City Council Meeting – Council Member Items Report
To: City Council
From: Mayor Casey McKeon
Mayor Pro Tem Butch Twining
Councilman Don Kennedy
Date: May 5, 2026
Subject: PROPOSAL FOR PLAQUE AT TOWER ZERO HONORING KOLBY AIPA
2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 | www.huntingtonbeachca.gov
ISSUE STATEMENT
Three memorial plaques honoring community figures are located at Tower Zero. One plaque honors former Marine Safety Chief and Community Services Director, Max Bowman, and in 2018, a second plaque was added to the Tower to honor Father Mondor and Pastor Sumo. In November 2021, the Community & Library Services Commission, via Resolution 2017-25, recommended to City Council that a memorial plaque for Rockin’ Fig be placed on the memorial.
Our Huntington Beach surf community has been mourning Kolby Aipa since his untimely passing in August 2025. Known for his kindness - Kolby was a beloved member of the community, a graduate of Huntington Beach High School, renowned surfer, and a member of the Huntington Beach Board Riders Club. Kolby was inducted posthumously into the Surfers’ Hall of Fame on September 18, 2025. On September 20, 2025, the community honored his life with a paddle out on the north side of the pier.
To honor his legacy and memorialize his life, the City of Huntington adopted Resolution 2026-01, establishing September 18 as Kolby Aipa Day.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Set aside Resolution No. 2017 -25 and direct staff to develop a proposal for a public memorial at Tower Zero honoring Kolby Aipa. Return to City Council within 90 days to present the proposal for consideration. Furthermore, staff will inform the Aipa Family regarding the proposed memorial and seek their input through the process.
ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS
Not Applicable
STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL
Non Applicable - Administrative Item