Who We Are
The Lahaina wildfire changed our community forever. Families, friends, and local businesses that formed the fabric of our town have suffered unimaginable loss.​
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The Maui Pono Foundation was founded by four local Lahaina families who share a deep commitment to our home. Our mission is to provide meaningful support to those affected and to help guide a thoughtful, community-centered rebuilding effort that honors Lahaina’s spirit.
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Board of Directors
Steve Iverson - President
Debbie Arakaki - Secretary
Kyle Anderson - Treasurer
Anis Bel - Director
Chief Executive Officer
Joel Navarro
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Advisors to the Board
Dominic Pistillo
Ann Pistillo
Dani Haney
Mike Haney
Heather Burton Santillanes
Jaime Navarro
Molly Payne
Dylan Payne
Shelly Timmons
Statutory Agent & Address
Dani Haney
2800 Palalani St
Makawao, HI 96768
Joel Navarro
Joel and Jaime Navarro are long standing and devoted West Maui residents for close to 30 years. Their commitment to the people of Lahaina began with their strong ties to the paddling community; having paddled with Napili Canoe Club for several years. Jaime also has ties with the West Maui resort community having worked at the Hyatt Regency Maui and Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort. Both resorts have played active roles in supporting the community with volunteer work and charity events. Jaime is currently employed as a service technician for Sturdevant Air Conditioning, which also places a great emphasis on community outreach. Joel has an active role in the real estate industry on Maui. He has been an avid baseball and basketball coach in West Maui for many years. He currently is on the Board of Directors for the Lahainaluna High School Foundation; is the President of Lahaina Junior Golf Association, and is the Chairman of the Legacy Cup golf tournament that benefits Lahainaluna High School’s “Project Graduation”. Prior to being the Executive Vice President of Hawaii’s newest title and escrow company, Ho’okele Title & Escrow, Joel served as Assistant Vice President of Commercial Banking for Central Pacific Bank and played a key role in establishing and providing commercial loans to West Maui businesses. Both Jaime and Joel are very passionate about the Maui community and play an active role in supporting and maintaining its culture and beliefs.
Anis Bel
Anis Bel was born and raised in West Maui and learned what it meant to be from Lahaina from a young age. The authentic, empowering, and vibrant community always gave meaning and pride to Anis as he represented the town throughout his life. Anis graduated as a valedictorian from Lahainaluna High School before attending Oregon State University, where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Renewable Materials Science and Engineering. He is currently a leading Realtor in West Maui, guiding his clients to success and displaying the Aloha of Maui. Anis has always made giving back to the community central to his character, from pulling weeds in the Honokowai Valley with Maui Cultural lands, to organizing fundraising events for the Maui Food Bank. After losing his home in the Lahaina wildfire, Anis and his wife Casey spent 10 months traveling the world, visiting 27 countries in every continent except Antarctica. That experience brought healing, a fresh perspective, and a deeper appreciation for the resilience of the Lahaina community. Since returning home, he is honored to serve on the Board of Directors to help shape the future of Lahaina and make a difference in advancing the Maui community.
Debbie Arakaki
Debbie Arakaki, born and raised in the Hawaiian Islands, is an integral part of Lahaina and Maui’s community and culture. From beginning Mr. Sub in Lahaina to working in COMPASS real estate in Maui and involvement with the Maui Food Bank, Debbie has a deep connection to Maui residents.
Steve Iverson
Steve & Gina Iverson moved to Lahaina with their son, Mathew, in 2011 because they recognized the opportunity they had to raise their son in such an amazing community as West Maui. Mathew attended King Kamehameha III Elementary and graduated 8th grade from Sacred Hearts. Mathew became a competitive swimmer at Lahaina Swim Club and is now swimming for FSU. Gina & Steve have both been involved with the community by volunteering their time regularly. Gina was part of the Executive Board for 8 years that ran the Lahaina Swim Club, while Steve coached youth sports and was President of the Launiupoko HOA. Steve & Gina have many friends that have been personally impacted by the Lahaina fires and they are eager to use their professional experience to help organize the relief efforts and the rebuilding of the West Side community.