| 03/21/2001 |
IMBA Trail Care Crew Visits
Hawaii
Joey Klein of Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew
#2 spent January working with IMBA's Hawaii state representative John Alford
and the Hawaii Mountain Bike Association.
There's a rainbow everyday in Hawaii, the state fish is the
Huma-huma-nuku-nuku-aho-ahi and Don Ho is still rockin' the house in Waikiki.
The Aloha State is a chain of sparkling islands comprised of Hawaii, Maui,
Molokai, Lanai, Kauai and Oahu. These jewels are the birthplace of surfing
and home for some of the best trails in the world. Led by IMBA Hawaii state
rep John Alford, I got a taste of paradise this winter.
Since Captain Cook's trip to Hawaii in the late 1700's, the islands have
endured a barrage of new dangers. Disease wiped out thousands of indigenous
people, foreign domestic animals took over native habitat, and introduced
plants have dominated most of the endemic species. Today, Hawaii land managers
face new challenges, trying to balance environmental protection while providing
recreation opportunities.
One of the folks meeting this challenge head-on is Aaron Lowe, trails specialist
for the Na Ala Hele Trail System. He is responsible for nearly two hundred
miles of trail on Hawaii Island. Aaron has empowered volunteers and formed
diverse partnerships to help protect and enhance the trail system.
Perhaps the most exciting moment of the trip was testifying at the Hawaii
State Capital Building. Liz Ryan of the Hawaiian Bicycle League and I testified
at a public hearing to the Senate Committee on Tourism and Intergovernmental
Affairs. The testimonial supported a new bill to grant county land managers
immunity from liability related to outdoor sports and recreation.
I also worked closely with the Hawaii Bicycle League, local mountain bike
clubs and state rep John Alford. We looked at examples of great trail systems
around the world that could be emulated in Hawaii, and how partnering with
other user groups can help create new trails.
All in all, it was a fantastic trip. TCC2 hopes to return in the future
to help improve the magnificent trails of Hawaii.
|
|
|
