REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Travis Hopkins, City Manager
VIA: Ashley Wysocki, Director of Community & Library Services
PREPARED BY: Ashley Wysocki, Director of Community & Library Services
Subject:
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Approve the Design Concept and Placement of a Memorial Plaque Honoring Kolby Aipa on Tower Zero of the Huntington Beach Municipal Pier
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Statement of Issue:
This is the follow-up from Councilmember Item 26-411 from the May 5, 2026 City Council meeting.
Financial Impact:
There is no financial impact to the City of Huntington Beach. Private funding will be used to produce and install the memorial plaque.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
Approve the design concept and placement of a memorial plaque honoring Kolby Aipa on Tower Zero of the Huntington Beach Municipal Pier.
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Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve the recommended action and direct staff accordingly.
Analysis:
On May 5, 2026, the City Council set aside Resolution No. 2017-25 and directed staff to work with the Aipa family and return to City Council within 90 days to present a proposal for a public memorial at Tower Zero honoring Kolby Aipa.
Kolby Aipa was a cherished member of the Huntington Beach ocean community, known not only for his deep connection to the water but also for his kindness, humility, and support for those around him. His presence on and around the Pier left a lasting impact on lifeguards, surfers, beach visitors, and countless residents. Kolby embodied the spirit of Huntington Beach through his commitment to ocean safety, his passion for surfing, and his ability to forge strong personal connections across generations.
His parents, Duke and Val shared the following words:
Kolby lived with a quiet kindness that made people feel seen, valued and loved. Northside Legend, a true Ambassador of Aloha, and a humble servant to his beloved Huntington Beach community, Kolby was a fisher of men and showed us that true strength is found in humility, in showing up, and in choosing fearless, truthful love.
A life cut short yet fully lived. Below is his creed. Remember these words and share them with your friends, your family and in this way, you carry the legacy of Aloha, just as Kolby did.
Be humble. Respect all. Do good deeds daily. Be there for one another. Choose compassion. Become a better version of yourself so you can help humanity rise. Live and love like there’s no tomorrow and always find Joy in God’s Creation.
#IAMKOLBY
The request to honor him at Tower Zero reflects the deep respect held for him by Huntington Beach and the surfing community.
Following Council direction, staff collaborated with the Aipa family to create a plaque concept that appropriately reflects Kolby’s legacy. The proposed plaque:
• Utilizes durable, coastal appropriate materials.
• Aligns aesthetically with existing plaques on Tower Zero
• Features design elements chosen by the family to represent Kolby’s values, connection to the ocean, and contribution to Huntington Beach.
Kolby was a graduate of Huntington Beach High School, renowned surfer and a member of the Huntington Beach Board Riders Club. Following his untimely passing in August 2025, he was inducted posthumously into the Surfer’s Hall of Fame on September 18, 2025, and on September 20, 2025, the community honored his life with a paddle out on the north side of the pier.
The City of Huntington Beach adopted Resolution 2026-01, establishing September 18 as Kolby Aipa Day. In collaboration with the Aipa family, a ceremony to dedicate the plaque on Tower Zero will take place on Friday, September 18, 2026.
Environmental Status:
Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378(b)(5), administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment do not constitute a project.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Non Applicable - Administrative Item
Attachment(s):
1. Kolby Aipa Bronze Plaque Rendering