But what started out as just something to pass the time became an enduring 33-year labor of love and dedication. So much so that Arakaki says he will miss it when he retires after working his last meet, the three-day Harry M. Mamizuka Invitational, whose opening ceremonies begin at 4 p.m. today at the Manoa Recreation Center.

A recognizable face and respected figure at local swim meets, the 73-year-old retired postal worker from 'Aiea will be honored for contributions to Hawai'i swimming.

"With Hank, you always knew you'd get a well-run meet that was on time," said Harris Nakamoto, past president of the Manoa Aquatics. "He had a reputation for running a smooth meet. And, swimmers and their families like that."

For someone who liked to joke he couldn't swim more than 25 yards, Arakaki saw his three sons — Daniel, Hank Jr. and Randy — through age-group swimming and two of them on to college competition.

But he also took pride in the accomplishments of the thousands of youngsters who competed in meets he officiated. "Just being around the kids was the best part," Arakaki said. "When they make a good time and get a qualifying time, seeing them accomplish something, well, you feel good, too.

"Health — my doctor told me to cut back on being out in the sun," Arakaki said, helped him decide to end his long service.

Fittingly, his last meet will be the 25th Mamizuka Invitational, an event he became a fixture at. (The late coach) Mamizuka would say, " 'I need you down here,' " and it got to the point where after a while I'd just put it on my calendar every year," Arakaki said.