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Meet the Team

Our hard-working team at HCL gets the job done! We are committed to working with you to make homeownership a reality and sustain homeownership for generations to come.

Home Loans with Hawaii Community Lending

Jeff Gilbreath
Waimānalo, HI
Executive Director

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.

Meet the team at Hawai‘i Community Lending

Chanel Josiah
Anahola, Kauaʻi
Community Development Director

Aikū’ē Kalima Mililani, HI Lending Director

Aikū’ē Kalima
Mililani, Oʻahu
Lending Director

Kahaunani Mahoe-Thoene Waimānalo, HI Servicing Director

Kahaunani Mahoe-Thoene
Waimānalo, Oʻahu
Servicing Director

Sean Perez, Finance Director, Hawai‘i Community Lending

Sean Perez
Honolulu, Oʻahu
Finance Director

Community Development
Community Development
Hawai‘i Community Lending team

Lexy Gorgonio
Wailuku, Maui
Operations Manager

Riley Bond - Hawai‘i Community Lending

Riley Bond
Lahaina, Maui
Navigation Specialist

Sarah Pa - Hawai‘i Community Lending

Sarah Pa
Līhuʻe, Kauaʻi
Navigation Specialist

Hawai‘i Community Lending team

Maria Linz
Lahaina, Maui
Lahaina Program Manager

Keyrsten - Hawai‘i Community Lending

Keyrsten Garcia
Kapa‘a, Kauaʻi
Navigation Specialist

Gail Marie - Hawai‘i Community Lending

Gail Marie
Lahaina, Maui
Navigation Specialist

Jona Ahuna - Hawai‘i Community Lending

Jona Ahuna
Wailua, Kauaʻi
Technical Assistance Manager

Aushalyn Haia - Hawai‘i Community Lending

Aushalyn Haia
Lahaina, Maui
Navigation Specialist

Nikki Hollern, Navigation Specialist, Hawai‘i Community Lending

Nikki Hollern
Kahului, Maui
Navigation Specialist

Hawai‘i Community Lending team

Moanikeala Pomare
Kaneohe, Oʻahu
Logistics & Administrative Specialist

Britney Kalua - Hawai‘i Community Lending team

Britney Kalua
Nu‘uanu, Oʻahu
Navigation Specialist

Lending
Joyce - Hawai‘i Community Lending

Joyce Davis
Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi
Consumer Loan Manager

Erica Hanawahine

Erica Hanawahine
Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu
Home Loan Manager

Charlie Ioane, Mortgage Loan Manager

Charlie Ioane
Waimānalo, Oʻahu
Mortgage Loan Consultant

Hawai‘i Community Lending team

Jess Delima
Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu
Mortgage Loan Consultant

Chloe at Hawai‘i Community Lending

Chloe Addington
Hilo, Hawaiʻi
Loan Processor

Hawai‘i Community Lending team

Kathy Yoo
Honolulu, Oʻahu
Loan Closer

Matthew Park - Hawai‘i Community Lending

Matthew Park
Hilo, Hawaiʻi
Loan Processor

Home Preservation & Servicing
Home Preservation & Servicing
Trisal at Hawai‘i Community Lending

Trisal Luna-Calvin
Honolulu, Oʻahu
Home Preservation Program Manager

Stylar Kaipo

Stylar Kaipo
Hilo, Hawaiʻi
Loss Mitigation Analyst

Ana Kamaka - Hawai‘i Community Lending

Ana Kamaka
Paukūkalo, Maui
Home Preservation Specialist

Hoku - Hawai‘i Community Lending Team

Hoku Preston
Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu
Loan Servicing Manager

Hawai‘i Community Lending team

Dasialia Julian
Hawai‘i
Loss Mitigation Analyst

Hawai‘i Community Lending

Shareese Haiola
Pauoa, Oʻahu
Loss Mitigation Analyst

Hawai‘i Community Lending team

Kimberly Kealohanui
Waimānalo, Hawaiʻi
Loan Assistant


Stason Barido
Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi
Loss Mitigation Analyst

Hawai‘i Community Lending team

Shandy Andrews
Hawai‘i
Loan Assistant

Finance
Rona Kaho‘onei, Office Manager.

Rona Kaho‘onei
Waimānalo, Hawaiʻi
Office Manager

Hawai‘i Community Lending team

Kani Kucich
Hawai‘i
Data Specialist

Sabrina Garcia, Compliance & Reporting Manager

Sabrina Garcia
Hilo, Hawaiʻi
Compliance & Reporting Manager

Hawai‘i Community Lending team

Hunter Pierto
Hilo, Hawaiʻi
Compliance and Reporting Assistant

Hawai‘i Community Lending

Tinisha Vargas
Hilo, Hawaiʻi
Data Manager

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 advocacy 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 Community Development 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 advocate 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 Homelands. She is one of 11 siblings and a fourth-generation lessee on Hawaiian Homelands, 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 advocate 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 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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