLYPGHS
Archeological discoveries in the Kipuka Kanohina have revealed siginificant use by ancient Hawaiians. Discoveries both in and out of the cave indicate that the area was used to quarry stone, trap birds, collect water, and grind stones. The cave was used for shelter in several areas indicated by fire pits, rock walls gourd cradles and torch sticks. Petroglyphs are rare but present in the area. The recent finding of new small petroglyphs reinforce the potential to discover more in the Kanohina Cave area.
Events
Ric, Rose, Kathlyn, and Cave Dummy participated in the 1st Annual Kona Earth Day Fair on April 22, 2006, representing CCH and Kula Kai Caverns. At times, there seemed to be more vendors than walk-ins, but it was a positive experience, and an opportunity to network with other earth-conscience groups and individuals. There was a positive interest by those attending the CCH booth in the preservation of Hawaiis Cave resourses. Plus, it was a beautiful, sunny, Kona day on the luau grounds of the King Kamehameha Beach hotel.
Media/Advertising
KGMB film crew from Oahu followed Kathlyn on a tour of Kula Kai Caverns and ran a feature story about us on the news! They interviewed Ric and Rose and our new neighbors/cavers, Russ and Patricia. We’re celebrities now, but nobody knows it, because most people in Ocean View don’t watch TV!
We made the papers again! West Hawaii Today did a feature article with full-page picture in the People/Places section of the Sunday paper. Kula Kai Cave section of the Kanohina System has fostered awarness for many years
Kipuka Kanohina has the opportunity to be featured as a historical area and part of the guided areas of the Big Island. This involves a sign on the Hi- way indicating a historical area. Contact for visitation will be available at the Kula Kai Cave. The designation would benefit the system as a whole and possibly generation donation to the CCH . Melding commercial cave activities and NPO possibilities were one of the challenges from the onset of living in the cave rich area of Kanohina. As discoveries are pursued in the area possibilities evolve as to raising the awareness of the cave and funding preservation of resources.
Opala Mahalo!
Thank you to everyone who participated in the CCH opala (trash) clean-up of the Maelstrom Cave this winter. Maelstron entrance was trashed by a previous resident with tons of steel trash and garbage. We have removed almost all of the dunnage from the pit and entrance . Still we have a pile on the surface to sort out and haul off but the heavy work is over. Whew!!! Big job, well done! Mahalo Don for initiating. Approximately a dozen members of the CCH participated.If anyone has pictures of that day, please e-mail them to caver@kulakaicaverns.com.
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Dear Members of the Cave Conservancy of Hawaii,
Over the last year and a half, the conservancy has both made some major accomplishments and also had some major transitions in volunteer staff. I will let our officers thank those who have passed the torch and those who have signed on for hard work. I would like to discuss both fund raising and membership with you.
Last year, because of generous donations, we were able to pay of our land purchase early. What I had not realized is that we have over $2000 in taxes and subdivision fees to pay yearly. We need to keep those donations flowing to cover these yearly fees. Many of you made very generous donations during the expedition season. We need to thank Don for providing his Hawaii home to make that happen.
Because of the transitions we have not sent out dues notices this year. Thus almost all of our members are in arrears. I would like to encourage everyone to pull our your check book and send a check to our PO box in Hawaii now.
To encourage your rejoining I would like to offer the following incentives;
Rejoin and, if you request it, we will send you a CCH sticker.
Rejoin for two years and we will send you a CCH lapel pin.
OR Rejoin and make a $50 donation and we will send you a lapel pin.
Rejoin and make a $250 donation and we will send you one of the limited stock of CCH Embroidered Polo Shirts. (medium in medium blue or XL or XXL in Lt green)
In all cases you support cave conservation in Hawaii by making a donation and joining or rejoining the conservancy.
Communication between Hawaii and Upstate NY is sometimes slow. If you send a check to the conservancy and an email to me at the same time, I can get your promotional gift in the mail quickly.
Emily Davis
Fund Raising Chair
emily@speleobooks.com
January 2005 Please welcome Jack Vose, Steve Lewis, Rose Herrera and Ric Elhard as elected directors of the CCH!
September 2004 It's time to think about elections. The Cave Conservancy of Hawai`i is governed by a Board of Directors elected by its membership. This year there are 4 openings on the board. If you would like to be considered as a candidate for the board, you must submit a written (mailed or e-mailed) letter of intent to Cindy Heazlit by October 1. Elections will take place from mid-October through November. The new BOD will be announced by December 15.
September 2004 CCH members recently cleaned up Ole's Puka in Ocen View Hawai`i. You can view pictures of the clean up here on our site.
June 2004 The CCH has recorded the deed on lots 42 & 43. This 42 acre section of land contains "the refuge" and the "cordwinder". If you would like to help us pay down our $24,000 mortgage, we would appreciate
any donations.
May 2004 Our 2003 Annual Report is now available in PDF format (690k). Down load it now. Note: This will open a new window.
May 2004 Hey! We're back online at our new domain. Look for more changes in the future.
December 2003 Fred Stone, Cindy Heazlit, and Mike Warner were elected to the 3 Board of Directors positions.
November 2003 How bad can Hawai`i cave pollution get? Pretty bad. Read about it in this article from the Hawai`i Island Journal. Be afraid. Be very afraid....
November 2003 The CCH can now accept credit cards and on-line donations! Check it out!
August 2003 The CCH now owns lot #63 in the Kipuka Kanohina System. This is an important lot
that provides an access corridor to several other CCH lots within the Kanohina System.
August 2003 It's time to think about elections. The Cave Conservancy of Hawai`i is governed by a Board of Directors elected by its membership. This year there are 3 openings on the board. If you would like to be considered as a candidate for the board, you must submit a written (mailed or e-mailed) letter of intent to Cindy Heazlit by September 15. Elections will take place from mid-October through November. The new BOD will be announced by December 15.
August 2003 CCH President Don Coons presented five papers at the National Speleological
Society Convention - Formation and Demise of a Hawaiian Lava Tube System, Maze Development in Hawaiian
Basalt Cave Systems, Archeology of the Kiupka Kanohina Cave System, Hawaii County, Hawaii, Exploration of the Emesine Cave System, Hawaii County, Hawaii, and Exloration of the Kipuka Kanohina Cave System, Hawaii County, Hawaii.
August 2003 Your Donations are tax deductable. The CCH is now a 501(c)-3!
July 2003 CCH Secretary Ric Elhard did a series of presentations on cave conservation to the residents of Ocean View, HI.
July 2003 The CCH is now the proud owner of Ole's Puka!
The Cave Conservancy
of Hawai`i is a
501(c)-3 tax-exempt organization. It is
registered in the state of Hawai`i as a non-profit corporation and is
a conservancy of the
National Speleological Society.
This site copyright © 2003-2004 by the Cave Conservancy of Hawai`i, Incorporated. PO
Box 7032, Ocean View, HI 96737.
All rights reserved.