DEAN SENSUI / DSENSUI@STARBULLETIN.COM
Robert Channels walked along Kamehameha Highway Thursday en route to Waipahu. He has almost completed his second around-the-island walk, but plans to do it as many times as it takes to raise $1 million for diabetes research.
On the road again
A Waialua man will walk around
Oahu until he raises enough money
for diabetes research
If nothing else, Robert Channels is persistent.
The 67-year-old Waialua resident set out in August on a walk around Oahu to raise money for research into a cure for diabetes. Twenty-three days later, he arrived back at his Makua Cave finish line but without raising enough money.
So Jan. 3, Channels set off again from Makua Cave, hiking the tough path around Kaena Point, and around the island clockwise, past Sunset, Velzyland, Kahuku. In Kailua, he was caught in rain and wind, and picked up a cold he hasn't been able to shake.
"I got soaking wet," he said. "I never thought the rain was coming that hard."
At night he sleeps wherever he ends up for the day, often at parks.
Each day, he steps down the road before dawn. About a year ago, Channels was on the way to never walking again.
At age 30, Channels was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and was injecting insulin two to three times a day. Over more than three decades, the disease progressed, his legs turned purple as circulation constricted, and his body developed sores.
Finally, mowing his lawn, he collapsed, nearly passing into a coma.
"I said I got to do something," Channels said.
So he walked. Nine miles a day along old cane roads. From Waialua town to Wahiawa General Hospital. Then around the island.
The walking restored his health, he said. His legs no longer show the effects of the disease. He watches his diet and doesn't need to take insulin.
But, he insists, the steps are not for him.
"I'm not doing this for glory or nothing. I just want to help people," he said. "It's the only thing I'm good at. I found my cure is walking."
He hopes it will be for others as well. Working with the American Diabetes Association, Channels is asking for donations and seeking sponsors to contribute to the association in support of his effort. Donations can also be sent to the association at 1500 S. Beretania St., No. 111, Honolulu 96826.
Thus far, Channels hasn't raised much money, only $1,020 of the $1 million that is his goal by the time he finishes at the Kapolei Zippy's tomorrow.
No matter, Channels said. He will start another circumnavigation on March 12.
"I have to do it. I have to get that money," Channels said. "If I gotta make 10 more walks, I'm gonna do it."
