The Maui News

On August 20 at 5:30-6:30PM, the Rotary Satellite Club of Kihei-Wailea will be hearing from Joel Mandaro with Maui Pono Foundation sharing about Restoring Lahaina: Maui Pono Foundation’s Journey of Hope and Recovery.

The Maui Pono Foundation’s mission is to empower the Maui community devastated by the August 2023 fires through transparent grant-making processes and strategic partnerships to foster resilience and catalyze sustainable recovery initiatives. Our efforts are focused on providing the most expeditious and immediate relief for individuals that have experienced a total loss of home and/or business, helping small businesses reestablish themselves and support infrastructure rebuilding to prevent future fire disasters. The vision is for MPF to be Mauis most effective grant making public charity; based on the values of community, transparency, integrity, and dedication.

Joel Navarro was born in Quezon City, Philippines and was raised in Essex County, NJ. He graduated from Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT; earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. He is the current CEO of the Maui Pono Foundation. Joel has been living on Maui since 1993. He and his wife, Jaime, have two sons, Joa and Jaxon. Joel is also the chairman and founder of the Legacy Cup Golf Tournament. This annual charity event raises funds for Lahainaluna High School’s “Project Graduation”. Joel is also the President of the Lahaina Junior Golf Association. This non-profit organization is dedicated to “educating life skills through the game of golf” for the youth of Maui; instilling values such as respect, integrity, character and honor. Joel enjoys golfing, surfing, scuba diving and traveling to new destinations.

We will also hear from our Vocational Member minute speaker – Maile Kekona. Maile will share valuable insights for understanding and utilizing the advertising opportunities with local media print leader – Maui No Ka ‘Oi Magazine. Business owners looking to connect with the visitor industry can effectively promote their businesses, contribute to the local economy, and support the broader community on Maui by reaching a targeted audience yielding greater than 100,000 impressions per issue.

Please join us on August 20 at 5:00PM to network. Meeting starts at 5:30PM. We will be meeting at Tantes in Ma’alaea. Contact rotarymeansbusinessmaui@gmail.com to RSVP. Or use the QR Code.