Council honors community hero with boxing gym renaming

In a recent remote meeting, the city council discussed several resolutions, including the acceptance of gifts and the renaming of a local boxing gym to honor a community legend.

The meeting began with procedural announcements, allowing public testimony both in-person and remotely. Participants were reminded to keep their statements concise, limited to one minute each.

One of the key resolutions, 24-218, proposed accepting a gift of two animal-shaped benches valued at $6,628.11 from NTPH Holding Corporation and the Honolulu Zoological Society. Tracy Kubota, Deputy Director of the Department of Enterprise Services, expressed support for the resolution, which was subsequently approved without objections.

Another significant item was resolution 24-222, which sought to rename the Waianae District Park boxing gym after Fred \"Pops\" Fernandez Pereira, a revered boxing coach known for his dedication to the community. Laura Thelen, Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation, highlighted Pereira's impact on local youth, with several community members testifying in support of the renaming. They shared personal stories of how Pereira had positively influenced their lives and the lives of many others in Waianae. The resolution was also passed unanimously.

Additionally, the council discussed resolution 24-233, which involved accepting a gift valued at $115,000 for the replacement of an ozone system and filtration repairs for the hippo exhibit at the Honolulu Zoo. This resolution was similarly supported and approved.

Lastly, resolution 24-234 proposed accepting a site marker gift valued at $1,432 from Leipua Alakere, to be installed at the Frank Fasi Municipal Building. This resolution also received unanimous support.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to community engagement and recognition of local contributions, particularly through the renaming of the boxing gym in honor of a beloved figure in Waianae.