DUKE AIPA, father of Kolby Aipa, holds up a photo protrait of his son, killed in a motor accident in Huntington Beach. The Huntington Beach City Council on Tuesday voted to declare each Sept, 18 to be “Kolby Aipa day” (Tribune photo).

By Jim Tortolano
Orange County Tribune

Prominent surfer and resident of “Surf City” Kolby Aipa will be honored each Sept. 18 with a “Kolby Aipa Day,” the Huntington Beach City Council decided on Tuesday.

The vote was 7-0 in favor, and several of the council members choked up when speaking of his tragic death. Mayor Casey McKeon said, addressing Kolby’s parents and friends in the council chamber, “I know that what we’re doing here won’t eliminate your pain,” adding that it would be a lasting tribute. His birthday is Sept. 18.

Aipa, 20, a prominent professional surfer and a graduate of Huntington Beach High School, suffered fatal injuries on Saturday, Aug. 5 around 10:18 p.m. when the e-bike he was riding on Pacific Coast Highway was being towed by friends and the two vehicles collided.

The accident took place near the intersection of PCH and Seapoint Street.

He was the grandson of Hawaiian surfboard shaper, Ben Aipa.

Also on Tuesday night, the mayor unveiled a new order of business that placed public comments on non-agenda items toward the end of the agenda.

McKeon defended it, saying “This is a business meeting.” Councilmember Chad Williams challenged that, saying it was restricting the public’s right to speak.

“Don’t put the the First Amendment last,” he said.