Friends of the Drug Court and others dedicate the bench on the Makaeo hiking trail

Nestled between lush community gardens and the sandy shoreline of Old Airport Beach Park, the Makaeo Walk Path offers community members a scenic walking path year-round.

On July 29, volunteers from Friends for Fitness met with Friends of Big Island Drug Court to dedicate a bench.

Third District Court Presiding Judge Wendy M. DeWeese thanked the Friends for Fitness volunteers and recognized the collaboration between the Friends of Big Island Drug Court and community members.

Michael Thomas, a current drug court client, built the bench and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to use his skills to help others.

“I’m excited to give back to the community,” Thomas said.

The bench was commissioned by Friends for Fitness volunteer Ernie Gilmour in loving memory of his wife Venera Gilmour. Gilmour, along with volunteer Rosanne Shank, dedicated many hours to the upkeep and maintenance of the Makaeo Walk Path.

Betty De Roy, who organizes volunteers for the Makaeo Walk Path, pointed out that this bench will join two other benches installed by drug court clients.

“The drug court (Friends of Big Island) is here to help us,” De Roy said.

The bench now stands in the shade of the trees along the path and invites passers-by to sit down and enjoy the beauty of nature.