WAILUA — Saturday was a special day at the Lydgate Park where former mayor Maryanne Kusaka had the day named after her while participating in the official induction of Ke Ala Hele Makalae into the Rails to Trails Conservancy’s Hall of Fame.
Kusaka’s visionary leadership helped bring the trail to life.
“Ke Ala Hele Makalae is more than just a trail. It is a space where we see public health benefits, community connections, and the natural beauty of our island come together. Mahalo to all the volunteers, and all the youth who made it here, today,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami.
“We especially want to honor former Mayor Kusaka for her foresight and vision in creating this pathway for future generations. Today, we proclaim Oct. 19, 2024, as Maryanne Kusaka Day in recognition of her extraordinary vision, leadership, and service, and urge the people of Kauai to join me in celebrating the remarkable legacy of Maryanne Kusaka and her enduring impact on our island home.”
Kusaka’s vision for the trail laid the foundation for what has become a beloved asset for the island. She envisioned a space that would benefit Kauai’s keiki, kupuna, families and visitors, while encouraging outdoor activity and community engagement.
Her legacy, continued by former mayors Bryan J. Baptiste and Bernard Carvalho Jr., culminated in the trail’s present form — a prime example of collaboration between government, private entities and the community.
Kusaka acknowledged and thanked the numerous organizations, families and individuals for their efforts and generous contributions toward making Lydgate Beach Park, the surrounding area around the park and Ke Ala Hele Makalae the gems they are today.
“My vision of Kauai is beautiful, green, and prosperous,” Kusaka said. “You, as volunteers, please continue your great work. Whatever way you help, it makes a difference. Thank you to everyone here for helping and guiding our youth properly in caring for our island. I’m so thrilled that the kids and volunteers are here today because it is important that they take care of our environment. Kauai is their home.”
Margy Parker of the Royal Coconut Coast Association said the overall vibe of the morning was joyous and collaborative.
“We counted 268 volunteers signed up for Make A Difference Day in Lydgate Park 2024, with 172 lunch sign-ups,” said Tommy Noyes of The Kauai Path. “I would estimate the actual number of volunteers are more than 300 as many went right to work without signing in.”
The scope of work accomplished by the volunteers included the grooming of the beach at Morgan’s Ponds, clearing 4,000 pounds of net snarl and marine debris in the coastal cleanup, refreshing the artwork in the Kamalani Playground, clearing ironwood pine needles at the Bynum Bridge, maintaining play structures at Kamalani Playground, patrolling the entire park for litter and feeding lunch and snacks to all the volunteers.
Noyes said they conducted an active transportation infrastructure bicycle tour featuring Ke Ala Hele Makalae from Lydgate Beach Park to Islander on the Beach, and provided a forum for the new Kauai Pump Track and Seascout projects to present their messages to the community.
The Rails to Trails Conservancy celebrated Ke Ala Hele Makalae as one of the top trails in the United States, noting its contribution to health, mobility and the qualify of life for Kauai residents and visitors alike. The 8-mile multi use trail, whose name means “The Path that Goes by the Coast,” was selected for its scenic value, accessibility and community connection.
“Thank you for investing in this ongoing vision and dedication to this dream,” said Suzanne Matyas with the Rails to Trails Conservancy. “Ke Ala Hele Makalae offers the inspiration to move for projects for future trails so more people can access these incredible spaces and enjoy those benefits as well. Ke Ala Hele Makalae is a true role model. Thank you, everyone, and welcome to the Hall of Fame.”
Ke Ala Hele Makalae was chosen from among three nominees in a public vote conducted between July 26 and Aug. 4, securing nearly 45 percent of the votes. The other contenders included the Razorback Greenway in Arkansas and the Santa Cruz Loop in Arizona.
