Arline Eaton and Mary Serrao shared their love for the Ewa community through many efforts to perpetuate the Hawaiian culture and foster a sense of neighborhood pride in younger generations.

Several residents now want to honor their legacy by erecting memorial plaques in Ewa Beach, nearly two years after both women died.

Eaton, also known as Auntie Arline, served as a state Department of Education Hawaiian Studies kupuna and member of the Royal Order of Kamehameha I. She died in December 2013 at age 86.

Serrao, Auntie Mary, devoted many years to serving on the Ewa-Puuloa Hawaiian Civic Club and the Hoakalei Cultural Foundation. She died in August 2013 at 78.

Both were known for their knowledge and love of the Hawaiian culture and dedication to the Ewa community.

"We’re just really proud to honor her that way," said Kuuwainani Eaton, 33, Auntie Arline’s granddaughter. "I really love soaking in all of her knowledge."

The proposal, introduced by Councilwoman Kymberly Pine, calls for erecting a plaque for Eaton and Serrao at the Ewa Beach Park. Pine also plans to introduce another proposal to install plaques for the aunties at nearby Ocean Pointe District Park.

"(We were) very happy and very honored to have someone … want to remember my grandmother that way," said Pua Serrao, 34, Auntie Mary’s granddaughter. "I think even before I was born, she’s been very active in the Ewa Beach community, and she cared a lot about the community."

Council members also discussed proposals to rename Ewa Beach Park as Puuloa Beach Park and Ocean Pointe District Park as Ewa-Puuloa District Park at a meeting last week.

It’s "in honor of our elders who were hoping that we would one day recognize this area more as Puuloa," Pine said. "That is why we’re changing the name."

According to the resolution, Ewa residents requested the plaques to recognize the beloved aunties "for their selfless and dedicated service to the Ewa community."

Eaton also helped with several efforts to name neighborhoods and streets at Ocean Pointe. Serrao was known for her contributions to the canoeing community and was instrumental in merging the Ewa and Puuloa Hawaiian Civic Clubs.

"They’re the foundation. They’re the pillars of the community," said Kurt Fevella, a longtime Ewa resident and member of the neighborhood board. "It’s hard to explain the love they had for the land and ocean. They were just good ladies."