Rename of Pool and Field After Shiraishi and Amoral Mooted

Kahului Pool, photos/graphic by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

The Maui County Council will consider legislation on Tuesday to rename the Kahului Pool and an Upcountry field after youth mentors Spencer Shiraishi and William “Blee” Amoral Sr., Council Member Don Guzman announced.

The bill that seeks to rename the Kahului Pool to the Coach Spencer Shiraishi Memorial Pool first surfaced at the council in February.

During the meeting, several residents testified in support of the measure, calling Shiraishi a “life coach” and dedicated volunteer who “impacted thousands of people and taught hundreds of children to swim.”

According to the announcement, Shiraishi served as Coach for Maui Swim Club for nearly 50 years and died in August of last year.

Those who testified expressed hopes of expediting the passage of the resolution so that they could unveil the sign for the proposed Coach Spencer Shiraishi Memorial Pool during an annual swim meet set to take place over the Memorial Day weekend in May.

The other bill seeks to rename Field 6 at the Eddie Tam Complex in Makawao as the William “Blee” Amoral Sr. Field, Guzman announced.

According to the announcement, Amoral began his career at Eddie Tam Memorial Complex in 1967, and served as supervisor of recreation, initiating programs for basketball, football, volleyball, baseball and softball.

Both bills will surface for consideration during the council’s meeting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22, in the Council Chamber.