Question: In 2009, I was one of hundreds of veterans with diabetes selected as part of a VA study. Our responsibility was to take our blood sugar and pressure twice a day, walk 10,000 steps, and record on a form, including our meals (quantity and menu) for one year. During that period and currently, I began walking at Punchbowl five to six times a year, along with my regular location at the Windward Mall. I am a 100 percent-disabled, Agent Orange Vietnam War veteran, and under VA care. I do have many friends interred and buried at Punchbowl, and every time I walk, I do visit them on my last cycle to share a few thoughts. Oh, it’s 5,000 steps in one cycle, including the lookout, and so requires two cycles for my 10,000-step (4 miles) walk. Does this policy end my walking exercise (recommended by VA) at Punchbowl?
Answer: Yes, because you are visiting to exercise. However, since the cemetery is the final resting place for so many friends, perhaps you could change your routine to emphasize the grave site visits rather than the number of steps. As you walk from one friend’s grave site to another, you would get some exercise — albeit not 10,000 steps.
In last Tuesday’s column (https://808ne.ws/57kline), we explained that the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, commonly known as Punchbowl, is trying to deter recreational use of the scenic grounds, as well as other infractions. There are no exceptions, spokesman Gene Maestas said in response to your question:
“First, I would like to thank the veteran for his service to our country and wish him a speedy recovery. Unfortunately, exercising inside national cemeteries is not acceptable. We cannot make exceptions because that would be a violation of our own policies and regulations. It would be a slippery slope if someone was allowed to violate National Cemetery Administration regulations. Would we then be obligated to allow picnicking, smoking, or bicycling? Where would it end? There are many community parks and beaches in Honolulu that are available for people who like to exercise. We are thankful that this veteran visits his friends that are interred at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. That is exactly why we do our best to maintain a peaceful environment for all who come here to reflect and honor those who served our country. I hope this is helpful for all so they can understand the significance of following all the regulations. Thank you for your question.”
We’ve heard from other readers, some of whom also identified themselves as veterans, who praised Punchbowl for cracking down on smoking, littering, exercising and other infractions at the cemetery, which they said seemed more common recently.
Mahalo
I was born and raised in the Kaneohe-Kahaluu area, but have lived in Amish Country, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, for more than 30 years. During a recent visit to Oahu, I stopped at Kaneohe Bakery. After making my selections, I asked the clerk if they accepted credit cards. As he answered yes, a voice to my side said, “I get um.” We both looked at this lovely lady, quite in shock, and she repeated, “I get um,” and she paid for my purchase! I was so shocked, I just got her name, Fay, gave her a couple of hugs and left. It was only later that I realized I should have paid for the next person! Auwe! Anyway, Fay, if you’re out there and read this, please know your kindness and generosity made a huge impact on me and my family! I’ve heard of these Random Acts of Kindness happening to people, but this is the first time it’s happened to me! Mahalo nui loa, me ke aloha pumehana, malama pono — Ronni Sakamoto, Lititz, Pennsylvania
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