HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 273 Draft 01 1980-1984RESOLUTION NO. 273 82
(REVISED)
WHEREAS, Charles "Sparky" Kawamoto, a popular island
personality, is best known and respected as one of the premiere
swimming coaches in the State of Hawaii; and
WHEREAS, this esteemed reputation had its beginning in the
mid -1930's when "Sparky", foreseeing the swimming talents of our
local youths, formed the Shinmachi Swim .Club which was the
forerunner of the present-day Hilo Aquatic Club; and
WHEREAS, with this inauspicious and humble start, having no
swimming pool and using the Radio Bay and the Wailoa River as its
training and competition sites, "Sparky" Kawamoto developed many
championship teams as well as individuals during these memorable
years; and
WHEREAS, the ultimate proof of "Sparky's" coaching skills were
duly reflected by his protege Yoshinobu Oyakawa who in the 1952
Olympics in Helsinki, Finland, won the gold medal in the 100 meter
backstroke, and by such other swim stars as 1956 Olympians Richard
"Sonny" Tanabe, Edward Kawachika, now head coach of the Hilo Aquatic
Club, Dennis Baker, Laurence Hao and many others renown in swimming
circles; and
WHEREAS, "Sparky's" influence and expertise in aquatics
continues to be felt today, as upon his retirement from American
Factors, he began his second career as an activity aide within the
Department of Parks and Recreation's physical fitness program,
teaching our senior citizens proper exercising and swimming
techniques.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COuINTY OF
HAWAII that in recognition of the many contributions "Sparky"
Kawamoto has made to the sport of swimming, hereby endorses the
propoproposal that the Hoolulu Swim Stadium be renamed the CHARLES
sal
KAWAMOTO SWIM STADIUM to honor one of Hawaii's ,greatest
swimming coaches.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the County of Hawaii
remit true copies of this resolution to Charles "Sparky" Kawamoto;
Mayor Herbert T. Mata;yoshi; and Milton Hakoda, Director of Parks and
Recreation.
Dated at Hilo, Hawaii, this 19th day �f January, 1982.
clr,`. OF —1-71L ._!