The most recent effort to rename the Hilo High School gymnasium has stalled.
A concurrent resolution in the state Legislature “urging” the School Community Council to rename the gym after coaches Albert and Lawrence Manliguis was deferred last week by the Senate Committee on Education.
“My concern is that we’re inserting ourselves into a process, not knowing all the other names, and trying to pick one over the other, or influence the group,” said Sen. Donna Mercado Kim, vice chair of the committee.
Jasmine Urasaki, principal of Hilo High, confirmed that despite the resolution, there is no immediate rush to rename the gym.
“There’s a group of people that are wanting it to be the Manliguis gym, but there’s people that have brought up other names as well,” Urasaki said. “It’s been brought up with the former principal, and now that I’ve been here, they’ve been bringing it up again.”
Public comments and testimony during the meeting favored renaming the gym in honor of former Hilo High basketball coaches Al Manliguis, 92, and his late brother Larry, who passed away in December 2007.
The two head coaches and former athletes are known for their academic and athletic contributions to the Hilo Vikings, collectively bringing the school three state championships and 11 Big Island Interscholastic Federation titles.
Testimony signed by over 100 community members associated with Hilo High stated: “As players and coaches, Al and Larry have been admired and respected not only for their playing abilities and skills, their coaching strategies and knowledge, but for their caring, positive, ‘can do’ attitude with integrity, compassion and strength.
“They have established a record of extraordinary achievements for others to emulate for years to come.”
Other candidates for potential renaming include Ung-Soy Afook, Hilo High graduate and star athlete whom the Civic Auditorium is partially named after.
The urgency behind the resolution also was addressed at the meeting.
“Because coach Larry died in 2007 at the early age of 65 while still in the position of head coach, and because coach Al is 92 years old, many say they’d like to honor him while he is still living,” said Lester Seto, Hilo High School graduate and Waikoloa resident.
With committee Chair Sen. Michelle Kidani absent from the meeting, Kim favored postponing the measure.
“We may want to ask the senator from (the Hilo) district to weigh in on this,” Kim said.
A final decision on whether to rename the gym will be made by the Hilo High School Community Council.
“We’re following the process of hearing them out,” said Urasaki, who noted next steps could include a survey gauging community support. “They brought it up at our SCC meeting, and we’re working through that process right now.”
Email Grant Phillips at: gphillips@hawaiitribune-herald.com