Fit humans lead to a fit planet. That’s the idea behind a new wellness course built at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) by Seth D. Williams through his Eagle Scout service project.
Williams, 16, is a member of Boy Scout Troop 32 in Waipiʻo, Central Oʻahu. In order to achieve the coveted Eagle Scout rank, a scout must plan, develop and provide leadership to others in a service project helpful to any community, religious institution or school—an idea consistent with an important part of the Scout Oath: “To help other people at all times.”
Research staff and students spend considerable time on Coconut Island in Kāneʻohe Bay, home to HIMB. Williams, who had visited the island on June 10, 2017, was inspired to propose the Coconut Island wellness course for his Eagle Scout project because of his love for running and participation with his school’s cross-country team at Hanalani Schools in Mililani.
The Eagle Scout project included planning and mapping out the course, repairing and painting the bridge, painting new picnic tables, and designing and installing the map and signs. Williams and fellow scouts worked closely with HIMB Facilities Manager Andrew Brown to make sure the project effectively supported and furthered the needs of the island campus.
The HIMB wellness course is a little more than one mile and offers a scenic walk or jog through the most picturesque locations of the island. The route is shown on the map of the island posted at the beginning of the road that leads to New Pauley Laboratory.
“It is very possible that other scouts can add workout stations to the course for their Eagle projects, such as pull-up bars, push-up bars and such,” said Williams.
In addition to serving staff and students, the course will be a nice path for visitors to see and experience the beauty of the island.
There is another benefit to this course. “Our faculty, students and staff using this course means they will be ready for biking, walking and hiking. Fit humans lead to a smaller carbon footprint,” said Mark Heckman, HIMB education specialist.
Added HIMB Director Ruth Gates, “Seth’s Eagle Scout project reflects HIMB’s desire and willingness to engage with the wider community. Such collaborations underpin important, exciting and long-term changes to our island’s capacity that improve the way we function. We are extremely grateful to Seth for his thoughtful contribution in establishing the HIMB wellness course and are really looking forward to using it.”
—By Marcie Grabowski
