REP PCHSW 008 2023/12/05 (2022-2024)

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REPORT OF THE POLICY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, SAFETY, AND WELL-BEING DATE: December 5, 2023 PLACE: Council Chambers Hilo, Hawaii TIME: 4:27 p.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Re: Comm. No. 599/Bill No. 103 Your Policy Committee on Health, Safety, and Well-being, to which was referred Bill No. 103, reports as follows: Bill No. 103, transmitted by Susan L. K. Lee Loy and Ashley L. Kierkiewicz, Council Members for District 3 and District 4 respectively via Comm. No. 599 dated November 7, 2023, amends the Parks and Recreational Facility Schedule, Chapter 15, Article 8, Section 15-68.1 of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 edition, as amended), by naming the ballfield at the Dr. Francis F. C. Wong Stadium in the Ho`olulu Complex the "James "Jimmy" Correa Ballfield" in honor of James "Jimmy" Correa. Ms. Lee Loy began with her amendment contained in Communication 599.2 to correct an inaccuracy regarding Mr. Correa's win record. All committee members present voted in favor, with Committee Member Cindy Evans absent. The committee returned to the main motion and reviewed a video presentation prepared by students to help preserve Mr. Correa's legacy. Ms. Lee Loy said that this naming request came from Parks and Recreation's Recreation Specialist Morty Carter. Mr. Carter spoke about the long overdue acknowledgement of the father of Hilo Baseball. He emphasized that James "Jimmy" Correa meets or exceeds all of the criteria outlined in the County Code for this name change and that they obtained 1,000 signatures in support of this naming. He also shared that they reached out to the family of Francis F.C. Wong as part of the due diligence and that Mr. Wong's family gave their support. Ms. Lee Loy said that in seeing the pillars of community members who were in support of this bill she asked Committee Member Ashley Kierkiewicz to co-sign with her as a fellow St. Joseph graduate. Ms. Kierkiewicz said that she knows the important role that sports play in our community and was happy to do so. Ms. Kierkiewicz thanked everyone for their patience and participation. Just like Jimmy, she said that all present are giving themselves to service and fostering a sense of responsibility off and on the field by celebrating Mr. Correa's legacy as the father of Hilo baseball and fostering connections. She explained that having this bill go into effect in June of next year will give the County enough time to have the sign made properly and coincides with Mr. Correa's birthday so that there can be a big parry. PCHSW Report No. 8