High Performance Volunteers

By Tommy Noyes

On the Kalalau Trail in Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, volunteers Gary Hofacker, Clayton Egan, Frank Whitman, Bill Newton, Thorne Silverberg and Deborah Flynn wrap up a trail stewardship session coordinated by Mark Hubbard. Photo by Mark Hubbard

Mahalos are in order for four of the many, many Kaua‘i residents who generously donate their time to make our community a richer environment for all of us.

Over the past 12 years, Mark Hubbard has traveled frequently from his home in Līhuʻe to Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, where he’s been coordinating the Friends of the Kalalau Trail volunteer maintenance sessions. Typically, a half dozen stalwart volunteers assist with maintaining this splendid wilderness trail, keeping it well-drained, clear of intruding vegetation and stable.

As listed on Kaua‘i Planning and Action’s website, Hubbard also volunteers with many nonprofit and community groups such as Malama Hulēʻia, Rotary, Kaua‘i Community College, Puako Homeowners’ Association, Blood Bank of Hawai‘i, Lawa‘i International Center, Kaua‘i Hospice, Friends of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Kaua‘i, as well as serving as Kaua‘i Planning & Action Alliance’s board president and co-chairing Keiki to Career Kaua‘i.

A recent e-mail from Hubbard announced that the time has come for him to pass the Friends of the Kalalau Trail’s leadership on to Frank Whitman, so the work will continue. Mahalos to Hubbard for his stewardship of this amazing trail, and to Whitman for carrying on this valuable and rewarding work.

In addition to volunteering with the American Red Cross’ Kaua‘i chapter, Dr. Randy Blake serves as Kaua‘i Path’s board president. Kaua‘i Path, an educational nonprofit, exists to improve health outcomes by making our communities more connected, walkable and bikeable.

Blake volunteered as a statewide leader for the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s Communities Putting Prevention to Work program, focused on increasing physical activity and improving nutrition. He’s a League of American Bicyclists certified instructor, and teaches youth and adult bicycling skills. Being an advocate in Kaua‘i’s coordinated, ongoing campaign to make our neighborhoods more connected, our streets safer, and our roads people-oriented is its own reward.

My friend (and local bicycling phenomenon) Laurel Brier suggested that I reach out to GenY keiki o ka ‘aina Racquel Segato-Figueroa, who recently returned home to Kaua‘i. After graduating cum laude from Skidmore College, Segato-Figueroa’s graduate studies at Emory University focused on urban sustainability and social enterprise, and culminated in a master’s degree in development practice.

Segato-Figueroa joined the Bikes on Rice monthly slow-roll rides, and on her own initiative has formed Bike Kaua‘i to convene fun bicycle rides. Starting from Kealia Beach Park on Ke Ala Hele Makalae, two Bike Kaua‘i Glow Rides were held under the full moon in October and November, and the Wicked Wheels Ride, also on the path, celebrated bicycling in Halloween costumes.

You can join the Gobble Gears ride around Kilauea on Saturday, Nov. 19.

“Why Turkey Trot when you can Gobble Gears?” wrote Segato-Figueroa in a media release promoting the ride. “Come explore the Kilauea neighborhood on this family-friendly ride. Plus, we’ll be giving away a Costco card for a free turkey to a lucky participant! Meet at the Kilauea Baseball Field at 4:30 p.m., Saturday, November 19, 2022. All ages are welcome, but children driving their own bicycles must be able to follow instructions and ride safely in a group. It will be a four-mile ride with only ~50ft elevation gain. Helmets are required.”

Mahalo to these four dedicated individuals whose generosity represents the best in our community. Details on these and other volunteering opportunities are posted at www.KauaiPath.org.

• Tommy Noyes is Kaua‘i Path’s executive director, a League of American Bicyclists Certified Instructor and active with the Kaua‘i Medical Reserve Corps.