Kaua'i Mayor Bryan Baptiste, fifth from left in the blue aloha shirt, joined the mayors of other Hawai'i counties at the 2008 Legislature opening day session in January. - Photo: Blaine Fergerstrom

Auē, ua hala
Bryan Baptiste

Kaua'i Mayor Bryan J. Baptiste passed away suddenly, only one day after returning home from surgery on O'ahu. Baptiste underwent heart bypass surgery at Queen's Medical Center on June 13 and spent a week on O'ahu recuperating before returning home to Kaua'i on June 21.

On June 22, Baptiste apparently suffered a cardiac arrest while resting at home. He was rushed to Wilcox Hospital but paramedics and hospital staff could not resuscitate him.

“Mayor Baptiste was a good person, a wonderful family man and an honest and outstanding individual,” said Kaua'i Trustee Donald Cataluna. “The people of Kaua'i trusted him and he leaves a legacy of caring for and helping people.”

OHA Chairperson Haunani Apoliona added, “Mayor Baptiste was a committed public servant who cared deeply about the community and his family. We extend our heartfelt aloha to his family and the people of Kaua'i in their loss.”

Gary Heu, the Mayor's administrative assistant, is serving as mayor, pro-tem, until county officials can meet to discuss a successor in accordance with the county charter.

Baptiste was 52 years old. He is survived by his wife, Annette, and their four children: Brandon, Heather, Lauren and Preston.