When Kekoa James was weighing options for his Eagle Scout project, he could easily have opted for something low-key, low-fuss, and — as far as such things are possible — low-stress.

But James, a recent graduate of Assets School, has never been one to take the low road.

To attain the highest rank in the Boy Scouts, candidates must earn some 21 merit badges — each with its own rigorous set of required tasks — serve in a troop leadership position and complete a significant community service project.

In many ways the project is the defining achievement of an Eagle Scout candidacy, an opportunity to draw on years of Scouting experience and personal development to plan, coordinate and execute an initiative that serves others.

The father of one of James’ friends works at Coconut Island, home of the University of Hawaii’s Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, and provided James with a list of possible projects that could be undertaken at the state-owned research facility.

James chose to build a concrete staircase and walkway that would help employees gain better access to one of the main structures.

"I chose the hardest one," James said. "I didn’t want to do something easy. I wanted something that would make a difference."

James met with a contractor to determine the tools, materials and manpower he would need, then set about soliciting donations.

Eko Painting and Concrete Restoration donated 24 bags of concrete. City Mill pitched in with gift cards that James used to buy the necessary tools. The contractor himself donated some $2,000 worth of piping, all bent to order.

Scouts and community volunteers completed the work over three weekends, and James was there to coordinate every step, from making molds and pouring concrete to setting poles and painting rails.

"There were times that I wanted to quit because it was so much work and it took so much time," James said. "But getting the donations inspired me, and I knew that all the hard work would help UHstudents who work in the main building. It was a big accomplishment."

James, who credited his parents, Bryn and Elen, with supporting him throughout his Scouting career, was one of three Assets students to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout this year, an amazing feat given that there were only 20 male students in James’ class.

Classmate Evan Koyanagi headed a safety painting project at Keehi Lagoon Memorial Park, while Nick Grocki oversaw a toddler sandbox landscaping project.

James, a standout athlete, will attend Marymount California University, where he will play soccer and study photography and media arts.

Reach Michael Tsai at mtsai@staradvertiser.com.