As part of our bike and pedestrian education programming, PATH works to share inspiring stories about community-based solutions that promote walking, biking, and rolling here on the islands. Watch our 3rd PATH Connections and learn how Complete Streets and Quick-Builds are creating safer places for people to walk, bike and roll.
Category: News
A letter from PATH’s Executive Director
PATH Shifts Focus to Mission-Critical Programs and Services
Dear Friend of PATH,
I am going to get right to the point: PATH will no longer be administering races. There are many reasons, but the bottom line is that we are going to be focusing on our mission-critical programs and services moving forward. This does not necessarily mean that the runs won’t continue. They just won’t be administered by PATH.
Every Wednesday I walk a my dear friend and mentor. We often talk about how stewarding a nonprofit organization is a bit like a long distance relay run. Each leader runs as far as they can for their era of leadership, or leg of the race. Then they hand off the “baton” (or in my case, bike and laptop), to the next leader.
I am honored to lead PATH in the next leg of the journey.
PATH’s mission remains the same: to connect the people and places of Hawaii Island with bikeways and walkways. However, in this era, PATH is shifting to focus more of our institutional energies on improving our 2 direct service and island-wide programs (1. Bike and Pedestrian Education for adults/keiki 2. HIBIKE Bikeshare), championing safe multi-modal active transportation systems at the local and state level, and leaning into equity learning and practice.
Just a few of our recent successes include:
- Tripling HIBIKE Bikeshare usage in three years
- Winning the largest federal alternative transportation grant in Hawai’i County’s history
- Successfully partnering with Mass Transit to provide free HIBIKE rides for all Hele On riders
- Purchasing a new fleet of bikes for our popular Safe Routes to School Bike Education program
- Continuing to deliver high-qualify bike safety and pedestrian education classes to 4th graders in schools from Puna to Kohala (and everywhere in-between). We send out a van with volunteers and staff, 35 bikes, and helmets to give every student!
- Launching and growing Bike RX — a bike safety education class and ride for patients from community health centers
- Continuing to champion Vision Zero, Complete Streets, and multi-modal trails at the state and local level.
Thanks to the visionary leadership of previous executive directors Laura Dierenfield and Tina Clothier, PATH has become a respected, valued leader in the active transportation movement throughout Hawaii Island as a whole.
In late April, we will be welcoming our first development director to the PATH staff, and later this year we will begin strategic planning. It is a very exciting time for PATH. Thank you for your ongoing support.
With Aloha,
Jess Thompson, PATH Executive Director
PATH Loves Our Volunteers!
PATH s our Volunteers!
You may know that PATH’s mission is to connect people and places with bikeways and walkways on Hawai’i Island by administering three important programs: Biking and Pedestrian Safety Classes for Keiki and Adults, HIBIKE Bikeshare, and Vision Zero and Complete Streets Advocacy.
But what isn’t always apparent is how integral our volunteers are to making this possible! Without the generosity of our volunteers, these programs wouldn’t happen and we couldn’t fulfill our mission. So since it’s Valentine’s Day, we wanted to take a moment to tell all of our volunteers that we you and are so grateful for all you do every day!
Today, we’re shining the spotlight on just a few of the many volunteers behind PATH’s efforts, events, and programs. Let’s get to know two outstanding couples who give of their time and energy throughout the year!
Meet Kathy and Dan!
They are always willing to help with PATH activities … and their help is always outstanding! Dan and Kathy are from Pleasanton, CA, where they still live when they aren’t in Kailua Kona for the winter.
Their adventure as PATH volunteers began nearly seven years ago, when Cindy Armer invited them to help with a race event.
“When Cindy Armer asks for volunteers in her charming and pleasant way, you have to agree to help out!” says Kathy, adding that once you volunteer for a PATH event, you discover how much fun it really is. “When you are working with a group of people that want to be there, it makes it enjoyable!”
When it comes to PATH events, Dan and Kathy can still be found volunteering for anything race related. This can include setting up barriers, handing out awards, cutting up fruit, cleaning up at the end of an event, and whatever else needs to be done.
“Working with fun people and meeting new folks,” says Dan when asked what he likes most about volunteering.
“For me, the best part of volunteering is feeling good about helping out!” Kathy adds.
When they’re not volunteering, you can find the Sackl’s cycling, hiking, doing home projects, paddling with KCC in Hawai’i, and spending time with friends. In the summer, Dan and Kathy enjoy spending time on the mainland with their four-year old granddaughter and taking road trips in their small camper.
Meet Rune and Sharlene!
After many years in the tech world, Rune and Sharlene retired. And six months ago, they became PATH volunteers. “We have more time on our hands, and PATH’s mission and projects seem a worthwhile way to spend that spare time.”
As volunteers, Sharlene and Rune currently help with PATH’s fourth grade Bike Education program.
“We are still learning the ropes, but it is highly rewarding to see how excited the kids are to learn how to bike safely!” says Rune.
Sharlene, who will soon be serving on PATH’s Programming Committee, explains that the best part of being a PATH volunteer is working with the kids and the other like-minded, active volunteers. “My volunteer efforts align with my interests and passions!”
For Rune, it’s hard to decide which part of volunteering for PATH is the “best,” since there are a few aspects that stand out for him, including seeing how participation makes a difference in people’s lives.
“When kids master safe bike handling and get excited about moving around on bikes, it also motivates families to support more bike-friendly communities,” he explains. “Also, volunteering with PATH allows us to meet other interesting volunteers who are active and passionate about outdoor activities!”
Today, Rune and Sharlene live mauka of Keauhou and have a small coffee farm in Honalo, just north of the Teshima junction.
When they’re not volunteering, the couple maintains a part of the coffee farm that Sharlene’s grandparents started. Both Sharlene and Rune bike and swim in West Hawaii’s beautiful bays whenever they can.
Share the Love Volunteer Together!
“If you feel passionate about making walking, hiking, and biking easier, safer, and helping to provide more opportunities, being a PATH volunteer is a great way to contribute without being a huge time commitment,” Sharlene shares.
“PATH is working to improve Hawaii’s communities and environment – That’s something that seems unlikely to happen without community engagement,” explains Rune. “As volunteers, we join a larger organization with more clout, influence, and resources to make a real difference to the quality of life in Hawai’i.”
“Consider volunteering with PATH. You’ll meet new people while helping out your local community!” says Dan.
“And you’ll have fun doing it!” Kathy adds.
We’ve heard it said that the couples that volunteer together stay together! And if you’re looking to have a memorable date while making a difference, why not consider volunteering for PATH?! Of course, you can always volunteer with your whole family, your best friends, or your coworkers too!
Whether it is serving on a Board Committee, helping out with a community walk/bike/or run, or helping people learn the bike and pedestrian safety needed to be empowered active transportation champions, volunteers are an integral part of the movement for active transportation.
And we need more volunteers! Ready to make a difference while having fun?
Please fill out this volunteer application and someone from our staff will email you with the time and date of our next volunteer orientation. At the orientation, you will hear from staff and volunteers about current volunteer opportunities.
With so many ways to support the movement for safe, accessible active transportation on Hawai’i Island, we hope you’ll consider joining the PATH team as a volunteer!
PATH is Building Capacity (aka, we’re hiring!)
We are hiring a Development Director!
Position: Development Director
Reports to: Executive Director
Supervises: Intern
Status: approximately 35 hours per week on average, exempt
Salary: $45,000-$55,00 plus benefits (see below)
About PATH– People for Active Transportation Hawai’i: PATH is Hawai’i Island’s only nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting active transportation throughout the island. Our mission is to connect people and places to bikeways and walkways in Hawai’i County. For over thirty years, we have been working toward a world where people living and visiting Hawai’i County are not reliant on the single occupancy vehicle to get around on this beautiful island. The health of the ‘aina, as well as our collective and individual health, depends on everyone having access to accessible, clean, active transportation systems. Our programs include: HIBike Bikeshare, Bike Safety and Education, and a variety of advocacy work. Most recently, we have been instrumental in developing, passing, and helping implement Hawai’i Island’s Vision Zero Action Plan and Complete Streets commitment. Finally, we are working very closely with our partners at Hawai’i County’s Mass Transit Department to implement the County’s Transit Multi-Modal Transportation Master Plan.
Our Development Director will help us build out PATH’s capacity to partner with the people of Hawai’i Island to create a clean, equitable multi modal transportation system. This is a unique opportunity to work alongside fun, dedicated, caring staff and volunteers for an outstanding nonprofit. We are looking for a motivated, talented individual who has a heart and mind invested in meaningful nonprofit work.
We believe by welcoming differences, encouraging new ideas, listening to & learning from each other, and providing opportunities for enrichment, we are better able to serve our community.
About this position:
The Development Director oversees and manages PATH’s development activities. They work in direct partnership with the Executive Director and in collaboration with the Fundraising and Communication Committees to achieve strategic and financial goals that will sustain the organization into the future. A successful Development Director will align PATH development activities with community-centric fundraising principles. The ideal candidate has deep connections to Hawai’i Island, is looking for a mission-driven position, is a good writer, and is interested in learning and growing with PATH.
Essential Responsibilities and Duties Include:
LEADERSHIP & OPERATIONAL ENGAGEMENT
- Lead the Board Development Committee and provide support to the Executive Director to ensure stewardship and performance of Board members.
- Act as a primary liaison and support to the Board of Directors regarding fundraising and communications activities & goals.
- Provide fundraising updates at Finance Committee and Board meetings.
- Contribute to the development of strategies, budgets, and other operational components.
- Help with creation and implementation of strategic plan, including equity, diversity, and inclusion processes.
- Support organizational data review of program reporting and evaluations.
- Assist Executive Director in planning and decision making.
- Ensure funding requirements are in alignment with programmatic goals and results.
- Oversee proper financial reporting and reconciliation.
- Lead and maintain an organizational culture of philanthropy.
- Other leadership & operational duties as assigned by the Executive Director.
FUND DEVELOPMENT
- With the Executive Director, draft PATH’s Development & Communications Plan with the Fundraising Committee and manage all activities in reference to this plan.
- Manage fundraising goals through annual fund development & appeals (monthly donor program, year-end appeal, corporate giving, etc.); grant and contract writing.
- Maintain current best practices across development activities and bring new opportunities to the table.
- Manage individual and corporate giving to annual fund campaigns; expand portfolio of donors.
- Manage grant-writing efforts by researching and contacting foundations, tracking due dates, writing grants, and providing grant reports.
- Maintain accurate donor records in SalesForce, report on donor trends, and provide timely acknowledgement and updates.
Qualifications:
- Prefer nonprofit experience (doesn’t have to be fundraising) and/or certificate in fundraising. Alternatively, if hired, you agree to take (PATH will provide tuition) WVDO’s remote 10 month certificate program in nonprofit development.
- Confident writer
- Demonstrate attention to detail (while being open to making mistakes and fixing them when the occur)
- Ability to efficiently multitask and meet deadlines while having fun
- Ability to communicate directly with an open and mission-focused outlook
- Must be comfortable working independently and as a member of a team
- Proficiency in Google Suite
- Commitment to the mission and values of PATH
Benefits:
- Employer-paid health benefits
- Flexible paid time off
- Training and professional development opportunities
- Remote work (although must live in Hawai’i County permanently)
Application materials must include: 1) a cover letter explaining how your life, and/or educational, and/or professional experiences have prepared you for this role and what the mission of PATH means for you and 2) your resume. Please email these materials to sharetheroad at pathhawaii dot org and write in the email subject line: Development Director Application.
We thank you for considering this employment opportunity!
PATH News: Hawai’i County Offers Free HIBIKE Bikeshare to Hele-On Riders
Hawai’i County Brings Big Changes to Island’s Mass Transit System, Offers Free HIBIKE Bikeshare to Hele-On Riders
HILO, HI. January 5, 2022 – The County of Hawai’i Mass Transit Agency has recently announced that Hele-On passengers have a new, viable transportation option that provides economic, health, and convenience benefits. Hele-On bus riders can now access HIBIKE Bikeshare at no additional cost. For free access, every Hele-On rider can ask bus operators for a code to use at the HIBIKE kiosks.
The free HIBIKE Bikeshare offering is the result of changes to the Mass Transit System under the leadership of interim Mass Transit Administrator at Hawai’i County, John Andoh.
“Mayor Mitch Roth brought me to Hawai’i County to implement the actions detailed in the transit and multimodal transportation master plan adopted in 2018,” says Mr. Andoh. “Additionally, I came onboard to restructure Hele-On to be a true economic driver for this island, and bring in new modes to help move people around.”
These modes include the department’s partnership with People for Active Transportation Hawai’i (PATH) to put into action van pools, partnerships with Lyft and Uber, a new route network that will make it easy for everyone to get around the island, and HIBIKE Bikeshare.
Mr. Andoh is also focusing on addressing the need for internal circulation within urbanized areas of rural environments, such as Hilo, Kailua-Kona, Waimea, and Pahoa.
“Multimodal opportunities can start simple, like with a bikeshare system in rural areas for ‘first mile, last mile’ connections from a transit bus to someone’s destination,” affirms Mr. Andoh, pointing out that bikesharing can also be combined with flexible demand responsive services like a taxi. “We have multiple stations that we are funding in partnership with PATH to demonstrate intermodal connection.”
Integration of the HIBIKE Bikeshare System
In 2016, PATH’s partnership with the County of Hawaii’s Research & Development Department piloted a bikeshare system in Kailua-Kona to test how bikeshare could work on Hawai’i Island, which was eventually expanded to the Hilo area. As part of this expansion, Mass Transit came on to start subsidizing the bikeshare operation, incorporating it into the family of services provided by the agency.
Since bikesharing promotes active, healthy transportation and exercise, it’s important to maintain this bikeshare system as part of Hawai’i County’s multi-mobility or multimodal transportation plan.
Bikeshare stations are also incredibly beneficial in areas where a bus route may not make sense because the destination may be close enough to mainline transit. And establishing bikeshare stations near bus routes to get to and from an off-route location eliminates the need to deviate a mainline transit route.
More Highlights of Hawaii’s Mass Transit Master Plan
In addition to the partnership between Mass Transit and PATH to provide HIBIKE Bikeshare opportunities, offering riders a connection from the transit system to other destinations, highlights include:
- A paratransit service, which provides transportation for persons with disabilities who cannot take traditional Hele-On bus services.
- Enhancements to shared-ride taxi program, including partnerships with Lyft and Uber.
- A partnership with the Hawai’i County Economic Opportunities Council and the Brantley Center to promote demand-responsive specialized programs and provide door-to-door services.
- A Department of Education (DOE) partnership, providing bus service in neighborhoods around the island and ensuring access to educational opportunities for Hawaii’s students.
A service of PATH and Hele-On, HIBIKE Bikeshare is a form of mobility management ideal for anyone who wants to leave their car parked during a short trip, or enhance their transportation options. In other cities with a bikeshare system, it’s been shown that local businesses benefit, with an increase in visibility on the street-level, because people are out of their cars and more aware of the businesses around them.
For more information on integration of the HIBIKE Bikeshare System, visit:
www.heleonbus.org/hibike and for more details on Hawai’i County’s Multi-Modal Transportation Plan, please visit: The PATH blog: A Game Changer .
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PATH
PATH is a community-based, grassroots 501(c)(3) non-profit active transportation organization serving Hawaii County committed to elevating the efforts of community groups and Hawai’i County to create more multi-modal trails for active transportation in Hawai’i, with an emphasis on developing more protected places for people to use mobility devices, walk, or bike on Hawai’i Island.
A Game Changer: Hawai’i County Launches Multi-Modal Transportation Plan, Brings Big Changes to the Big Island’s Mass Transit System
A Game Changer: Hawai’i County Launches Multi-Modal Transportation Plan, Brings Big Changes to the Big Island’s Mass Transit System
Imagine this: You live in Hilo and are driving to Kailua-Kona everyday for your job at a South Kohala Resort. Or perhaps you live in Ocean View, but you make the drive to Hilo a few times a week for classes at the University of Hawai?i at Hilo.
Whether you’re just trying to make a living or you’re hoping to further your education, commutes like these can be a drain. They’re physically exhausting, costly when it comes to filling up the gas tank, a source of carbon emissions… and part of life on Hawai’i Island.
If interim Mass Transit Administrator at Hawai’i County, John Andoh, has anything to say about it however, this inefficient, unconnected way of life could become a distant memory.
Big changes are not only on the horizon for the Hawai’i County Mass Transit System, but are already underway. Today, we’ll look at how Mr. Andoh is leading the agency to implement the county’s Multimodal Transportation Plan, history and highlights of the plan, integration of the hub-and-spoke model and the HIBIKE Bikeshare system, increased Hele-On service, and more!
Let’s get started!
Mr. Andoh Leads Implementation of the County’s Multimodal Transportation Plan
When John Andoh began his position as Hawai’i County’s interim Mass Transit Administrator a couple of months ago, he immediately dove head first into advancing the county’s multimodal transportation plan. With decades of experience in mass transit management, Mr. Andoh got his start in mass transit right after graduating from high school in California. And he’s still working in public transit 21 years later.
Mr. Andoh’s experience includes managing rural, small urban, and large urban transit systems throughout the U.S., with an emphasis on working with transit systems in need of rejuvenation or implementation of new program services, as well as restructuring systems for operational efficiencies.
Previously, Mr. Andoh held the position of Executive Director of the Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (the COMET) in Columbia, SC for three years. There he led innovations, including transforming the public transit agency into a mobility manager.
“I implemented multiple services such as van pools, bike sharing, flexible demand responsive services, and a lot of technical advances,” explains Mr. Andoh, whose work has taken him from California to Oregon and South Carolina, and landed him here in Hawai’i earlier this year.
“Mayor Mitch Roth brought me to Hawai’i County to implement the actions detailed in the transit and multimodal transportation master plan adopted in 2018,” says Mr. Andoh of his big move to the Big Island. “Additionally, I came onboard to restructure Hele-On to be a true economic driver for this island, and bring in new modes to help move people around.”
These modes include the department’s partnership with People for Active Transportation Hawai’i (PATH) to put into action HIBIKE, van pools, partnerships with Lyft and Uber, and a new route network that will make it easy for everyone to get around the island.
Mass Transit Fun Fact: Also known as demand-responsive transport, demand-responsive services, or flexible transport services, flexible demand responsive services are a form of shared private or semi-public transport for groups traveling where vehicles generally pick up and drop off passengers in locations based on the passengers’ needs. This can include buses, taxis, or other vehicles.
Big Changes to the Big Island’s Mass Transit System
“Many people have this idea that transit systems which include affordable mass transit and micro mobility options are just for cities,” says PATH’s executive director, Jessica Thompson. “It’s common to think that only those who live in New York City, L.A., or another metropolis can use transit as a way to get around without a car or single occupancy vehicle.”
Fortunately, John Andoh’s work is quickly proving that transit systems are for communities of all shapes and sizes. And rural areas such as communities on Hawai’i Island are hardly an exception.
That’s not to say that improving transit systems in large areas that are regarded as more rural doesn’t come with its challenges, as Mr. Andoh experienced first hand in Columbia, SC. There, his department served not one but two counties, Richland and Lexington Counties.
“Columbia is a large urban area but the surrounding areas are highly rural. Their transit needs were just as important as an urban area,” says Mr. Andoh, revealing that he learned how to meet those needs while working in Columbia. “In the case of the 4200-square mile island of Hawai’i, there is a need for people who work on one side to get efficiently and safely across to the other side of the island. Meeting that need is of paramount concern!”
Mr. Andoh is also focusing on addressing the need for internal circulation within urbanized areas of rural environments, such as Hilo, Kailua-Kona, Waimea, and Pahoa. Multimodal opportunities in these areas would offer individuals the transportation necessary for accessing jobs, educational opportunities, healthcare, pharmacy, and recreation.
“It can start simple, like with a bikeshare system in rural areas for “first mile, last mile” connections from a transit bus to someone’s destination,” affirms Mr. Andoh, pointing out that bikesharing can also be combined with flexible demand responsive services like a taxi, or transportation networks like Lyft and Uber.
Even volunteer transportation is a perfect example of how to help those in areas where a traditional mainline bus service just isn’t possible. It’s an option that would recruit volunteer drivers who would be reimbursed on a mileage rate.
History of the County’s Multimodal Transportation Plan
In 1992, Hawai’i County studied the Hele-On Transit System, which was fairly rural at the time. With an emphasis on connecting people to their jobs or housing in Hilo to jobs in West Hawai’i, the system primarily operated Monday through Saturday and had limited internal circulation within Kailua-Kona and Hilo (with a few routes that connected transit users to Pahoa, Ocean View, and Volcano).
Since 1992, Hawai’i County has grown exponentially, primarily in the Puna district, Kailua-Kona, and in the suburban areas that are connecting those communities. The transit system, on the other hand, has not caught up.
The lack of growth coupled with inability to deliver reliable services to the island prompted the County Council to restudy the transit system and set the framework for successfully providing public transportation island-wide for the next 20 years.
Highlights of Hawaii’s Mass Transit Plan
The hub-and-spoke model and so much more!
From 2015 to 2018, a consultant team was engaged to study Hawai’i Island transportation patterns, reviewing the island’s various communities and making transit system recommendations.
In August of 2018, a transit and multimodal transportation master plan was adopted. Included in the master plan’s key elements and principal goals is the initiative to redesign the entire transit network, transforming it into a hub-and-spoke system.
Mass Transit Fun Fact: Hub-and-spoke describes a fixed-route transit system designed to offer routes (the spokes) that all join at a central point (the hub). Hub-and-spoke riders travel through the hub to reach different points on the various spokes.
In denser areas like Honolulu on Oahu, feeder routes go into hubs and connect people to intercommunity routes, linking them to other hubs and ultimately to their destination.
The multimodal component of Mass Transit’s master plan includes a paratransit service, which provides transportation for persons with disabilities who cannot take traditional Hele-On bus services. Other multimodal components include enhancements to our shared-ride taxi program, which would include partnerships with Lyft and Uber. A shared-ride program would also benefit communities where transportation options may be limited, enabling people to get around the urbanized areas of Hawai’i Island.
To further promote demand-responsive specialized programs, a partnership with the Hawai’i County Economic Opportunities Council and the Brantley Center (a non-profit serving Hawai’i Island residents with disabilities) would provide door-to-door services for anyone needing to travel for shopping, education, recreation, and medical appointments. These services would be available in areas where there is generally no Hele-On bus service whatsoever.
Another partnership between Mass Transit and PATH aims to provide bikesharing opportunities, offering riders a connection from the transit system to other destinations in the area. It’s an excellent transportation option for the first or last mile of a transit system rider’s commute!
“We have multiple stations that we are funding in partnership with PATH to demonstrate intermodal connection,” Mr. Andoh states. “We’re also launching an opportunity for Hele-On passengers to ride HIBIKEs at no additional cost. All they have to do is get a code from a bus operator!”
A Department of Education (DOE) partnership is in place for anyone in need of school bus transportation. The Department provides bus service in neighborhoods around the island, ensuring access to educational opportunities for Hawaii’s students. To get a bus pass for accessing Hele-On services to a school nearby, passengers can apply with the DOE through the Student Transportation Office.
Here’s Some Info on Getting a Bus Pass Through DOE: Riding the Bus
In 2022, a van pool program will be launched as an extension of the Mass Transit system, enabling commuters to form van pools subsidized by Hawai’i County. Since passengers will be able to travel to employment sites on the island at their discretion, their van pool group may have parking, set the schedule, set their fares, and essentially run their own mini transit service to connect people.
“We’re going to continue to study carsharing services and other multimodal options so that we can offer true mobility opportunities for people who need to get around the island,” Mr. Andoh attests. “Ultimately, the end goal is to reduce traffic congestion and drive economic opportunities for our island.”
Improved Hele-On Services
“This multimodal transportation plan might look different from what many people have in their mind when they think of mass transit systems, like what Hele-On was 20 years ago,” says PATH’s Jessica Thompson. “This improved system is much more than the traditional bus moving people back and forth!”
Some of the differences? For starters, a later bus service schedule, services on Sundays and holidays, and frequent routes that run on consistent headways. Additionally, the number of routes and trips has been increased, east-west connections and airport trips added, and the transfer process simplified.
The fleet replacement plan has also been completed and the process of purchasing brand new buses to replace the entire Hele-On fleet is underway. Over the next two to three years, grants will make it possible to get a total of 37 new buses!
Long term, fleet replacement will include transitioning from vehicles that run on diesel and fossil fuels to vehicles that are zero-emissions, running on electricity, battery, and / or hydrogen. The first goal is to replace the entire fleet by 2025 with a reliable fleet to deliver all the services outlined in the master plan.
Phase 2 will bring alternatives to the traditional bus to subdivisions such as Hawaiian Paradise Park, Hawaiian Acres, Orchidland Estates, Ocean View, and along the Hamakua Coast. Either micro transit or small vehicles will run in these areas, connecting people from mainline Hele-On routes to their actual neighborhoods.
“In the past three months, we’ve launched the first phase of the master plan and restructured all the routes island-wide,” Mr. Andoh elaborates. “We’ve also added new routes, including a route that connects Hilo to Kailua-Kona via the Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Saddle Road), new routes in downtown Hilo, more routes to the Kona International Airport, redesigned routes in the Kailua-Kona area to make trips seamless, and integrated the Kona Trolley into the Hele-On system.”
More new routes are scheduled for February, including a route enabling riders in Na’alehu, Ocean View, and Pahala to go to Hilo and return via mass transit the same day. Another route will create a loop offering riders the option of circling the entire island, which could be popular with tourists.
Also being planned are bus stop improvements, more bus shelters, and the full construction of bus hubs, where routes will connect in off-road locations.
“We also want to foster transit-oriented development, which will spur additional density in those areas where we have hubs. At these hubs could be community centers featuring buildings with restrooms, maybe a community room for meetings or higher educational opportunities, and customer service for getting transit information and bus passes,” says Mr. Andoh, adding that an environmental assessment is in the works for a Pahoa bus hub that could even include a public library.
What’s more, the countywide Hele-On bus system could become free of charge, according to a statement John Andoh made to the County Council earlier this month. Since federal funding is based on total ridership, the two-year, fare-free pilot program might actually bring more money into the county than charging for the service.
With ridership at approximately 300,000 passengers per year, Hawai’i County’s bus system collects only $560,000 annually in bus fares. That’s 1% of annual revenues. On the other hand, a $700 annual bus fare bill significantly impacts low-income passengers who depend on the bus.
“When you’re on a large, rural island, there is a great need to personalize these transportation modes,” adds Jessica Thompson. “And the mass transit team is going to be an innovator in that regard.”
Convenient Options for Payment & Route Planning
From a growing number of transit centers that accept credit cards and a mobile ticketing app, to an updated website that includes maps plotting suggested routes, Hawai’i County Mass Transit has made substantial gains in technology in the six months since John Andoh took over the position of interim Administrator.
“We now accept credit cards at Mo’oheau Bus Terminal and our main office for people who want to buy monthly passes, as well as 10-ride ticket books, paratransit tickets, and rideshare taxis,” says Mr. Andoh, adding that a recent soft launch of a service called Token Transit allows passengers to buy their bus fare on an app. “You can use a credit card or even a cash wallet.”
Soon, Mass Transit riders should be able to use an app to plan their trip, in addition to seeing how many bikes are at a HIBIKE bikeshare station, paying their transit fares, and ordering a Lyft or Uber ride.
“You will also be able to plan your trip using the Google Transit Trip Planner,” Mr. Andoh continues. “And even compare transit times on a Hele-On bus to the time it would take to walk, bike, or drive.”
On routes 2o2 and 204 in Kailua-Kona, a hydrogen pilot project is also being actualized. Anticipated to arrive in January of 2022, the first hydrogen bus will present a fantastic opportunity to test zero-emissions transit.
In the meantime in Hilo, there is an electric bus from automotive and energy storage company Proterra currently running and another demonstration bus that runs on electricity.
Rebranding for Consistency
This is just the beginning! John Andoh and Mass Transit are working to add covered benches at bus stops and replace old signage with new signs to display bus route numbers.
It’s all part of a rebranding initiative that includes a new logo, designed around a red ‘?hi’a lehua flower.
“With this one, consistent paint scheme, all the buses on Hawai’i Island will be recognizable,” asserts Mr. Andoh, explaining that as far as the design goes, two options currently exist. “There are two options for YOU to choose from on the Hele-On social media pages. We invite you to participate in that vote!”
To Vote Now, Follow Us on Social Media!
HeleOnBus.org is also being redesigned to make the website more user-friendly and provide helpful information, so everyone can utilize bus fare, transit, bike share, taxis, demand responsive van pool services, and other multimodal services.
Integration of the HIBIKE Bikeshare System
In 2016, PATH’s partnership with the County of Hawaii’s Research & Development Department piloted a bikeshare system in Kailua-Kona to test how bikeshare could work on Hawai’i Island, which was eventually expanded to the Hilo area. As part of this expansion, Mass Transit came on to start subsidizing the bikeshare operation, incorporating it into the family of services provided by the agency.
“Expanding bikeshare and having more stations in the Hilo and Kailua-Kona areas, and potentially in Pahoa and Waimea, is another goal,” says John Andoh, pointing out that it’s vital to promote safe bike riding in those areas. Bikeshare stations with parking lots for those who want to park and ride is also on the table.
Since bikesharing serves as the first mile and last mile connection for those who need to get to or from the bus, as well as promotes active, healthy transportation and exercise, it’s important to have this bikeshare system as part of Hawai’i County’s multi-mobility or multimodal transportation plan.
Bikeshare stations are also incredibly beneficial in areas where a bus route may not make sense because the destination may be close enough to mainline transit. And establishing bikeshare stations near bus routes to get to and from an off-route location eliminates the need to deviate a mainline transit route.
Another form of mobility management, HIBIKE Bikeshare is one example of a program that will help articulate the Mass Transit Agency’s mission to connect and move people in Kailua-Kona, Hilo, and beyond.
For those who want to go from the Kings Shops or Queens Marketplace to the Hilton after shopping, it would certainly be pleasant to ride a bike back instead of making that hot walk or very short drive… and soon, we may be able to!
“As other communities get further developed, perhaps we can add HIBIKE in Ocean View, Pahoa, and Waikoloa Resorts,” says Mr. Andoh.
Planning Your Trip
While the lifespan of the transit and multimodal transportation master plan is 20 years, the plan’s main elements can be accomplished by 2025 at the latest. In fact, many components of the master plan have already been implemented, making it easier to plan your trip using mass transit on Hawai’i Island every day!
The customer service center is already up and running. Here’s how to connect with the center!
- Call 808-961-8744, option #1
- Hours are Mon – Sun, 7am – 5pm
- Schedules are available online at www.HeleOnBus.org
“Also, once we have our general transit speed specification finalized, it will be possible to use Google Maps, Apple Maps, Bing Maps, or third-party app developers like Transit and Moovit to plan trips.”
We’re also working to add automatic vehicle locator (AVL) services on all of our vehicles, so you can see where vehicles are in real time,” says Mr. Andoh, confirming that this app will also be a game changer for anyone who dreads standing outside, wondering when their bus is going to arrive and why it’s not on time.
“For routes that run less frequently than an hour, you’ll be able to see if your bus is running late using the AVL system,” Mr. Andoh explains. With this knowledge, passengers can use that time to run errands or grab some food, and return to the bus stop minutes before their bus actually arrives. A game changer indeed!
Bringing Big Changes to the Big Island’s Mass Transit System: The Takeaway
“It used to take three hours to go between Hilo and Kona, and now it takes a little over an hour. Just having a bus going over Saddle Rd. is a game changer for so many people!” says PATH’s Jessica Thompson. “We’re already headed in the right direction and we’re just getting started!”
Working toward active transportation multimodal options that are accessible requires an implementation plan, the right partners, and the courage to try something that is fundamentally different from what people are used to.
It takes hard work and community support, but Hawai’i Island is closer than ever to being a community where anyone who has to go anywhere has options to get there in a way that’s affordable, convenient, reliable, safe, and good for the health of people and the planet.
Missed PATH’s virtual talk story with Mr. Andoh? Not to worry!
You can watch it here: PATH Connections: John Andoh talks Mass Transit on Hawai’i Island
PATH
PATH is committed to elevating the efforts of community groups and Hawai’i County to create more multi-modal trails for active transportation in Hawai’i, with an emphasis on developing more protected places for people to use mobility devices, walk, or bike on Hawai’i Island.
Hawai’i County’s Vision Zero Initiative
HAWAI’I COUNTY’S VISION ZERO INITIATIVE
A motorcyclist is in critical condition after a collision with a car. A driver accidentally hits and kills a pedestrian. It seems that not a day goes by without the news reporting on a traffic crash on Hawai’i Island.
“That’s just Big Island traffic,” is a common sentiment. But what if we didn’t have to accept this endangerment of vehicle drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians as a way of life?
Changing Our Approach to Traffic Safety
According to traditional traffic safety approaches, traffic deaths are inevitable and saving lives is expensive!
Unlike traditional traffic safety approaches, Vision Zero proposes that what have long been called “accidents” are more likely related to our decisions and systems. The choices we make have far greater impacts than we have accepted in the past, especially at the policy level and related to the built environment.
Vision Zero acknowledges that traffic fatalities on roadways are preventable and defines traffic collisions as a systemic problem. To solve this problem, it’s vital to have collective action, political will, and a multi-disciplinary, comprehensive approach.
Vision Zero’s Worldwide Momentum
Vision Zero emphasizes the need for data-driven strategies that prioritize effective solutions for eliminating fatalities on roadways. First implemented in Sweden when the Swedish parliament adopted it as the official road policy in 1997, Vision Zero has since spread across the globe and is gaining momentum in cities across the U.S.
Rather than completely blaming drivers and other users of the transportation system, Vision Zero places the primary responsibility for accidents on the overall system design, addressing infrastructure design, vehicle technology, and enforcement. As a result, Sweden now has one of the lowest annual rates of road deaths in the world (three out of 100,000 as compared to 12.3 in the U.S.). What’s more, their fatalities involving pedestrians have dropped nearly 50% in the last five years!
Vision Zero Launched in Hawai’i
Hawai’i County Planning Director Michael Yee first learned about Vision Zero when visiting the state of Washington. Impressed by the program’s success specifically in Seattle, Yee returned to Hawai’i and brought the program to the attention of Tina Clothier, who was PATH’s executive director at the time.
“Hawai’i County had and still has the highest per capita death rate in the state from traffic fatalities, which is unreasonable and incomprehensible,” says Tina. “Loss of life is not an acceptable price to pay for mobility.”
In 2019, PATH and Yee presented Vision Zero’s systems approach to Mayor Kim, emphasizing that people have safer options to move about their communities, whether bicycling, driving, or riding transit. After being asked to adopt Vision Zero as an initiative, Mayor Kim authorized the development of a Vision Zero task force, which was made up of individuals from different departments and various state and county agencies, as well as private citizens, organizations like Blue Zone, and PATH.
Hawaii’s Vision Zero Mission Statement & Principals
Hawaii’s Vision Zero Mission Statement is to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries on our roadways, while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all by 2030. Through the Vision Zero Action Plan, the County of Hawai’i and our partners are working to prevent severe crashes as well as fatalities, which requires a shift in philosophy.
It’s an approach that prioritizes the preservation of human life over the convenience of travelling quickly on the streets and roads across our island. One that says traffic deaths are preventable if we take into account that humans make mistakes and then accommodate those failings on our roadways through good design.
Vision Zero’s principals include a focus on system level changes on Hawai’i Island. That’s why PATH is working with many different departments to create plans that will change the current dynamic – Here’s looking at our partners in change, which include the Dept. of Public Works, Hawai’i County Police, and island healthcare organizations!
The most integral Vision Zero principal is undoubtedly this: Each community is unique!
As such, communities should have a voice in defining issues, determining what safety on the roadways looks like for them, and developing solutions for their own community.
Data-Driven Action Through Vision Zero
Vision Zero is an initiative driven by data from the Hawai’i County Police Department, Hawai’i Department of Transportation, NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, NHTSA National Center for Statistics and Analysis, and the U. S. Census Bureau.
On Hawai’i Island, one of Vision Zero’s goals is to share fatal traffic crash data that everyone’s system can understand, and do so in a seamless and timely manner. Thus far, crash data from the years 2013 to 2019 was analyzed for the purpose of identifying data correlations, so those working to prevent traffic deaths could make informed decisions and take action.
What did the data reveal? Who the most vulnerable road users are, among other things. It’s no surprise that people traveling by foot, bicycle, motorcycle, or moped are at much greater risk of being killed than those in automobiles!
The data maps also made it clear that the high fatality networks are all along the highway from Kona to Hilo to Volcano. Of these fatalities, 67% occurred on state-owned roads, while 28% occurred on county-owned roads, which generally experience more congestion in high population areas.
Most people assume correctly that speed is a factor. In fact, 41% of traffic crashes involve excessive speed. And the majority of these crashes actually occur in areas where a speed limit of 35 mph or less is posted.
Here are some other statistics that are even more staggering:
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28% of roadside crashes were the result of someone leaving the roadway and going into barriers or trees
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13% of pedestrians hit at 20 mph actually suffer fatality
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73% of pedestrians hit at 40 mph suffer fatality
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25% of fatal crashes were the result of distracted driving… So PLEASE put those cell phones away and pay attention to the road!
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56% of fatal crashes were the result of alcohol or drugs
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41% of fatal crashes occurred in light trucks and vans
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49% of crashes occur during the day, outside of peak traffic hours
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Of all the crash fatalities, most were males between 20 to 24-years old.
After a year of analyzing the data, the Vision Zero Task Force used it as the basis for a set of action plans within the Five E’s: Engineering, education, enforcement, encouragement, and evaluation.
Implementing these plans is the first step in reducing and ultimately eliminating traffic fatalities!
“As a system, we need to bring these numbers down. In 2021, PATH has been instrumental in keeping this work front of mind, despite challenges,” says Jessica Thompson, Executive Director of PATH.
“The pandemic shifted our focus slightly off of traffic crash prevention. We also had a mayoral administration change, which creates a lag time as they get their cabinets settled. But Mayor Roth has been a long-time supporter of Vision Zero. He was a member of the task force when he was a Hawai’i County prosecutor and is a big believer in systemically making changes to mitigate fatalities.”
The Law of the Splintered Paddle
Hawaiian history tells us that young Kamehameha was once an aggressive chief. The story goes that the young chief even chased after two fishermen in a Puna fishing village. While pursuing them, his foot got stuck in a crevice, and one of the fishermen struck Kamehameha over the head with his paddle in defense, which splintered into pieces.
After the incident, Kamehameha recognized that it was wrong to misuse his power and learned compassion. Years later, Kamehameha declared a new law, “K?n?wai M?malahoe” or “the Law of the Splintered Paddle.” Meant to protect the innocent and vulnerable from unprovoked attacks, this law proclaimed that the defenseless (especially k?puna and keiki) across Hawai’i be able to sleep safely on the side of the road, unharmed.
The law provided for the safety of non-warriors during wartime and became the first written law of the Kingdom of Hawai‘i. After being added back in 1978, the law is part of Hawaii’s State Constitution today.
It is symbolic of servant leadership, reinforcing the importance of:
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Caring for and serving one’s people
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Knowing and doing what is pono (right)
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Standing for the principle that leadership privilege is earned
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Taking kuleana (responsibility) for those we serve
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Doing so with compassion, love, and respect
“We take that to mean that anyone who uses our roadways should be able to do so without fear of harm,” explains Tina.
A Growing (and Deadly) Concern
A year-to-date comparison reveals that this year, there were 616 major accidents as compared to 594 during the same period last year. And statistics show that in the first 10 months of this year, Hawai’i County’s traffic-related fatalities rose from 13 last year to 22, with most incidents involving motor vehicles. Of the 22 fatalities, 9 involved motorcycles and scooters, 11 involved motor vehicles, 1 involved pedestrians, and 1 involved an ATV operator.
In response to this surge in traffic crashes, PATH is partnering with the government on local and state levels to establish evidence-based systems that ensure the safety of our most vulnerable road users.
“People will make mistakes while they’re driving – We are human. But our road designs and our speeds do NOT have to dictate that when we make mistakes, those mistakes are fatal,” says Tina.
“We have created a system that has traffic fatalities and injuries built into it. We know that we can change that system because it’s been done in other places, eliminating traffic related deaths,” affirms Jessica, who sat on Portland’s Vision Zero task force before moving to Hawai’i to work for PATH. “We also know that bicyclists and pedestrians are our most vulnerable road users. If you drill down on that data, you know that the people who are most at risk are often people who have the least access to single-occupancy vehicles, and are walking or bicycling on our roadways.”
Changing the System
Traffic deaths are NOT accidents. Simply put, they are death by design.
But what can we collectively do to change the system?
PATH is committed to facilitating task force meetings and working through an action plan list. What’s more, Mayor Roth and Hawai’i County are hosting a Vision Zero website listing crash data, which will be updated as more data is attained.
To change the system requires a more timely exchange of data, from the Dept. of Transportation and NHTSA, to the Police Dept. and Public Works. Doing so can result in more timely crash audits and provide insight as to how and why a crash happened… and what design elements we can change to mitigate this in the future!
“Never give up!” says Tina, offering a piece of advice for those working to create safer options here on Hawai’i Island. “This takes collaboration and understanding of the long-term nature of planning. It’s like pushing a boulder up a 20% grade incline. I believe that we have and will continue to push it over and onto level ground!”
Additionally, we can all commit to meeting with different members of our community and mobilizing them to help develop an educational program, so we can move the traffic fatalities trend in the right direction… to zero!
PATH
PATH is committed to elevating the efforts of community groups and Hawai’i County to create more multi-modal trails for active transportation in Hawai’i, with an emphasis on developing more protected places for people to use mobility devices, walk, or bike on Hawai’i Island.
The #BW4H Series, Part 5: Recognizing Progress and Aiming for Expansion of Ke Ala Kahawai O Waimea
The Waimea Streamside Trail’s Impact on the Health of the Public & the Planet
At present, Ke Ala Kahawai O Waimea is a two-mile, round-trip trail that is accessible year-round and can be picked up from the Waimea Nature Park, across from Merriman’s Restaurant or Kahawai Street.
Appropriate for all skill levels, the trail is primarily used for walking, running, biking and nature trips. Trail users can hear the tranquil stream as they are traveling along and observe the 36 species of Native Hawaiian ground cover, shrubs, and trees being restored to the area through a partnership with the Department of Parks and Recreation, Waimea Trails and Greenways Committee, and the Outdoor Circle of Waimea. Waimea’s Streamside Trail is also level, shaded, and keiki-friendly.
“The trail can be used in so many different ways, whatever your interest. The multifaceted wide-reaching nature of this trail is what makes it beautiful and valuable,” says Waimea resident Lisa DeSantis, Community Coordinator for Hawai’i Public Health Institute (HIPHI), a non-profit involved in Waimea Trails and Greenways’ Projects.
“And it’s always changing from day to day. One day someone might be using the stream to teach their keiki about rocks and water. The next day, I’ll see a dog splashing happily through the water. It has its own character and changes!”
“HIPHI is interested in the trail from the public health perspective. Greater physical activity means less health issues,” she says, explaining the connection between trail use and improved public health.
According to research, when more people get outdoors and on trails, the result is a significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure, salivary cortisol, and heart rate. It has also been linked to substantial reductions in diabetic incidents and cardiovascular mortality.
“And more people on trails means less traffic for those that still have to drive,” explains Lisa. “The trail can be used to get to work and school, mitigating HPA school traffic and even stress. If you’re not dropping your kid off, you don’t have that stress of getting through traffic.”
For Lisa, interest in Ke Ala Kahawai O Waimea has also become personal.
“I noticed litter on the trail and now I have a litter grabber to pick it up because I don’t want to see trash on my route anymore!” Lisa says of the understanding of m?lama ‘aina that trail use fosters. “When you’re on the trails, you develop a sense of ownership of the land.”
For Waimea residents and tourists, single occupancy vehicles are currently the primary mode of transportation. So from an environmental sustainability standpoint, more people on trails can mean less people in cars. And fewer cars means less emissions and more support for Hawaii’s goal of making the state carbon net-negative by no later than 2045.
Recognizing Progress and Aiming for Expansion
Great progress has been made on the ongoing Ke Ala Kahawai O Waimea project. People for Active Transportation (PATH) has helped secure a RAISE grant for the project. Additionally, trail signs have been installed and collaboration with Parker Ranch on this community project continues, with an emphasis on opening up the next mile, going to the Waimea Transfer Station across from the Sandalwood subdivision. “From there, you can see the planting terraces and auwai (ancient canals),” Clemson states.
Waimea’s Streamside Trail now follows the Waikoloa Stream through Waimea town. Here you’ll find dog walkers, joggers, and off-road bicyclists enjoying the placid stream, including Clemson.
“The trail is between my house and my office. And for my four-mile bike ride to work, I get on the trail and hear birds, see people I know, and see the work my neighbors have done on the trail,” Clemson says. “Right now, my commute is NOT safe though, so I understand why people would rather drive. But imagine if everyone could walk or bike to work instead of drive? We could get our work-out done on our way to work!”
This is enough to motivate his own efforts on maintaining the one mile of trail that’s currently open and working tirelessly to expand the trail in the future.
The trail’s growth depends on federal funding, and as such, goals for Ke Ala Kahawai O Waimea include making it an Active Travel Corridor (ATC) to qualify for federal funding. ATCs are “people only” paths connecting those walking, running, and biking to parks, schools and other neighborhoods.
“In Hawai’i Section 106, permitting with regards to historical properties tends to be the critical path when delivering federal-aid projects. In anticipation of federal funding, we have already begun the process and are nearing completion of our Section 106 consultation with a determination of ‘no effect to historic properties’,” Clemson attests.
Other goals include paving the trail to make it wheel-chair accessible and advancing efforts to expand the paved trail to 4.8 miles (following the Waikoloa Stream from Church Row down to a County Park across from South Kohala View Estates). To achieve these goals, the community and Hawai’i County must join forces. And we can start by simply using the trail!
Working Together to Open up Waimea’s Streamside Trail
On your weekday lunch or after swinging by the weekend Farmers’ Market, park at Ulu La’au and go for a stroll, following the stream. About a mile into your walk, you’ll notice a counter. Installed in June of this year by Barett Otani (assistant to Mayor Roth), the counter is intended to determine how many people use the trail daily. And increased use of Ke Ala Kahawai O Waimea means more data to submit as proof that the trail is a valuable asset to the community.
Trail improvements and expansion also depend on the volunteers that maintain it, such as workers from HPA, Parker School, Waimea School, Kaiser Permanente, and Sales Force who have been involved in everything from spreading chips to clearing the stream on workdays.
But you don’t have to wait until a workday to make a difference. Just ask Forest Horwatt, a Waimea resident who was walking his dog on the trail one day when he saw volunteers working.
“About five years ago, I got on the trail after another dog walker told me about it. Being on the trail keeps my dog happy,” says Forest, explaining how he uses his weed eater to do trail maintenance about once a month. “I’ve been volunteering for the past year and a half when I have time. And periodically I meet up with other volunteers for workdays.”
Admittedly, Forest’s dog isn’t the only one who enjoys the trail.
“I always tell people about the trail – I love it! It’s awesome that we can have a little hike in the middle of town.”
“And there are definitely more people walking now,” Forest continues. “I’d like to see more people use it, but people don’t realize it’s there!
“The Waikoloa Stream runs through the center of town, but people don’t even know about it unless they get on the trail,” agrees Clemson. “Once it’s finished, however, it will be open to the widest range of people possible and everyone will be able to reap the benefits.”
Opening up the trail for increased stream visibility is another vision that Clemson and Forest share. “We need funds and volunteers to remove the weeds though,” Forest asserts. “It would be cool if carpenters could help with signage too.”
It will take a collaborative effort, but in the end Waimea Trails and Greenways will provide a paved, shared-use pathway that is separated from vehicular travel, making it more attractive and feasible for pedestrians and bicyclists of all abilities and ages to enjoy the outdoors while shifting away from motor vehicles.
“I want it to shine so people see that it’s great!” Forest exclaims. “I wish more people knew how cool it is and how much better it could be if even one other person volunteered. A little bit of time once a month really does make a difference.”
“The Waikoloa Stream was an important part of life in Waimea. ‘Wai’ means water and ‘koloa’ refers to a sound. ‘Ko’ refers to sweet and ‘loa’ refers to gentle. Put the two words together and you get ‘pleasant’ or ‘a pleasant sounding stream’,” Leningrad says, before explaining how the sound comes from the muffled tumbling of rocks in a stream that is not rushing downhill, which was likely a pleasant change for those men who came to Waimea to recuperate from battle elsewhere.
“The Hawaiians made canals that drew water from the stream to grow taro. And the Ki Puu Puu warriors likely crossed the stream’s trail on their way to practice Pelu,” Leningrad reminds us. “Later, the trail became a place for the Marines to recover.”
From the ancient Ki Puu Puu to the Camp Tarawoa Marines, Ke Ala Kahawai O Waimea is a place of historical significance. By promoting its expansion, we honor the warriors of years gone by while giving our community a place to recover, invest in our health, and connect safely to each other and the aina.
PATH
PATH is committed to elevating the efforts of community groups and Hawai’i County to create more multi-modal trails for active transportation in Hawai’i, with an emphasis on developing more protected places for people to use mobility devices, walk, or bike on Hawai’i Island.
By supporting continued development of the Ke Ala Kahawai O Waimea project and other shared-use paths and walkways through the Building Better Ways for Hawaii (#BW4H) series, we hope to encourage Hawai’i County to take action, expanding existing passageways and creating safer spaces for walkers, runners, bicyclists, and trail users. We’ve also highlighted the progress of Hilo Bayfront Trails, the Queens’ Lei, and Ala Ohia Road’s Bench Project, so be sure to check out these blogs as well!
The #BW4H Series, Part 4: Connecting Waimea to Culture & Nature Through Ke Ala Kahawai O Waimea
“There is a local legend about two lovers – a young woman and a Ki Puu Puu warrior – who were separated by war,” says Leningrad Elarionoff, a retired police officer whose family members have deep roots in the community. A storyteller who often repeats stories long forgotten of incidents related to local landscapes, he sits under a pavilion at Ulu La’au (the Waimea Nature Park), detailing how Ke Ala Kahawai O Waimea (the Streamside Trail of Waimea) is steeped in mo’olelo. The history and legends surrounding this trail date back to prehistoric Hawaiian history, when Waimea (Kamuela) was home to the Ki Puu Puu warriors.
“The warrior and his beloved were preparing for their wedding when he was called into battle. The warrior never returned,” Leningrad continues. “He was killed in battle. And according to legend, the young woman died waiting for the warrior’s return and was buried along the trail. It is said that she still walks the trail, weeping and searching for him to this day.”
“The young man was one of King Kamehameha’s Ki Puu Puu warriors. The Ki Puu Puu were a type of Hawaiian special forces that trained in the hills above Waimea,” says Leningrad. “The warriors were very good fighting with their hands and using their knuckles. That, combined with their ability to utilize the Hawaiian martial arts move Pelu, made them legendary!”
The Ki Puu Puu learned Pelu from an old Hawaiian man who lived close to what is now the Waimea Streamside Trail, on a hill known as Puu O’Pelu, or Hill of Pelu. Using Pelu, the Ki Puu Puu could injure an opponent’s back and make him useless. It was a move that made the warriors fierce and feared in battle.
“The Ki Puu Puu warriors crossed this very trail on their way to practice Pelu,” Leningrad affirms. “Some even believe that the path they utilized to get to the old man’s house was eventually named Puu O’Pelu Road.”
By 1943, the area would become home to a different brand of warrior. In November of that year, 40,000 exhausted Marines from the 2nd Marine Division arrived on Hawai’i Island. Traumatized by the 76-hour Battle of Tarawa at the Tarawa Atoll (Gilbert Islands), the 2nd Marine Division went directly from fighting a gruesome battle to building their own training camp.
Richard Smart, owner of Parker Ranch, leased 31,000 acres to the U.S. Military for $1 a year. Known as Camp Tarawa, the dusty grounds of this campsite were located between the looming peaks of Maunaloa and Maunakea. And if the foliage isn’t too dense, you may be able to catch a glimpse of Mr. Smart’s house while walking on the Ke Ala Kahawai O Waimea Streamside Trail today.
After the 2d Marine Division left for Saipan, the 5th Marine Division moved into the base to train before being deployed to fight in the Battle of Iwo Jima in February of 1945. By November of 1945, the base was closed permanently.
From the Ki Puu Puu warriors of ancient Hawai’i to the Camp Tarawa Marines, the Streamside Trail (a Waimea Trails and Greenways Project) keeps their memory alive, and in turn preserves the lessons we can learn from their stories.
“Understand that the legend of the Ki Puu Puu warrior and his lover aren’t just told to explain the bones that were found here when preparing for this trail.” Leningrad points out. “These mo’olelo are meant to pass on a lesson. The young guys are the ones who suffer in battle. So when you make a decision, you need to consider who will be affected as a result. That’s the lesson.”
As for the bones, a state archeologist identified them as indeed belonging to a young female. On August 16, the bones were relocated to a more prominent location.
Connecting Waimea to Culture and Nature through Active Transportation
“Waimea means ‘There’s something in the water’ and refers to the yellowish color in the Waikoloa Stream from the hapu’u plant’s pollen,” Leningrad explains.
A center of ranching activities and paniolo culture, Waimea is a growing community whose economy is based on agriculture and a growing tourism market. Unfortunately, historic Waimea is bisected by a four-lane highway, Hawai’i Belt Road, which hinders biking and walking.
“With a lack of walking and biking infrastructure, people couldn’t walk safely,” says Clemson Lam, Waimea Architect and Ke Ala Kahawai O Waimea Committee Chairman. “But in 1994, Main Street Waimea (a promotion of Kamuela business organization in Kamuela) was tasked with developing a program in Waimea. Out of that, we got a better idea of what people like and do not like about Waimea.”
The majority agreed that they liked Waimea’s beautiful places, but were frustrated that there were no trails providing access to those places.
“No one could reach those places without trespassing to get to them,” Clemson recalls. “People wanted three different types of trails to access those places.”
The trail types included:
- A linear transportation corridor running east to west, for biking and walking to and from work and school safely.
- Existing trails across private land that could be used by the public.
- Trails connecting Waimea to other communities such as Waikoloa and Honoka’a.
With this clear definition of the community’s needs at its core, the Waimea Trails and Greenways committee was formed in 1994, meeting every Monday to look at streets, trails, and other relevant data. And Hawai’i County even hired a consultant to conduct a study and number all the trees in 1998.
In 1999, Ulu La’au was established by Waimea Outdoor Circle. And plans for the trail to safely, conveniently connect the Nature Park to schools, cultural centers, and local businesses in Waimea and beyond were moving forward slowly but surely. Unfortunately, the lengthy study of 1998 expired before action could be taken to build the trail.
“As a committee, we were frustrated. But we had the easements, so we rolled up our sleeves and got to work building a trail! We put up a fence. We counted the number of people that walked on sidewalks at different times of day. With the hands of the community volunteers, we began to build the trail!” Clemson exclaims, detailing the work day that was organized in 2008. It took 115 volunteers four hours, but by the end of the day, Waimea had a new trail, running from Ulu La’au to Opelo Road.
“Our committee still meets once a month because there’s more work to be done. Our main focus now is to keep Hawai’i County engaged,” says Clemson. “The county has agreed to adopt the trail, which is great news! And Mayor Roth has been very helpful with this.”
PATH
PATH is committed to elevating the efforts of community groups and Hawai’i County to create more multi-modal trails for active transportation in Hawai’i, with an emphasis on developing more protected places for people to use mobility devices, walk, or bike on Hawai’i Island. Next week, we’ll look at the great progress that has been made on the ongoing Ke Ala Kahawai O Waimea project, how the community and county can work together to open up Waimea’s Streamside Trail, and more!
The #BH4H Series, Part 3: The Ala Ohia Road’s Bench Project
The #BH4H Series, Part 3: The Ala Ohia Road’s Bench Project
It’s a windy but sunny Saturday morning in Waimea. You’ve just finished perusing the Pukalani Stables Farmers’ Market and you want to find a spot to enjoy your coffee and mochi. You stroll down the Ala Ohia Road path and find a bench on the bypass to relax, sip your coffee, and gaze at majestic Mauna Kea.
Sound like a Big Island fantasy? It doesn’t have to be. These benches exist! They’re just not ON the walking path at the moment.
Benches in Waiting
“The Ala Ohia bypass is well used, especially now,” affirms Shirley Ann Fukumoto of Waimea. “COVID shut down community recreation and it is on hold … again. So naturally many people want to exercise outside where it’s safe.”
The bypass butts up against Waimea’s Luala’i Subdivision and is a popular spot for biking as a family, walking the dog, and going for a run, to name a few uses.
“Moms can push their keiki in a stroller. Our senior citizens can go for a midday walk. But they just can’t sit down and find some respite – Something our kupuna need!” says Shirley Ann’s good friend Carol Ignacio. “That’s what makes the Ala Ohia Bench Project so needed and worthwhile for the community, especially our kupuna.”
It’s a necessity that was first made apparent to Carol in the middle of the Waimea KTA Supermarket, where she was working for the Blue Zones Project, giving cooking demos in support of the project’s initiative to help everyone in Hawai’i make healthier choices.
“I was giving a demo at the KTA in Kamuela when an elderly woman stopped by to share something with me,” Carol recalls. “She said ‘The doctors tell us to walk to stay healthy. The Ala Ohia Road is wonderful, but we need a place to walk that is safe and we can rest along the way’.”
The conversation illuminated a need that Carol just couldn’t ignore. It wasn’t long before she became the igniter that would spark a new project for the benefit of the community.
“She is a community catalyst,” says Shirley Ann of how Carol worked on behalf of the seniors in Waimea to initiate a project that would result in 12 benches for the Ala Ohia path.
“I told the Blue Zones’ team what happened at KTA and suggested some benches for the elderly to sit,” Carol explains. “I knew we could raise the money, so I took on the responsibility of raising funds for the benches!”
Carol’s fundraising efforts were a success, even in the face of challenges.
“I was at a food bank meeting, sitting next to Warren Lee, former HELCO president and Director of the County’s Public Works Department, when Shirley Ann and I realized we didn’t have enough money. One bench is $850!” Carol recalls. “Warren responded by buying us a bench and the meeting facilitator bought another.”
KTA Super Stores also sponsored two benches, and other generous organizations soon followed suit and sponsored a bench, including:
- `Ahahui K`ahumanu Society
- Canada France Hawai`i Telescope
- Hawaii Preparatory Academy
- Queen’s North Hawai`i Community Hospital
- Veterinary Associates (Lisa Wood)
- Waimea Senior Citizens Club
- West Hawaii Concrete
- Where Talk Works (Linda Colburn)
- M. Keck Observatory
In between sending fundraising letters and working through PATH on funding, Carol and Shirley Ann worked with Parker Ranch on zoning and did research on benches that would be able to handle the elements in Waimea.
“It took some time to even research benches, but in the end, we went with Belson Outdoors in Illinois to build them. Belson was awesome because they helped us get benches that can withstand Waimea’s sun and wind and rain,” Shirley Ann explains. “Because they agreed that the bench project was such an important community initiative, Belson even gave us a generous discount!”
“By the time I retired from Blue Zones in 2020, we had collected most of the money. This speaks to just how valuable kupuna is in our culture,” says Carol.
When Carol left Blue Zones to help with a family business, Shirley Ann stepped in, working with Blue Zones liaison Karen Teshima and garnering more sponsors to purchase the 12 benches.
“If Shirley Ann had not taken the reins for this project, it would not be happening,” Carol attests. “She worked with Hawai’i County and ordered the benches.”
From Vision to Reality
“The work we do is all about nature and about improving people’s lives. The Ala Ohia Bench Project is an example of this, and of working on actual needs versus perceived needs,” Carol states. “It started with 10, but we have 12 benches now.”
County Council Member Herbert “Tim” Richards, III stepped up to fund the shipping expenses for the benches and is assisting with the title transfer.
“I fully support this project from its inception, as the Ala ‘Ohia trail is the type of rural street and/or pathway unique to areas like Waimea,” he states. “Locations like these that have been cared for by the community are perfect areas for our residents and visitors, especially our Kupuna, wherein many come to exercise, walk, get fresh air, and to be able to sit and rest a bit before continuing on the path. These benches will serve our Waimea community well and I am excited to see this project come to fruition.”
When the Ala Ohia Bench Project is finished, there will be 12 benches over the course of two miles.
“We are grateful for Hawai’i County – They are integral to taking this project to the next level!” adds Shirley Ann. “And we’re grateful that PATH has helped us receive the funds for the benches!”
With the support of the community and Hawai’i County, the Ala Ohia Bench Project can grow from a vision that began with the kupuna of Waimea into a reality for visitors and residents alike. The 12 benches that will one day line the path will offer keiki, kupuna, and their families the opportunity to take a break mid-walk before heading back to Pukalani Stables or home to the Luala’i Subdivision.
Or even before continuing on to Ulu La’au (the Waimea Nature Park)! By using the crosswalk, it is possible to safely cut across to the park and pick up another important, local trail. Stay tuned for the next PATH blog to find out more about this beautiful trail and its significance to the past and future of Waimea!
In the meantime, we invite you to visit Ala Ohia Road’s path if you have yet to experience it.
“There is something about place that speaks to you. Go to the path and you’ll feel its mana and understand why this project is so important,” Carol implores.
PATH
PATH is working to elevate the efforts of walking/biking/running advocates in Hawai’i County, with an emphasis on creating more protected places for people to use mobility devices, walk, or bike on Hawai’i Island. By supporting continued development of the Ala Ohia Road’s path and benches, and other biking paths and walkways through the Building Better Ways for Hawaii (#BW4H) series, we hope to encourage the community and Hawai’i County to take action, expanding existing passageways and creating safer spaces for walkers, runners, bicyclists, and trail users.
The #BW4H Series, Part 2: The Queens’ Lei Pathway
The #BW4H Series, Part 2
In the past, the love and respect that Hawai’i residents had for the aina were unmatched. They traveled by foot on ancient paths and lived in a symbiotic relationship with the island and its rhythms. This was a relationship modeled by generation after generation of Hawaiian royalty, including Analea (Ane) Keohokalole and her descendants.
Today, Kona, HI visitors and residents are largely disconnected from this relationship. Our lack of pathways means that we just can’t travel by foot or by bike as much as Hawai’i inhabitants did in the past. Instead of bicycling, walking, and running on accessible paths, we must resign to running and biking on the road with motorized vehicles – An option that is not only aesthetically unappealing and noisy, but often dangerous as we breathe in fumes from passing automobiles and risk being hit by distracted drivers.
Those of us who venture away from the main roads are grateful for the few off-road options in Kona, but they are short and increasingly overpopulated. It would seem that connecting with the natural beauty of West Hawai’i is too much to ask.
But what if there was a way to mend the disconnect?
Mending the Disconnect Between Us and Our Aina
For decades, the idea of building a trail that circumnavigates all of Hawai’i Island has been a dream of many Hawai’i residents who want to mend the growing disconnect between us and our aina.
“It’s a wonderful concept, and since the Queens’ Lei was low-hanging fruit, we started with this project,” says Tina Cothier, former PATH Executive Director, explaining that the idea for creating a 16.75-mile circulation loop that indeed resembles a lei was born in 1997.
Named in honor of na wahine ali’i, Queen Ka’ahumanu, Queen Lili’uokalani, Queen Emma, and the Queen Mother Ane Keohokalole, the Queens’ Lei was designed to be a shared-use pathway primarily for pedestrians and bicyclists alike.
In July of 2014, project development stakeholders met with the late Hawai’i County Mayor Billy Kenoi, whose enthusiasm and support eventually made the first mile of the Queens’ Lei dream a reality.
“We also worked closely with Hawai’i County Director of Public Works, Warren Lee, and the Hawai’i County Highways Division to put the pathway down,” says Tina, who was Executive Director at the time.
Recognizing the need for biking, walking, and other non-motorized transportation options to manage the ongoing growth that North Kona experiences, the Rotary Club of Kona Sunrise, Rotary Club of Kona Mauka, and Rotary Club of Kona spent three days planting 100 trees supplied by Kelly Greenwell, owner and operator of Hawaiian Gardens, in 2016.
“Why plant trees? Because it’s one of the best ways to create a more sustainable future,” says Cindy Armer, President of PATH’s Board of Directors. “Planting trees also removes CO2 from the atmosphere, attracts native birds, and provides shade for path users!” To this day, each tree on the pathway is cared for and watered each week by a local volunteer.
The benches were provided by Bella Pietra Kona and wayfinding signs with mileage markers were made possible by a grant from Hawai’i Public Health Institute (HIPHI).
After years of hard work, PATH, Hawaii County, LavaKids, West Hawaii Rotary Clubs, and members of the community were able to gather at the West Hawaii Civic Center on April 25, 2016 for the dedication of the Queens’ Lei, which included Kahu Danny Akaka Jr’s offering of a traditional blessing of the one-mile long, shared-use pathway and a keiki dash to christen the trail.
By November 2016, the stretch of trail from Kealakehe Parkway to Palani Road was completed!
More Than a Sidewalk
Today, the Queens’ Lei is much more than a three-mile sidewalk paved along a cement road. The pathway is adjacent to the roadway while remaining a safe 25-feet distance away from the road, making it a safe and accessible place for athletes, families, keiki, kupuna, and the disabled to exercise without worrying about vehicles. And you can’t beat that refreshing ocean breeze on the makai side of the Queens’ Lei!
Already popular with LavaKids, Kealakehe High School, the West Hawai’i Office of Aging Seniors, and many other community organizations that use it for their programs, the pathway became even more of a community asset during the lockdowns of 2020. While gyms, pools, and parks closed due to the pandemic, the Queens’ Lei remained one of the few places in West Hawai’i where we could get a socially-distanced workout in or get our keiki out of the house for a bike ride.
The Echo City Knockouts, Kona’s female roller derby team, used the pathway for practice when COVID closed their flat-track down! And with its stunning views of the sunset, the Queens’ Lei is quickly becoming a world-class scenic recreational pathway that attracts Hawai’i visitors who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Ali’i Drive.
Running past the West Hawaii Community Health Center at Kealakehe, the pathway even serves as a mutual reinforcement strategy for the Center’s Diabetes Prevention Program participants. If we keep the momentum going, the three-miles of Queens’ Lei will one day expand to a 16.7-mile loop where health care providers can refer patients for exercise.
It won’t be long before walking groups can meet on the portion closest to their homes or workplaces instead of driving all the way to the Civic Center to log a mile or two in the morning. From the airport to Kailua Village, employers will be able to incorporate any stretch of the circulation loop into their wellness initiatives.
The Lei will connect commuters traveling to work and school to the West Hawai’i Civic Center, the University of Hawai’i Palamanui Campus, public schools, the police station, commercial areas, residential communities, the Courthouse, the Kaiser Health Clinic, the culturally significant Kaloko-Honokohau National Park, the Honokohau Harbor, public beaches, future parks, and more.
And with nearly 17 miles of recreational opportunities for West Hawai’i residents and visitors, we will be able to walk the dog, ride our bike to classes, look for the green flash at sunset, or push our keiki in a stroller under the shade of well-loved trees.
Linking the Past with the Future
Vital to community circulation, the Queens’ Lei will not only connect all of North Kona, but will also bridge the gap between our past values and the future.
But the first mile of the Queens’ Lei alone required $50,000 for completion, much of which came from Ironman World Championship Events and Kaiser Permanente. As the project continues to develop, financing the Queens’ Lei is a challenge and fundraising is imperative!
The logistics of completing the entire project are dependent on several factors, including permissions from the State and National Parks and Hawai’i County’s involvement. While the County has expressed support of the Queen’s Lei, we have not been able to move the project forward with the State and the National Parks System.
At PATH, this is especially concerning because there are currently several transportation grants available that exist to fund non-motorized transportation projects like the Queens’ Lei! If we don’t take advantage of these grants soon, there are road projects underway that will eliminate the concept of expanding this shared-use pathway… and erase many of the benefits that the 16-mile loop could offer our community.
Also concerning is the lack of respect for the Queens’ Lei trees. Each and every one of the individuals who have adopted a tree to water and care for make the pathway such a special place to walk, ride, run, and connect, but recently, PATH has had reports that the trees’ signs were taken down or hung in trees. We don’t know who is responsible for moving the signs, and it is upsetting that this has happened. The good news is that our tree care volunteers know their trees and can still care for them despite the lack of signage.
If just for a day our king and queen
Would visit all these islands and saw everything
How would they feel about the changes of our land?
“Hawai’i ’78” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Honoring Hawai’i’s Queens
“This 16.7 mile circulation loop might help address some of the loss of the mauka-makai connectors that once existed,” Tina points out. When completed, this regional trail will connect all of North Kona, enabling us to enjoy safe passage and strengthen our connection to the aina once again.
Additionally, the Queens’ Lei would honor the queens for which the pathway is named, including Queen Ka’ahumanu, a visionary who led Hawai’i to a better way of life, Queen Mother Ane Keohokalole, and her granddaughter Queen Lili’uokalani, who is credited for preserving our treasured beach access so everyone can enjoy Hawai’i’s oceanfront.
These Queen’s left an enduring legacy, and now it’s our turn to make a difference for future generations. Here are a few ways that we can take action today:
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Contact elected officials at both the County and State levels to let them know that the Queens’ Lei is important to you and your ohana, and that is should be extended as part of Phase III of Ane Keohokalole.
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Ask elected officials to apply for the grants available for non-motorized transportation.
With the help of the community and Hawai’i County, the Queens’ Lei project can be completed and this community-wide path can connect the Kona community with essential economic, educational, and recreational opportunities that live into the future.
PATH
PATH is working to elevate the efforts of walking/biking/running advocates and Hawai’i County, with an emphasis on creating more protected places for people to use mobility devices, walk, or bike on Hawai’i Island. By supporting continued development of the Queens’ Lei project and other shared-use paths and walkways through the Building Better Ways for Hawaii (#BW4H) series, we hope to encourage Hawai’i County to take action, expanding existing passageways and creating safer spaces for walkers, runners, bicyclists, and trail users. We’re shining the spotlight on the progress of Hilo Bayfront Trails, Waimea Trails and Greenways, and the Queens’ Lei all summer long, so be sure to check back soon!
The Building Better Ways for Hawaii Series, Part 1: Hilo Bayfront Trails
The #BW4H Series, Part 1
A father teaches his kids how to ride their bikes, enjoying views of majestic Mauna Loa in the distance. A grandmother pushes a giggling baby in a stroller, breathing in the salty smell of ocean air. Two nurses take a walk in the shade, spending their lunch break listening to the sound of waves lapping against the shore. A college student jogs by, stopping to take a picture of a bright rainbow hanging between the row of coconut palms.
This isn’t a scene from a Hollywood movie or a Hallmark card commercial. This is Hilo Bayfront Trails (HBFT), a local pathway that enables residents and visitors to enjoy Hilo Bay’s picturesque shoreline by biking, walking, or using other non-vehicular modes of travel.
HBFT was conceived in 2010 as a Hawai’i County three-phase project to plan, design, and construct a path system from the Wailuku River at Reed’s Island to Hilo Harbor’s cruise ship terminal. The project was created to be a system of paths connecting existing recreational sites along the Hilo Bayfront area, both mauka and makai of Kamehameha Ave.
The trail’s sections have grown to 5,125 feet (approximately one mile), but scenic HBFT did not appear overnight. It is the result of over a decade of community influencers encouraging the county to create safer spaces for bicyclists, pedestrians, runners, and trail users.
A Trail Steeped in History
From the beginning, non-profit Hilo Bayfront Trails was intended to be a multi-use path system through downtown Hilo. Once a marshland, the trail is steeped in history. According to oral historical accounts, Polynesians first settled Hilo Harbor around 1100 AD. A royal center for many of the early chiefs, Hilo’s bayfront is likely to have been the site of their summer homes.
And legend has it that a prominent rock in the upstream Wailuku River (at the northern end of Keawe St.) is the site of the demigod Maui’s canoe crash. Rushing to save his mother, Hina, from a water monster that was threatening to flood her cave beneath Rainbow Falls, the devoted Maui paddled his canoe with such haste across the ocean that he crash-landed at this spot, turning the canoe to stone.
Commitment to family is a characteristic of Hilo Bay that endured the passing of time.
“Everybody wants a place to walk with their family,” says Sally Ancheta, the Eastside Hawai’i Island Community Coordinator for Hawai’i Public Health Institute and a HBFT board member.
“But before 2010, there were only houses and roads here – There was no bike or pedestrian infrastructure,” adds Matthias Kusch, Vice President of Hilo Bayfront Trails. “We saw this need and brought a vision to life.”
Seeing this need, a committee convened in 2010 to bring the vision of a system of trails to life. By 2011, Hilo Bayfront Trails was a legal entity, and a grant for construction was written in 2012.
In 2015, a section from Mo’oheau Bandstand to the canoe hale near the Iron Works building, as well as a loop around Bayfront’s mauka soccer fields was completed. With the support of a community open to the possibilities, the sections from Mo’oheau Park to Pauahi Street, from Pauahi Street to the Bayfront canoe hale, and from Pauahi Street to the Bayfront soccer fields were completed by late 2016. Such support is proof of how important Hilo Bayfront Trails is to our existing community.
In 2017, the Department of Health donated funds to cover the cost for a wayfinding signage plan, as well as wayfinding and destination signage. Such support is proof of how important Hilo Bayfront Trails is to our existing community.
HBFT has also done a variety of community-based fundraising, promoting the non-profit status to engage donors. During that time, the LWCF grants were discovered, which resulted in the existing trail. The assistance of local rotary clubs and benefactors of the community was also sought after.
Ed Olson and the Olson Trust have been our greatest benefactor and supporters by far, as Olson donated $35,000 to match our small-time contributions (website traffic donations, rotary clubs, and trail engraving sales). Work to sell the 12’ x 12’ squares of the trail with an engraving for $500 each has raised about $12,000, which won’t cover the cost of the trail, but can help if more engraving donations are received.
Community enthusiasm about the trails is apparent, however, the prohibitively high cost of building them out is a huge barrier to the private citizen donation route. Upon examining other communities with thriving trail systems, it should be noted that local municipalities build public infrastructures like bike and multi-use trails. All indications point to the best approach to getting trails built on Hawai’i Island is to apply for large private, state, and federal grants, in combination with lobbying elected officials.
Incredible work has already been done to create HBFT, a path designed to last for many generations. But in order for the trails to benefit the community for generations to come, it’s time for us to do more.
Awareness, Cultural Connectivity, and Improved Health
Establishing interesting loops is among the upcoming plans for the trail’s near future, including a shared-use circuit around Waiakea Pond and in the Waiolama Canal Area.
“The next section would go right past the pond, which is a real hidden gem in Hilo!” says Matthias, describing its calm waters dotted with lily-pads. “I have a friend who grew up in Hilo and he never knew about the pond. This section of Hilo Bayfront Trail would make it accessible to more people who have lived here their whole life.”
“Access, awareness, and connectivity. That’s what the trail is about,” Matthias adds. “And with a pedestrian loop in Downtown Hilo passing by so many historical buildings and artifacts, it can connect users to Hilo’s rich history.”
The Hilo Bayfront Trails project also has an interpretive component with a mission to share the bayfront’s culturally significant sites. Additionally, the shared-use path in Mo’oheau Park will offer users an alternate means to reach upcoming cultural and public events at the Mo’oheau Bandstand, the Palace Theater, and other popular Downtown Hilo venues.
Envision easily accessing our most renowned cultural event, the Merrie Monarch and its Royal Parade as it winds through Downtown Hilo on the first morning of the global festival. Or safely walking to the Hilo Orchid Society’s annual show and sale at the Edith Kanaka’ole Multi-Purpose Tennis Stadium and beholding gorgeous displays of thousands of exotic orchids.
In addition to cultural connection, the expansion of Hilo Bayfront Trails will make it possible to implement transportation-related educational programs for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians alike – Programs that could impart a share-the-road perspective for increased use of alternative transportation in the bayfront.
Developing HBFT further would also offer opportunities for bicycle education programs for all ages, boosting awareness among drivers of cyclists’ needs and rights, as well as awareness about the fitness and health benefits of bicycling. And you don’t even need to own a bike to enjoy riding Hilo Bayfront Trails. The HIBike bikeshare system is located at HBFT’s Mo’oheau County Park trailhead, with one-time rides available at the bikeshare kiosk and monthly subscriptions available online.
“One of the reasons that this trail was built is to be part of the process of improving our community’s health,” explains Sally.
Showcasing the natural beauty of Hilo, the trail is ideal for getting the heart pumping with a jog or a bike ride. It doesn’t hurt that the view while working out on Hilo Bayfront Trails is better than any found in a gym.
And studies show that time spent outside – simply walking among trees while taking in views of the ocean – lowers blood pressure and decreases the stress-related hormones adrenaline and cortisol.
Since existing pedestrian walkways at Waiakea Peninsula already offer ease of access to treasured vistas of the bayfront, integrating them into Hilo Bayfront Trails would also lend itself to the preservation of the beauty that is already there naturally.
Small Steps Toward Big Impact
According to projections based on the latest U.S. Census, the current population of Hilo, Hawai’i is 45,056. That’s nearly one-third of Hawai’i Island residents living in and around a city that supports a diversified Hawaiian economy of agriculture, aquaculture, education, government, ranching, tourism, and trade.
By completing the build-out of Hilo Bayfront Trails, the project would connect the visitors that will once again arrive by plane or cruise ship to local businesses by way of a shaded walkway by the water. It could connect medical professionals from the hospital, as well as students from the high school, university, and community college to the stress-relieving benefits of the outdoors. And ultimately, the fully protected bikeway/walkway would connect the people and places of Hilo.
“The trail invites people to come together,” Sally points out. “I see Hilo Bayfront Trails connecting all of us to our town and even other towns eventually!” Recently, HBFT and Hawai’i County submitted a federal grant application to develop the next leg and do just that.
We’re looking forward to the day when the shared-use pathway throughout the bayfront area and Hilo Harbor features nearly six miles of trails to connect more than 700 acres of land with dedicated bicycle lanes, pedestrian sidewalks, and multimodal paths.
Developing new sections of the Hilo Bayfront Trail will also complement Hawaii’s Clean Energy Initiative, which aims for 100 percent renewable power by 2045.
By working toward these developments, we can leave the gas-guzzling vehicles at home at last and ride the bike to the Hilo Farmers Market to pick up some fresh produce, handcrafted gifts, and tropical flowers from local farmers and crafters. Supporting local agriculture and reducing our carbon footprint should go hand in hand, and with new sections of the trail, they can!
“It will be so impactful when all five phases of the trail are realized!” emphasizes Matthias. “But we have to start with what we have and take the small steps today.”
Small but essential steps, like continuing fundraising initiatives and encouraging donations which enable HBFT to fund the next phases and related improvements.
While funding can be a big challenge, it doesn’t have to be insurmountable. Hawai’i County, which is responsible for attaining funds for trail implementation, has been looking at several potential sources for a while now. These include capital improvement project funding and grants.
“Currently, Hawai’i Residents have about 7 miles of fully protected bikeways and walkways in completed sections of Queens’ Lei in Kona-Kailua, Waimea Trails and Greenways, and Hilo Bayfront Trails,” says Jessica Thomson, Executive Director of PATH. “Once all sections of Hilo Bayfront Trails are completed, Hawai’i residents will have almost double that!” Jessica continues. “We’re excited to see Hawai’i County take the next step towards developing these trails!”
Accessibility and Connectivity for Future Generations
Built to implement historic preservation, cultural celebration, and a sense of pride in the bayfront area, Hilo Bayfront Trails’ role in accomplishing all this became more integral than ever in 2020.
With the pandemic came shutdowns and cancelations, but we were also able to slow down enough to use the trail and appreciate the beauty of Hilo’s bayfront. With gyms and schools closed, it was one of the few places still accessible and safe to go for exercise and recreation.
Because of Hilo Bayfront Trails, we were able to get out of the house, make memories with our ohana, and connect with neighbors in a way some of us never had before. Having an outdoor space that is free and nearby became essential in the face of uncertainty.
“2020 reminded us what’s really important, like family dinners, slowing down, and getting outside. I started walking after work and running,” says Sally. “And Hilo Bayfront Trails became a place where we could all relax and feel safe outdoors.”
Even as the world opens back up and some degree of normalcy is being restored, the deeper connections and new traditions that we’ve established won’t soon be abandoned. With the help of the community and Hawai’i County, Hilo Bayfront Trails can continue to provide much-needed connectivity to downtown, as well as enable accessibility around local parks and the bayfront area for generations to come.
PATH
PATH is working to elevate the efforts of walking/biking/running advocates and Hawai’i County, with an emphasis on creating more protected places for people to use mobility devices, walk, or bike on Hawai’i Island. By supporting continued development of Hilo Bayfront Trails and other biking paths and walkways through the Building Better Ways for Hawaii (#BW4H) series, we hope to encourage Hawai’i County to take action, expanding existing passageways and creating safer spaces for walkers, runners, bicyclists, and trail users.
Over the summer, we’ll shine the spotlights on the progress of Waimea Trails and Greenways, and Queens’ Lei, so be sure to check back soon!
May is Bike Month
It’s National Bike Month, a celebration of cycling promoted by the League of American Bicyclists that we look forward to every year! Bike Month is held every May in communities from coast to coast. And here in Hawai’i, we kicked off Bike Month with the first official Ride a Bike Day on May 2nd followed by National Bike to School Day on May 5th.
Enabling participants to celebrate the joy of active commuting while building a sense of community and school spirit, Bike to School Day is particularly near and dear to us here at PATH, since the event always calls attention to the importance of creating safe routes to school!
The first week of May was also Week 1 of the Hawai’i Bike Challenge, a fun and friendly bike challenge for Hawai’i residents that runs through May 31st. From new riders to seasoned cyclists, local teams are all competing against each other as we speak, dashing to earn the most points by riding a bike, encouraging others, and spreading the bike love. ?
A variety of prizes are being raffled off to participants along the way, so rally your friends, family, or coworkers and register your team of up to 10 here: Hawai’i Bike Challenge Registration
National Bike Month also presents the perfect opportunity to highlight the many benefits of bicycling, which we’ll look at today. We’ll also share some important tips for safer riding and a few fresh ways to celebrate #BikeMonth, so keep reading!
The Benefits of Bicycling
The jury is still out on whether bicycling is the solution to world peace, but this much is certain: Riding a bike can help everyone improve their mental and physical health, and healthier individuals means a healthier world!
Whether you’re going for a short, leisurely ride or biking at race pace in a time trial,
riding a bike has been shown to strengthen muscles and bones, improve joint mobility and flexibility, and help with healthy weight loss. Bike riding can be a low impact way to manage and even prevent cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and arthritis.
Additionally, studies show that biking improves sleep quality, relieves stress, and mitigates anxiety and depression. And a half hour of riding a bike has been shown to improve mental focus and subjective mood. That’s the scientific way of saying that riding a bike can make you sharper and happier!
7 Tips for Safer Bike Riding
1) Communicate Clearly: It might seem boring, but play it safe by riding in a straight line. Signal your turns and look behind you before turning or changing lanes. And it should go without saying that you should not swerve between cars when riding.
Don’t ride on sidewalks if you can help it. And make eye contact with drivers if possible, so you can be sure they see you.
2) Be Visible: When you ride, your intentions should be clear to everyone you share the road with. But if you’re not even visible, then clear intentions won’t be very helpful! Bike where others will see you and go the extra mile by wearing bright and /or reflective apparel.
Both neon colors and reflective clothing can get a driver’s attention, keeping you safer. And wearing reflective clothing on the top and bottom will actually create a human shape that is reflected back to the driver! Reflectors, a front white light, and a rear red light will also go a long way in keeping you visible while on the road.
3) Be Proactive: Keep any eye out for potholes, debris, and other hazards in the road. Watch for vehicles that are turning or pulling out of driveways and parking lots. And don’t weave around parked cars, or ride too close and risk being hit by a car door that’s opened too quickly.
Practice defensive riding, taking note of what other cyclists, drivers, and pedestrians are doing and anticipating any hazards so you can take the necessary precautions and stay out of harm’s way. And be aware of your surroundings by staying off your phone and minimize distractions by leaving your headphones at home!
4) Be Ride Ready: Before you head off for a ride, check your bike’s tires to ensure that they have enough air, test that the brakes work properly, check your chain for rust or anything that may keep it from running smoothly, and make sure that the quick release levers are closed. If appropriate, carry a spare tube, mini-pump, and multi-tool with you when you ride.
And never take off on your bike without a helmet! No, a helmet dangling from your handlebars doesn’t count. And we all know better than to plop the helmet on our head and ride off without fastening it first… Right?!
5) Social Distance: Until we’re completely out of the woods with COVID, it’s best to keep a bandana, mask, or neck gaiter with you when you ride. Make sure it’s something you can easily pull over your nose and mouth when others cross your path. And continue to keep at least six feet between you and other pedestrians and cyclists (that’s about one bike length)!
6) Obey the Law: Bicyclists have the same rights as drivers, but we also have the same responsibilities as well. Riding a bike doesn’t mean the rules don’t apply to you, so obey all stop signs and traffic signals.
If you are riding your bike on the road, then ride with traffic, staying in the bicycle lane or in the shoulder. Whether you are riding on a bike/pedestrian path or on a roadway, always use the rightmost lane and ride in the direction you are headed.
7) Protect Your Fellow Cyclists: When you’re behind the wheel of your vehicle, don’t forget about your fellow bike riders. In case you haven’t heard, there is a Safe Passing 3 Foot law in Hawai’i (hooray)!
The Safe Passing 3 Foot law requires that motorists passing a bicyclist offer a minimum of three (3) feet of separation. Simply put, your driving should reflect how you want to be treated when you are riding a bike.
The Takeaway
National Bike Month is NOT about who can ride the most miles, but about encouraging everyone to set biking goals and ride for health and happiness. This May, we’re celebrating the many benefits of bicycling and hoping that it inspires a few more folks to give bike riding a try!
If you’re looking for more ways to get in on Bike Month, Bike to Work Week 2021 will take place May 17 through May 23, 2021. And if you only hop on a bike once this month, we hope it’s for Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 21!
See you out there!
5 Earth-Friendly Tips for Reducing your Carbon Footprint
Earth Day is next week and it’s the perfect time to show your support for protecting the environment. But you don’t have to wait until April 22nd to be part of resolving the climate crisis and putting an end to the age of fossil fuels.
Together, we can make some important changes if we start to bring Earth Day into our everyday!
5 Earth-Friendly Tips for Reducing your Carbon Footprint
Earth Day is next week and it’s the perfect time to show your support for protecting the environment. But you don’t have to wait until April 22nd to be part of resolving the climate crisis and putting an end to the age of fossil fuels.
Together, we can make some important changes if we start to bring Earth Day into our everyday!
From shopping local to riding bicycles, HIBIKE and PATH have five earth-friendly tips on how you can make a difference by reducing your individual carbon footprint now and mitigating the need for fossil fuels in the future:
Tip 5) Conserve Water
According to the EPA, the average American family uses over 300 gallons of water per day at home. You might be shocked by this number, but what will really surprise you is how easy it is to decrease your water usage by being conscious when it comes to your daily routines.
Most top loading washing machines use an average of 40 gallons of water per cycle. So when it comes to doing laundry, make an effort to wash only full loads. You’ll cut back on hundreds of gallons of water consumption and save money! While you’re at it, skip the extra rinse cycle, and conserve energy further by hanging your clothes out to dry whenever possible.
The next time you brush your teeth, time yourself. Most of us spend around 2 to 3 minutes brushing our teeth, twice a day – which is great! What’s not great is that we tend to let the water run the whole time. And for every minute that the tap is on, one gallon of water is used. It may take some time to make it a habit, but turning off the faucet while you brush can save over 1,400 gallons of water over the course of the year!
Then there’s the dehumidifier – Many of us run them here on the Big Island since they keep mold and mildew at bay on those rainy days. And when it’s time to empty the dehumidifier, we may think nothing of dumping the water in the tub. But what if there was a better use for that water?
Consider pouring it into your watering can for your garden or watering trees in your yard with it. And before you dump that water leftover in your reusable bottle down the drain, look around at your house plants – Chances are they could use that “old” water and you can keep the faucet turned off a little longer!
Tip 4) Shop Local
We get it – COVID 19 made shopping online the norm. It was safer and sometimes necessary to shop from home and have our orders delivered to the door. But pandemic-related restrictions are slowly being lifted and we’re able to spend more time outside the house, allowing us to buy products and services from local businesses in our own community.
Shopping locally really does impact the environment! By doing our shopping within our community, we can feel good knowing that our vehicles guzzled less gas. And purchasing produce locally also helps farmers that may otherwise struggle to stay in business. When local farmers succeed, there is less of a chance that they will have to sell their land to developers, who often transform it into office parks and strip malls, threatening the local ecosystem in the process.
One of our favorite ways to support local businesses is to shop at the farmers markets. Many of the markets are close enough to reach by bike or foot, which means we can conserve the air quality of our community rather than polluting it with emissions. And unlike foods sold by global retailers, goods sold by local farmers require little to no packaging, minimizing waste.
Tip 3) Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
The ocean is essential to life here on Hawai’i Island. And whether you live in Kona or are visiting Volcano, you can help protect the ocean’s health by using sunscreens that are free of oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Hawai’i has banned any sunscreens containing these chemicals, as they are known to cause harm to marine ecosystems. Specifically oxybenzone and octinoxate lead to the process of coral bleaching, which harms our reefs by upsetting the symbiotic relationship between delicate coral and other organisms that sustain the coral reef.
When choosing an environmentally-friendly sunscreen, don’t just grab the first sunscreen that says “ocean safe” on it though. Check the label to be sure that it’s free of oxybenzone and octinoxate, and look for minerals such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which can protect your skin from damaging UVB rays… and protect the planet!
Tip 2) Carpool or Take Public Transit
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average car emits six tons of carbon dioxide every year. On the other hand, public transit vehicles actually emit fewer pollutants than single-passenger vehicles. In fact, a bus emits 80 percent less carbon monoxide than a car.
Choosing to ride the bus instead of driving a car can save 4.7 billion gallons of gasoline and cut carbon emissions by more than 4,800 pounds annually, leading to a notable decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. The statistics are enough to convince anyone that riding the bus is helpful in the fight against pollution.
It can also be overwhelming to think that to protect the environment, we have to abandon our cars, and carpool or take public transportation for the rest of our lives. The good news is that even small changes in your commuting behavior can make a difference! So before you sell your car, try a subtler approach:
Commit to taking the bus or carpooling with coworkers once a week. This weekly change alone will decrease the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the road and effectively cut down on greenhouse gases. Additionally, you’ll be part of statewide efforts to achieve 100 percent renewable energy and carbon neutrality by 2045.
Ground transportation contributes significantly to Hawaii’s share of greenhouse gas emissions, but the Hawai’i Clean Energy Initiative aims to reduce overall vehicle miles traveled and convert any remaining vehicle-based ground transportation to renewable, zero-emission fuels and technologies over the next 20 years.
Tip 1) Commute by Bike
It’s unavoidable. Vehicles emit high levels of carbon dioxide, which is the primary cause of global warming. Specifically, every gallon of gas in your tank emits roughly 24 pounds of carbon dioxide.
When it comes to bicycles, every four-mile bike ride has the opposite effect. Not only are bikes an emission-free form of transportation, but they also prevent emissions of approximately 15 pounds of carbon dioxide. Every time you decide to use your bike for recreation or transportation instead of your vehicle, you’re helping to decrease the amount of pollution from carbon dioxide.
You’re also helping to lessen the number of vehicles on the road. And less automobiles means we can get to where we need to be sooner and avoid the stress of being stuck in traffic.
Whether you’re commuting on your own bicycle or you’re riding a HIBIKE for recreation, you can likely skip the hassle of finding a parking spot associated with owning a car, and decrease your carbon footprint at the same time.
Celebrate Earth Day by Riding Your Bike
If more of us can choose bikes over cars for transportation, our communities won’t need to build more roadways or add extra lanes to existing roads, which depletes open space, leading to more water run-off and in turn, water pollution.
Not sure whether you should take mass transit or commute by bike? Why not try both! On April 22, we invite you to celebrate Earth Day by using your bike or a HIBIKE from Hawaii’s Bikeshare system for the first or last mile of your commute… Or bike all the way to work and back if you feel like it. There’s no better way to protect the planet while promoting a better, healthier community!
Written by: Sara Stover
Women’s History Month – Inspiring Female Advocates and Adventurers
Pop quiz: What’s a velocipedestrienne?
If you guessed a French pastry, you’re way off! If you suspect something related to bikes, then you’re on the right track!
In the 19th century, a woman who rode a bicycle (or velocipede) was bestowed with this fancy title. And since March is Women’s History Month, it’s the perfect time to remember some brave and inspiring women who paved the way for velocipedestriennes and active wahine everywhere!
Women’s History Month – Inspiring Female Advocates and Adventurers
by Sara Stover
Pop quiz: What’s a velocipedestrienne?
If you guessed a French pastry, you’re way off! If you suspect something related to bikes, then you’re on the right track!
In the 19th century, a woman who rode a bicycle (or velocipede) was bestowed with this fancy title. And since March is Women’s History Month, it’s the perfect time to remember some brave and inspiring women who paved the way for velocipedestriennes and active wahine everywhere!
The Picture of Free Womanhood
Susan B. Anthony was more than just one of the pivotal leaders in the women’s suffrage movement of 1869 – She was also a bike enthusiast!
In an interview with reporter Nellie Bly, Anthony revealed her stance on cycling. “I think it has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world,” she said. “It gives women a feeling of freedom and self-reliance. I stand and rejoice every time I see a woman ride by on a wheel… the picture of free, untrammeled womanhood.”
Around the same time, 5000 miles away on Hawai’i Island, young Victoria Kawekiu Lunalilo Kalanikuiahilapalapa Ka’iulani Cleghorn was named heir to the throne of Hawai’i by Queen Liliuokalani. The year was 1890 and 15-year-old Princess Ka’iulani was adjusting well to her destiny as ruler of the Hawaiian Islands… in between mastering the skills of horseback riding and surfing.
The would-be queen was eventually sent to England to receive her education in language and the arts as part of preparations for her royal duties. While in school, she learned of the Hawaiian monarchy’s overthrow. A distraught Princess Ka’iulani immediately traveled to Washington D.C., imploring President Grover Cleveland to defend Lili’uokalani’s honor and restore the Hawaiian’s independence.
Although the Hawaiian monarchy remained unrestored, Ka’iulani worked alongside Lili’uokalani to secure the voting rights of the Hawaiian people. Before her death in 1898 at only 23 years old, the Princess hosted a luau for a delegation of commissioners sent to the islands by President McKinley and, along with leaders of the community, advocated for the right of Hawai’ian people to vote.
The Princess was part of a new generation of young women around the globe who were defying the norms, following their hearts, and taking a stand against injustice.
Head Over Wheels for Cycling
In 1889, a teenager named Tillie Anderson immigrated from Sweden to Chicago, IL, where she soon fell head over wheels for cycling. A seamstress by trade, Anderson saved up her money until she had enough for a bike.
It wasn’t long after that that Anderson began racing, performing so well that her beau (and eventual husband) Philip Sjöberg decided to shift his focus from his own racing to coaching Anderson. Trained by Sjöberg, she went on to win first place in 123 of 130 races, most of which were six-day events. Each day, the women cyclists would ride two hours on a banked velodrome track, covering eight laps to a mile as fast as they could.
As both a strong cyclist and a strategic racer, Anderson was a stand-out among her male competitors on the track-tested endurance events. Unfortunately, her racing days were numbered. By 1902 Anderson and her fellow female athletes were barred from bike racing after an accident involving two women cyclists. It would be another 70 years before women could officially participate in bike races once more.
This didn’t stop five African-American women from setting out on an epic journey by bike in 1928. Trail blazers Constance White, Ethyl Miller, Leolya Nelson, Marylou Jackson, and Velma Jackson biked an astounding 250 miles over the course of three days, all the way from New York City to Washington, DC at a time when cycling was a male-dominant, white-dominant activity.
When asked what motivated them to embark on their ride, they responded that they were motivated by “the love of the great-out-of-doors!” There is little documentation available about their adventure, but their motivation for riding is a timeless one that many of us can relate to.
Spreading Aloha and Advocating for Active Transportation
The 1970s was imperative for women athletes everywhere. Across the globe, females began to race bikes again. And in Hawai’i, Chicago native Dr. Donnis Thompson was setting the stage for a flourishing wahine sports program at the University of Hawaii.
In 1961, she started and coached the university’s first track and field program for women. Once she had enough funds, Thompson introduced the women’s volleyball to U of H. And by 1972, she was heading the university’s entire athletics program, expanding the catalog of sports offered to female student athletes from two to eight, and growing the number of women’s athletic scholarships from a scant few to 30.
Thompson would later become the first woman to serve as the state of Hawaii’s Superintendent of Education. And the former University of Hawaii women’s director of athletics was known not only for being a champion for female athletes in Hawaii, but for adopting and perpetuating the Aloha spirit. In fact, Thompson was famous for having women’s volleyball coach Dave Shoji bring boxes of pineapples along when they travelled as gifts to officials and opposing teams.
Born in 1929, Ellen Fletcher escaped from Berlin on the Kindertransport trains. Her teen years were spent as a Jewish refugee in the London of World War II, where she biked to her job at a factory.
Eventually, Fletcher moved to Palo Alto, California, where her start in cycling advocacy began. As a mother concerned for her children’s safety, she was an ideal fit for the role of safety chair of the local PTA. There she realized that there was no better way to protect school kids from the danger of automobiles than to reduce auto traffic around schools’ yards.
Fletcher was also an advocate for clean, sustainable transportation long before there was notable support for cycling and other forms of active transportation, as well as a member of Palo Alto’s Citizen’s Technical Advisory Committee on Bicycling, which would eventually become the Palo Alto Bicycle Advisory Committee (PABAC).
By 1974, she was the PABAC’s chairperson and a driving force behind an innovative bikeway concept: A street where automobile access would be limited (but not restricted), in an effort to provide cyclists with a safer alternative to routes with heavy automobile traffic. This concept grew into the first “bicycle boulevard” in the U.S.
Fletcher’s tireless efforts to make transportation safer and more sustainable continued throughout her life. At 83 years old, despite suffering from lung cancer, she rode her bike to City Hall for a hearing on bicycle improvements. And in 2012, when the transportation activist passed away, almost half of Fletcher’s memorial attendees biked to the service.
The Bicycle’s Role in Women’s Rights
Women’s History Month reminds us to recognize the important individuals who advanced women’s rights and women’s health. And we hope that the stories of these wahine athletes, advocates, and adventurers inspire more freedom, self-reliance, self-respect, courage, love for the outdoors, and drive to create a better, safer community for all of us to move and live in!
Happy Heart Month: 4 Ways to Improve Your Heart Health Now
This time of year, you can’t walk into a store without seeing large clusters of heart-shaped balloons and row after row of Valentine’s candy. It’s hard not to associate February with Valentine’s Day!
But this month is about more than romantic cards and candlelit dinners – February is American Heart Month. It’s a time to shine a light on the importance of improving our heart health and preventing heart disease.
Happy Heart Month: 4 Ways to Improve Your Heart Health Now
This time of year, you can’t walk into a store without seeing large clusters of heart-shaped balloons and row after row of Valentine’s candy. It’s hard not to associate February with Valentine’s Day!
But this month is about more than romantic cards and candlelit dinners – February is American Heart Month. It’s a time to shine a light on the importance of improving our heart health and preventing heart disease.
This year, the federally designated observance has taken on even greater significance, as the coronavirus can directly impact heart health. Recent research shows that in some cases COVID-19 may affect the heart and vascular system negatively.
COVID-19 has also impacted Americans’ health indirectly: with team sports and road races canceled for the season, and many gyms and fitness studios closed indefinitely, it’s been a lot harder to find ways to stay physically fit. Additionally, worldwide lockdowns make it tempting to spend all those hours at home eating poorly and drinking more alcohol. In excess, these behaviors can contribute to heart disease, which is already the leading cause of death in Hawai’i. In fact, stroke and cardiovascular disease are the cause of nearly 4,000 deaths statewide per year. Every year, more than 18,000 hospitalizations in Hawaii are the result of cardiovascular disease.
While heart disease continues to be the greatest health threat to Hawai’i residents, there is good news: cardiovascular disease is largely preventable!
Here are some of the American Heart Associations’ top ways to prevent cardiovascular disease:
1. Determine if you are at risk. Factors such as a family history of heart disease or kidney disease can increase your risk of heart disease. Smokers and those with conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure (hypertension), and high blood sugar are a greater risk.
Fortunately, you can make lifestyle changes that reduce your risk of heart disease and prevent many cardiovascular conditions including: Having a healthy diet, exercising regularly, reducing stress, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking.
From smoking to vaping to chewing, all tobacco products increase your risk of heart disease. Period. But quitting can be challenging!
Don’t go it alone and do not try to trade one tobacco product for another. Seek the help of your healthcare team and the support of your family and friends to become tobacco-free for good. Your heart and lungs will thank you! *
2. Determine what medication you should and should not take. If you have a preexisting health condition, work with a healthcare professional who can help you determine what medications will help to control your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. Take all your prescribed medications as directed.
Talk to your doctor about taking aspirin, especially if you’ve never suffered a stroke or heart attack.* Taking aspirin daily has been known to actually cause health problems rather than prevent them. If you have had a stroke or heart attack, talk to your doctor about whether or not a low dose of aspirin will help you prevent another one.
3. Eat smarter. At first this may take some planning, but healthy eating can be fun and affordable! Take some time each week to plan your meals by finding dishes and recipes that are based on fruits, veggies, legumes, whole grains, plant-based proteins, and nuts. Families with limited resources can swap out red meat in recipes for fish and lean animal proteins.
Then create a shopping list based on the nutrient-dense meals you choose. If you do choose to purchase packaged foods, be sure to read the nutrition facts label and avoid products with added salts, sugars, trans fat, and saturated fats. When it comes to snacking and dining out, limit your intake of processed meats, refined carbohydrates, and sweetened drinks.
4. Stay active. Work with a medical professional to lose weight if you are overweight. Even if you aren’t trying to lose weight, there are an abundance of reasons to move more! *
Working out can improve your quality of sleep, help you focus, reduce stress… and it happens to be one of the best ways to prevent disease and protect your heart. Aim for a minimum of 75 minutes of brisk activity each week or 150 minutes of moderately-intense aerobic activity.
Here at PATH, one of our favorite ways to get active and maintain the health of our hearts is by biking! Studies suggest that if you bike as little as 20 miles per week, then you can decrease your chance of suffering from heart disease by around 50%.
Here’s the reason why:
Cycling recruits the large muscle groups in your legs to propel you forward, which gives your heart rate a boost and ultimately leads to improved cardiovascular fitness.
Not only is riding a bike an effective form of heart-friendly exercise, it’s also a fun form of recreation and even transportation. According to the American Heart Association, biking can help you turn your commute into a workout, since you’ve already set that time aside to travel to work. Your bike can be your vehicle of transportation and your exercise equipment simultaneously!
On Hawai’i Island, cycling is now more accessible than ever! With multiple HIBIKE (formerly Bikeshare Hawaii Island) stations throughout Hilo and Kona, and more planned for the coming year, you can easily use the bikes as a great transportation option for the first or last mile of your commute to work or school, or just for fun and fitness. HIBIKE Membership is FREE to all Hele-On monthly pass holders.
Find out more about HIBIKE (formerly Bikeshare Hawaii) here: Hawai’i Bikeshare
and HIBIKE for Mass Transit pass holders here: Hele-On, Ride On Hawai’i
And ride your way to a healthy heart this February!
* All content found in this blog post was created for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Before starting a new exercise program or beginning or stopping medications consult with your physician. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or disease. And never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the ER, or call 911 immediately.
A Tribute to Mayor Kenoi
Here at PATH, we are saddened by the passing of our friend and incredible advocate for active living and safe streets, former Hawai’i County Mayor Billy Kenoi.
Mayor Kenoi understood the importance of creating safe, accessible, and attractive places for all of us to walk, run, hike, and bike on Hawai’i Island. When PATH approached Mayor Kenoi about creating a collective of public health, active transportation, and city leadership that would build upon Hawaii County’s walking, biking, and community connections, Mayor Kenoi jumped at the idea.
A Tribute to Mayor Kenoi
Here at PATH, we are saddened by the passing of our friend and incredible advocate for active living and safe streets, former Hawai’i County Mayor Billy Kenoi.
Mayor Kenoi understood the importance of creating safe, accessible, and attractive places for all of us to walk, run, hike, and bike on Hawai’i Island. When PATH approached Mayor Kenoi about creating a collective of public health, active transportation, and city leadership that would build upon Hawaii County’s walking, biking, and community connections, Mayor Kenoi jumped at the idea. And that was how the Mayor’s Active Living Advisory Council (MALAC) was born in November of 2013.
Mayor Kenoi served from 2008 to 2016, and over the course of his administration, he was instrumental in making the Queens’ Lei walking/ running/ biking path a reality, championing the Bike and Pedestrian Safety Campaign, and approving the establishment of the Hawaii Island Bikeshare pilot project. Additionally, it was under his administration that MALAC worked to incorporate complete design of streets into our roadway improvements.
Today, Mayor Kenoi’s legacy of active living and safe streets continues. MALAC introduced Vision Zero under Mayor Kim’s administration. And Mayor Roth’s administration has also committed to creating accessible, safe, and attractive places for people to walk, run, and bike on Hawai’i Island.
We here at PATH send our deepest condolences to Mayor Kenoi’s ohana. Our hope is that, as a community, we can all honor his memory by embracing Mayor Kenoi’s motto when faced with any challenge:
“If can, can. If no can, still can!”
5 Ways to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions with Bikeshare Hawaii
One of our favorite quotes when it comes to setting new goals comes from motivational speaker Zig Ziglar:
“If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time.”
On the other hand, if you aim at something specific, chances are that you’ll hit it! How are you doing with your New Year’s Resolutions? Are you on track to make your resolutions a reality in 2021?
Here are 5 ways that Hele-On and Bikeshare Hawaii Island can help you keep those resolutions:
5 Ways to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions with Bikeshare Hawaii
How are you doing with your New Year’s Resolutions? Are you on track to make your resolutions a reality in 2021?
Here are 5 ways that Hele-On and Bikeshare Hawaii Island can help you keep those resolutions:
1. Help you save money
Looking to save up for a vacation (finally!) or a new house? Or do you just want to find better ways to cut down costs and pay off debt in 2021? Consider using the Bikeshare system for transportation in conjunction with using the Hawaii County Mass Transit buses.
With your MT Hele-On monthly bus pass, you get unlimited rides for $60 on all bus routes throughout the month it is purchased for. And Bikeshare membership for Hawaii MT pass holders is FREE! You can find more information on purchasing monthly MT passes here: www.heleonbus.org/hele-on-fares
With the Bikeshare Subscription Plan, you get unlimited 30-minute rides for $15 per month or unlimited 60-minute rides for $25 per month, making Bikeshare Hawaii a cost-efficient option for recreation and transportation.
2. Help you decrease your carbon footprint
Road transportation accounts for as much as one-fifth of carbon dioxide emissions worldwide, but we can work together to change that! Experts predict that there would be an 11% reduction overall in global carbon emissions by 2050 if bikes make up 14% of travel.
If you want to live sustainably in 2021 and develop more environmentally-friendly habits this year, then reducing your amount of travel in a gas-guzzling vehicle is a fantastic way to accomplish that!
Minimizing your carbon footprint can be as easy as taking a Bikeshare bike to pick up food on your lunch break, or using the Bikeshare system as your first and last mile transportation option, in conjunction with using the Hawaii County Mass Transit buses.
Taking the Hele-On buses is an easy way to go green, since mass transit helps decrease our island’s greenhouse gases and toxic emissions by minimizing single-automobile usage. Check out their bus schedules and maps for more info on how you can work bus rides into your daily commute.
3. Help you save time. Even though the holidays are behind us, life can be just as busy as ever. Whether you want to manage time better so you can have more ZOOM calls with family or get more workouts in, biking is a great time saver.
By riding a bike on weekdays, you can transform your commute to work into a WORKOUT, so why not make your cycling do double duty? And in the case of getting around Kona or Hilo, your bike might just be able to transport you around town faster than a car, since the bike lanes are often less congested than our roads.
Did we mention that you won’t have to worry about finding a parking spot? Just dock your bike at the Bikeshare kiosk when you’re done and be on your way.
4. Help you get fit and stay healthy. Let’s face it, staying healthy has never been more of a priority! We’re all looking for more ways to take a proactive approach to our health, and cycling is one of the top low-impact cardiovascular workouts for any fitness level.
Riding a bike offers plenty of health benefits, including:
- Reduced risk of arthritis, diabetes, high cholesterol, and other diseases. According to a large-scale research study in Finland, individuals who cycled for over 30 minutes per day had a 40% lower risk of developing diabetes.?
- Decreased blood pressure and body fat, with the average person burning between 450 to 750 calories per hour of cycling.
- Increased muscle strength and a stronger heart.
- Improved joint stability and mobility.
- Increased aerobic fitness, balance, and endurance.
Being outdoors on a bike also has an abundance of physical and mental health benefits, including increased doses of vitamin D through exposure to healthy amounts of sunlight.
5. Give your mental health a boost. One of the best resolutions you can make this year is to take extra steps in caring for your mental health, and doing so doesn’t have to be complicated! Spending as little as 20 minutes outdoors has been proven to reduce stress levels and improve your mood, enhancing your health and wellness.
And cycling is a particularly effective mood stabilizer, since your levels of dopamine and serotonin increase as you ride. Whether you need to blow off steam, relieve anxiety, or boost your mood, stress relief is just a bike ride away. So grab a pass, hop on a bike, and take advantage of the mental health benefits that biking can offer.
A Few Helpful Tips for Keeping your New Year’s Resolutions:
- Be SMART! SMART is an acronym that stands for specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely. Whatever your 2021 resolution, you’ll increase the chances of sticking to it by setting SMART goals.
What baby steps will you take this week and within the next month to achieve your goals for 2021? Defining these steps by setting some smaller goals each week and month will help you measure your progress and move toward your 2021 goal.
Begin by assigning specific, realistic dates to the small goals. Then, as you accomplish these, you will gain confidence and realize that heck yeah, you really do have what it takes to achieve that ultimate goal!
- Remember WHY your goal matters. Your goals may appear realistic on paper, but as we learned from 2020, obstacles can arise that require us to pivot. And when those occur, it’s tempting to throw in the towel.
If the going gets tough, find motivation by reminding yourself why that goal was important to you in the first place. Be proactive by putting reminders of your WHY where you will see it daily, so you can read it when you need an extra dose of encouragement! Whether you put a post-it note on your fridge or make a motivating quote your screensaver, these reminders can renew your focus and keep you progressing toward your goal.
Whether your New Year’s Resolution is to spend less, get more exercise, increase your daily dose of vitamin D, decrease pollution, or reduce stress, our Bikeshare bikes are your vehicle for reaching your goals.
2020: Hawaii County Bikeshare by the Numbers
There’s no denying that 2020 took us all on a wild ride. And while “uncertainty” was a fitting word to describe much of the year, here on Hawai’i Island, there are a few things we’re certain of!
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and decrease in visitors to Hawai’i Island, Bikeshare ridership almost doubled in 2020. And during the peak of the pandemic, there were over 600 Bikeshare membership sign-ups in Hawai’i County!
2020: Hawaii County Bikeshare by the Numbers
There’s no denying that 2020 took us all on a wild ride. And while “uncertainty” was a fitting word to describe much of the year, here on Hawai’i Island, there are a few things we’re certain of!
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and decrease in visitors to Hawai’i Island, Bikeshare ridership almost doubled in 2020. And during the peak of the pandemic, there were over 600 Bikeshare membership sign-ups in Hawai’i County!
In 2020, we saw Bikeshare rides split 50/50 between members and casual users, as compared to 2019, which was about 88% casual rides and 12% member rides. This year, the average trip duration for members was up 8 minutes from the 2019 average duration of 22:47.
A similar trend was reported on the island of Oahu, where Biki members produced longer ride durations, since members aren’t using Bikeshare strictly for commuting anymore, but for exercise and recreation as well. This suggests that social distancing restrictions have prompted users to bike more as they find cycling a safe (and enjoyable) socially distant activity.
Below are some more 2020 statistics on Big Island Bikeshare that we’re certain you’ll find interesting: *
7: The number of Hawaii Bikeshare stations in Kona, HI
4: The number of Hawaii Bikeshare stations in Hilo, HI
14, 739: The total number of rides taken in 2020
6,471: The total number of rides taken in 2020 by members
6,546: The total number of rides taken in 2020 by casual users
7,655.5 hours: The total duration of rides on Hawaii Bikeshare bikes in 2020
About 98,756 km: The total distance covered on Hawaii Bikeshare bikes in 2020**
3,294: The total number of unique Bikeshare riders in 2020
805: The total number of Hawaii Bikeshare members in 2020.
2,489: The total number of Bikeshare casual users in 2020.
May 10: The day with the most rides in 2020; The number of rides that day were 144.
May, November, January: The top 3 months with the most rides in 2020; 2,328 rides in May, 1,470 rides in November, and 1,383 rides in January.
Sunday: The most popular day of the week to ride in 2020.
5 pm: The most popular time of the week to ride.
35:27: The average overall duration of a ride in 2020.
31:08: The average duration of a ride for registered members.
39:45: The average duration of a ride for casual users in 2020. ***
$25 per month: The cost of Unlimited 60 minute rides with the Bikeshare Subscription Plan
$15 per month: The cost of Unlimited 30 minute rides with the Bikeshare Subscription Plan
$20: The cost of a one-time Free spirit purchase of 300 minutes to use whenever you like.
$3.50: The cost of a one-time Single 30-minute ride.
$60: The cost of a monthly Hawaii Country MT pass.
$0.00!!! The cost of mostly Bikeshare membership for Hawaii MT pass holders.
MT annual membership and Bikeshare membership in one!
No, we didn’t miscalculate our end of year numbers – Mass Transit monthly pass holders really don’t pay a cent for the monthly Bikeshare membership!
Monthly County of Hawaii Mass Transit Agency (COH MT) pass holders will receive an order form to sign up for free monthly Bikeshare Membership. Once you sign up, you’ll be sent a Bikeshare Membership card in the mail. Pass holders can then use the card to unlock bikes for an unlimited number of 60-minute Bikeshare rides per month!
Hele-On, Ride On Hawai’i!?
Yes, Bikeshare Membership really is FREE to all interested Hele-On pass holders.
When you become a Mass Transit monthly pass holders, you also get daily ride time (good for your health and your wallet)!
In conjunction with using the bus, you can use the Bikeshare System and hop on one of our bikes for free. It’s a great transportation option for the first or last mile of your commute to work, school, or just for fun and fitness!
How to Purchase Mass Transit Passes
You can find information on purchasing monthly MT passes here: www.heleonbus.org/hele-on-fares
Hele-On monthly passes are good for unlimited bus rides on all bus routes. Monthly passes are available for purchase here: ?
Mo’oheau Bus Terminal Information Center, 329 Kamehemeha Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 969-3163.
Or by mail using this form: www.heleonbus.org/transit-info-and-statistics/Bus%20Pass-ticket%20order%20form.pdf
As we start 2021, stay safe out there, smile… and get ready to Hele-On and Ride on into the new year!
*From January 1 to November 30, 2020.
**Grace period trips removed. A grace period trip is when the user returns the bike within 30 seconds of release because of unfamiliarity with the release process of the bike, desiring to switch to a different bike, or other reasons.
***In addition to the grace period trips, any trip exceeding 5 hours was removed from total or average trip duration calculations since 5 hours ride time is the maximum any plan has to offer. To find the total distance, the average distance travelled calculation methodology of NACTO in which they assumed an average speed of 8mph or 12.9kmh was adopted (This is a rough estimation).
Beat the holiday stress with a bike ride!
Happy First Day of Winter! Tis the season for celebrating and spending time with family. Even if that looks a little different in 2020, the holidays are still a fun time of year – And a busy one!
Beat the holiday stress with a bike ride!
According to a recent study, one in three cyclists report that bicycling reduces their stress levels. Riding a bike has been proven to:
1. Help reduce the cortisol level in your bloodstream, which leads to a decrease in the symptoms of stress (including high blood pressure and lowered immunity).
2. Positively impact brain serotonin to improve your sleep cycles to keep you feeling energized.
3. Help reduce anxiety and decrease stress to improve a rider’s overall mental health.
You can use your Mass Transit pass for FREE Bikeshare Membership too!
It’s easy! Current monthly County of Hawaii Mass Transit Agency (COH MT) pass holders will be receiving an order form to sign up for your free monthly Bikeshare Membership!
Once an MT pass holder signs up, you will be sent a Bikeshare Membership card in the mail. Use the card to unlock the bikes for an unlimited number of 60-minute bikeshare rides per month.
You don’t pay a cent!
As a MT monthly pass holder, you don’t pay a cent for the monthly bikeshare membership – It is FREE to all interested Hele-On MT monthly pass holders.
That means that in conjunction with using the bus, you can use the Bikeshare System as a free transportation option, so hop on one of our bikes. It’s a great transportation option for the first or last mile of your commute!
Ready to hop off Hele-On to ride a Bikeshare bike? Here are a few tips to keep you safe:
1. Ride with traffic
2. Wear a helmet!
3. Don’t forget, social distancing is still important to slow the spread of COVID-19. When riding, aim for a physical distance of at least six feet from others you pass on the road. And whenever possible, wear a mask while riding
Remember to make time to destress, stay safe out there, smile… and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year!
*From January 1 to November 30, 2020.
**Grace period trips removed. A grace period trip is when the user returns the bike within 30 seconds of release because of unfamiliarity with the release process of the bike, desiring to switch to a different bike, or other reasons.
***In addition to the grace period trips, any trip exceeding 5 hours was removed from total or average trip duration calculations since 5 hours ride time is the maximum any plan has to offer. To find the total distance, the average distance travelled calculation methodology of NACTO in which they assumed an average speed of 8mph or 12.9kmh was adopted (This is a rough estimation).