In a gesture to duly honor a local resident's unwavering dedication to community service, Salt Lake's Likini Street Mini Park has been renamed. The park now celebrates Howard Shima, a 97-year-old Army veteran and a devoted advocate for the neighborhood, according to a report given by KHON2.
Shima's legacy includes more than just an Army uniform; his tireless contributions have shaped Salt Lake. Making the park's name change official, City Council Resolution 24-167 was pushed through to swiftly cement Shima's influence permanently into the fabric of the community. The resolution was authored by Councilmember Radiant Cordero, who aimed to publicly acknowledge Shima's 56 years of residency and myriad of local contributions.
The man of the hour, a well-respected figure in Salt Lake, has an honorable track record. Shima has not only served in the U.S. Army, but also held the position of Director and Building Superintendent for the City and County of Honolulu under former Mayor Frank Fasi. He was also a long-standing member of Neighborhood Board No. 18 for 24 years and was locally known as the "Graffiti Buster" for his efforts to maintain cleanliness in the area, as per information from KHON2.
Aside from his civic duties, Shima's dedication to volunteering in his locality is noteworthy. He was an advocate for the Salt Lake area’s 50-meter pool and the very park that now bears his name, both emblematic of his commitment to creating and maintaining local amenities for the community's wellbeing. His volunteer work spans decades, a fact highlighted in a video by KITV, as Shima continues to tirelessly give back to the community he calls home.
