02-07-2010, 06:55 AM
The older Asian man walking the highways from lower Puna to Hilo and back was a common sight here for years and he disappeared from sight for the last few years. I noticed recently that he's back. Don't know his personal situation but he was one of several people that spent all their time walking along the highways. People used to stop and offer rides, etc. but got nowhere.
It is a compulsive activity for some mentally ill people and if it's their desire to pass their time walking instead of sitting somewhere simply passing time or in a ward taking meds and being given "make-work" occupational therapy sessions. it seems healthier to me. I was surprised to see the old gentleman back but glad that he hadn't passed away. About 10 years ago there were 3 or 4 regulars walking the roads and they were all Japanese men. Many more years ago there was a black woman in Hilo who was a regular but I think she relocated to HNL somehow.
It is a compulsive activity for some mentally ill people and if it's their desire to pass their time walking instead of sitting somewhere simply passing time or in a ward taking meds and being given "make-work" occupational therapy sessions. it seems healthier to me. I was surprised to see the old gentleman back but glad that he hadn't passed away. About 10 years ago there were 3 or 4 regulars walking the roads and they were all Japanese men. Many more years ago there was a black woman in Hilo who was a regular but I think she relocated to HNL somehow.