HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PCHSW 001 2025-06-03 2024-2026REPORT OF THE POLICY COMMITTEE
ON HEALTH, SAFETY, AND WELL-BEING
DATE: June 3, 2025 Re: Comm. No. 302Bill No. 58
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawaii
TIME: 9:01 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Policy Committee on Health, Safety, and Well-being, to which was referred Bill No. 58,
reports as follows:
Bill No. 58, transmitted by Committee Member Jenn Kagiwada via Communication No. 302,
proposes to amend Chapter 15, Article 8, Section 15-68.1 of the Hawaii County Code 1983
(2016 Edition, as amended), by renaming Kaumana Lani Park as "Yet Sung Chang Park."
Committee Member Kagiwada noted that Mr. Yet Sung Chang had donated the land for the park
and explained that the Department of Parks and Recreation had no documentation on the origin
of the current park name and believed it to be based on the neighborhood location rather than
cultural or historical ties. Mr. Chang's daughter, Carol Delima, expressed her appreciation and
shared remarks about her father's legacy and values.
Committee Member Villegas acknowledged Mr. Chang's donation as a beautiful legacy of
generosity, but voiced concern about replacing a Hawaiian name with a personal one, and
suggested seeking input from cultural practitioners or descendants of the area. In response, Ms.
Delima asked if an alternative name such as "Chang's Park," could be an option.
Committee Member Kierkiewicz shared that both cultural and individual recognition can coexist
through interpretive signage.
Committee members expressed appreciation for the discussion and suggested obtaining further
input from relevant cultural advisory groups.
PCHSW Report No. 1
PCHSW-1 Page 2 June 3, 2025
Your Committee is in accord with the purpose and intent of Bill No. 58, and recommends its
passage on first reading.
ki
AYES
NOES
ABS
EX
GALIMBA
X
HUSTACE
g
INABA
g
KAGIWADA
X
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER
X
KIERKIEWICZ
X
KIMBALL
g
ONISHI
g
VILLEGAS
g
Respectfully submitted,
POLICY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH,
SAFETY, AND WE -BEING
DENNIS "FRESH" ONISHI, CHAIR
PCHSW REPORT NO.: 1
ADOPTED: JUL ® 2025