Trails by Nature Center get Korean, English signs

By Suzanne Roig
Advertiser East Honolulu Writer

The Makiki Valley loop trail will sport new information signs in Korean and English as a way to educate hikers of Korean ancestry — the primary users of the system — on how to be safe and protect the environment.

A sign unveiled Saturday represents a joint venture between the Korean hiking community and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. They shared the cost of printing new brochures and installing a new recycled plastic information sign along the trail.

"What's happened is we've seen a dramatic increase in second-generation Koreans on this loop," said Aaron Lowe, an O'ahu Trails and Access specialist with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. "We assume that the hikers of Korean ancestry are going for spiritual purposes."

Because of the language barrier, Lowe felt it was important to print general hiking tips and a plea in both languages urging hikers to the Makiki Valley loop trail to car pool because parking is at a premium at the trail head, or to try other trails. The Makiki Valley loop trail is a system of three trails next to the Hawai'i Nature Center and the state Division of Forestry & Wildlife office.

In addition to cars from the hikers and workers, each day school buses come to visit The Nature Center, said Jennie Peterson, O'ahu Environmental Education program manager. The buses have difficulty maneuvering the narrow roads.

"We have to reserve areas for the buses to park," Peterson said. "It's often difficult for the staff to find parking, too."

Each day about 60 hikers come to the 2.2-mile loop trail through thick vegetation and a natural stream. More than 60 percent of the hikers are of Korean ancestry.

"The message is everyone needs to work together," Lowe said. "If the signs don't help we may have to regulate the park or the trail access. That's the last resort for us. We don't like to limit access to trails.

"We would rather educate than regulate."

Janice Ko, a Honolulu businesswoman of Korean ancestry, said hiking is part of the Korean culture. It's the way people of Korean ancestry stay healthy. The trail is so close to town, making it that much more attractive than other trails.

"The trail reminds us of Korea, particularly the mountains," Ko said.

Reach Suzanne Roig at sroig@honoluluadvertiser.com or 395-8831.