Sugimura seeks to rename Kula Park for Gladys Coelho Baisa
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Maui County Council Vice Chair Yuki Lei K. Sugimura has proposed renaming Kula Park as Gladys Coelho Baisa Park in honor of the late former Maui County council member and council chair.
The Maui County Public Works Commission will consider Sugimura's request at 1:30 p.m. Aug. 26, according to Sugimura's office.
"I am honored to submit this application to recognize Gladys Baisa and the extraordinary legacy of service she left to our community," Sugimura said in a statement. "Gladys dedicated so much of her life to serving the people of Maui County. Naming Kula Park in her honor would be a fitting tribute to a woman who remained deeply connected to Kula and Upcountry and committed to listening to residents and serving the community."
According to Sugimura's office, Baisa devoted more than 50 years to public service, first through her leadership at Maui Economic Opportunity and later through the Maui County Council, where she represented Upcountry for five terms and served as council chair.
During her career, she advocated for affordable housing, water resources, public safety, recreation, infrastructure and services for residents in need. Baisa also served as the director of Water Supply for the county.
Sugimura said Baisa's connection to Kula and Upcountry was particularly strong. Baisa regularly attended Kula Community Association meetings and remained engaged with residents and community organizations. In 2016, the Kula Community Association recognized her with its Mālama Kula Award.
"Kula Park represents the kind of place that reflects Gladys's life and values," Sugimura said. "It is a place where families gather, children play, neighbors connect and generations come together. Honoring Gladys in this way would not simply recognize her years in elected office. It would acknowledge the thousands of lives she touched through her work at Maui Economic Opportunity, in county government and throughout our community."
Sugimura's office said her request to rename the park has the support of community members and organizations, including the Pukalani Community Association.
The hearing will be at the Public Works Department Conference Room, Fourth Floor, Room 434, at the Kalana o Maui Building at 200 South High St. in Wailuku. Public testimony will be accepted in person and over a virtual feed. Written testimony may be submitted to the Public Works Commission at public.works@co.maui.hi.us.
For more information, contact Sugimura at yukilei.sugimura@mauicounty.us or 808-270-7939.