Kauai Path Kaua'i Coastal Path

The first principle listed on the International MOMS Club’s web site is “Women must be free to choose their personal path to fulfillment.” One of the paths that the MOMS Club of Kauai has chosen is exercising and socializing on Ke Ala Hele Makalae, the pedestrian and bicycle path under construction between Kapaa and Kealia Beach.
“We invite mothers and their babies to join us for a stroll along the coast,” said Monica Merrell, Vice President, Kauai chapter of the International MOMS Club as she strapped her son Kodi into his stroller. “Usually about twenty or more pairs of moms and babies meet at the Kealia Lookout parking lot every Tuesday morning at 8:00 and start strolling about 8:10. We’re pau by about 9:45.”
“Mahalo to Brett Ishida and Kauai Path for setting up the Path Ambassadors program to organize volunteer programs and help spread the etiquette guidelines for path users,” continued Katie Thiele, President of the Club. “We’ll help our MOMS Club members and other path users become familiar with the etiquette guidelines. When we began walking on the new Kapaa to Kealia path, we weren’t aware that the County has several signs with basic path users’ etiquette posted in Lydgate Park. That part of the path system opened in 2003. Most of the signage planned for this new section isn’t installed yet.”
“Some bicyclists and joggers got annoyed at us,” added Isaiah Lacambra’s mom Natalie, “because we’d be merrily talking and walking with our strollers, three or four across on the path, and taking up the whole travel way.
“Now we understand and follow two of the etiquette guidelines: keep the path clear, and stay on the right side of the path unless passing. That allows room for on-coming walkers or faster path users to pass us on our left side,” Lacambra continued. “Being more aware of other users really helps keep everybody moving smoothly without conflicts on the path. We just want to have a good time with our babies and our friends, do a bit of a workout, and get to know each other better.”
Petra Clark offered another etiquette item. “It really helps us when folks that are going to pass us give a warning, like ringing their bicycle’s bell or calling out, ‘Passing on your left!’ just so we know they’re coming through.”
Cherisse Kent pointed out the flip side of that etiquette point, “Be predictable—travel in a consistent manner. That means, look behind you before changing position on the path. Really, it all comes down to just being courteous and aware.”
The MOMS Club also organizes play and support groups for mothers who choose to stay at home to raise their children, beach days, baby sitting co-ops, monthly birthday celebrations for kids and moms, provides a forum for topics of interest to mothers, and commits to help needy children in the community by performing at least one service project yearly.
Anyone wishing to learn more about the MOMS Club may contact Ms. Thiele at KtKauai at Yahoo.com or (808) 634-8388. A list of the County’s path etiquette guidelines is posted here. Persons interested in participating in Kauai Path’s Friends of the Path and Path Ambassadors programs may contact Mr. Ishida: bishida at hawaii.edu or call (808) 639-4561.