The County of Maui is pleased to recognize 27 outstanding individuals making a positive impact in our community.
These outstanding members of the Maui County community have dedicated their time, skills, and hearts to serving others and our 'aina. The Volunteer Heroes Celebration of Service has been recognizing these types of Maui stewards for over a decade. The County of Maui Volunteer Center is especially proud to shine a light on the heroes this year, as so many of them stepped up to even higher heights of heroism in the face of the Maui wildfire devastation. Mahalo to all of these inspiring Maui residents.
These are listed in no particular order.
Nicole Huguenin
Maui Rapid Response
Title/Position: Co Founder & Director Maui Rapid Response
Nicole is a co-founder of Maui Rapid Response. She has given countless hours of her time and expertise in assisting people in need. She believes in the Ahupua'a system of helping all those in your community. She's for our people, building community, and opening her home.
Andy Vliet
American Red Cross
Title/Position: Government Liaison American Red Cross
Mr. Andy Vliet is a remarkable hero. His exceptional dedication and selfless service during his deployment at the Maui Emergency Operations Center from August 8, 2023 through September 4, 2023 contributed to the mission of the Red Cross to alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies.
Sheila Marrow
What Makes You Feel Beautiful
Title/Position: Board Secretary & Treasurer What Makes You Feel Beautiful
Sheila Marrow, a retired corrections officer & entrepreneur, is an exceptional volunteer. Her boundless dedication is seen in her board service as Secretary and Treasurer and willingness to tackle any task. Her contributions range from administrative support, making monthly donations, running errands and much more.
Dr. Bridget Bongaard
Maui Cancer Resources
Title/Position: President, Founder & Medical Director
Dr. Bongaard shows up and helps, even in the middle of the night. She makes a priority for those going through cancer treatment and will not hesitate to stop by your home and provide care. She is constantly helping everyone. She never stops and is so very passionate.
Annie Byrne
Mana'o Radio
Title/Position: Volunteer Coordinator
Annie is a source of never ending inspiration and service. As Volunteer Coordinator, Annie is the glue that binds all volunteers together at Mana'o Radio and keeps the parts moving in synchrony. It is a very demanding job and Annie works tirelessly at it, always with a smile.
Steve Elliot
Malama Hamakua Maui
Title/Position: Volunteer
Steve's impact at Malama Hamakua Maui is immeasurable. Attending nearly every Kokua Day, he brings not only dedication, but also a UTV that enhances cleanup efforts. A passionate advocate, Steve's infectious smile brightens every event, making him an extraordinary volunteer.
Tyler Azeka
Organ Transplant Maui
Title/Position: Health Care Volunteer
After learning about his kidney failure, Tyler Azeka researched as much as possible about the disease and took every step to change his health habits. All with an inspiring attitude. He teaches everything he knows to others. He has such a great attitude and is such a delight to be around. We all could learn so much from him!
Moses Slovatizki
Healthy Kids Running Series Maui
Title/Position: Photographer
Moses generously donated time to take pictures for the Healthy Kids Running Series. He went above and beyond to get pictures of all 110 kids and to make sure every family got pictures - free of charge. He came to all 5 races last season and has already reached out to be a volunteer in the next season in April.
Karen Krenz
Pacific Primate Sanctuary
Title/Position: Volunteer Animal Caregiver
Karen drives from Lahaina to Haiku to help care for the monkeys every week. She creates engaging natural enrichment and loves to make special treats, like homemade jam and fruit leather, for the animals. Karen has also helped recruit more volunteers by spreading the word about Pacific Primate Sanctuary.
Faith Costa
Hawaii Animal Rescue Foundation
Title/Position: Volunteer
Faith has been a youth volunteer with the Hawaii Animal Rescue Foundation for the past few years. She is a wonderful asset to the organization. She is thoughtful and kind, and always willing to lend a hand. As she has grown in her role as a volunteer, she has begun to mentor and train new team members.
Wayne Denesik
Maui County Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol
Title/Position: Operations Officer
Lt Col Wayne Denesik spends dozens of hours training and supporting pilots of the Civil Air Patrol as check pilot. After the Lahaina Fires, he responded in the face of emergency to fly announcement missions for MEMA to direct residents to supplies and shelter. He is a true Volunteer Hero.
LeeAnne Wong
Common Ground Collective
Title/Position: Master Chef
LeeAnne has one of the biggest hearts you will find. Even though she lost her business in the fires, she shows up constantly to advocate for other survivors and to make long lasting change for our community. She has rallied people all over the nation to help. She is a joy to know and be around.
Linda Dorset
MACC
Title/Position: Docent Volunteer
Linda is so generous to Maui's performing arts communities. Linda is an active volunteer at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Iao Theater, Pro Arts, and MAPA. She has also been a volunteer for AARP, Civic Affairs and Maui Humane Society. She's accumulated over 13,000 hours of service at the MACC! Her contributions to the Maui Community are immeasurable. Mahalo Linda!
Grace Langdon
Napili Noho
Title/Position: Food Organizer/Distributor
Grace exemplifies pono and aloha despite being a fire victim herself. When thanked, she said, "Being able to do what I do has given me purpose for the 1st time in my life. I love being able to help the community that means so much to me." She embodies love, patience and kindness while helping hundreds.
Julian Arp-Sandel
Grow Some Good
Title/Position: Director of Guest Experience
Julian has proactively been involved with the Kumu Kit pre-assembly, which has helped get 3400+ kits accomplished in a timely manner during the school year. He has helped engage and host 5+ volunteer days with his colleagues and guests. We appreciate his commitment to actively volunteering with us.
Suzanne Fradette
Mana'olana Pink Paddlers
Title/Position: Board Member/Chair
Suzanne Fradette is Director of Mana'olana Pink Paddlers' Waves of Hope cancer assistance program. She works to help Maui's cancer patients receive alternative cancer treatments often not covered by health insurance such as acupuncture, massage, naturopathic medicine and herbal remedies so they can feel better.
Dylan Nails
Pukalani Community Church of the Nazarene Relief Center
Title/Position: Executive Director
Dylan is a Pastor at Pukalani Community Church, but since the very first moment of the very first night of the fire he has been serving our community without ceasing. He is often working 90-100 hour weeks. He volunteers in distribution, aid and relief, leadership of the workforce, and working to build transitional homes.
Ron Noda
Maui Humane Society
Title/Position: Volunteer
Ron has donated more than 1,300 hours of service by walking dogs. He often works with those who are most challenging to handle and need extra attention due to their size or high energy levels. He arrives early in the morning and assists the Animal Care team with kennel cleanings as well.
Barbara Potopowitz
Maui Memorial Hospital Auxiliary
Title/Position: President
Barbara goes above and beyond the commitment of leading the hospital volunteers. She is a visionary and doer. Under her leadership at the hospital, she has assisted with Junior Volunteers, cookie carts, individual patient visits, and sitting with end of life patients who have no family or friends with them.
Eric Bazier
Leilani Farm Sanctuary
Title/Position: Volunteer
Eric Baizer is an indispensable gift to Leilani Farm Sanctuary. He does two-hour morning rounds on Thursdays-collecting manure, feeding the animals, providing them with fresh water and making sure they get plenty of pats. They're all happy to see him, especially the sheep, who greet him with loud, excited bleats because they know he's carrying a goodie bag full of treats.
Katie Zimmerman
Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset
Title/Position: Rotary Community Service Liaison
Katie is a champion for the homeless. She organized Rotary's Salvation Army luncheons in Lahaina until the fire. Katie is a member of the Maui Rescue Mission and Project Vision Hawaii. She helps homeless people access benefit programs and is on top of where funding and volunteers are needed. Katie organized Rotary's gas and gift card distribution at the DRC. This relationship building has become even more important since the fire, as the number of homeless has significantly increased.
Shelby Richardson
Haku Baldwin Center
Title/Position: Horse Leader & Horse Handler
Shelby joined Haku Baldwin Center in 2018 as a Horse Leader and Horse Handler, and has since accumulated 912 service hours. She supports military veterans and youth with disabilities in adaptive riding and horsemanship lessons. She cares for the herd of therapy horses during session breaks. Shelby embodies a healthy mix of compassion and humor, easily becoming a fast favorite with her peers, staff, and especially the little riders, as she is always ready to join in with a giggle and a smile during lessons.
Caitlyn Smith-Ryland
Kanu Hawaiʻi
Title/Position: Volunteer Hero Pledge to our Keiki
Caitlyn is a student ambassador for a globally recognized campaign called Pledge to Our Keiki. This campaign launched at the Hawaii State Capitol in April 2023 as the #1 Earth Day activation in the world out of 192 countries. She is on the Student Council and is Vice President of the National Honors Society. She engages in a variety of community service acts with Kanu and has been an incredible volunteer for Hawaii for the past 4 years. She is also a recipient of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award.
Liza Rivera
Maui Food Bank
Title/Position: Volunteer
Liza Rivera has demonstrated unwavering dedication as a volunteer at Maui Food Bank. Since 2020, she has taken on the role of lead volunteer for the Ohana Drop food distribution program at Hale Makana in Central Maui. In addition, Liza organizes hygiene and baby product drives to support those in need within the community. Liza's impact at the Food Bank extends beyond her exceptional work ethic and positive attitude.
Arleen Gerbig
Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc.
Title/Position: Board of Directors Secretary
You can always count on Arleen Gerbig. When beloved Lahaina Honolua senior club President Mae Fujiwara passed suddenly, Arleen stepped into the role. During COVID, she delivered food to kupuna and held Zoom gatherings. After the fire - which took 1 member's life and 38 members' homes - she raised cash gifts and kept members together by holding meetings and social events.She has been an MEO Board member and Secretary and performs with Na Kupuna Serenaders.
Laura McClellan
Maui Rescue Mission
Title/Position: Volunteer
Laura's dedication and positivity have become an essential part of the Maui Rescue Mission outreach team. She gives her time and talent week after week, lending vital support to staff and spreading aloha to our neighbors on the street. Maui Rescue Mission is so thankful for her compassionate heart and hard working hands.
Mara Lockwood
Na Hoaloha
Title/Position: Volunteer/Board Member
Mara Lockwood serves on the Board of Directors for Na Hoaloha. She first joined the Board in 2016 after learning firsthand about the services offered and how her Aunt Fern, at 93, was benefiting from having a friendly volunteer visitor. She was very close to her aunt, and supported her efforts to live independently after she could no longer drive. As a Caregiver, Mara became acutely aware of the need for awareness for senior independent living.
