Aloha.

Good morning, everyone.

Thank you for joining us this morning.

The City Council's honorary certificate program honors and acknowledges those individuals and groups who have made an impact in our local, national, and international communities.

Mr.

Clerk, our first recipient.

Good morning, Mr.

Chair, Councilmembers and the public.

Our first presentation honors the memory of Mr.

Tom Danell for his enduring contributions to Honolulu.

This presentation is made by yourself, Council Chair Waters, and Councilmember Nishimoto.

Thank you.

The Honolulu City Council recognizes individuals whose service has strengthened our community and enriched the lives of others.

Today I have the privilege of honoring the life and legacy of Tom Danell, a visionary civic leader, educator, and advocate whose work touched countless lives and shaped Honolulu's physical, social, and environmental landscape.

He was also one of my constituents in District 4.

Before we proceed, I ask that we pause for a brief moment of silence in remembrance of Tom.

Thank you.

Tom Danell passed away on December 9th, 2025 at the age of 97.

Today we're joined by his family in council chambers.

Tom's wife, Christy Danell, his son Dan, and Dan's wife, Lynette.

I now yield the floor to Councilmember Nishimoto.

Thank you.

Born in New York City on March 8th, 1928, Tom was a lifelong learner with a deep curiosity about the world and a strong commitment to public service.

He earned his undergraduate degree from Brown University in 1948, followed by a master's of public administration from the University of Michigan in 1950.

In 1966, he continued his studies at Harvard University's Graduate School of Public Administration, an early reflection of his dedication to learning and leadership.

Tom's journey in public service began in 1957 as a consultant to the Department of Taxation.

He later served as director of the legislative reference bureau before joining the University of Hawaii as a researcher in planning and public policy, where his impact would grow for decades.

In 1965, Tom founded what is now known as the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Hawaii at Monoa.

He served as the department's chair for more than 20 years, shaping generations of planners, policymakers, and public servants who continue his work today.

In 2015, after co-chairing the city and county of Honolulu's steering committee on making Honolulu an age-friendly city, Tom deepened his commitment to inclusive, resilient, and sustainable communities.

True to form, he didn't just talk about change, he planted it.

At the remarkable age of 88, Tom founded Trees for Honolulu's future, championing champ championing urban forestry as a powerful way to combat climate change, improving our quality of life and ensuring a healthy future for generations to come.

Thank you.

In 2017, Tom launched the annual We Love Trees art contest engaging thousands of Keiki and families citywide, and it's still going strong today.

As a matter of fact, if you didn't already see the amazing artwork on display outside council chambers, it'll be up from now until the end of February, so please be sure to check out the masterpieces.

These kids are very inspiring, and that's something Tom really admired.

He always believed adults could learn more from youth.

In 2018, Tom hosted the Growing Our Urban Forest Conference, catalyzing the unanimous passage of the City Council Resolution 18-55, which established the policy to increase Honolulu's urban tree canopy to 35% by 2035.

At the annual gathering of trees in Honolulu's future leadership last May, he issued his final challenge to make Honolulu a city in the trees.

Tom Danell was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, educator, mentor, community leader, and longtime resident of Honolulu, Hawaii.

And he truly loved life and lived life to the fullest.

Therefore, be resolved on behalf of the city and county of Honolulu, the homeless city council extends his heartfelt condolences to Tom Danell's loved ones during this time of loss and honors his enduring legacy.

Tom will be remembered for his kindness, steady presence, and quiet ability to inspire others by example.

So thank you so much.

Thank you.

Mr.

Clerk, our next recipient.

Our next presentation congratulates Rick Lee and the Animal House Gym and Boxing Club on the occasion of its 20th anniversary.

This presentation is made by Councilmember Talpa.

Good morning, everybody.

You know, if it wasn't for boxing and an amazing boxing coach, I want to give him a shout out.

I'm hoping that he's watching.

Donald Sark, I would not be sitting in this chair right now.

So today, uh we honor a man whose impact reaches far beyond the boxing ring.

Please welcome Rick Lee, everybody.

He is the heart and soul behind Animal House Gym and Boxing Club in Eva Beach.

Also with him, his wife Shell and coaches, Mitchell Monteri, Danny Pasheco, Jason Tiscorner, uh Lyndon Redona, Jenna Covallo, who is representing her husband Ryan, who is a coach, and um team mom Champa Shekel as well, David Correa.

Give them all a round of applause.

So Rick has an interesting story.

He had a passion for bodybuilding and competition and built a personal gym on his patio in Eva Beach.