HARVARD UNIVERSITY LIBRARY OF THE GRAY HERBARIUM ;.'r r *■ m if < ( J r i % 9 '■«• - ' \ . ti ^ l‘ .■% ■0=' l> t:.» ♦#'■';. .-1 J •'‘■-■je ’ •« jri u • 'rTf^ > > ■' t '■ * t © JUN 27 1997 gray herbarium Newsletter of the Hawaiian Botanical Society Vnlunip hJumhpr d Dprpyyihpr 7QQ^ J In This Issue December, 1995 Dr. William Mokahi Steiner Named Director of NBS Pacific Island Science Center Dr. William Mokahi Steiner Named Director of NBS Pacific Island Science Center 57 Minutes of the Hawaiian Botanical Society 60 Report to the Hawaiian Botanical Society 64 Treasurer's Report .. 64 1995 Dues Summary 67 Dr. William Mokahi Steiner has been named Director of the National Biological Service’s Pacific Island Science Center (PISC). “Dr. Steiner is an outstanding appointment to this position. He brings a wealth of experi- ence to the diverse problems facing Hawaii’s unique ecosystem,” said Dr. Dennis Fenn, NBS Western Regional Director. “His strong academic and professional background is in areas critical to achieving the mission of the Pacific Islands Science Center, the National Biological Service, and the resource manage- ment agencies of the Department of the Interior.” The National Biological Service works with others to provide the scientific understanding and technologies needed to support the sound management and conservation of the Nation’s biological resources. The Pacific Island Science Center’s responsibilities include conducting research into the uniqueness. Continued on page 59 58 Newsletter of the Hawaiian Botanical Society Officers Published by the Hawaiian Botanical Society, which was founded in 1924 to "'advance the science of botany in all its applications, encourage research in botany in all its phases, promote the welfare of its members and develop the spirit of good fellowship and cooperation among them." Any person interested in the plant life of the Hawaiian Islands is eligible for membership. Information may be obtained from the Society: c/o Department of Botany 3190 Maile Way University of Hawaii Honolulu, HI 96822 Membership The Society year is from December 1 through November 30. Membership Cost per Year Regular $7.50 Student $4.00 Family $10.00 Life (individuals only) $150.00 Honorary and Life Members pay no further dues. President Camille Barr (UH Botany Department) Vice-President Lisa Stratton (UH Botany Department) Treasurer Ron Fenstemacher (Ka Papa Lo‘i O Kanewai) Secretary Leilani Pyle (Bishop Museum, Herbarium Pacificum) Directors Alvin Keali'i Chock (UH Botany Dept. & USDA-APHIS/Retired) Alvin Yoshinaga (Ctr. for Conservation Research & Training) Committees Appointed by the Executive Committee Membership Alvin Yoshinaga (Ctr. for Conservation Research & Training) Newsletter Editor: Gregory A. Koob (UH, Horticulture Department) Conservation Steve Montgomery (UH) Science Fair Benton Pang (UH, Botany Department) Winona Char (Char and Associates) Native Plants Clifford Smith, Chair (UH) Ken Nagata (USDA, APHIS PPQ) Evangeline Funk (Botanical Consultants) John Obata (Bishop Museum) Art Medeiros (Haleakala National Park) Volume 34 (4) 59 Continued from page 57 diversity, stability and conservation of Hawaiian ecosystems and vari- ous Pacific Islands under U.S. jurisdiction. PISC is one of eight NBS laboratories in the Western Region of NBS. “Decisions about the management of Hawaii’s unique resources into the future have to be made today, and they have to be based on as accurate a measurement as we can manage with our present technolo- gies. In collaboration with the Bishop Museum, the University of Hawai‘i, the Nature Conservancy, and other federal and state agencies, NBS researchers assigned to the Pacific Islands Science Center will provide the sound science needed by decision makers,” said Dr. Steiner. Dr. Steiner’s professional training and expertise is extensive. Native bom to Hawai‘i, he obtained under- graduate degrees from Boise State University in Idaho and from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa. His Ph.D. in Genetics and Evolu- tionary Biology was earned work- ing under Hampton Carson on the internationally famous Hawaiian Drosophila project. As Assistant Professor at the De- partments of Zoology and then Genetics at the University of Illi- nois in Urbana, he taught popula- tion biology and his research included population genetics of malaria-carrying anopheline mos- quitoes in South America, the Caribbean Basin, and Southeast Asia. He also worked for a brief period for the Illinois Natural History Survey in Champaign, where he headed projects using genetic markers to trace the source of aphid migration into the Mid- west, studying the impact of pollu- tion on aquatic biota and causes of the decline in the lobster marine fishery off the coast of Belize. Since 1984, Dr. Steiner has served as a Research Geneticist for the USDA, Agriculture Research Service, Biological Control of Insects Research Laboratory, in Columbia, Missouri, and as an adjunct Associate Professor of Entomology at the University of Missouri. There, he and his re- search team developed several 60 Newsletter of the Hawaiian Botanical Society morphological mutations in beneficial parasitoids (small stingless wasps known to attack caterpillars) as genetic markers. These are currently being tested for their ability to control agricultural pests such as the eotton boll worm and the tobacco budworm. His research there included collabora- tion with scientists in Europe, Australia and China. His research has resulted in more than 60 publieations and one edited book and been supported by grants from many organizations. He is a member of numer- ous professional organizations, including the Genetics Society of America, the Entomological Society of America, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. In Hawai‘i, PISC projects currently address ecosystem degradation result- ing from a loss of biodiversity, endangered species surveys and recovery, and non-native species monitoring and management. An estimated 35% of the endemic plant species and 76% of the endemic bird species are extinct, endangered or in need of protection. Minutes of the Hawaiian Botanicai Society October 2, 1995 The meeting was ealled to order by President Camille Barr at 7:40 p.m. She asked if there were any visitors to be introduced. Minutes from the September Meeting were read by Leilani Pyle. They were accepted as read. The treasurer was absent and there was no treasurer’s report. Membership report: Alvin Yoshinaga announced that we had six new members and read their names for approval by the membership. The new members are Cheryl Olson, Naomi Phillips, Kauka Case, Eric Enos, and Kekoa Renaud. There was no old business. Volume 34 (4) 61 New Business: nomination for board members including officers for the Hawaiian Botanical Society’s new amiual year which begins in December will be ac- cepted at next month’s meeting. Lisa Stratton has been appointed chairman of the nominating com- mittee. Monthly Hiking Program: Camille announced the Society’s hiking program. The plan is to have one hike a month, usually around the third Sunday of the month. Aaron Lowe, phone 946-1305, has been appointed hike coordinator. Hike notices will appear on meeting notices. John Felix, member of the Hono- lulu City Council, would like a representative from the Hawaiian Botanical Society to be on a task force committee on Hawaiian trail safety. Announcements: The Society has received an announcement of several botanical field work jobs with the Army. The contact person is Steve Kim. Kuaika Jendrusch, told about the formation of a task force committee to keep noxious plants out of the state and encourage the planting of native plants, and he asked that the Hawaiian Botanical Society send a representative. Priscilla Millen, botany professor from Leeward Community College, announced there will be a sale of native dryland plants at their Fair on October 28. Plant of the Month: Dan Polhemus spoke on the recovery of vegetation after Hurricane Tniki. The main speaker, Lisa Stratton, graduate student in the botany department at UH Manoa, presented her talk on the status of dryland forest on Lana‘i. After each presentation there was a lively session of questions and comments on each subject. The meeting was adjourned and refresliments served. November 6, 1995 The meeting was called to order by President Camille Barr. No visitors were introduced. The minutes were read by Vickie Caraway, acting 62 Newsletter of the Hawaiian Botanical Society secretary, and were approved as read. Ron Fenstemacher, treasurer, reported $1944.78 in checking account (plus profit on t-shirts to be added). Two thousand dollars were placed in a 6% CD account to represent lifetime membership dues. Four new members were introduced by membership chair, Alvin Yoshinaga: Tom Galioto, Wisteria Loeffler, Caroline Hendry, and Tanya Rubenstein. Old Business: 1. Alvin Chock is retiring from board; Leilani Pyle is retiring as secretary but remaining as board member; Lisa Stratton is retiring from vice-president position. Proposed officers for 1996 Camille Barr - President Wisteria Loeffler - Vice- president Vickie Caraway - Secretaiy Ron Fenstemacher - Treaserer 2. Dues increase proposed by board: Student $5.00 Individual $10.00 Family $12.00 Institutional $20.00 Life $180.00 Motion that new dues be accepted made by Cliff Morden, seconded by Alvon Yoshinaga. 3. Critical habitat lawsuit by Sierra Club Legal Defense Club: The Endangered Species Act is to designate habitat for these species to allow recovery. James Kwon proposed to the membership that the Botanical Society become a client in the Seirra Club Legal Defense Fund lawsuit. The first step in the suit was the signing of a letter that the Botanical Society would join Audubon Society, Conservation Council and the Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund with intent to sue the US Fish and Wildlife Service within 60 days if no action is taken on designating critical habitat for endangered species. The initial costs of the lawsuit was estimated at $1500, and a maximum $500 Volume 34 (4) 63 would be the responsibilty of the Botanical Society. After much discussion of the proposal, a motion was made by Lisa Stratton for the president to authorize the Botanical Society to be joint plaintiffs in the lawsuit with the understanding that further action in the lawsuit will be decided by the membership at a later date. Lou Santiago seconded the motion. The motion was voted by secret ballot and passed by a vote of 24 for the motion, 6 against, and 1 abstention. A committee was organized to raise money for the lawsuit. The committee will consist of Lisa Startton, Camille Barr, James Kwon and Margorie Zeigler. Other suggestions made were the organization of a letter-writing campaign to the appropriate Con- gressman, a “form letter” to be placed in the Botanical Society newsletter and Marjorie Zeigler writing an article on the critical habitat portion of the Endangered Species Act. David Henkin was speaker of the month, who spoke on his research on the kolea. Patrick Conant spoke briefly about the plant of the month, Miconia, with the promise of a longer presentation in the future. The meeting was adjourned and refreshment were served. 64 Newsletter of the Hawaiian Botanical Society Report to the Hawaiian Botanical Society April 1, 1995 On March 28, 1995, 1 reviewed the 1994 accounting ledgers of the Hawaiian Botanical Society. During this review, I examined the starting and ending balances and all transactions that occurred during the calendar year. No discrepancies were noted. In addition, I reviewed each transaction to see if it was logical and documented. It is my judgement that the 1994 ledger is accurate. Respectfully, Volume 34 (4) 65 Treasurer’s Report January to December 1995 As costs rise but dues remain the same, the Society has been running in the red for the past several years. These deficits have been masked in the treasurer’s annual reports by income from new life memberships, so the Society has had an appear- ance of breaking even, more or less. This year’s establishment of an escrow account and dues adjust- ments are attempts to chart the Society a fiscal rhumb line. In late 1995, the society invested about half its working capital, $2,000.00, an a six-month certifi- cate of deposit (CD) for two rea- sons. The first is our account at Bank of America earns 1.51% yearly interest, while a CD at Sterling Bank and Trust of San Francisco earns 5.92% yearly interest. Sterling Bank and Trust was selected due to its low mini- mum deposit requirement and because its six-month CD yield ranked first nationwide in the weekly survey published by Barron’s of 9/1 1/95. The second investment benefit of this CD establishes an escrow account for life members’ dues. This account should contain $5,500.00 (37 life members @ $150.00 apiece). A long-term goal is projected of adding $500.00 annually to the account until it has $5,500.00. New life memberships will automatically go to this account. The Society’s dues were increased in December 1995. New yearly dues are student $5.00, individual $10.00, family $12.00, and institu- tional $20.00. Life memberships are now $180.00. New dues amounts were fixed by estimating the Society’s basic expenses per mem- ber year coupled with a sense of each dues category’s ability to pay. Dues may need readjustments if estimates prove wrong. Economies of scale apply here and all members benefit from membership growth, so enroll likely candidates today! Members who feel generous may also be moved by the Society’s 501(c)3 status under the Internal Revenue Code to volunteer supple- mentary contributions with their 66 Newsletter of the Hawaiian Botanical Society dues. Such benevolence is always highly appreciated by the society any- time and perhaps by oneself as well, come April 15. Outright donations are full tax deductible. Finally, the treasurer would like to thank Loyal Mehrhoff for his thorough financial audit of the Society’s book for 1994. Presented below is a summary of receipts and expenses for 1995: Income Outgo t-shirts $1,411.00 CD $2000.00 Dues $1,163.00 Copying $1,209.49 Neal Miller Fund $300.00 t-shirts 1,125.51 Donations $133.50 Postage $577.83 Cash Dues $94.50 Conservation Council [ $300.00 Interest $58.31 Science fair $270.00 Special Newsletter $45.00 Paradise Pursuit $50.00 Plant Sale $32.00 Earth Day Booth $30.00 Poster Sale $9.00 Stationery $24.95 Back Issue Fees $3.00 Miscellaneous $24.95 $3,249.31 $5,612.73 Beginning Balance + Income - Outgo = Ending Balance $4,605.08 + $3,249.31 - $5,612.73 = $2,241.66 The net loss for 1995, CD excluded, is $363.42; life memberships ex- cluded too, the net loss becomes $813.42 Respectfully Submitted, Ron Fenstemacher, Treasurer Volume 34 (4) 67 1995 Dues Summary: Student 25 X 1 yr. $101.00 1 X 3 yr. $12.00 Individual, 35 X 1 yr. $270.00 3 X 2 yr. $45.00 1 X 3 yr. $22.50 1 X 4 yr. $30.00 Family, 13 X 1 yr. $130.00 1 X 2 yr. $20.00 Institutional, 1 1 X 1 yr. $82.50 Life, 3 $450.00 $1,163.00 Cash Dues $94.50 $1,257.50 Membership Report as of December 31,1 995 Membership Count Membership Dec 1994 Dec 1995 Non-renewals from 1994 Honorary 7 7 - Life 33 36 - Regular 63 75 7* Family 23 25 3 Student 24 39 7* Intitution (paying) 11 12 1 Institution (gratis) 9 9 0 Totals 170 203 18 o ro f-* CO 00 I w is c > r r- c m O) 00 NO NO c z < m w H ■< 0 ■n T 1 > O o a m 2 n H s m z z m CO r m m 33 o O I ^ m = 2 I 5 o > o > z > *•< > z CD o z o > (O o o m 1-* } 4 I f I 1 * V % iK. - f :»