Lt. Governor Promotes Cycling in Hawai`i
Lt. Governor Aiona led an estimated 4,000 cyclists in their annual ride through Windward O`ahu to promote cycling as a way to incorporate regular exercise into a busy schedule.
The Lt. Governor leads cyclists in the 2008 Honolulu Century Ride.
Known as the 2008 Honolulu Century Ride, the event is part of a broader effort to reduce health risks stemming from a lack of regular day-to-day physical activity.
The event was organized by the Hawai‘i Bicycling League.
According to the state Department of Health, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Hawai‘i, where it is responsible for the deaths of more than 3,100 people in 2005.
The Lt. Governor has been the public face of the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s Healthy Hawai`i Initiative, a statewide effort aimed at getting people to eat healthier and take part in more physical activity.
The initiative stems from the need to reduce the risk of diabetes, heart problems and other chronic diseases that contribute to poor health and greater healthcare costs. Studies suggest that Hawai‘i residents could have saved an estimated $140 million on their hospital bills if they were more physically active on a regular basis.
On Thursday, October 9, the state Department of Health will host the 2008 Hawai`i Physical Activity and Nutrition Forum. The forum will provide the public with updates on the progress of the Hawai`i Physical Activity and Nutrition Plan, progress since the 2007 Physical Activity and Nutrition Summit and discuss organizations working to build active living communities in Hawai`i.
- Learn more about the Healthy Hawai`i Initiative.
