Fostering community relations in Upcountry Maui
By Yuki Lei K. Sugimura
Creating spaces to gather with our neighbors and community members is essential to forming fundamental bonds that ensure Maui County thrives socially and economically. In Upcountry Maui, residents are continuing to engage with each other and build a sense of unity.
Von Tempsky Community Center Complex in Kula, commonly or formerly known as the Kula Community Center, is one example of a space where many gather to celebrate a wide variety of occasions—including graduation parties, baby lūʻau, wedding receptions and more. On Sept. 6, the County of Maui acquired the land upon which the center and adjacent facilities are situated for public use in perpetuity.
Preventing the loss of this facility for community use through property acquisition has been a council and community objective for many years. I am proud and happy to see that our beloved facility will be cared for by our families and friends for generations to come, with the support of the von Tempsky ʻohana and the administration.
For wellness, the Upcountry Farmers Market has been a staple for over 40 years, providing locally grown organic produce and a light-hearted environment for family and friends to connect. Not only do we benefit as consumers, but the farmers market serves as a place to support local farmers, food stands and artisans.
I’d like to express my gratitude to Neil Coshever, who manages this wonderful event, providing and supporting healthy food options for our residents. To receive newsletters from the Upcountry Farmers Market, send an email to info@upcountryfarmersmarket.com.
With fall upon us, many of us are excited to visit Kula Country Farms’ traditional pumpkin patch, which will open starting Sunday and running through Oct. 31 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Families create fond memories picking pumpkins of different sizes, colors and varieties while enjoying the drinks and snacks available for sale.
Similar to the Upcountry Farmers Market, Kula Country Farms has cultivated a beautiful environment to purchase local produce from local farms. Their farm stand is open year-round and includes a children’s garden, farm animals and seasonal farm activities.
For more information on Kula Country Farms and the services they offer, visit https://kulacountryfarmsmaui.com/.
As we approach the holiday season, the Pukalani Community Association will host the 6th annual Holiday Fair and Electric Golf Cart Parade on Dec. 7 at Pukalani Country Club from 4 to 7 p.m. The parade connects creativity with fundraising, allowing participants to decorate their golf cart and help raise money for Upcountry projects.
I am grateful to the County of Maui’s Office of Economic Development for being one of the sponsors of this fun and festive event. For more information, visit https://pukalanicommunity.weebly.com/.
The Upcountry community has come so far in building a thriving environment and economy where we can rely on our neighbors, families and friends to help each other out. I feel excited and honored to be a part of the growth.
May we continue to create more opportunities to gather and build traditions that can be maintained and improved for generations to come.
*Yuki Lei K. Sugimura is the chair of the Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee. She is the council vice-chair and holds the council seat for the Upcountry Maui residency area. “Council’s 3 Minutes” is a column to explain the latest news on county legislative and community matters. Go to mauicounty.us for more information.
