The County of Maui is thrilled to announce the 2026 Volunteer Hero list! These outstanding community members are making a positive change throughout all of Maui Nui.
These outstanding members of the Maui County community have dedicated their time, skills, and hearts to serving others and our ʻāina. The Volunteer Heroes Celebration of Service has been recognizing these types of Maui stewards for over a decade. We are proud to share the names and stories of these folks gaining Volunteer Hero status this year. Mahalo to all of these inspiring Maui residents.
These are listed in no particular order.
Andy Fox
Friends of Haleakalā National Park
Title/Position: Service Trip Coordinator
Andy Fox is a cornerstone of Friends of Haleakalā National Park's volunteer program, contributing exceptional leadership, consistency, and heart to FHNP's service work. Andy is an extraordinary volunteer because he combines deep experience with approachability. Andy strengthens FHNP through his commitment to pilina: fostering connection among volunteers, between people and place, and with the park itself.
Isa Cocallas
Na Kia'i O Maui
Title/Position: Volunteer
Isa Cocallas is a woman of remarkable talents. What makes her truly special is the genuine heart behind everything she does. There's no pretense, no seeking recognition-just a sincere commitment to using her abilities to serve others well. She celebrates wins with real joy, offers help without being asked, and somehow makes everyone feel like they matter. Her presence doesn't just improve outcomes; it reminds people why they love what they do and why working together matters.
Annie Byrne
Mana'o Radio
Title/Position: Volunteer Coordinator/ Board Member
Annie Byrne is a cornerstone of Mana'o Radio (KMNO), serving as Board Member and Volunteer Coordinator for the all-volunteer station. Her efforts ensure this 100% volunteer-run organization remains a cultural treasure trove for Maui, fueled by a shared passion for eclectic music. She fosters camaraderie among diverse volunteers and has modernized the station's reach through its mobile app, connecting listeners globally to Maui's unique energy. Her work ensures Mana'o Radio remains a vibrant, inclusive space where the power of music continues to inspire and unite the people of Maui.
Avery Chumbley
Pacific Cancer Foundation
Title/Position: Board Member
Through years of growth and change, Avery has provided steady, mission-first governance so the team can keep delivering free support and guidance to patients and families across Maui County. What makes Avery an extra-special volunteer is his consistency. He shows up, follows through, and quietly does the hard work of governance-year after year-so PCF can stay strong, accountable, and focused on being a compassionate guide for every person facing cancer on Maui, Lāna'i, and Moloka'i.
Mary Drayer
Kamehameha Schools Maui
Title/Position: Volunteer
Aunty Mary Drayer has been helping out for many years at Kamehameha Schools Maui. She continuously offers her volunteerism throughout the campus. She's had several moʻopuna attend, and currently attend KSM. She is always helping out in the pool for swim lessons! She also volunteers in the school library -- aiding faculty and staff. She offers her assistance at multiple class functions by helping with set up. Her consistency is valuable as she returns annually to become a celebrated volunteer at the school.
Martin "Hopsing" Coon
Na Hoaloha
Title/Position: Volunteer
As a volunteer with Na Hoaloha, Hopsing has been providing compassionate care to kupuna in the Lahaina community for 10 years. In this capacity he has spent countless hours taking homebound seniors to medical appointments, running errands, providing companionship, and talking story. His humor and infectious smile lift the spirits of those that otherwise would be alone and sad. Na Hoaloha is honored to nominate Mr. Martin Hopsing Coon as a Maui County Volunteer Hero for 2026.
Sue Haylor
Hale Kau Kau
Title/Position: Kitchen Volunteer
Sue Haylor is an invaluable member of the Hale Kau Kau 'ohana and a shining example of faithful volunteer service. Week after week, she shows up consistently and on time, ready to do whatever is needed to help feed our community. Her joyful, can‑do approach lifts the mood of the entire team and makes each shift go more smoothly. Her willingness to take on added responsibility, often at short notice, shows both her dedication and her leadership.
Laura Stanton
Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset
Title/Position: Club Service Direction
What is most impressive is the extent of Laura's service to our community. Laura has been working with Angel Hands on Maui to bring free prom attire to the Lahainaluna Juniors & Seniors affected by the fire. Laura flew to Seattle to pick up gently used dresses and flew back to Maui with ten big boxes! This year, that outreach also included bringing the "prom pop up store" to students on Lanai and Molokai. She is one of those rare people who can be described as having a heart for her community. People know Rotary for our exceptional volunteer contributions to our communities, and Laura is one of the best.
Maria & Marta Rebella
Hui No'eau Visual Arts Center
Title/Position: Volunteers
Maria and Marta Rebella have made a lasting and meaningful impact at Hui No'eau Visual Arts Center through their dedicated volunteer service since 2021. They have been instrumental in supporting the creation and assembly of thousands of community art kits for the Hui's Art2Go outreach program. What makes Maria and Marta especially remarkable is the depth of experience and generosity they bring to their volunteer work. They approach every task with patience, kindness, and genuine joy in supporting the arts.
Kenton Detweiler
Maui Rescue Mission
Title/Position: Volunteer Chef
Kenton pours so much heart and care into the food he prepares and shares with everyone.
Kenton and his daughter lost everything in the devastating Lahaina fires, and like so many others they have been walking the long hard road to recovery. Despite the immense personal challenges, Kenton continues to show up in compassion and service to his community, dishing up friendship with every meal. We are tremendously blessed to have Kenton's big smile and cooking skills shining bright with us on outreach.
Sheri Ann Dante
Pacific Whale Foundation
Title/Position: Volunteer
Sherri Ann is nominated as a PWF Volunteer Hero because of her incredible and ongoing service to our community and environment. She actively supports creative projects that uplift our community and generously gives her time as a chaperone for Keiki Whalewatch, helping educate and inspire our next generation to care for the ocean and wildlife. Sheri's dedication, consistency, and aloha make a real difference, and her actions embody the spirit of stewardship and community care.
Carolyn Dean
ParaGenius Foundation
Title/Position: Founder-Volunteer
Dr Dean has been a cornerstone volunteer for food distribution at farmers markets for the past 8 years. She may be a doctor, naturopath, author and owner of two wellness companies, but all these roles and titles evaporate when you see her at the market. Through volunteering and recruitment, Carolyn has shown what is possible for the community in a farmers market setting. It can be an opportunity to teach the community about produce and local farming and food security in a way that revitalizes the Aloha spirit.
Nancy Saunders
Maui Food Bank
Title/Position: Warehouse Volunteer
Nancy Saunders has been a dedicated volunteer with Maui Food Bank since 2020, generously giving her time on a weekly basis to support the mission of helping the hungry in Maui County. Her positive attitude, strong work ethic, and genuine compassion for the community truly set her apart. Nancy's dedication has made a meaningful impact on the families served, and everyone is deeply grateful for her continued service.
Katherine Patricio
Organ Transplant Maui
Title/Position: Support Group Volunteer
Organ Transplant Maui is proud to nominate the newest support group volunteer member, Katherine Patricio as a Volunteer Hero! Katherine has shared her story of dealing with home dialysis or hemodialysis challenges. Through her many ups and downs, she compiled a list of events of her own struggles and successes at support group meetings in hopes that it may help others learn about what she is facing. She has been an excellent role model for others going through similar situations.
Dave & Pam Albright
Kula Community Watershed Alliance
Title/Position: President/ Board Of Directors
Not only have fire-impacted Kula residents Dave and Pam grown hundreds of native plants in their home nursery to support the restoration of the Kula Burn Scar, they have volunteered over 500 hours to support the growth of the Kula Community Watershed Alliance. Dave single-handedly designed the irrigation system, created a materials list, and budget for the Rotary-funded KCWA Community Restoration Nursery. Pam has an exceptional green thumb, and has contributed countless hours to propagating native plants she collected as seed on KCWA field trips.
Juliet Warren
Best Buddies
Title/Position: Best Buddies Citizens Director
Best Buddies is grateful to Jules for her investigative and planning skills. With her assistance, Best Buddies hosted 6 successful Best Buddy Citizen Activities for members aged 18 and up. The organization is going to have the best and most successful year ever if Jules has anything to do with it. What makes Jules so extremely valuable as a volunteer is that she is having fun at every step of the process, so the momentum is never lost. From early planning and contacting every individual along the way, Jules is in it to win it.
Alex Roessler
Hospice Maui
Title/Position: Patient Volunteer
When Alex began volunteering for Hospice Maui in 2019, he wanted to visit patients living at Hale Makua. Alex's easy presence there, almost every single weekend for 6 years, has made him a most beloved and treasured volunteer. He is comfortable with folks in shared joys & grief, in conversation or quietly sitting vigil when a patient's time is close. He somehow finds a way to genuinely connect with the people he meets. The way he shows up consistently helps people to feel safe and trust him.
Ivy Paleka
Pukalani Nazarene Compassion Village
Title/Position: Volunteer
Aunty Ivy is the most selfless volunteer, advocating for those in need of housing support, providing food and water assistance, and always in prayer for our community. She assists Pukalani Nazarene Compassion Village in so many unseen ways, and is an integral part to not only our community, but the wider Maui island. We are so thankful for her countless blessings to all.
Rebecca (Kona) Jackson
What Makes You Feel Beautiful
Title/Position: Youth Volunteer
Rebecca Jackson, known as Kona, has made a meaningful and lasting impact at What Makes You Feel Beautiful through her dedicated service supporting women, girls, and families across Maui. What makes Kona an exceptional volunteer is the way she leads with both compassion and responsibility. She consistently goes beyond what is asked, stepping in wherever help is needed and supporting younger girls by example. She represents the very best of youth leadership and service in Maui County, and her impact continues to ripple through everyone she serves.
Cheryl Pokipala
Maui Art & Cultural Center
Title/Position: Usher & Gallery Attendant
Cheryl's dedication to arts enrichment for our community is unmatched. Her impact shines in a place where dedication can change lives. Cheryl gives heart, talent, and time to vital areas like mental health, housing, youth, and fair labor rights all over Maui County. Then, she still finds time to share her light with the MACC with over 2,200 Volunteer hours so far. She works hard for positive change in our community. Countless people say a heartfelt Mahalo for the hope that she provides.
Matthew Lugo
Maui Economic Development Board
Title/Position: Aerospace Engineer
As part of MEDB's STEMworks education program, Matthew has repeatedly joined as a special guest speaker to share his passion for engineering and aerospace technology with local students during camps and extracurricular events. In just the past year, Matthew has participated in STEMworks' Camp Kauwela, Introducing Engineering Careers Day, Innovation Camp, and STEMworks AFTERschool, impacting over 250 students from grades K-12. He also regularly serves as a judge for VEX Robotics competitions on the weekends. MEDB staff regularly rely on his expertise to inform our work supporting engineers and scientists seeking to start successful businesses in Maui Nui.
