Local sports figure Mr. Yonamine, nephew of famous athlete Wally Yonamine, celebrated a major milestone at Pearl City High School as the baseball field was transformed from grass to artificial turf. The $3 million funding for the project was approved by state lawmakers in 2018, with some receiving campaign contributions from Mr. Yonamine’s parties.
At the opening ceremony in 2022, Mr. Yonamine expressed his gratitude to all who made the dream a reality, as a Hawaiian priest sprinkled rainwater on home plate for blessings. The event marked a significant moment for the school and the local sports community.
This article was reported in partnership with Big Local News at Stanford University, showcasing the collaboration and dedication to uncovering important stories. The analysis of campaign contributions and state contracts revealed interesting connections and highlighted the impact of such funding decisions on local projects like the field conversion at Pearl City High School.
Overall, the story of Mr. Yonamine and the field transformation serves as a reminder of the influence of community support and the importance of investing in local sports facilities for the benefit of athletes and fans alike.