PATH awarded $45K grant from Kaiser

HONOLULU — Kaiser Permanente Hawaii awarded a community benefit grant to a Big Island nonprofit organization working to improve community health and promote active living.

Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawaii was awarded $45,000 to promote accessible, safe bikeways and pathways for Hawaii Island residents through the Mayor’s Active Living Advisory Council, founded in 2013 with funding from Kaiser Permanente.

PATH will develop a “Safe Routes to School” master plan for Hawaii County, with “Walk to School Day” programs in 12 schools and bike-share programs in Hilo and Kona.

PATH also will provide a three-day bike safety education program and helmets to 1,200 students in 18 Hawaii Island schools.

“Encouraging healthy, active lifestyles helps our keiki develop good habits that will benefit them throughout their lives,” said Dave Underriner, president of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals, Hawaii Region. “We’re proud to support community initiatives that enable our children to get outdoors and thrive.”