Honoring Ken Suenaga – Korean War Veteran, Pearl City Swim Coach legend, Hawaii Hall of Famer, and beloved Pearl City leader and friend

Jun 9, 2023 | PC Community, PC Sports

It was another inspiring moment in the life of iconic Pearl City resident Ken Suenaga as he was recognized during Thursday’s reopening of the Pearl City District Park pool facility. Coach Suenaga began his legendary coaching career in Pearl City back in 1968 at the Pearl City District Park pool.

Coach Suenaga is also a Korean War veteran and I came away from today with a heightened respect for his bravery, courage, and service to our country while in harm’s way after an amazing conversation with Coach. He shared a Korean War experience in battle that found his platoon being attacked and outnumbered while being forced into a river while holding their rifles over their heads to survive. With the true spirit of an American Warrior, they fought back and actually won the battle. Coach said it was a fight that he will always remember and is grateful to be able to survive.

That’s Coach Ken Suenaga, a Warrior and Champion for all who love and respect him.

Mahalo Coach!

Photos by Barry Villamil | MyPearlCity.com