Those who visit Gilbert Carvalho Park in Kaumana for recreational or friends and family gatherings will have an opportunity to know more about the park’s namesake, Gilbert Carvalho.
Those who visit Gilbert Carvalho Park in Kaumana for recreational or friends and family gatherings will have an opportunity to know more about the park’s namesake, Gilbert Carvalho.
With the support of County Councilman Aaron Chung, the county Parks and Recreation Department and several community volunteers, a permanent bronze plaque was dedicated July 26 in Carvalho’s honor.
The plaque is permanently mounted on a stone monument crafted by Tai Akimseu-Faris with help from his son, Tanner, and Shane Picanco, while all monument materials were donated by Larry Akimseu and his family.
Carvalho was one of the Big Island’s greatest athletes. He was an all-star in baseball, excelling as a left-handed pitcher, and basketball, as well as a champion amateur golfer. In 1950, he was recognized as the Big Island’s first Athlete of the Year. In 1952, he pitched for a Hilo all-star team against a barnstorming team of Major League baseball players led by manager Casey Stengel and held the big leaguers scoreless for three innings, striking out Yogi Berra and Billy Martin.
Carvalho died of cancer at 25 in 1955, but not before establishing a legacy of outstanding athletic accomplishments.
Piihonua Park was renamed Gilbert Carvalho Park by resolution of the County Council in 1955.
There was a large turnout for the dedication and blessing of the plaque. Among those in attendance for the ceremony, conducted by Deacon Leroy Andrews of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Papaikou, were Carvalho’s widow, Ruby Carvalho, and daughter, Geldine Namahoe, and her family along with Carvalho’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Carvalho’s only son, Gary, is deceased.
Speaking at the dedication ceremony were Chung, county Managing Director Wil Okabe, Buddy Souza, president of the Big Island Portuguese Culture Club, Marlene Hapai, president of the Hawaii Island Portuguese Chamber of Commerce Cultural and Education Center, and Will Lee, president of the Hawaii Island Portuguese Chamber of Commerce. The event was emceed by Joey Estrella, who grew up at Carvalho Park and who, along with Chung, developed the idea of the plaque which would provide parkgoers information about its namesake.
Light refreshments were provided, including malasadas donated by the Big Island Portuguese Culture Club and Pauline’s Bakery. Donna Johnson of the Big Island Portuguese Culture Club assisted with publicity and event coordination.
The plaque is located next to the gym and the lower parking lot.