Speaker Joel Navarro of Maui Pono Foundation to discuss restoration of Lahaina at Rotary Satellite Club of Kīhei-Wailea meeting, Aug. 20

The Rotary Satellite Club of Kīhei-Wailea will be hearing from Joel Navarro with Maui Pono Foundation on Aug. 20 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Tantes in Māʻalaea. Navarro will share 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.

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. Organizers say the vision is for MPF to be Maui’s most effective grant making public charity; based on the values of community, transparency, integrity and dedication.

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. Navarro has been living on Maui since 1993. He and his wife, Jaime, have two sons, Joa and Jaxon.

Navarro is the chairman and founder of the Legacy Cup Golf Tournament. This annual charity event raises funds for Lahainaluna High School’s “Project Graduation.” Navarro is also the President of the Lahaina Junior Golf Association. This nonprofit 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.

Navarro enjoys golfing, surfing, scuba diving and traveling to new destinations.

The Rotary Satellite Club of Kīhei-Wailea will also hear from vocational member minute speaker – Maile Kekona. Kekona will share insights for understanding and utilizing the advertising opportunities in media. 

Prior to the meeting, networking begins at 5 p.m.

Contact rotarymeansbusinessmaui@gmail.com to RSVP.