Hilo Bayfront Trails, Inc. Installs Trail-Use Counter with Grant Support to Advance Community Connectivity 

Hilo, Hawai‘i – April 5, 2025 — Hilo Bayfront Trails, Inc. is proud to announce the installation of a new trail-use counter near downtown Hilo, thanks to the support of a 2024 Two For The Trails grant from Athletic Brewing Company. Hilo Bayfront Trails, Inc. was one of just 170 recipients globally to receive funding through this highly competitive program, which dedicates up to $2 million annually to the protection and restoration of outdoor spaces.

The Two For The Trails program grant and the project leadership from James Eller (Treasurer of the Hilo Bayfront Trails, Inc.) enabled the purchase and installation of a state-of-the-art trail-use counter—an innovative and data-driven tool designed to measure how, when, and by whom the trail system is being used. Volunteers from the organization installed the counter this past weekend, marking a significant step forward in the trail network’s evolution.

“This device gives us, for the first time, real-time insights into how our trails are being used,” said Andi Ellis, President of Hilo Bayfront Trails, Inc. “It will help us ensure our trails meet the needs of everyone in our community—from keiki to kūpuna—and support our mission of building a more connected, active, and sustainable Hilo.”

The counter collects anonymized data on trail users, including usage frequency, direction, and whether users are walking, biking, or running. This information will be instrumental in:

• Planning future trail segments that align with community needs and usage trends
• Supporting funding and advocacy efforts for new trail infrastructure
• Improving accessibility and equity, ensuring that all residents have safe, reliable, and enjoyable access to outdoor spaces
• Encouraging sustainable use and long-term stewardship of Hawai‘i’s natural environment

Hilo Bayfront Trails, Inc. envisions a future in which Hilo and East Hawai‘i are connected by a comprehensive, environmentally responsible, and accessible multi-modal trail system. The organization’s mission centers on encouraging active lifestyles, supporting local economic vitality, and linking people to essential services, cultural landmarks, and recreational opportunities.

As trail use in East Hawai‘i continues to grow, the new counter marks a pivotal moment in transforming Hilo into a model of connectivity and community well-being. Through partnerships like this with Athletic Brewing Company and the collective efforts of local volunteers, Hilo Bayfront Trails, Inc. is building more than just trails—they’re building a healthier, more connected future.