A drizzly gray day greeted Rotarians gathered in Madam Pele’s Playground to provide water and Gatorade nourishment at Station 2 of the 7th Annual Volcano `Ohi`a Lehua Run. The Rotary Club of Hilo Bay has been involved with this Run from its beginning. In the past, the Run was held to bring awareness and raise funds for the Volcano Arts Center and the charter school in Volcano. Now, it is to raise awareness and funds to malama the `ohi`a lehua, especially against the Rapid `Ohi`a Death (ROD) disease.
Under the leadership of Mary Begier, Rotarians and friends braved the elements with cheers and smiles. Beaming smiles from Art Taniguchi, Steven and Hirona Sylvester with son’s Wyatt and Emmett, Miyuki Lee, Bryan Lindsey, Prez Jan Abundo, Barista Richard Cunningham, Kumiko Usuda, JoB Kamalii, Deb Beaver and friend Dean Silber, Michelle Flemming, and yours truly, made each drizzle rain drop into rays of sunshine! Mary was right when she said, “The company outweighed the drizzle!” Our radio communicator from the Big Island Amateur Radio Club was Dale McBeath (WH6DGM).
There was no doubt who was Station 2 with three Rotary Club of Hilo Bay banners promptly displayed in every direction. With coordinated minds and hands, five Rotarians aptly raised a tent which looked like it magically and suddenly appeared. Tables were set strategically for cups of water and Gatorade drinks, and cupcake trays were used to make it convenient for runners to grab a drink without breaking their stride.
A bright pink portable lua, bathroom, provided comfort to many runners and there was never a waiting line. Amazing how that works. Richard Cunningham continued his tradition of serving freshly brewed hot coffee and he received many compliments. Richard’s delicious coffee was further enhanced by the drizzly chilly weather.
As runners approached our station, we clapped and shouted words of encouragement to cheer them on and many responded with, “Thank You!” and that made us clap and cheer even more! Not all the runners were smiling like we were but knowing that they had already run from Volcano Village, we all understood their serious and focused appearance. Unbelievably, there were a few that cheered and danced as they passed us. Incredible.
This year, 165 runners ran the Half Marathon (21.1K) of which everyone completed, and 222 runners ran the 5K of which 220 completed. The `ohi`a lehua tree and flower is a sacred Native Hawaiian plant and it symbolizes resilience, love, and divine connection. The lehua flower is the official Hawai`i Island flower, and red is the official color.
Mahalo Rotarians for your kokua in furthering efforts of keeping this special plant a part of our lives forever on Hawai`i Island.