Effort to be more fit a hit with lawmakers

By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Health Writer

From left, Rep. Marilyn B. Lee, D-38th (Mililani, Mililani Mauka), and Rep. Lynn Finnegan, R-32nd (Aliamanu, airport, Mapunapuna), walk around the state Capitol as part of physical fitness challenge by Hawai'i lawmakers. Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser

The event was choreographed by Hawaii Medical Service Association, the state's largest health insurer, which came up with the challenge as lawmakers race toward their scheduled adjournment on May 6. The three steppers who walk the farthest in two groups — one group each of younger and older legislators — will see money donated to schools in their districts for physical education.

Senate President Robert Bunda, D-22nd (North Shore, Wahiawa) said the challenge has pushed him to pick up the pace at a time of year he often eases up.

After bypass surgery four years ago, Bunda became more health-conscious in general, but the 12-to-13-hour days at the state Capitol can derail even the dedicated.

With the pedometer on, he walks to breakfast or lunch downtown. "Rather than taking the elevator, I now walk," he said. "The incentive is to donate to the school of our choice."

Rep. Cynthia Thielen, R-50th (Kailua, Mokapu), finds herself working in extra steps whenever she can, which might look a bit odd to bystanders. "We're blazing around and then stopping and looking at our belts," she said. "I've gone up to 13,000 steps a day."

Thielen said the challenge will likely leave the politicians healthier and more alert while helping schools. "We're all a bit competitive with each other, regardless of political affiliation."

Government relations manager Jennifer Diesman said HMSA spent a total of $1,825 to give each of the 76 lawmakers a pedometer, a handbook on health, a water bottle, two energy bars and a lunch bag.

HMSA split the lawmakers into two age groups: 50 and above, and 49 and below. And the organization donated a total of $6,000 to public schools in the six winning legislators' districts for physical education.

Diesman said about 40 percent of lawmakers are taking part.

"The response has just been incredible," Diesman said, with some of the most enthusiastic walkers doing laps around the chamber during recesses.

Diesman said the challenge provided a chance to educate policymakers in an interactive way. That way they would see HMSA's effort to connect between lifestyle choices and helping to control increased healthcare costs.

This program ends May 2, but HMSA plans to expand other walking-support programs in the community.

Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2429.