First Contact
April 25, 2025
Just days after incorporating, Cole had the opportunity to meet with Ted Hayden, then Deputy Director of Honolulu's Department of Parks and Recreation, along with members of his team. He shared his vision for renewing the K. Mark Takai Veterans’ Memorial Aquatic Center and listened as they discussed the facility's history, current challenges, and the realities of maintaining Hawaiʻi's premier aquatic venue. It was an encouraging conversation that reinforced something the Foundation already believed: meaningful improvements would take strong public-private collaboration. He left the meeting even more motivated to build partnerships, earn the community's trust, and find ways to help VMAC reach its full potential.
