Kamuela Kuamoo Santa Maria, a member of Boy Scout Troop 7 in Hilo, recently attained the rank of Eagle Scout — Scouting’s highest award — after completing a project to erect three flagpoles at Kalalau Ranch and Victory Gardens.
“I am eternally grateful for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout,” said Kamuela, 14, who is a freshman at Kamehameha Schools Hawaii. “My heart is full of gratitude and appreciation for all of you who assisted me in the four phases of my Eagle Scout project.”
The project consisted of erecting three 27-foot light posts donated from Leleiwi Electric by Eddie Pa‘aluhi that were used as flagpoles. The beneficiary of the project was Kalalau Ranch and Victory Gardens outside of Hilo and its founder, Jeno Enocencio.
In the first phase of the project, an auger and equipment were used to dig three holes 5 feet deep and 2 feet in diameter. In phase two, cement forms were made and placed over each hole, then prepared with wire mesh and anchor bolts.
Phase three consisted of pouring cement in each hole, and the project was completed when the three flag poles were erected using a boom truck.
“My Eagle project at Kalalau Ranch and Victory Gardens benefits our community and Keiki Oka Aina,” Kamuela said. “This gathering place allows veterans to mentor clubs like 4-H, Boy Scouts, Venturing Crew clubs and committees. Having the three flag poles benefits each and every organization.
“Kalalau Ranch and Victory Gardens is a great, safe place to learn about farming, animals, livestock, nature, natural habitats, energy conservation, forestry and wildlife, which are taught by Mr. Enocencio and his assistant merit badge counselors,” Kamuela said.
Kamuela, the son of Mitchell and Krissy Kuamoo Santa Maria of Panaewa, is the troop’s quartermaster and Order of the Arrow of Hilo representative in the Pukahi District. In addition to Scouting, Kamuela is involved in 4-H, NOVA, STEM, Hawaiiana and Civil Air Patrol. Beau Mills is the scoutmaster of Troop 7, which is sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Keaukaha ward.
