HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0143.077 2014-2016RODNEY ACIA
P.G.A. GOLF PROFESSIONAL
471 Haihai St.
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
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May 28, 2015
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To: Hawaii County Council v
Re: Special Meeting of the Hawaii County Council'
Comm.. 143.58 / memo no. 4
Hilo Municipal Golf Course $179,565.00 subsidy decrease
Having worked at the Hilo Municipal Golf Course since October of 1989, I have
a lot of insight and working knowledge about what exactly goes on at this facility.
I am not an employee of the County.
The game of golf is internationally recognized, and has earned a place in the Olympics.
Golf requires Athleticism, Strength, Conditioning, mental fortitude. It is the only sport
that requires the players to call rules violations on themselves. It's the only sport that
demands honesty, and integrity. It is a lifetime sport. If you are 5 years old, or you are
95 years old, you can still play the game of golf. Our County citizens are allowed to
Choose their preferred sport. Whether it's for exercise or competition. The Department of
Parks and Recreation offers facilities for - Soccer, Baseball, Football, Tennis, Swimming,
Basketball, Golf, and a lot of other venues for fun and recreation. Over the 25 or so years
that I have worked here, Golf seems to be the only County offered recreation that does
not sit well with some of the Council Members. If you don't play the game, it should not
mean that everyone else that plays it should pay a premium over any other sport offered
by the County. That's my opinion and it's also the opinion of the more than 220 plus
citizens Per DU, that use this facility. No other County sports facility is accommodating
more tax payers on a daily basis, than the Hilo Municipal Golf Course.
Who is using this facility?
I have personally helped people from, Kau, Naalehu; Ocean View, Kona, All of West
Hawaii, Waimea, Kohala, Honokaa, Paukaa, Paauilo, Laupahoehoe, All of Hilo, Puna
Volcano, and everywhere else on this Island. This Facility is available to all Big
Islanders. If you are Poor, you are welcome here. If you are a middle class person, you
are welcome here. If you are Rich, you are welcome here. We are willing and happy to
accommodate any person that decides they would like to play golf.
Comm. No. �y -1 -1
Ref. To: c. AK" 1
Ref. Dote .1lININ 11 12g;p__
We have Junior programs for ages 5 to 17. We have 131117 High School .practices and
competitions. We have the business community from all over the Island use our facility.
We have a large senior following that need to keep their minds Sharpe, and their bodies
physical Fit. There are countless other programs that are ongoing every day. Golf at The
Muni provides recreation and exercise for any and all comers.
The Hilo Municipal Golf Course was featured on the Golf Channel recently. This
produced World wide exposure for our golf course, The Big Island, and the state of
Hawaii. Having Certified Class A PGA Professionals and a dedicated staff has helped, the
County realize priceless advertizing at no cost.
I could go on and on about how good this facility is for our citizens and our Economy.
Golf is a game, for the masses. Anyone can play golf. We have a handicapping system
that allows a not so skilled person to compete with an intimidating athlete on an equal
Playing field. What other sport can say that. Honor and Integrity is high on a golfers list
of requirements. Our young are thought this, and it carries over to their adult lives.
Please consider the overall effectiveness of the Hilo Municipal Golf Course as being
something that the County of Hawaii proudly maintains and offers to their people.
People find happiness in a lot of different ways. 200 plus people per day come to our
Facility, anxious to play the game, and ultimately end the day "Happy"
Respectfully Submitted;
Rodney Acia