Waimea trail volunteers recognized for hard work
Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth on March 8 recognized the many community volunteers who have adopted a section of Ke Ala Kahawai O Waimea Streamside Trail or who have volunteered their time and effort to maintain the trail. Their efforts keep the weeds and overhanging vegetation down, open the trail visually and keep fresh wood chips for the walking surface used by over 100 people daily.
“The mayor’s recognition of these volunteers is very rewarding, the trail users really appreciate the work they do to keep the trail in good condition,” Clemson Lam, chairman of the Waimea Trails and Greenways committee that advocates for the trail said.
The one-mile of trail along the Waikoloa Stream in Waimea is administered by Hawaii County’s Department of Parks and Recreation. On full build out, the trail will be about 5 miles long from Ouli Park across from Kamuela View Estates to Church Row in the center of Waimea. Waimea resident Leningrad Elarionoff gave the name “Ke Ala Kahawai O Waimea” to describe the streamside trail of Waimea.
“The mayor is committed to getting phase one of the Waimea Trail built this year,” said Barett Otani, special assistant to the mayor.
Among the volunteers recognized were Hawaii Preparatory Academy’s Middle school Principal Glenn Chickering and teacher Barbara Kopra (also student volunteer coordinator) as well as students Tiffany Ravaglia, Helene Baril and Pemma Norbu; Waimea School teacher Jade Bowman and special programs coordinator Ilene Grossman, Forest Horwatt, Kerry Kamisato, Peggi Kamisato, Mark Kube, Bob Bonar, John Ramoa, Casey Boyett, and Mike Donoho.
Access to the trail is through Kahawai Street, Opelo Road or the Waimea Nature Park. Daylight use by pedestrians, non motorized vehicles such as bicycles and baby strollers as well as dogs on leashes with responsible owners are welcome on Ke Ala Kahawai O Waimea.
