Maui Economic Opportunity’s 60th-year Board of Directors, led again by
Carol Reimann, were installed last month with Mayor Richard Bissen, Lt.
Gov. Sylvia Luke and state Sen. Lynn DeCoite joining the candle-themed
ceremony.
“The county deeply values MEO as a key partner,” said Mayor Richard Bissen
at the June 26 event in MEO’s Wailuku classroom. “They address our housing
insecurity, our economic hardship to our citizens, and, of course, many of
the challenges that all of our residents face here.
“Over the decades, MEO has grown into a trusted network of care, offering
transportation to kupuna, preschool to keiki, and support for small
businesses and much more. The county stands with MEO as we take on this
kuleana together. We are guided by aloha, by collaboration and by hope.”
About 40 community and business leaders, state and county officials and MEO
board members and staff participated in the event with retired Judge Rhonda
Loo installing the new officers and board. The annual board installation
also marked MEO’s 60th year since establishment in March 1965.
Board officers for the 2025-26 fiscal year that runs from July 1 to June
30, 2026, includes Reimann, who will be serving her third term as
president; Ned Davis, vice president; Cliff Alakai, treasurer; and Reuben
Ignacio, secretary.
In their remarks to the gathering, Luke and DeCoite lauded the work of MEO
and other nonprofit boards in the community.
The lieutenant governor noted that MEO assists “the most vulnerable
populations” and “that’s why even more so, boards like this are so
important because of the role that you fill in taking care of all our
`ohana.”
DeCoite said that nonprofit boards operate behind the scenes but “are
absolutely essential in our communities.”
“They are the stewards of mission, the keepers of vision and protectors of
integrity,” she said. “Boards guide our strategy, ensure accountability,
and they make the hard decisions that keep organizations, not just running,
but thriving.”
Director of Council Services David Raatz, an MEO board member who
represents the Maui County Council, gave a shout out to MEO leaders and
staff.
“It’s not just MEO’s programs, but it’s MEO’s people that make a
difference,” he said. “And as someone who has been fortunate to be a board
member for the last two years, I have seen firsthand that everyone in this
organization exhibits professionalism, compassion and ingenuity.
“There’s things that come up . . . that are never planned for, and they
have the ability to pivot quickly, make best available use of resources and
serve the community.”
MEO assisted 30,500 individuals and touched nearly 55,000 lives in the last
fiscal year, CEO Debbie Cabebe said.
Judge Loo installed board officers and members with a candle theme, noting
that the candle and its light are symbols of hope, remembrance and
connection. “The humble candle holds a timeless significance,” she said.
MEO’s board consists of 21 members with seven members each representing
government, businesses and community interests and those assisted. In
addition to the officers, the board includes: Emmanual Baltazar, Dawn
Bicoy, Mindy Bolo, Arleen Gerbig, Cynthia Lallo, Gemma Medina, Caitlin
Musson, Crystal Nakihei, Scott Okada, Kai Pelayo, Bard Peterson, Raatz,
Adele Rugg, Sandy Ryan, Tessie Segui, Desi Ting and Glenn Yamasaki.
From two programs established in 1965, MEO currently runs more than 30
programs that offer diverse assistance for people in need including
transport for persons with disabilities, Head Start preschool for low
income residents, rent and utility support, youth alcohol/drug/suicide
prevention, business planning classes and more.
“As you folks all enter your 60 years of service, we reflect with
gratitude, and we look ahead with confidence in your continued mission,”
said Bissen. “The county honors our continued partnership, and we are
rooted in a shared commitment to serve, to uplift and to empower our entire
community.”
For information about MEO programs, call (808) 249-2990.
MEO CEO Debbie Cabebe and Board President Carol Reimann address the 40 people attending MEO’s Board Installation on June 26 at MEO in Wailuku.
Retired Judge Rhonda Loo (second from right) installed Maui Economic Opportunity’s Board of Directors on June 26 at MEO. The officers are (from left): Kai Pelayo, standing in for secretary Reuben Ignacio; President
Carol Reimann; Vice President Ned Davis; and Treasurer Cliff Alakai.
MEO Board Member Arleen Gerbig poses for a photo with state Sen. Lynn DeCoite.
Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke offered some remarks about the importance of nonprofit boards.
Mayor Richard Bissen attended MEO’s Board Installation on June 26 at MEO in Wailuku.
Carol Reimann, who began her third term as president on July 1, holds a candle, part of the installation theme.
Board Members Tessie Segui (front) and Arleen Gerbig hold candles during the installation ceremony.