Haarell, a seasoned Finance Director, has a diverse professional background that spans corporate, government, and non-profit sectors.
Born in the Philippines and raised on the sunny shores of Oʻahu, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master’s in Business Administration from Hawaii Pacific University.
For Haarell, finance is more than just crunching numbers, it’s a powerful tool for positive transformation. As a non-profit Finance Director, he navigates a mission-driven landscape, ensuring donor trust, financial stability, and impactful initiatives that leave a tangible mark on the world, particularly in Hawai‘i.
His financial expertise seamlessly blends with a deep understanding of the communities he serves. This unique combination enables him to champion fiscal responsibility while advocating for community well-being. Haarell firmly believes that responsible financial management, coupled with an unwavering commitment to social good, are the driving forces behind lasting positive change.
Expressing his perspective, he states, “My role extends beyond numerical considerations. It’s about nurturing a brighter future for the communities we serve, where financial impact transforms into authentic and enduring change.”
Beyond spreadsheets, Haarell discovers joy in trying new dishes and immersing himself in diverse cultures through travel. Finding solace in nature, he takes pleasure in hikes and meaningful moments with his ʻohana. Haarell values and holds dear simple yet diverse experiences on various occasions.
Kahau was born and raised in Kāneʻohe and Waimānalo where she makes her home today on Hawaiian Homelands.
One of 11 siblings, Kahau is a fourth-generation lessee on Hawaiian Homelands after her great-grandmother received their Waimānalo homestead land in 1939 when she was forced out of the Mokauea fishing village.
A strong Native Hawaiian advocate, Kahau began working for Hawaiian Community Assets in 2013 after she was approached by one of the founders Aunty Blossom to attend Hawaiian Homes Commission contested case hearings to help prevent lease cancellations. She believes that her presence at HCL is her calling from Ke Akua.
Today, with oversight of HCL’s operations, Kahau ensures the needs of staff and community members are met in a timely way. She oversees five managers and 12 staff members administering the organization’s loan fund, Homeowner Assistance Fund, Native Hawaiian Owner-Builder program, and the recently established, Kānaka Anti-Displacement Fund. Still she says: “Working for HCL doesn’t feel like work. I feel fulfilled by contributing to the goals of our lahui.” She finds strength from her kūpuna and is fueled with passion and commitment, seeking economic advancement for all, especially the native Hawaiian communities.
During her off-work hours, she enjoys being with ‘ohana, dancing hula, singing karaoke, going to the beach, playing ‘ukulele and playing the spoons. She credits her parents for inspiring her and teaching her the values that have shaped her personal and professional views on life.
“I follow the values of my ke akua and makua who lead in the fight of rehabilitation and make sure that our identity as native Hawaiians never gets forgotten,” Kahau says. “Aloha kekahi i kekahi, love one another. Lama kākou i ka hauʻoli o haʻi, we will rise together by lifting those around us.”
Aikū’ē Kalima, former Native Hawaiian Revolving Loan Fund Manager for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, joins Hawaiʻi Community Lending as its lending director.
Kalima comes to HCL with more than 25 years of experience in community development and mortgage lending. In his new position, Kalima will direct HCL’s consumer, construction, mortgage and small business lending.
“As a native Hawaiian and Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiary, I understand the financial needs for economic development and quality housing for kānaka is great,” said Kalima, who led OHA’s deployment of $9.8 million in loans to 286 native Hawaiians statewide over the last five years. “For over 25 years, I have worked tirelessly at the grassroots level, educating kānaka on the skills necessary to achieve the dream of homeownership and providing resources to achieve financial sustainability. I plan to continue serving the lāhui empowering ‘ohana and communities as the lending director for Hawai‘i Community Lending.”
Kalima takes the reins of HCL’s $16-million revolving loan fund and will oversee a team of seven staff members statewide. “HCL is honored to have Aikū’ē join us in our mission to help tackle our housing crisis by funding native Hawaiian and local families to build, buy and save homes from foreclosure,” said HCL Executive Director Jeff Gilbreath. “He has proven leadership in both the public and private sectors and has the passion to get families on the land through homeownership.”
Chanel was born and raised on Oʻahu and currently resides in Anahola Homestead on Kauaʻi with her husband and seven children.
Formerly program manager for Hawaiian Community Assets, Chanel is excited to join HCL and brings many innovative ideas and fresh energy.
As director of external affairs, Chanel handles fundraising, marketing, outreach and policy advocacy. She is responsible for connecting with communities to understand the issues and challenges they face when building, buying and savings homes, so that she can help create relationships and coordinate resources to get Hawaiians on the land and to stay there.
“I was drawn to HCL because of the intentional commitment to facilitate positive financial change, particularly within the kānaka ʻōiwi community,” Chanel says. “I’m grateful to be able to share our organization’s moʻomeheu (culture), moʻolelo (story) and kaunu (passion) with communities across Hawaiʻi, partners and investors who believe in the work we do.”
Chanel is inspired in everything she does by the memory of her tūtū kāne, Robert William Kalaihiapo Wilcox (Wilikoki). “He was a fearless kānaka ‘ōiwi advocate who encompassed the spirit of aloha ʻāina – the love of his land, and home.” During her free time, Chanel loves spending time with ʻohana, reading, cooking and dancing hula.
Housing is a human right, not a privilege for only those who can afford to pay the most. This conviction is what drives Jeff Gilbreath every day as he works to help make housing and living in Hawai‘i more affordable for local people and Native Hawaiians.
As Executive Director of Hawai‘i Community Lending, Jeff directs a team in implementing the strategic objectives of the community loan fund. Back in 2000, working for AmeriCorps in Northern California, Jeff coordinated a countywide mentoring program for children of incarcerated parents and came face-to-face with their hardships living on the street. When he made the move to Hawai‘i to work with Honolulu Habitat for Humanity, he realized the even greater need of the Native Hawaiian population.
Jeff joined HCL’s parent corporation, Hawaiian Community Assets, in 2008, and six years later, Jeff established HCL as a nonprofit community development financial institution. “I believe it is my responsibility to make better wherever I am and call home,” he says, “with an understanding that I am a guest to this place and should be at the service of the native people who have come before me and taught me so much.” In 2021, Jeff was honored with a Ho‘okele Award from Hawai‘i Community Foundation, recognizing his work as a nonprofit leader working hard to improve the quality of life for Hawai‘i’s people.