Waimānalo Beach Park’s camping area has a new name, George Keʻa Mahoe Jr. Campground, it was announced Thursday, July 10.
The name honors Mahoe, the longtime caretaker of the space, who had a 40-year career with the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Parks and Recreation with roles at Waimānalo Beach Park, Kaiona Beach Park, Kaupō Beach Park and Makapuʻu Beach Park.
“It’s a beautiful thing,” said his son, Kealii Mahoe, in a written statement. “First thing that comes to mind is gratitude, being grateful, but right behind that proud. Something that we can be proud of, because some people say: ‘What’s more important than your name?’ So, for my dad to have that impact on this community and the park, and to know that I have the same last name, makes me feel good and want to do something good as well to make an impact.”
Mahoe, known as “Uncle George,” initially worked for Honolulu Parks & Rec as a groundskeeper at the Pali Golf Course in 1957. Later, he and his family moved into the groundskeeper residence at the 37-plus acre Waimānalo Beach Park in the late 1960s.
“Eventually, Uncle George and his ‘ohana moved to the Waimānalo Homesteads, as the groundskeeper’s residence was replaced with the beach park’s canoe hālau standing today,” shared city officials. “Even with the added travel time, Uncle George continued to service the beach park bathrooms at 5 a.m., often playing his radio to let campers and park users know Uncle George was available if you needed him.”
Mahoe often assisted with parks in the mauka areas of Waimānalo and along the Windward Coast up to Kualoa Regional Park. He also mentored at-risk youth, many of whom still reside in Waimānalo. He retired in 1998 and died the following year.
Waimānalo Beach Park offers 10 campsites, which can be reserved. Read the City and County of Honolulu’s full resolution declaring the new name for the beach park.
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Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.
