Kailua Works Together On New Pathway

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Ryan Hoffman, Nathaniel Cassion and Theo Franklin
were among the dozens of volunteers who lent a
hand (and donations) April 21 for the construction
of a much-needed walkway at Kailua District Park.
Photos by Leah Ball.

Kailuans have pitched in to complete a long-planned walkway that will safely link pedestrians young and old to the school, library and district park.

The paving should be dry and ready for customers by now.

Site preparations started April 18 at Kailua District Park with the bulk of the paving work finished on April 21. With donated labor and materials from area businesses, the volunteers were expected to finish the improved path last Saturday - topped off with a time capsule prepared by students at Kailua Elementary School.

“It’s a terrific community service project donated completely by volunteers who knew the city would probably never get it into the budget,” said Ken Sanders, former chairman of the Kailua Urban Design Task Force which spearheaded the effort. “We have such great volunteers - it’s amazing the things that so many have accomplished together.”

As an embodiment of community partnerships, the plan won the approval of the Kailua Chamber of Commerce, the Kailua Neighborhood Board, the Outdoor Circle, the AYSO, all city officials and the state Health Department’s Walkable Communities division.

Ken Sanders at work heading up the
walkway construction project for
Kailua District Park.

Its purpose, Sanders explained, is to help students “get to and from the school’s back gate more cleanly and quickly, and for seniors who use wheelchairs or walkers to get to and from the library, gym, pool, tennis courts and meetings, and to help parents pushing baby strollers, etc. Up to now, he said, “we’ve observed them all struggling across the grass.

“Various sports users will also be aided.”

The list of cooperating businesses is long and varied: Ameron Hawaii provided concrete and gravel; Coluccio Construction dug the trench; Valluzzi Poteet Construction volunteered skills and labor; Cliff Poteet helped organize the project and recruited Thielen Construction. Hardware Hawaii gave wire mesh and lumber for the forms; U.S. Marines reported for work as needed. Lunches for the work crews furnished by the task force, Kaneohe Ranch, and Helber Hastert & Fee.

The American Red Cross provided a safety team both Saturdays, but as Sanders said, “They were totally bored by the end of the day.”

For details, call 256-7263.