KALANI KAHALIOUMI

Kalani is the Director of Special Programs for Hawai‘i County’s Department of Parks and Recreation.  His office is housed at the Richardson’s Beach Park,  the site of year-round opportunities for keiki, adults and kupuna to cultivate a healthy relationship with the ocean and with others. Kalani believes that through surfing, sailing, and additional activities that are equal parts education and fun, it fosters confidence and stewardship in our people.  In 2013, Kalani hosted a Surfers Healing camp at Richardson Beach and approximately fifty keiki with autism and other disabilities were in attendance. Free of charge, the Hilo Surfers Healing Camp has been held at Richardson’s ever since.  Surfers Healing is a nonprofit organization created by championship surfer Israel Paskowitz and his wife Danielle, for their autistic son Isaiah. Kalani is a member of the Polynesian Voyaging Society and has sailed worldwide on the Hōkūle‘a and Hikianalia voyaging canoes, which gave him the knowledge to share and teach others about the importance of caring for the oceans and Island Earth. A former employee with Lokahi Treatment Centers, Kalani worked as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor.  He provided a structure for healing and self-improvement through culture and faith.

KAREN EOFF - ChairWOMAN of the board

Karen Eoff is a forty-two year resident of Hawai‘i, and has been married to her husband, Gary since 1975.  She attended UCLA, UC Berkeley and UCSB, graduating with a degree in Sociology. She also received a Paralegal Certificate from UH Hilo.  She recently retired from the County of Hawaii having served eight years on the County Council representing District 8, North Kona and ten years prior, working as a Legislative Aide to former Councilman Angel Pilago and other positions within the Legislative Branch.  As a founding member and past president of Kohanaiki ‘Ohana, Karen worked on two landmark Supreme Court cases regarding Native Hawaiian Gathering Rights and the Public Trust and helped organize beach clean-ups, trail and pond restoration projects and Keiki Surf for the Earth, now in its 25th year. These efforts led to the requirement for Cultural Impact Statements in the State of Hawai‘i and a public shoreline park at Kohanaiki.  Karen received the Woman of Distinction Award from the Soroptimist International Organization for outstanding contributions to the Kona community.

HONORING THE LIFE & LEGACY DONNALYN NAPUA KALEI, M.Ed, MA (2)

It is with deep sadness and profound respect that we, Lokahi Treatment Centers, honor the life and legacy of Donnalyn Kalei, who passed away on February 5, 2025. Donnalyn was a remarkable leader, educator, and advocate whose impact on our community will be felt for generations to come.

A dedicated educator, Donnalyn retired as a Professor from UH-Hawaiʻi Community College after more than 15 years of service. She was a trailblazer, developing and introducing 5 new programs, 17 courses, and course modifications that enriched the academic landscape of Hawaiʻi Community College. Her passion for education and innovation led to her statewide recognition for designing and creating the curriculum for the Substance Abuse Certificate Program. She was also a pioneer in developing online classes, ensuring that knowledge and resources were accessible to all.
Beyond academia, Donnalyn’s heart was in service. As the Director of Therapeutic Living Programs for the Big Island Substance Abuse Council (BISAC), she played a crucial role in providing care and support for individuals on their journey to recovery. Her dedication was unwavering, and her work changed lives.

Throughout her career, Donnalyn received numerous prestigious awards, including the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents’ Excellence in Teaching Medal, the Hung Wo & Elizabeth Lau Ching Faculty Service to the Community Award, and the Purple Ribbon Award for Advocacy for Victims of Domestic Violence. These accolades only begin to reflect her tireless commitment to education, advocacy, and community service.

At Lokahi Treatment Centers, we were deeply honored to have Donnalyn serve as a board member. Her wisdom, leadership, and passion for helping others were invaluable to our mission. She was a guiding force, always leading with compassion and an unyielding commitment to making a difference.

Donnalyn’s legacy is one of service, resilience, and love. Her contributions to the field of substance abuse treatment and education have left an indelible mark, and her spirit will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.
We extend our deepest condolences to Donnalyn’s family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives she touched. While we grieve her loss, we also celebrate her incredible life and the lasting impact she has made.
Rest in love and aloha, Donnalyn. Your light will never fade.

To her beautiful children Jackie Johns-Ramirez, Edward Makoto Saengwilai Johns and Kimo Johns, Your mom's light will forever shine in our hearts, guiding us with her love and wisdom. MAHALO for sharing her with us.

Maile Medeiros David

Maile is a highly accomplished individual with deep roots in Hawaiian culture. Her diverse heritage is comprised of Hawaiian, Portuguese, and Filipino descent. She holds a Paralegal Certification from the University of Hawaii Hilo and graduated from Konawaena High & Intermediate School.  Throughout her extensive career, Maile has been dedicated to public service and community advocacy. Her professional journey spans various roles, including legal and legislative positions, showcasing her commitment to making a positive impact on her community. Some of her notable roles include serving as the first Native Hawaiian Woman Chair of the Hawaii County Council, Chair of the Committee on Finance, and Deputy County Clerk. Additionally, she has contributed her legal expertise in her work at institutions such as the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii and various law firms.  Maile's passion for community advocacy is evident in her participation in numerous contested cases and legal battles that have profound implications for Hawaiian culture and native rights. She co-founded a native Hawaiian organization and intervened in cases challenging land use decisions, playing a pivotal role in upholding native Hawaiian rights and environmental protection. One significant achievement includes her involvement in preserving the sacred Keakealaniwahine complex, safeguarding its cultural significance for future generations. Beyond her professional pursuits, Maile cherishes her ohana and enjoys various hobbies, such as camping, fishing, hunting, coffee farming, lauhala weaving, playing the ukulele, and cooking. With a rich heritage and an impressive track record of community involvement, Maile Medeiros David continues to be a dedicated advocate and leader in her community. 

Fred Lau

Fred served as the Recreation Director in Waikoloa for the Hawaii County Parks and Recreation Division before his retirement.  Prior to that, he spent four years as the director of Hoolulu Park, which includes Wong Stadium and Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium. He has spent his professional career working with all ages from keiki to Kupuna.  Fred also worked in the Hospitality industry: Conventions Assistant Manager at the Hyatt Regency Waikoloa; Convention Director at the Hilton Waikoloa Village, while working for 2 resort corporations on the same property.   ​Fred's love for football and working with the youth, led him to become the Head Coach for Honokaa High School Dragons Football Team and in 2009, they won the BIIF Division I Football Championship. He soon thereafter retired, but the school hired him back again that led to a 2022 BIIF Division II Football Championship, where he proudly wore pink in support of Breast Cancer. Fred is committed to helping our youth and our communities thrive.  He truly believes it is a shared responsibility and that through trust, partnership, goodwill and dedication, we can ensure our community becomes the best version of itself.  Fred leads mainly by example, always doing his best and encouraging others to do the same. While easygoing by nature, no one doubts his authority -  he is direct and decisive when he needs to be. He is respected not only by his players,  but by his peers and community members. He is a man of integrity and able to make the tough calls when necessary.