PĀHOA PARK TO BE RENAMED IN HONOR OF FORMER MAYOR WILLIAM “BILLY” KENOI
PĀHOA PARK TO BE RENAMED IN HONOR OF FORMER MAYOR WILLIAM “BILLY” KENOI
WHAT: The Pāhoa District Park, located in Puna on Hawai‘i Island, is being renamed in honor of William “Billy” Punapaia‘alaikahala Kenoi, former Hawai‘i County Mayor, public servant, lawyer, teacher, coach, and Ironman finisher.
WHO: An aha (ceremony) led by Lei Ilae-Kaleimamahu will ground the experience, to be followed by a program featuring:
- Pule by students from Kua O Ka Lā
- Remarks by Bernard Carvalho (former Kaua‘i Mayor and current Kaua‘i Council Member); Rob Iopa (WCIT Architecture); Janice Ikeda (Vibrant Hawai‘i); John DeFries (Hawai‘i Tourism Authority); and Ashley Kierkiewicz (Hawai‘i County Council Member)
WHEN: Wednesday, November 9, 2022 (note: today also happens to be Billy’s birthday). Aha begins at 11:30 AM, followed by a short program at 12:00 PM.
WHERE: Pāhoa District Park Gym – 15-3022 Kauhale Street, Pāhoa, HI 96778
WHY: One of Mayor Kenoi’s greatest achievements is the development and enhancement of County parks throughout Hawai‘i Island. He saw parks as the heart of the community, a space to immerse oneself in and reconnect with ‘āina, as well as an opportunity to bring keiki, kupuna, and families together for active living and to create happy memories. This is the first asset on Hawai‘i Island to be named after Mayor Kenoi.
HOW: A b-roll package will be available and distributed between 3-4 PM today, November 9. Please email Ashley Kierkiewicz if you are interested in receiving a link to event footage.
