About Us
Friends For Fitness began in 1992 to decrease the prevalence of sedentary lifestyles and to improve the health of Hawaii residents. Our mission is to create and promote a healthy, livable, and physically active community. Our members are community volunteers who are passionate about improving physical activity resources in our community and leaders from other health-related organizations including the American Heart Association, West Hawaii Tobacco Coalition, and the People’s Advocacy for Trails Hawaii (PATH). Our greatest strength is the wide variety of community groups who are collaborating together for this broader community change, creating a coalition of organizations and community individuals to ensure a sustainable renovation project.
Friends For Fitness has a long history of project involvement from defining needs assessment, advocacy, physical activity projects, education, and creating both a physical activity resource guide and website. Projects relating to the Old Kona Airport State Park started back in 1993 with support for the construction of the 50-meter pool and jogging path.
Friends For Fitness is a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Organization. Funding is provided through donations, fundraisers, charitable events, and grants. Friends For Fitness's positive presence in Kona continues through the help of our generous Big Island community and businesses. Thank you!
History & InvolvEments
1971
July - Hawaii County Submitted a Master Plan to the State of Hawaii in hopes of gaining ownership of the Old Kona Airport site.
1976
The Old Kona Airport Site was dedicated a State Park.
1979
July - Special Management Area Use Permit Granted for development of the Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area (OKASRA).
1992
Friends For Fitness West Hawaii Community Coalition was formed.
1993
Supported the construction of a 50 meter pool at OKASRA.
Keiki fitness needs assessment of West Hawaii public school students (Grades 4-8) Published survey in West Hawaii Today.
Had fitness information booth at the Visitor Industry Charity Walk.
Developed a fitness resource list: Fit Happenings in West Hawai'i
1994
Supported and gave testimony at the Board of Education Commission's Hearing re: The need for physical education in the public school system.
Assisted the Health Promotion & Education Branch of the Department of Health in the development of three television Public Service Announcements promoting fitness and family fitness through Ackerman-Black Productions. Spots were aired State-wide.
1995
Supported the construction of the walking/jogging path at OKASRA.
1998
February - Friends For Fitness Articles of Incorporation
Friends For Fitness President - Heidi Stromberg
April - Friends For Fitness becomes a Nonprofit Organization 501(c)3.
October - Friends For Fitness installs Maka'eo Walking Path mile markers.
1999
January - Friends For Fitness installs Maka'eo Walking Path drinking fountain.
2000
Walking/ Jogging Path Phase I Begins
Needs Assessment, landscaping, drinking fountain, mile markers, irrigation system, placement of benches, stretching post, balance beam installed
2001
Walking/ Jogging Path Phase II Begins
Community-based planning to address safety and health issues with existing path, landscape remaining portion of path, picnic tables, exercise equipment, waste receptacles installed
2021
Small Lawn Development & Anchialine Pond Clean Out
2022
Small Lawn Development, Creative Arts Garden, Fitness Trail Proposal, Community Fitness Development Projects
More To Come!