HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0471.001 2002-2004 Feb. 3, 2004
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to: Hawaii County Council Dm~ ~ ~~Y~
from: Ken Okimoto ~`~iefio~ y_ Squmy Coundl / ' r c
Personal Remarks In Support Of A Full-time P&R Position at Panaewa Park
Thank you for this opportunity to provide some personal remarks. It is my
understanding that the County is considering upgrading the part-time position at
Panaewa Park to full-time. If this is the case, I do support such an upgrade.
Since the year 2000, I have been privileged to be responsible for the
computer lab located within the park, specifically in the single park pavilion that is
called Panaewa Family Center. This lab has been a wonderful collaboration of
the County, community, University of Hawaii, QLCC, and other groups. I
originally was funded through a federal grant, but now I am working on a
community history project grant that is based at the lab.
I have been able to observe many of the park activities on a daily basis,
particularly in the afternoons and evenings, Monday thru Friday. The park is
busily used everyday and it is a welcome relief when there is a park staff person
present. I am only responsible within the building but I cannot avoid observing
what goes on outside. There are times when behavior supervision, first aid, or
even just a friendly face is needed to keep park activities healthy and positive.
I am not too aware of what happens in the mornings but I would hope that
a park staff person would be able to provide building access to young children
and the elderly. There is no other facility in the whole neighborhood. There is no
store, church, office, service station, post office, library or other site where the
public can socialize and do things together.
Please consider this request, thank you.
Comm. No. '471•
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