HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 1138.001 2014-2016 P/ DU icr
COMA. 1
Murashige, Laura
From: Donna Ohora <dohora@hawaii.edu>
Sent: Monday, October 31, 2016 11:35 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Written testimony Bill 253
Attachments: Bill 253 written testimony.docx
Aloha,
Please see attached for my written testimony in support of Bill 253,Name the soccer fields at Herbert Shipman
Park in Kea'au to the "Buddy Perry Soccer Field".
Mahalo,
Donna Ohora
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Bill 253
Aloha, October 28, 2016
I am writing this letter to express my personal support of the naming of the soccer fields at
Shipman Park in honor of Justin "Buddy" Perry. Buddy was a coach, mentor and educator to
numerous keiki. He was an AYSO coach and later founded a successful HYSA club.
As the founder of the Na Hoa 0 Puna Soccer Club President, director of coaching, and mentor
Buddy led by example, volunteering his time with unconditional commitment to the club and
their ohana. My children had the opportunity to work with Buddy and he became a trusted and
respected authority figure.
Buddy was also a coaches coach. He inspired parents and members of the community to
volunteer their time and support for the club, my husband included. He lay the groundwork for
many successful student athletes, and future coaches. He understood the benefit of teaching
fundamentals and building on them and incorporating creativity, taking chances which allowed
the players to have confidence. These important skills translate.to life outside the soccer pitch.
I have always admired people who can plan, adjust and grow their dream and Buddy was that
kind of individual. He had a long range plan, implemented it and with a lot of work was•
successful. What sets this club apart is the fact that the coaches are volunteers, and parents
are not expected to pay a huge fee for uniforms which the club purchased. Instead Buddy
fostered the idea that any child should be able to play at a high level no matter their financial
ability. The players in turn learned to respect the opportunity to play and they earned the right
to wear the Na Hoa 0 Puna jersey.
Buddy was interested in long term development. Players developed a passion for the game,
some have gone on to coach others take an active role and referee for the soccer association.
He encouraged multi-sport athletes, also supporting the players to be part of clubs like robotics
or a part of boy scouts. This runs counter to how some coaches have expectations of a single
focus on a sport.
Buddy taught the players that there are roles and responsibilities on and off the field, to respect
your parents, and help out at home. He understood that as a mentor he was raising young
adults not just athletes. Talking story with community members it is evident that his impact far
surpassed the soccer field and his work in conservation with the natural resources conservation
service touched many in the community.
Buddy set an example and showed the players that they can overcome personal challenges. On
many occasions I witnessed the love and respect the keiki had for him. Naming the soccer fields
in his honor would be a fitting tribute to him.
Mahalo,
Donna Ohora