A bill that would allow the beach park known as Magic Island to be renamed after President Obama cleared its first hurdle yesterday, but not before some reservations were raised.

The Honolulu City Council gave first reading approval to Bill 09-79, which allows parks or other city facilities to be named after a living U.S. president born in Hawai'i. Existing city law requires city facilities be named only after dead people.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann wants the name change for what's officially known as 'Äina Moana Beach Park, more popularly known as Magic Island.

The proposal has met stiff resistance from those who consider Magic Island iconic. But Hannemann said he has never asked for Magic Island to be taken away, only 'Äina Moana.

"In fact, we'll recommend that the council change the 'Äina Moana name to President Barack Obama Beach Park at Magic Island so we can include 'Magic Island' in the official name," the mayor said in a letter that ran in The Advertiser.

Several council members yesterday raised concerns about the plan, however.

Councilman Gary Okino said it's premature to be awarding accolades to Obama.

"Normally, we do that for someone when we want to commend them for what they've done," Okino said.

To date, Obama's record has been questionable, he said.

"If he leads this nation into economic decline, I don't think we should give him that kind of honor," Okino said.

But Hannemann's letter said the president is worthy.

"He's been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize," Hannemann said. "He's announced that when the United States hosts the international APEC Summit in 2011, it will be held in Honolulu. It is fitting and appropriate that his hometown name a city park in his honor."

Councilman Nestor Garcia suggested that perhaps another city facility could be named after Obama.

The bill only allows for the name change to be made. Resolution 09-351, which was not on yesterday's council agenda, actually would make the name change. Both are being sent to the council Committee on Public Safety and Services.

Several years ago, Hannemann successfully lobbied for the Honolulu Municipal Building at King and Alapa'i streets to be renamed the Mayor Frank Fasi Municipal Building after Honolulu's longtime mayor, who attended the renaming ceremony.