A Decade Long Journey to the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary

In the fast-paced digital age we live in, where information is fleeting and memories are often stored in the cloud, there exists individuals who still treasure the tangible. This is a tale of such a person. A woman who was  drawn to a newspaper article from the Honolulu Star Advertiser almost 10 years ago. Little did she know that nearly a decade later, she would embark on a heartwarming journey to the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary that had captured her imagination in 2014.

”Your dad has obviously been touching the hearts of people for a very long time. As far as me still having this… I love newspapers and I include clippings into my travel books of places I’d like to go. These articles just sit in my books until I act on them – this one took me nearly 10 years! And I’m so grateful I finally got to experience it, and see that his family is carrying on this purposeful  legacy” 

Jeanne Martin-Hopkins

The Clipping that Stood the Test of Time

Jeanne’s journey began with a humble newspaper clipping from the Honolulu Star Advertiser back in 2014 titled, “Sanctuary encourages love, awareness of forests”. It featured a story about the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary.

A Love for Newspapers

In a world flooded with digital news, Jeanne has a fondness for newspapers. She cherishes their tactile nature and the nostalgia they carry as she saves them in her travel books. These clippings act as reminders of her past destinations and dreams for future ones. This particular article, elegantly explained the decades of love and passion Norman Bezona poured into the evolution of such a magical place in the Kona Cloud Forest, nestled on the slopes of Hualalai on Hawaii Island. After reading the article, she knew that she had to visit one day.

A Decade-Long Dream

The years passed by, and life’s obligations took precedence. Yet, the newspaper clipping remained tucked away in her travel book. It was a constant reminder of a dream deferred but not forgotten. For nearly a decade, the dream of visiting the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary lingered in the back of her mind as a testament to her unwavering spirit and love for travel.

The Journey

Finally, the day arrived when her dream became a reality. 

While walking through the sanctuary, she was moved by the energy of the forest and could feel that Norman Bezona’s lifelong dedication to promoting the importance of preserving tropical forests had left an indelible mark on this profoundly special piece of paradise. 

Jeanne’s love for newspapers had come full circle. She was able to check off another travel destination off her list and was reminded yet again that these old clippings aren’t just relics of the past but windows to future adventures.

In the end, she reflected on her journey with gratitude. Her decade-long wait had been worth every moment, and she was thrilled to witness the continuation of an important legacy being carried on by Norman’s children and grandchildren.

Normans Legacy Lives On

The sanctuary’s lush canopies and rich biodiversity continue to flourish, offering a timeless retreat for visitors seeking solace in nature. The work of individuals like Norman Bezona and his family, whose passion and commitment were captured in the newspaper article from 2014, lives on through the sanctuary’s thriving ecosystem. This is just one of many important reminders that the legacy of environmental stewardship and the preservation of natural wonders can have a lasting impact, transcending the passage of years and inspiring generations to come.

Conclusion

This story of a woman who saved a newspaper cutout from 2014 is a testament to the power of dreams, determination, a love for travel, and the enduring allure of tangible memories. It reminds us that sometimes, the most rewarding journeys are the ones that take the longest to embark upon.