HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0599.006 2022-2024 PIPCH5W
CO Mivi. 5611
Aloha, please accept my written testimony in support of Bill 103,to name the balifield at Dr. Francis
Wong Stadium, in memory of James "Jimmy"Correa, my Grandfather.
My name is James Kanale Correa,grandson of James "Jimmy"Correa. My memory of my Granpa goes
back to the late 1970's,where he would pick my cousins and I up from elementary school and at times
we would accompany him to Wong Stadium to sit in the dug out during practice or games...
At the Correa house we all learned to play baseball and basketball and when we accompanied him to the
park we were able to improve our skills and knowledge of the game, listening to him coach and to talk
to his players...
We also learned the many life lessons taught by him, like discipline, humility, respect and character,
through his coaching methods. We were the youngsters at the park watching him talk and coach
teenagers and adults...
As I got older and participated in baseball, I had the privilege of having him tutor me through the rest of
my career. Even during times that I played against a team he coached with my uncle,Grandpa would
always be on my side encouraging me, providing me with the confidence to succeed...
It was apparent that he was well known,well liked and respected. Everywhere I went with him, he would
wave and acknowledge people and they would do the same. They would call him Mr. Correa,Coach,
Uncle or Papa, if it was a close acquaintance Jimmy. When I would later ask him who that person was, a
lot of times he would tell me, a former player or"your cousin".Grandpa taught many,of all ethnicities
and economic levels and he had a knack for providing troubled youngsters with an opportunity in sports
to be better individuals...
It would be an honor for the ballfield that we spent many hours at with him,while he coached and
instructed many, to be named in his memory. I look forward to taking my grandson to the field and to
watch him participate in his athletic events,with such rich personal history..
• Thank you for accepting my testimony,and I encourage passage of Bill 103... i
James K. Correa,Grandson rn
Sgt. Hawaii County Police Dept.
Chapter Chaiman,SHOPO .. ,
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Comm. No. 5,9Q•U
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