Kimberly Mikami Svetin – President

Kimberly Mikami Svetin has been a member of the Friends board for four years. She attended Hawai’i public schools from K-12 and graduated from Moloka’i High and Intermediate School in 1987. Kimberly appreciates the values she garnered by attending public schools, which include getting along with people from different backgrounds, becoming an advocate for her education, and honing her communication skills. She received her B.A. degree from Pomona College in 1991 and has worked in non-profit management, marketing, and hospitality from 1991-2005 on the mainland, Maui, Hawai’i Island, and O’ahu. Since 2005, she has been the president of Moloka`i Drugs, founded in 1935 by her late grandfather, Richard Sakata, who was Moloka`i’s first pharmacist. She and her staff at Hawai`i’s oldest independent pharmacy have an “aloha” for their island community. Svetin currently oversees a staff of 28 employees, most of whom work between the pharmacy and the family’s 38-flavor ice cream shop. Kimberly, her husband (Todd ’87 – Brunswick High in Maine), and sons (Erik ’17 and Owen ’22 – Moloka’i High) are all very proud public school graduates. Erik is now finishing an MS in mechanical engineering at the University of Wisconsin and Owen will be starting a BS in elementary education at Montana State University. Kimberly feels that her sons’ experiences on Moloka’i have given them a unique perspective of the world and have made them empathetic young men.

Lori-Lei A. Rawlins-Crivello – Vice President 

Lori-Lei was born and raised in Kaunakakai, Moloka’i.  She attended Kaunakakai Elementary School and graduated from Moloka’i High & Intermediate School in 1987.  She then went on to the University of Hawai’i Manoa as well as the University of Hawai’i Maui College where she graduated in Liberal Arts and Hawaiian Studies.  She and her husband Kawika have two children, Kapono and Ka’ohulani as well as a grandson, Teauva’a.  She has worked for Kaluakoi Hotel & Resort for 5 years in reservations, Pūnana Leo o Moloka’i Preschool for 10 years as Preschool Kahu/Director, INPEACE (The Institute For Native Pacific Education and Culture) Ho’owaiwai Na Kamali’i as Moloka’I Community Advocate for Native Hawaiian Children in Early Childhood for 5 years, and currently managing and operating their family business, Rawlins Enterprises Inc dba Rawlins Service-Texaco for the past 30 years as President and Treasurer for the corporation. Some of the organizations that Lori-Lei has served on as a board member includes Moloka’i Enterprise Community, Aha Kiole/Aha Moku – Kawela(Moloka’i), Moloka’i Canoe Club, Moloka’i Canoe Racing Association, Aha Kukui o Moloka’i Canoe Club, Hui Makua Pūnana Leo o Moloka’i, Kamehameha Schools Moloka’i ATP, The Moloka’i Cancer Fund, and Moloka’i High School’s Class of ’87 Alumni.

She is one of the founding members of the non-profits Hui Makua Pūnana Leo o Molokaʻi and also Pūlama Ka Heke.  She has been a member of many different groups and organizations in the Moloka’i community and heavily involved in her childrens & grandson’s programs, events and sports organizations. Lori-Lei has helped create and organized many events some of which includes Moloka’i Cancer Walk for ‘ohana, Pūnana Leo o Moloka’i’s HO’OMAU Concerts,  Moloka’i Mother’s Day Dinner & Concert with the Diva’s (Raiatea Helm, Amy Hanaiali’i & Napua Greig) for Moloka’i Cancer Fund, The Moloka’i Keiki Expo (Organized for 10 Years), Friends of Moloka’i High and Middle Schools O’ahu Fundraising Concert (with Raiatea, Robert Cazimero, Katchafire Fiji, Mana’o Company, PeniDean, Weldon Kekauoha), Pailolo Canoe Race Moloka’i Ho’olaule’a, and for the Moloka’i Canoe Festivals KULĀIA Ho’olaule’a (since 2014) All to support Moloka’i programs and organizations.  She has also been working closely with the organizers of Molokaʻi Hoe, Nā Wahine o Ke Kai and The Pailolo Challenge Channel Races since 2014.   Lori-Lei have been serving on the board of Friends of Molokai High & Middle Schools Foundation since 2013.

Ronald Kimball – Treasurer

Born and raised on homestead land in Kalamaula Molokai, Ron returned home to Molokai in 1977 after graduating from La Verne College in California with a Liberal Arts degree. Ron worked as the Assistant Manager for the Molokai Community Federal Credit Union for 8 years, then spent the next 33 years serving as the Molokai Island Program Coordinator for the Kamehameha Schools/Bishop Estate. While working for KSBE, Ron developed a close working relationship with the DOE on island, especially former principal, Clifford Horita. It was several “talk story” sessions with Cliff Horita and MHS Alum Greg Helm, that the impetus to start a foundation for Molokai High School began. In 2001, the foundation became a reality. Ron served as the first President of the Friends Foundation with Greg Helm also serving as one of the founding members of the Friends Foundation board of directors. Ron also served as an assistant Basketball coach at Molokai High School for 5 years. With wife Camie Kimball’s 37 years of service at Molokai High School and Molokai Middle School in positions such as P.E. Teacher, assistant Athletic Director, Student Activities coordinator, Registrar, then Athletic director, added to his work assisting with various Kamehameha Schools educational programs, Ron’s commitment to the students of Molokai High School and Molokai Middle School has pretty much been a lifetime endeavor.

Maliekekai Ward – Secretary

Class of 1998, Molokai High School

Maliekekai Ward stands as a testament to the dedication and passion that is fostered within the halls of Molokai High School, having proudly represented the Class of ’98. With an unwavering commitment to her community and the island she calls home, Mana’e, Molokai, Maliekekai has seamlessly intertwined her personal and professional pursuits.

In her esteemed capacity as the CTE Coordinator at Molokai High School, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the futures of young minds, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel in their chosen careers. Furthermore, her dedication to service shines through in her role as secretary, a position she has held for two years, with the foundation. Balancing numerous responsibilities with grace, Maliekekai’s contributions to the educational and broader community sectors on Molokai are both noteworthy and deeply impactful. Her legacy is one of commitment, service, and a deep-rooted love for her island home.

Susan Nartatez

Class of 1977, Molokai High School

With her roots firmly planted in the rich soil of Molokai, Susan Nartatez represents the essence of Maunaloa, a town she lovingly calls home. Her early life was deeply influenced by the pineapple plantation era, weaving a tapestry of resilience and community spirit in her character.

A proud graduate of Molokai High School’s Class of 1977, Susan pursued higher education with vigor. She attained her BA in Psychology in 1982, followed by her MEd in Counseling Education in 1999, both from the University of Hawaii, Manoa. Her academic achievements paved the way for her illustrious career in counseling:

– Academic Counselor at Kapi’olani Community College from 1997 to 2006, where she provided guidance and mentorship to a myriad of students.

– At UH Maui College, Susan’s impact was felt twice over – initially from 1992 to 1997 and then again from 2006 to the present day.

Expanding her reach, Susan plays a pivotal role as a Counselor for Maui College’s outreach sites, spanning the regions of Hana, Lanai, and Molokai. A testament to her dedication towards fostering education, she has been an esteemed board member since 2018, playing a crucial role in facilitating the Earl Nakamura Scholarship.

Susan’s journey, from the plantations of Molokai to the esteemed halls of UH Maui College, reflects her unwavering commitment to education and her community. She remains an inspiration to many, a beacon of dedication and service.

Tylor Tanaka

Class of 2008, Molokai High School

Deeply rooted in the tranquil beauty of Molokai, Tylor Tanaka embodies the island’s spirit of passion and determination. As a proud graduate of Molokai High School’s Class of 2008, his leadership shone early on when he held the esteemed position of class President. Beyond school, Tylor’s commitment to his community is evident in his active role as a Board Member of the Friends of MHS.

His dedication to Molokai’s advancement stretches across various professional roles:

– As President of the Ho’omohala O Molokai Foundation, Tylor drives the mission of this 501(c)(3) non-profit, focusing on the empowerment and rejuvenation of Molokai.

– As CEO of BUJIFIED Inc., he channels his innovative spirit, paving the way for entrepreneurial success.

– Serving as Economic Development Specialist II at the County of Maui Office of Economic Development, Tylor is instrumental in guiding the island toward economic growth and sustainability.

– In his role as the Community Outreach Coordinator for Partners in Development Foundation, he strengthens community ties and fosters development.

– His active participation as a Member of the Molokai Community Action Team reflects his belief in collective growth and impactful decision-making.

– Leading with cultural pride, Tylor serves as the Poʻo for the Molokai Kamehameha Celebrations, honoring and upholding the island’s rich traditions.

-Emphasizing his commitment to community welfare, he stands as the Vice President of Molokai Cares, working towards the overall prosperity of the Molokai community.

Every title and role Tylor assumes speaks volumes about his unwavering commitment to Molokai. He remains a beacon of hope, leading with both heart and expertise, showcasing the balance of staying grounded while constantly aspiring for greater heights.