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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.

Chanel J Hawai‘i Community Lending

Chanel Josiah
Anahola, HI
Community Development Director

Aikū’ē Kalima Mililani, HI Lending Director

Aikū’ē Kalima
Mililani, HI
Lending Director

Kahaunani Mahoe-Thoene Waimānalo, HI Servicing Director

Kahaunani Mahoe-Thoene
Waimānalo, HI
Servicing Director

Sean Perez, Finance Director, Hawai‘i Community Lending

Sean Perez
Honolulu, HI
Finance Director

Community Development
Community Development
Hawai‘i Community Lending team

Lexy Gorgonio
Wailuku, HI
Operations Manager

Riley Bond - Hawai‘i Community Lending

Riley Bond
Lahaina, HI
Navigation Specialist

Sarah Pa - Hawai‘i Community Lending

Sarah Pa
Līhuʻe, HI
Navigation Specialist

Hawai‘i Community Lending team

Maria Linz
Lahaina, HI
Lahaina Program Manager

Keyrsten - Hawai‘i Community Lending

Keyrsten Garcia
Kapa‘a, HI
Navigation Specialist

Gail Marie - Hawai‘i Community Lending

Gail Marie
Lahaina, HI
Navigation Specialist

Jona Ahuna - Hawai‘i Community Lending

Jona Ahuna
Wailua, HI
Technical Assistance Manager

Aushalyn Haia - Hawai‘i Community Lending

Aushalyn Haia
Lahaina, HI
Navigation Specialist

Nikki Hollern, Navigation Specialist, Hawai‘i Community Lending

Nikki Hollern
Hawai‘i
Navigation Specialist

Hawai‘i Community Lending team

Moanikeala Pomare
Kaneohe, HI
Logistics & Administrative Specialist

Britney Kalua - Hawai‘i Community Lending team

Britney Kalua
Nu‘uanu, HI
Navigation Specialist

Lending
Joyce - Hawai‘i Community Lending

Joyce Davis
Kailua Kona, HI
Consumer Loan Manager

Erica Hanawahine

Erica Hanawahine
Kāneʻohe, HI
Home Loan Manager

Charlie Ioane, Mortgage Loan Manager

Charlie Ioane
Waimānalo, HI
Mortgage Loan Consultant

Hawai‘i Community Lending team

Jess Delima
Kāneʻohe, HI
Mortgage Loan Consultant

Chloe at Hawai‘i Community Lending

Chloe Addington
Hilo, HI
Loan Processor

Hawai‘i Community Lending team

Kathy Yoo
Honolulu, HI
Loan Closer

Matthew Park - Hawai‘i Community Lending

Matthew Park
Hilo, HI
Loan Processor

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

Trisal Luna-Calvin
Honolulu, HI
Home Preservation Program Manager

Stylar Kaipo

Stylar Kaipo
Hilo, HI
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, HI
Loan Servicing Manager

Hawai‘i Community Lending team

Dasialia Julian
Hawai‘i
Loss Mitigation Analyst

Hawai‘i Community Lending

Shareese Haiola
Pauoa, HI
Loss Mitigation Analyst

Hawai‘i Community Lending team

Kimberly Kealohanui
Waimanalo, HI
Loan Assistant

Hawai‘i Community Lending team

Stason Barido
Kailua Kona, HI
Loss Mitigation Analyst

Hawai‘i Community Lending team

Shandy Andrews
Hawai‘i
Loan Assistant

Finance
Rona Kaho‘onei, Office Manager.

Rona Kaho‘onei
Waimānalo, HI
Office Manager

Hawai‘i Community Lending team

Kani Kucich
Hawai‘i
Data Specialist

Sabrina Garcia, Compliance & Reporting Manager

Sabrina Garcia
Hilo, HI
Compliance & Reporting Manager

Hawai‘i Community Lending team

Hunter Pierto
Hilo, HI
Compliance and Reporting Assistant

Hawai‘i Community Lending

Tinisha Vargas
Hilo, HI
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 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.

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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

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.”

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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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