Christine Makaweo, board member of Hilo Bayfront Trails, talks about phase one of the project and the fundraiser for phase two.

HILO, Hawaii – The concrete has set on the first phase of construction of the Hilo Bayfront Trail, and project organizers are already looking to fund the next leg.

According to the Hilo Bayfront Trails website, “Phase 1 includes 3 sections: Sections 1 and 2 will run from the Mo’oheau Bandstand, cross Pauahi Street, and end at the canoe hale parking lot. Section 3 will encircle the soccer fields on the mauka side of Waiolama canal. Phase 1 of the Trail is funded by a federal grant and by the County of Hawaii Department of Parks and Recreation. The State Parks Division of DLNR is starting its own Phase 1 within Wailoa State Park, with its start of construction anticipated early in 2017.”

On Friday, November 4, project boosters launched a community fundraising campaign for Phase II. Supporters gathered under a tent at the head of the trail near Mo‘oheau Bandstand, enjoying refreshments, food, and hearing a pitch from board members like Christine Makaweo. For a pledge of $500 dollars, donors will be able to have a 12×12 Section of the trail engraved according to their wishes.

When finished, the Hilo Bayfront Trail will “complement and highlight the outstanding attributes of the Hilo Bayfront area,” the website says, including “the dramatic views of Hilo Bay and Mauna Kea, Farmer’s Market, Mo’oheau Bandstand, the soccer fields, Wailoa State Park, Liliokalani Park, Reed’s Bay, Banyan Drive, Suisan Marketplace.. and beyond.”

Planned Hilo Bayfront Trails map, courtesy Hilo Bayfront Trails.