A grant to help Native Hawaiians get healthy

Surely, there’s a special talent in writing grant proposals, and being so persuasive that the money follows. It also doesn’t hurt that the proposal seeking funds is creative.

On those counts, it looks like a University of Hawaii project has delivered — securing a $23 million federal grant over five years aimed at improving the well-being of residents at risk due to serious health disparities. Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders and Filipinos will be among populations to benefit from various projects addressing genetic, environmental and socio­economic inequities.

Funded by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, the projects include one that teaches aquaponics to Native Hawaiians in Waimanalo so they can use that knowledge with cultural practices to grow their own produce and fish, making for healthier eating and habits.

If she can finish the marathon, maybe you can, too

It’s never too late to enter the world of marathon running. Ask Ayako Hayashi, 81, who came all the way from Shiki City in Japan for the run.

She walked, actually, and with the aid of those she met along the way, she finished the Honolulu Marathon in 16 hours, 23 minutes.

If that inspires any other newbies to enter, signups for 2018 will start in early January (www.honolulumarathon.org/key-information/how-to-enter). And if anyone missed picking up their finishing time, that’s online, too (live.pseresults.com/e/83#/watchlist). At least this option requires only that your fingers run, over the keyboard.