LIHU‘E — During the last Lihu‘e Business Association virtual meeting, LBA President Pat Griffin announced that Kaua‘i Path Executive Director Tommy Noyes got a call from USA Today informing him Ke Ala Hele Makalae, the Eastside multi-use coastal route, has been nominated by USA Today as one of the nation’s 10 best recreational trails.
“Mahalo to Kaua‘i Path and Tommy Noyes for spreading awareness that Ke Ala Hele Makalae is a top contender in the ‘USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards’ for best recreational trail in North America contest,” Mayor Derek Kawakami said.
“This is a testament to the county Department of Parks and Recreation and all the partners, volunteers and community members who helped shape and maintain this Kaua‘i gem.”
Noyes encourages Kaua‘i residents to vote soon and often.
“Everyone who enjoys walking or bicycling here on Kaua‘i is urged to vote for Ke Ala Hele Makalae in USA Today’s Ten Best Recreational Trails contest,” Noyes said.
“Twenty of the most-interesting recreational trails around the country were nominated and are competing for this honor. Kaua‘i’s unique coastal trail will only finish in the 10-best category if enough votes are cast for our path. Please vote every day and then help spread the word through your social-media channels until the voting ends on February 15, 2021.”
Ke Ala Hele Makalae is the name of the county’s federally funded trail that is partially built.
Noyes said Ke Ala Hele Makalae’s path system is envisioned to eventually connect communities along 20 miles of the coast, from Niumalu to Anahola (including access to the Lihu‘e town core) with a contiguous, safe and attractive walking and bicycling trail network.
Kauai Path, Inc., is an educational nonprofit, advocating for more walkable and bikeable communities on Kaua‘i, in Hawai‘i and nationally.
Noyes explained what his nonprofit does for those who love to walk and ride their bicycles on county or state paths.
“For the past 25 years, our mandate as committed individuals serving on our board of directors has been to actively advance policies, systems and environmental changes to assure equitable access to safe walking and bicycling,” Noyes said.
“The Top 10 Best Recreational Trails will be announced at the end of February. You can do Kaua‘i proud by voting for Ke Ala Hele Makalae as your favorite recreational,” he said.
To vote, go to kauaipath.org.
