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 m...
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