HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0599.008 2022-2024 pI PCNSv
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Testimony in Support of Bill 103 to name 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
County Council
County of Hawai'i
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Q
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Policy Committee on Health, Safety and Well-Being ``'
December 5, 2023
3 pm '�r
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Aloha Chair Kagiwada,Vice-Chair Kaneali'i-Kleinfelder, and honorable members of the
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Committee: `,,, _
My name is D. Noelani Kalipi, and I am James "Jimmy" Correa's oldest granddaughter. I am
submitting this testimony in support of Bill 103, which would name 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.
I grew up at the Dr. Francis F.C. Wong Stadium with my grandfather, who was always coaching
multiple baseball teams at different age brackets. My earliest childhood memories are from
being on that field,whether sitting in the dugout, chasing balls, picking up bats, or being the
announcer on the P.A. system during AJA games on Sundays. Baseball was a family affair for all
of us—whether it was my grandmother sewing the baseball uniforms, one of my aunties
keeping the official scorebook, me working the scoreboard, or working in the concessions
(which was the worst job because you couldn't see the game). When my grandfather wasn't
coaching, he was umpiring, which meant we still needed to be down at the stadium.
As the only grandchild for the first few years of my life (my cousins were born after I turned
five), I had the pleasure of accompanying my grandfather daily. I grew up taking for granted how
connected athletic coaches are to the community because of the amount of time they spend
with everyone's children. Everyone knew and talked to my Papa—I thought that was how it was
for everyone. We couldn't go anywhere quickly—we always stopped to talk story with everyone
no matter where we were.
Now that I am an adult,former players stop me to share their memories of playing for my
grandfather. Players have shared how their experiences on the baseball diamond have
influenced their lives. My grandfather had little sayings, tidbits, and routines--from how you
mentally and physically prepare to do your best to how you work hard to support your team,
ensuring everyone wins. It would truly be an honor to have the field he spent so much time on
named after him. While he would have never asked for this honor, I am sure it would make him
very happy to know he will still participate in every baseball game on that field. Thank you in
advance for considering this testimony, and I humbly request your approval of this legislative
action.
Comm. No Sq I .
Ref.To: �� 1��1� I T
Ref. Date I.EC e 5 2023