‘Backbone of this project’: Hilo Bayfront Trails honors donors who helped develop trail network

Hilo Bayfront Trails members and supporters came together during the weekend for a special community service project to honor contributors who made the shared-use, multi-modal trails along Hilo Bayfront a reality.

Volunteers spent much of the day March 1 sandblasting and hand-painting 13 donor names into a section of a paved portion of the trails along Hilo Bayfront.

Names hand-painted include:

• Charlene Iboshi.
• Amy and Lou.
• Nathan Abe.
• Moore family.
• Ceryse Livermore.
• Pat and Susan Hart.
• George and Jean Madden.
• Dundas Mozella.
• James M. Leonard.
• Rotary Club of Hilo.
• Robert “Bobby” Fujimoto.
• Rotary Club of Hilo Bay.
• Rotary Club of South Hilo.

Participants also collected rubbish along the trails, reinforcing Hilo Bayfront Trails’ commitment to environmental stewardship and maintaining a clean and safe public space.

Early contributions helped secure the first federal grant match for Hilo Bayfront Trails, and ongoing support aided in securing millions in additional state, county and federal funds.

Among the many other early generous donors is the Ed Olson Trust Foundation, which played a key role in helping initially launch the Hilo Bayfront Trails project. More than 2 miles of paved trails have been laid along Hilo Bayfront, with more planned in the future.

“Our donors and volunteers are the backbone of this project,” said Hilo Bayfront Trails President Andi Ellis. “Every contribution, big or small, brings us closer to our vision of a well-planned, well-connected and safe trail system.”

Hilo Bayfront Trails is dedicated to developing a multi-modal trail network that encourages active lifestyles, strengthens the local economy and connects people to essential services, cultural landmarks and recreational spaces throughout Hilo and East Hawaiʻi.

The organization is working to make the community a model of connectivity while remaining committed to bicycle and pedestrian safety, environmental stewardship and equitable access.

Visit the Hilo Bayfront Trails website for additional information.