Though their numbers grow smaller with each passing year, the continued blessings bestowed upon us from the Greatest Generation persist to this day. Along O`ahu’s Leeward Coast, their presence was physically and symbolically recognized today as Wai’anae District Park was renamed in honor of Shinyei Nakamine and the 100th Infantry Battalion in which he nobly served during World War II.
Graced by the presence of Nakamine’s sister, Anita Korenaga, and their ‘ohana (family), the group joined Councilmember Andria Tupola, Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Kēhaulani Pu‘u, military veterans, and other community Leeward O‘ahu members as part of the renaming ceremony.
Born and raised in Wai’anae, Private Shinyei Nakamine was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor after serving in the United States Army in WWII. Nakamine was recognized for his extraordinary heroism, devotion to duty, and courage after sacrificing his life in combat on June 2, 1944 near La Torreto, Italy. During which he eliminated multiple enemy positions and captured several enemy soldiers, while leading his platoon under heavy machine gunfire.
His platoon was part of the fabled 100th Infantry Battalion, which became known as the “Purple Heart Battalion” due to the extensive injuries and significant casualties sustained by these soldiers. Their fierce fighting spirit and unparalleled devotion was exceptionally notable, as these second-generation Japanese Americans faced racial discrimination at home and abroad. Their sacrifices on the battlefield for a country which imprisoned their families back home is an unwavering example of the triumph of patriotism over prejudice.
“Today is deeply personal for my family,” said Kimie Korenaga-Kepo‘o, Private Nakamine’s grandniece. “To many Shinyei Nakamine is a Medal of Honor recipient. To us he was a brother, an uncle, and a son of this community. He was raised here in Wai‘anae. He grew up surrounded by family, by neighbors, by a community that shaped who he became long before he wore a uniform. For our family, his story has never just been about the battlefield. It has been about values: humility, responsibility, and stepping forward when others depend on you. His life was cut short, but his example did not end. We carry his name. We carry his memory, and now this community carries it with us.”
“Renaming the Wai’anae District Park after Private Nakamine and the 100th Infantry Battalion creates a lasting tribute to both a local hero and a historic military unit that embodied sacrifice, loyalty, and courage,” said Councilmember Andria Tupola who sponsored Honolulu City Council Resolution 25-149 officially renaming the park. “This also provide educational opportunities for visitors and fosters a sense of pride within the Wai’anae community, by honoring one of the community’s own members who displayed the highest ideals of service. As this park is currently undergoing physical improvements, this renaming is opportunely timed as part of the park’s overall revitalization.”
We welcome everyone to reflect on the sacrifice of Private Nakamine, and enjoy the beautiful outdoors Leeward O`ahu offers, at Shinyei Nakamine and 100th Infantry Battalion Memorial Park, Wai`anae District Park.
If you need an auxiliary aid/service, other accommodations due to a disability, or an interpreter for a language other than English in reference to this announcement, please contact the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation at (808) 768-3003 on weekdays from 7:45 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. or email parks@honolulu.gov at least three business days before the scheduled event. Without sufficient advanced notice, it may not be possible to fulfill requests.
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