2010 marks the fifth decade in which the Hawai’i Chapter of the Sierra Club has been protecting the environment.  With our network of volunteers and members, we work on two broad fronts led by an extremely capable and energetic Executive Committee.  First and foremost, we vigorously pursue a statewide environmental education agenda with our hikes and service projects.  Many of you actively participate in our weekly local outings that are always free and open to the public.  We also continue to make a priority out of introducing youth into nature through our many hiking and camping events.

The Sierra Club is also the only environmental nonprofit in Hawai’i that grades environmental decisions, lobbies on your behalf at the capital, and gets more pro-environment leaders elected.   In fact, weʻre the only local environmental organization that interviews and endorses candidates for state and county offices and, in turn, is at the legislature to ensure good environmental decisions are made.  Our recent legislative priorities included, in 2009, passage of some of the strongest renewable energy standards in the United States; passage of the Solar Roofs Bill in 2008 that makes Hawai’i the first state in the nation to require solar water heaters as a standard feature on all new homes; the Legacy Lands Act of 2005 that provides reliable funding to better manage the state's natural areas and to purchase pristine lands for long term protection; and the Bottle Bill, our landmark 2002 measure to increase participation in recycling for most beverage containers.  

Our annual fundraising appeal in March is a critical part of our annual funding.  Last year, the March Appeal provided approximately $18,000 in donations.  This year, because of cutbacks from National Sierra Club and from a desire to expand services to our members, our goal is to increase the income from our fundraising appeal to $25,000.   

As a proud Lifetime member, I would usually respond to the March or July appeal, but was not consistent in the timing or amount of the contribution.  In the past, I also resisted the notion of a monthly credit card contribution preferring instead to make a single donation.  But, in closely observing our annual budget and cash flow needs, I have come to appreciate our annual donors who contribute monthly.  These donations allow our Executive Committee and State Director to more effectively plan and execute the Hawai’i Chapter’s core programs and initiatives.  Without a doubt, there is a contribution level that you can afford (say a dollar a day?) and still feel the full benefit of ownership in the Chapter environmental agenda.  Taking all of this into consideration, I have finally joined the ranks of the monthly contributor.  I would urge you to join me by going to www.sierraclubhawaii.com/donate.

We are a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization under the regulations of the Internal Revenue Service, which means that our effective work for new environmental policies, contributions are not tax deductible. However, every dollar of your contribution stays right here in Hawai’i and allows the Sierra Club to continue our impressive environmental education and advocacy agenda.  So with the 2010 March and July Appeals at our doorstep, please join me in making a contribution today for a clean, safe, and healthy environment in Hawai’i for our families to enjoy for generations to come.