LIHUE — Kamalani Kai Playbridge will get sprucing up and a new name. More than 150 participants are expected to lend a hand Saturday and complete repainting of the large bridge, which will be renamed the Bynum Bridge at Kamalani
LIHUE — Kamalani Kai Playbridge will get sprucing up and a new name.
More than 150 participants are expected to lend a hand Saturday and complete repainting of the large bridge, which will be renamed the Bynum Bridge at Kamalani Kai in honor of the four-time Kauai County councilman, who played a pivotal role in having the bridge built in 2001.
“This bridge is a strong symbol of Tim’s ability to bring community and government together creating this amazing asset for the enjoyment of Kauai’s residents and visitors,” said Doug Haigh, county building division chief. “His visionary determination and collaboration pulled together many to make it happen.”
Bynum, who passed away last November at 62, was a leader in many initiatives focused on improving the health and well-being of Kauaiians, including helping to lead the effort to construct the Kamalani Playground in 1994 and securing funding for new sports fields in Lydgate Park.
“Tim deserves the recognition that we’re proposing,” said Tommy Noyes, general coordinator of Friends of Kamalani and Lydgate Park. “Tim was a great facilitator and brought everyone together.”
In 1993, Bynum helped to found Friends of Kamalani & Lydgate Park to preserve and improve the park’s playgrounds, campgrounds and ocean-side recreational areas and facilities.
On Saturday at 10:45 a.m., a dedication ceremony will unveil permanent signage renaming the playbridge Bynum Bridge saying “Honoring Tim Bynum’s ‘Community First’ service to Kauai.”
“The mayor and I both already support this resolution for the efforts of Tim and what he has done and the continued vision of the organization that continues to help maintain Lydgate/Kamalani,” said Lenny Rapozo, director of Parks & Recreation. “It makes so many people on this island happy, not only families, schools, organizations, it’s unbelievable.”
Along with the Bynum Bridge signs at both the makai and mauka entrances, there will be interpretive signage about the history of Kamalani Kai area, the building of the bridge and Bynum’s role in it.
“Tim was there for the people,” said Felicia Cowden, representative for KKCR public affairs. “The Kamalani Kai Bridge is an excellent example of how supportive he was to everyone from the cradle and up.”
