When Boy Scout Phillip Palmore of Troop 42 in Mountain View noticed that residents at the Hilo Medical Center Extended Care Facility spent most of their hours indoors because of limited access to outside areas, he decided to do something about it.
When Boy Scout Phillip Palmore of Troop 42 in Mountain View noticed that residents at the Hilo Medical Center Extended Care Facility spent most of their hours indoors because of limited access to outside areas, he decided to do something about it.
His solution was to organize a construction effort to build an outdoor sidewalk and a gazebo-like structure in an empty field adjacent to the facility as part of an Eagle Scout project.
Palmore, 16, a Kea‘au High School student, helped design a figure-eight sidewalk that meets American with Disabilities Act standards, and seating areas. Palmore’s friend and fellow Scout Aaron Graf, also 16, is leading the landscaping features as his Eagle project. The landscaping will include a low-maintenance Japanese-style sand garden with the traditional three or five large rocks. An upper-seating area will be surrounded by an elevated earthen berm — a perfect place for local flowers and plants.
The Waiakea Lion’s Club is assisting Palmore in making his project a reality. Other volunteers include members of Troop 42 and the Kea‘au High School Civics Club. Expertise also is being donated by local Masons.
Palmore realizes the costs for materials and construction drawings, so he’s been busy soliciting donations from various local companies, and received great support.
“I can’t (express) how much I appreciate their help,” Palmore said. “When the project is finished I will share with everyone what great assets these giving companies are to our community.”
The Extended Care Facility was built about 50 years ago. Palmore said the facility is showing its age, but inside it’s bustling with some of the most amazing and caring people he has ever met, including Teana Kaho‘ohanohano, the facility administrator.
“Our community is fortunate to have her,” Palmore said.
The public is welcome to see the project’s progress. Monetary contributions for materials can be given to the Hilo Medical Center Foundation. They can be contacted at 935-2957 or by email at HMCFoundation@hhsc.org.
Palmore said donations made to the foundation are tax deductible and a great way to improve access to the outdoors for kupuna residing at the hospital and nursing home.