For Immediate Release: January 20, 2005

Maui Trails Volunteers Receive National Award

KAHULUI— Two Maui volunteers for the Dept. of Land and Natural Sources’ Na Ala Hele Trails and Access Program received national awards yesterday at the Na Ala Hele meeting at DLNR’s Maui baseyard.

The awards, from the National Trails Organization, were presented to Sue Guille of Kula as the Hawai‘i State Trail Advocate for 2004, and Ben Furtado of Wailuku, as the Hawai‘i State Trail Worker for 2004.

“We appreciate the dedication of these outstanding volunteers whose service has distinguished them and brought recognition at a national level. We thank them for doing so much for our trails in Hawai‘i,” said Peter Young, DLNR chairperson.

Furtado has contributed over 2,450 hours of trail maintenance work and is the #1 volunteer for the Maui Na Ala Hele program. “He has a great attitude and keeps the morale of all the volunteers at a consistently high level,” said Mark Peyton, Na Ala Hele volunteer supervisor.

Guille has been dedicated to trail and access issues in Hawai‘i for 12 years. She has served as a volunteer on trail building and maintenance projects. She has also been a member of the Na Ala Hele Trails and Access advisory council for ten years — serving as statewide chair for two years.

She is an avid hiker and mountain biker, and strong advocate for equestrian issues. She organized a coalition of horse enthusiasts — the Hawaii Equestrian Trail Association — to lobby for the passage of an equine liability law which gives horse- and land-owners extra liability protection.

Guille and other horse community members worked with the County of Maui to develop and raise funds for the first community horse arena. She was the volunteer project manager for the facility. She is now developing and constructing a network of trails next to the arena.

She was involved in developing and completing a master plan for trail development on Maui with extensive trails and greenways. A pilot trail project is close to being launched.

American Trails gives out awards every two years to recognize the tremendous contributions of volunteers, professionals and other leaders who are working to create a national system of trails for all Americans. The awards were presented on October 23, 2004, at the 17th National Trails Symposium held in Austin, Texas.

This year 26 State Advocate and 27 State Trail Worker Awards were given out to organizations and individuals who have been successful in influencing public policy and supporting trail planning, protection, development and maintenance. Individuals and organizations were recognized from 34 states including Hawaii.

"We applaud these efforts made by dedicated trail enthusiasts and professionals through the nation. With their help, American Trails will be closer to meeting its mission of pursuing a quality national trails and greenways system within 15 minutes of every American home or workplace, and that meets the needs of all Americans." Pam Gluck, Executive Director of American Trails.

For more information about the DLNR Na Ala Hele Trails and Access Program on Maui, call Mark Peyton at (808) 873-3509. Na Ala Hele welcomes volunteers who want to help with trails development and maintenance..

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For more information, contact:
Deborah Ward
DLNR Public Information Office
Phone: (808) 587-0320


 

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