Our dear friend and Maui philanthropist passed away two years ago. Sue D. Cooley was a generous human being and a true friend and to see her legacy continue today as part of the Sue D. Cooley Trust is nothing short of inspiring. We’re so pleased to hear about the incredible work being supported in Sue’s honor and are happy to announce the Trust’s recent assistance in helping to preserve 1.2 acres of Kapalua land.
The 1.2 acres of West Maui property is located along the Kapalua Coastal Trail. According to a story in a local newspaper, Bob Gilliom representing the Cooley Trust said that the conservation easement would ensure that the land will remain as an open space for future generations. He worked with the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust on the donation and helped to make the project possible.
Trust CEO Kawika Burges also made a statement in the Maui News saying, “The Hawaiian Islands Land Trust is very thankful to the Sue D. Cooley Trust for their efforts to preserve this land in West Maui and for their incredible generosity and support for our work to protect and steward the most special places here on Maui.”
He also made a statement saying, “Our family is very pleased to work with the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust to protect and preserve this land as open space along the Kapalua Coastal Trail and to support HILT’s conservation efforts on Maui,” he said.
We’re so moved to see Sue’s legacy carried on in this way. She was an incredible member of our community and made contributions to the Lahainaluna High School that built the first multi-purpose stadium in West Maui. While Maui was a second home to her, she embraced us as ohana and treated her neighbors with genuine love and kindness. By 2014, Sue donated more than $7 million to Lahainaluna High School and was awarded a proclamation of gratitude for her generosity. Often her donations were made anonymously, a true testament to her humble and loving nature. We miss her dearly but know her spirit lives on today through stories such as these. Much love and aloha to the Cooley ohana and know that she will be in our thoughts and hearts forever.
