HomeMy WebLinkAboutBIL 103 Draft 01 2004-2006 ..~o..~
COUNTY OF HAWAII i STATE OF HAWAII
'~'o:'d~
BILL NO. 103
ORDINANCIE NO.
A BILL FOR AN ORDINANCE AME DING THE PARKS AND RECREATION
FACILITY SCHEDULE, CHAPTER 1 ,SECTION 15-( HAWAII COUNTY
CODE 1983 (1995 EDITION), RE ARDING NAMING THE PLAYGROUND
LOCATED AT LINCOLN PARK AST E ~~DR. RUTH E. ODA PLAYGROUND" IN
HONOR OF DR. RUTH EIKO ODA.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Purpose. Dr. Ruth Eiko Oda was born in Hilo on the Fourth of
July, 1928. "Dr. Ruth", as she was sp fondly called by her many patients, was a
graduate of Hilo Union School and Hilo Intermediate School. She graduated from
Hilo High School in 1944. She received her medical degree from Washington
University, St. Louis, Missouri in 195$. Her internship was at the Grace New Haven
Hospital, Connecticut from 1953-54. he served a pediatric residency at St. Louis
Children's Hospital from 1954-56 and later took postgraduate work at the same
hospital in 1959-60.
Dr. Oda returned to Hilo and opened her private practice at 198 Ponahawai
Street adjacent to the area now known as Lincoln Park. Dr. Oda treated multiple
generations of patients with a combiroation of laughter and professional medical
care. Known as the singing pediatrician, she would often break into song while
treating her young patients, putting them at ease and making them feel
comfortable. In addition to her practiice, Dr. Oda was instrumental in securing
equipment and supplies for the mateYnity and pediatrics wards at Hilo Hospital.
Outside of her practice, Dr. Odia gave countless hours of her time to benefit
our county. She was active in the Bid Island Division of the National Foundation of
March of Dimes, working to educate >rhe community about healthy pregnancy, birth
and child-raising issues. She was a tlireless advocate for the American Cancer
Society, serving on the board of diret~tors, raising funds and public awareness, and
securing the interest and involvemenk of many other volunteers and advocates.
Because of her extraordinary dedication and determined efforts, she left an
indelible, everlasting mark on the lives of thousands of our citizens -and especially
our youngsters. Dr. Oda was repeat¢dly lauded for her contributions to the
community and for her tremendous ihfluence on young people, particularly young
women seeking professional careers.' She was a role model -respected by all, and
a hero to many. Dr. Oda, through Mer good works and boundless energy, was an
inspiration to countless numbers of citizens, patients and non-patients alike. Her
ebullient spirit touched the lives and hearts of many.
Dr. Oda retired after practicing in Hilo for 43 years. In addition to belonging
to numerous organizations, and donating countless hours of time, she was a
member of Piihonua Houselots Kumiai, the American Medical Association, the
Hawai i Medical Association, the Hawaii County Medical Society (secretary 1959),
the American Academy of Pediatrics, t:he Tuberculosis Society, and was a Fellow of
the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Dr. Ruth Eiko Oda passed away on November 2, 2001 at the age of 73.
The purpose of this ordinance is to commemorate in perpetuity the many
years of selfless dedication, hard wor4:, community spirit and aloha that Dr. Ruth
Eiko Oda contributed to our county.
Therefore, the playground at Lincoln Park is named in her honor, pursuant to
Chapter 15, Article 8, Section 15-( Hawaii County Code 1983 (1995 edition),
which establishes requirements for naming of county parks and recreational
facilities.
SECTION 2. Chapter 15, ArticlE~ 8, Section 15-( Hawaii County Code,
relating to the Parks and Recreation Facilities Schedule, Hilo/Hamakua, is amended
to read and be appropriately numbered as follows:
"Lincoln Park
Dr. Ruth E. Oda Play round"
SECTION 3. Material to be repealed is bracketed. New material is
underscored. In printing this ordinan~:e, the brackets, bracketed material and
underscoring need not be included.
SECTION 4. If any provision of this ordinance, or the application
thereof to any person or circumstance°, is held invalid, such invalidity shall
not affect other provisions or applications of the ordinance which can be
given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end, the
provisions of this ordinance are declared to be severable.
SECTION 5. This ordinance sh~311 take effect upon its approval.
INTRDDUCED BY:
OUfJ M OUNTY OF HAWAII
,Hawaii
Date of Introduction:
Date of 1~` Reading:
Date of 2ntl Reading:
Effective Date:
Reference: Comm. 258
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