Hawaii councilmen drop plan to name park for Obama

HONOLULU – Two Honolulu city councilmen have dropped plans to rename a popular beach for President Barack Obama.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports Councilman Stanley Chang and Council Chairman Ernie Martin decided to withdraw the proposal after hearing from the public.

The councilmen last week introduced a resolution to change the name of Sandy Beach Park to President Barack Obama Sandy Beach Park.

The beach is a popular for bodysurfing on Oahu's east side. It was a favorite for the president as he grew up. He bodysurfed there while on vacation during his 2008 campaign.

Martin says in a statement that he heard historic and cultural sensitivity concerns from the community about the name change.

He says there may be other public facilities more appropriate to honor the president.