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Congratulations to the 2021 Ho‘okele Award Recipients ~ Advancing Nonprofit Excellence

Congratulations to the 2021 Ho‘okele Award Recipients ~ Advancing Nonprofit Excellence

The Ho‘okele Award pays tribute to leaders from the nonprofit sector – the guiding forces in our community who strive to make Hawai‘i a better place.

Named for the ho‘okele, or steersman, the award recognizes the significant role that a nonprofit leader plays in improving the quality of life for Hawai‘i’s people. The award provides recipients with the opportunity for personal renewal and professional development.

The Ho‘okele Award was made possible from 2002-2016 through a partnership between the Wallace Alexander Gerbode Foundation and the Hawaii Community Foundation (HCF). In 2017, HCF’s Board of Governors created the Kelvin Taketa Ho‘okele Leadership Award Fund in honor of Kelvin’s visionary leadership as former CEO of HCF. The Fund ensures that the award will continue in perpetuity.

Congratulations to the 2021 Ho‘okele Award Recipients

Kristin Frost Albrecht

Kristin is the executive director of The Food Basket Inc. (TFB), Hawai`i Island’s Food Bank with offices and warehouses in Hilo and Kona, and a mission to end hunger on Hawai`i Island. TFB focuses on ending hunger at its roots through the development and administration of innovative anti-hunger programs that provide nutrition security and increased affordable healthy access for food insecure residents, including DA BUX Double Up Food Bucks, DA BUS Mobile Market and Food Pantry, DA BOX, community supported agriculture (CSA), and Kokua Harvest, a produce gleaning program, in partnership with County of Hawai`i.

Twinkle Borge

Twinkle is the leader of Pu`uhonua O Wai‘anae (POW), a village of 250 people living unhoused on State land adjacent to the Waianae Boat Harbor. She has organized her village into a powerful asset for the wider community that offers safety, healing, and purpose to people who have lost their housing. POW residents serve Wai‘anae in a variety of ways, including conducting regular cleanups across the Wai‘anae Coast, feeding and clothing residents of other houseless encampments, and distributing back-to-school supplies each year to both houseless and housed families in need. In 2018, Twinkle and others led an effort to defend the village from the threat of State eviction, then spent the next year-and-a-half raising funds to purchase land that the village could relocate to. In 2020, Twinkle and the village completed the purchase of 20 acres in Waianae Valley for their permanent home, and are now working on construction. She is also a member of the Steering Committee of Hui Aloha.

Jeffrey Gilbreath

The Ho‘okele Award pays tribute to leaders from the nonprofit sector

Jeff is executive director of Hawaiian Community Assets (HCA), a local community development nonprofit that administers Hawai`i’s largest nonprofit HUD-approved housing counseling program and the nation’s first-and-only statewide network of Financial Opportunity Centers. In addition to his executive role at HCA, Jeff also serves as executive director of the organization’s nonprofit social enterprise, Hawai`i Community Lending (HCL), a US Department of Treasury certified community development financial institution that co-locates with HCA at Financial Opportunity Centers across state and provides consumer, affordable housing, and social enterprise loans with a particular focus on unbanked and underbanked populations.

Sandy Ma

The Ho‘okele Award pays tribute to leaders from the nonprofit sector

Sandy is the executive director of Common Cause Hawai‘i, a nonpartisan grassroots organization dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy. Sandy leads campaigns, fundraising, and engages local, state, and national organizations in building coalitions around Hawaii, focusing on ethics and accountability, money and influence, and voting and elections by promoting equal rights, opportunity, and representation for all; and empower all people to make their voices heard.

Darryl J. Vincent

The Ho‘okele Award pays tribute to leaders from the nonprofit sector

Darryl is the chief operating officer of United States Veteran Initiative, supervising all executive directors across the organization’s 11 service areas and oversees overall operations of U.S. VETS nationally. U.S. VETS works towards ending homelessness for veterans and providing comprehensive care services including housing, workforce development, mental health and wellness, and individualized support.

Read full story about Ho‘okele Award recipients here.

About Jeff Gilbreath

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.

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About Chanel Josiah

Chanel was born and raised on Oʻahu and now resides on Kaua’i with her husband and seven children. As a 5th-generation Hawaiian Home Lands lessee and homeowner, she has firsthand knowledge of the challenges families face in accessing housing, financial opportunities and resources both on and off homesteads. Her lived experiences and professional expertise inspire her passion for supporting others and strengthen her commitment to helping local and native Hawaiian families secure and sustain homes on their ancestral ‘āina, building lasting stability for themselves and generations to come.

Chanel also serves as the Board President of Pa‘a Lima, a nonprofit organization that offers support services and education to address houselessness, mental health challenges, financial literacy, and income instability. The organization is committed to breaking generational cycles and changing lives, with a special emphasis on supporting youth aging out of foster care.

As Operations Director, Chanel oversees marketing, community engagement, technical assistance, and operations. A key aspect of her role is connecting directly with communities to understand their needs and challenges. Drawing on her personal and professional experiences, Chanel approaches these challenges holistically, blending diverse perspectives to create innovative strategies that drive meaningful and lasting change for the communities she serves. “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 by her keiki, motivating her dedication to ensuring they can build their futures here in Hawai’i. She is also inspired by her tūtū kāne, Robert William Kalanihiapo Wilcox. “He was a fearless kānaka ‘ōiwi champion who encompassed the spirit of aloha ‘āina – the love of his land, and home just as we do now.” Outside of work, Chanel enjoys reading, practicing hula, and spending time at the beach with her ʻohana.

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About Aikū’ē Kalima

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.”

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About Kahaunani Mahoe-Thoene

Kahaunani, a proud Native Hawaiian, was born and raised in Kāneʻohe and Waimānalo, where she continues to make her home in Hawaiian Home Lands. She is one of 11 siblings and a fourth-generation lessee on Hawaiian Home Lands, tracing her family’s connection to their Waimānalo homestead land back to 1939 when her great-grandmother was relocated from the Mokauea fishing village.

A passionate supporter for Native Hawaiian rights, Kahaunani joined Hawaiian Community Assets (HCA) in 2013 at the invitation of founder Aunty Blossom Feiteira. Her journey began by attending Hawaiian Homes Commission contested case hearings to help prevent lease cancellations—a mission she sees as her calling from Ke Akua.

As the leader of HCL's servicing department, Kahaunani oversees a team of two managers and 12 staff members dedicated to administering programs like the organization’s loan fund, Homeowner Assistance Fund, and Home Preservation initiatives, including Lahaina Recovery efforts. Despite the demands of her role, Kahaunani says, “Working for HCL doesn’t feel like work. I feel fulfilled contributing to the goals of our lāhui.”

Deeply rooted in the values passed down by her kūpuna and inspired by her parents, Kahaunani is fueled by her commitment to economic advancement for Native Hawaiian communities. In her free time, she cherishes moments with her ‘ohana, especially her dad and mo’opuna.

“I follow the values of my Ke Akua and mākua, who led the fight for rehabilitation and preservation of our Native Hawaiian identity,” Kahaunani shares. “Aloha kēkahi i kēkahi—love one another. Lama kākou i ka hauʻoli o haʻi—we rise together by lifting those around us.”

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About Haarell Janer

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.

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About Lexy Gorgonio

As a proud native Hawaiian homeowner on the island of Maui, it is my privilege to help our community members toward their homeownership goals and financial success. Through partnerships and advocacy my goal is to support and empower those around me.

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About Maria Linz

Maria Linz is a Leiali‘i homesteader and works mainly in the HCL office site in Lahaina through the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) office. A former massage therapist and operations manager in the hospitality industry, Maria has always been committed to making a positive impact in the lives of those around her. Following the 2018 Lahaina fires, she helped lead disaster relief out of Waiola Church, forming “Team No Sleep” and participating in recovery efforts. A mother of three boys and a bonus daughter, she has also been a volunteer wish granter with Make-A-Wish Hawai‘i.

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About Joyce Davis

My mission is to serve our local communities in the best way that I can and ensure that all our local people are taken cared of with all the aloha any one could get.

TEST eee

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About Charlie Ioane

Husband, Father, Papa. Families are Forever.

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About Chloe Addington

In my professional career, I have worked in Insurance (medical at HMSA), am a licensed property and casualty adjuster and I have my Mortgage Loan Originators license. I have previously worked at a nonprofit as a Disaster Case Manager for the 2018 Kilauea Eruption, and I understand the importance of getting resources to the Hawaiian Community and the urgency to act when peoples’ livelihoods depend on it. Let’s save a home!

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About Maria Linz

Maria Linz is a Leiali‘i homesteader and works mainly in the HCL office site in Lahaina through the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) office. A former massage therapist and operations manager in the hospitality industry, Maria has always been committed to making a positive impact in the lives of those around her. Following the 2018 Lahaina fires, she helped lead disaster relief out of Waiola Church, forming “Team No Sleep” and participating in recovery efforts. A mother of three boys and a bonus daughter, she has also been a volunteer wish granter with Make-A-Wish Hawai‘i.

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About Erica Hanawahine

Every family’s journey toward homeownership is different, I am blessed to be a small part of their success. The strength of our community is the strength of its people, lets work together toward your goals!

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About Jess Delima

Born and raised in Hawai‘i, lives in Kaneohe. I’m committed and dedicated to making Hawaii’s Families dream of homeownership come true.

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About Trisal Luna-Calvin

I am a San Francisco native with over 20+ years in the Mortgage Industry, with a range of experience in sales, underwriting and servicing. I am excited about this journey with Hawaiian Community Lending, where I will be able to make a difference in the community and still follow the career that I love.

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About Hoku Preston

Humbled to bless others and see dreams come true.

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About Shareese Haiola

I have been blessed to join HCL as a Loan Servicing Assistant. I look forward to contribute to the purpose of this program that will benefit the needs of our communities.

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About Stylar Kaipo

Dedicated to serving our community, while providing the utmost Aloha.

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About Rona Kaho‘onei

What I value most about my work is that I get to help my team. I feel they are the ones that deal with trying to make a difference in other people’s lives; that’s hard stuff. I value being here to support and assist them so they can do their great work.

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About Sabrina Garcia

One of my greatest joy’s in life is helping others. It is a blessing for me to make a living doing what brings me joy. I am blessed. I am grateful and I am honored to be here to serve you.

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About Tinisha Vargas

Graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Kansas State University. I live on the Big Island with my husband and fur babies.

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About Felicity “Kui” Meyer

Felicity “Kui” Meyer was raised on the island of O‘ahu. She is a Branch Manager and Residential Loan Officer at Security National Mortgage Company. With more than 30 years in the mortgage industry, Kui knows how to work with homeowners, buyers, builders and real estate professionals to help members of her community gain and retain homeownership. Over the years, she has served as a board member for many local nonprofits dedicated to building foundations for future generations through homeownership, with a particular focus on native Hawaiians and transactions on Hawaiian Home Lands.

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About Billy Pieper

Board President - Billy Pieper is born and raised on the island of O‘ahu. He is senior vice president and director of strategic partnerships for American Savings Bank (ASB) and has over 20 years of experience in the financial industry.

Billy serves as the board chair for ʻIolani Palace and is a board member for RiseHI Collective and the Daniel Kahikina Akaka Foundation. He served as board chair for Bishop Museum and the Ke Aliʻi Pauahi Foundation. Billy holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and an MBA from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa. He is an Omidyar Fellow and Pacific Century Fellow and a graduate of the First Nations’ Futures Program.

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About Thomas Atou

Thomas Atou is born and raised on the islands of Kaua‘i and O‘ahu. He is a planner with the City and County of Honolulu Elderly Affairs Division. Thomas has more than 25 years of experience in community-based economic development, and recently served as manager of the $27-million Native Hawaiian Revolving Loan Fund.

He is knowledgeable in managing federal and philanthropic grants and contracts, as well as in providing entrepreneurship training, management of a business incubator, and administration of a micro-loan program for Pacific Islanders.

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About Alapaki

Alapaki believes in a future “where every family is part of a thriving community and where individual and collective well-being manifests a better world for all.” Principal at Islander Institute, Alapaki strives to address issues using island values. He leads initiatives around locally rooted community leadership development, sustainable local food system innovation, and community empowered education initiatives. Inspired by Hawaiian ways of living in reciprocity with the earth, Alapaki was responsible for launching and leading ‘Iole Global Resilience Hub in 2022. For 10 years, he was senior director of the team that manages all Kamehameha Schools land on Hawai‘i Island and has previously served as the director of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. He believes that land plays a central role in the health and well-being of native Hawaiians.

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About Jaclyn

Jackie is the executive director of Kaua‘i Economic Development Board (KEDB), a position she has held since 2022. A proponent of “transformational and servant leadership,” Jackie is an experienced leader who knows what it takes to help communities thrive. Since she began working for KEDB in 2015, she has focused on areas that include development and construction of the Kauai Creative Technology Center, the update and implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategic Plan (CEDS), as well as initiatives in food and agriculture, science and technology, renewable energy, and education. For Jackie, working with the community and having the ability to “give back” is the most rewarding part of her job.

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About Kawena

Kawena Suganuma Beaupré, Esq. is senior vice president & general counsel at the Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF). The great granddaughter of preeminent Hawaiian scholar and educator Mary Kawena Pukui, Kawena has built her career and personal life around helping others, fostering community and building a network of trusted relationships. Prior to HCF, she was an associate in the tax department of Cades Schutte LLLP where she practiced in the areas of tax and finance. Kawena is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools, UH Mānoa Shidler College of Business and UH Mānoa William S. Richardson School of Law. Kawena is also a certified public accountant. In 2021, Kawena was selected as a Pacific Business News Women Who Mean Business Honoree. She serves on various boards including the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, Partners In Development Foundation, and the Mary Kawena Pukui Cultural Preservation Society.

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About Sean

Sean Perez loves hearing about the great things Hawai‘i Community Lending is doing for the Hawaiian community. And now as HCL’s new director of finance, he is excited to be part of the team making it happen.

“I enjoy hearing the success stories of new homes that we will soon be building and finding for these families,” he says. “HCL’s mission resonates well with me and my passion to help others and assist our community.”

To this end, Sean will manage HCL’s finances, accounting, compliance, and information technology matters; working with HCL Executive Director Jeff Gilbreath and supervising three division managers. He comes to HCL with over eight years of experience in financial management in the nonprofit and private, for-profit sectors having worked in the legal, social service, health, and telecommunications industries as well as with the US Attorney’s Office of Guam and CNMI. In his previous job as director of operations for the Hawai‘i State Bar Association where he was responsible for directing the organization’s finances, Sean grew his experience in nonprofit financial management and gained extensive background in accounting, grants management, IT and human resources. These skills, in conjunction with his drive to work with the Hawai‘i community through nonprofit assistance, led Sean to HCL.

Currently living in Honolulu, Sean was born in Tamuning, Guam. When he was 10 years old, he moved to Oxnard, Calif., where he attended school and eventually community college. The Air Force Reserves beckoned him after graduation, leading him to serve three and a half years as an aircrew flight equipment technician at March Air Reserve Base. After his military service, Sean returned to his childhood home of Guam, where he went to college to obtain a degree in finance and economics, and then to pursue an MBA.

On O‘ahu, Sean enjoys family life with his fiancée and toddler son; fishing and surfing in his time off. “I look forward to accomplishing great things with HCL and creating new success stories,” he says.

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About Aushalyn

Aushalyn Haia gets to call two islands her home: O‘ahu and Maui. Her dad is from Kailua, and her mom is from Mā‘ili. During her sophomore year, her papa’s name was called in the Leali‘i lottery. He had been on the list for 30+ years, already had a home, and was settled, so he gave it to her dad. Her family moved to Maui with two weeks of her sophomore year left, and at the time she was upset because, you know, teenager. But now she sees that move as the blessing it was. She grew up in two different beautiful environments, with more of her family and more friends.

At HCL, Aushalyn works with Lahaina homeowners who were directly impacted by the fires and who are interested in the Lahaina Homeowner Recovery Program. Their stories are already difficult, so talking about it isn’t easy. People want to be heard and understood. The goal is to help the community, whether that’s through HCL or not. So, throughout the process, the team tries to present options and resources for clients that can best help them and meet their needs.

Aushalyn is most proud of seeing people come in heavy and leave lighter. If she can bring a bit of peace to someone’s storm, it helps her breathe easier.

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About Britney

From an early age, Britney Kalua knew she wanted to impact her Hawaiian community in a significant way.

She grew up with a lot of social and economic challenges. Through those challenges, she wanted to help and bring change to people with similar backgrounds in the Hawaiian community. As a teenager, it was her dream to become a counselor for “at-risk” or “houseless” Hawaiian youth. At the age of 17, she became pregnant with her first son, and for a big part of her life, trying to make it and survive became the focus.

She attended Hawai‘i Institute of Technology, where she earned her certificate in medical coding and billing. She gained experience and knowledge but discovered that the medical field was not her passion. Her work experience includes roles at Kealahou West O‘ahu, an emergency homeless shelter; as a freight processor with Matson Navigational Inc.; as an account specialist in Phoenix, Arizona; and as a community service specialist at Hawaiian Community Assets.

Her two children are now 15 and 7 years old. She loves the outdoors and spending time with her ‘ohana at the beach. She recently discovered a love for lauhala weaving and continues to further her knowledge by attending workshops and classes.

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About Gail

Gail Marie works with the Lahaina Homeowner Restoration Program through HCL. Her professional background spans various roles, from English professor to tech startup marketing director, most recently as a remote employee. After eight years on Maui and experiencing the devastating effects of the wildfire alongside fellow Lahaina residents, she felt compelled to shift her focus to serving her in-person community.

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About Sarah

Sarah Pa was born and raised on the island of Kaua‘i. She and her family lead an active lifestyle, engaging in sports, spending time in the mountains and at the beach, and passing down family traditions. Raising her children has given her the determination and drive to improve life for herself and her family. She was taught from an early age to always lend a helping hand to anyone in need, without expecting anything in return. In her spare time, she enjoys photography, capturing moments of daily life.

She is thrilled to be part of Hawai‘i Community Lending and strives to provide respect and care to families. Her goal is to help individuals unlock their true potential by offering the tools and resources needed to achieve independence.

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About Riley

Riley Bond has lived in Lahaina since the age of two and has become even more passionate about serving the community since the fires. Actively engaged in the legislative session last year, Riley read and submitted testimony on issues that directly impact the area. Currently, Riley sits on the board of a nonprofit focused on reforesting Lahaina by removing invasive plants, planting native trees, and using aloha ‘āina concepts to help people reconnect with the land and heal. In just one year, the nonprofit evolved from a completely grassroots effort with no funding or land lease to a fully established organization receiving grants and engaging in talks with DLNR and the state for an official land use agreement.

Riley has primarily worked in the tourism and service industry, with the exception of a role at an elementary school teaching English to children who needed extra assistance. This experience inspired a return to college to study early childhood education, later shifting focus to social work.

At HCL, Riley is part of a team with a shared vision of empowering the community and ensuring that individuals and families can return home.

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About Lilinoe

Lilinoe Punahele Todd has five brothers and three sisters and has called Kāneʻohe home her entire life. She also considers Molokaʻi her second home, where she and her siblings, cousins, and grandparents spent their summers together. Both she and her husband grew up in Kāneʻohe and chose to stay there to raise their family. They have been married for 16 years and are raising their 15-year-old son, along with their 16-year-old niece.

During school, she fulfilled a community service graduation requirement by volunteering as a summer intern for the Board of Trustees office at OHA. She loved the fast-paced professional atmosphere and found fulfillment in knowing that their work was helping the lāhui.

At HCL, she oversees internal referrals and facilitates effective communication and collaboration between HCA and HCL. She takes pride in supporting the lāhui and kaiāulu, ensuring that people in Hawaiʻi have the resources they need to stay and thrive. As a local organization with many kānaka maoli, HCL understands and relates to the struggles facing Hawaiʻi’s people, and she is committed to helping them move forward.

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About Nikki

Nikki Hollern is a mother of five, born and raised in Upcountry Maui, but she spent the last 15 years in the beautiful town of Lahaina. Lahaina stole her heart, with the people and the town being unlike any other. After the fire, her family had to relocate to Kahului.

Her heart remains in Lahaina, and her goal is to help this amazing community get back to where they belong. She feels blessed to have the opportunity to be part of the HCL ‘ohana, helping navigate this incredibly hard time and hopefully serving as a guiding light to assist the community in returning home and coming back even stronger.

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About Moanikeala

Moanikeala Pomare was born in Kāne‘ohe but raised in Mākaha. She was able to map out her family’s genealogy and can trace her roots back about 180 generations. Formerly, she worked at Waikīkī Health with the pursuit of prevention and management of HIV within Hawai‘i. Now, at HCL, she loves being able to contribute to something that positively impacts the community.

She believes that every part within HCL contributes to a person or family being able to live in their dream home—their forever home. Every role is essential.

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About Matthew

Matthew Park’s father grew up in Nānākuli, and his mother grew up in Kalihi Valley, where he lived for the majority of his life. His parents instilled in him from a young age the passion to never give up and to always focus on God—believing that without Him, we cannot make it in this world. His father worked two jobs to put him and his brother through school; times were tough, but he taught them to give their best in all they do, no matter how hard it may seem, never back down, and keep moving forward with a grateful heart.

For Matthew, Hawai‘i Community Lending is a place people can call home—a place where they will find the help they need. The team works with clients to resolve their situations so they no longer need to feel stressed. He loves helping people in need and seeing their hearts touched by the service and relief provided to them.

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About Kimberly

Kimberly Kealohanui is from Waimānalo. She was fortunate to receive help from HCL when they assisted her with an appeal letter to keep her home after her parents’ passing. She was unaware of such a wonderful program that helps Native Hawaiians stay on ‘Āina, and she wanted to be a part of the movement. She is passionate about her faith and her family.

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About Kathy

People who choose to help society become a better place inspire Kathy Yoo every day to do the same.

Her grandmothers inspire her. Both lived through brutal oppression during the Japanese occupation, escaped North Korea as teenagers, lived through poverty during wars, and made the decision to immigrate to the U.S. at later stages of life just so the next generation could have a better future.

Her parents are from Korea and immigrated to the U.S. in the ’80s. She grew up in Philadelphia. At Penn State, she earned her bachelor’s degree in hospitality management with a minor in labor relations and remains very active with her alma mater’s alumni chapter. She moved to Waikīkī as an assistant front office manager for the Hyatt Regency and later became a loan processor.

Now, as HCL’s construction closing coordinator, she tracks all the projects that have closed their interim construction loan with the organization. She loves seeing housing projects come to life and witnessing the smiles and excitement on homeowners’ faces. She values being part of a team that helps the Native Hawaiian community stay in homes or achieve homeownership for the first time on their lots.

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About Kani

Kani Kucich grew up on O‘ahu and currently lives on the Big Island with her husband and daughter. She has always valued the importance of community service and is honored to be a part of an organization that is striving to make a difference.

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About Jona

Currently living on the island of Kaua‘i, Jona Ahuna is a DHHL beneficiary and lessee of Anahola Hawaiian Homestead. A devoted believer and loving family member, she finds joy in nurturing her faith and cherishing the moments spent with loved ones. She believes that faith is a guiding light in her life, inspiring her to embrace challenges and celebrate blessings. Whether through family gatherings, church activities, or volunteering, she fosters connections that uplift and inspire.

In every aspect of her life, she strives to reflect these values, creating a legacy for generations to come. She incorporates that into her work with HCL, whose mission and vision align with her core beliefs of Faith and Family.

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About Hunter

Living in Hilo, Hunter Pierto cherishes the time spent with family and considers it a true privilege to contribute to the community. There’s nothing more fulfilling than being a part of something that works to make a positive impact in the place he calls home.

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About Dasialia

Born and raised in O‘ahu, Dasialia Julian currently resides in Nu‘uanu with her fiancé and two boys. In their free time, her family loves to holoholo and make memories together. She considers it a blessing to be a part of HCL and to be able to make a difference in the community.

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