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Board of Trustees

Dr. Glenn Medeiros
President
Saint Louis School
Antonet Barut
First Vice President
Trinity Properties, LLC
Jared Kashiwabara
Second Vice President
Bank of Hawaii
Tim Gillaspie
Third Vice President
Amazon Web Service
Stevie-Lyn Takata
Secretary
Refinery Creative
Kaleokalani Kuroda
Treasurer
HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union
Israel Avilla
First Hawaiian Bank
Silvan Shea K. Chung
Honolulu Community College
William A. Elliot
EXP Commercial
Lowell Gillia
Design Asylum
Jim Harrow
Security Alarm Shop
Anthony Suetsugu
Imanaka Asato LLLP
Dr. Chad Koyanagi
Department of Health
Arthur Tolentino
Hawaii Sheetmetal Workers Union
Harris Jun Nakamoto
Farrington High School
Katie Stephens
Architets Hawaii Ltd.
Neil Tagawa
RedHammer, LLC.
Rio Kwon
Cades Schutte LLP

Our Team

Serving Kalihi–Pālama with Aloha & Action
Sam Aiona
Executive Director
Sam Aiona is the Executive Director of Palama Settlement, leading the organization’s vision and mission to serve the community’s greatest needs. He brings decades of public service and nonprofit experience, including roles as State Representative and Director of the State Office of Community Services.
Lecely Ancheta
Human Resources / Office Manager
Lecely oversees human resources operations, office management, and compliance, while leading recruitment, employee relations, and administrative processes to support organizational efficiency. She also coordinates the volunteer program and manages the scholarship initiative to foster meaningful community engagement.
Fili Falefa
Facilities & Risk Manager
Fili serves as Palama Settlement’s Facilities & Risk Manager, ensuring the campus remains safe, functional, and up to code. He oversees maintenance operations and addresses facility needs to support a secure and well-maintained environment for staff, participants, and visitors.
Sidney Louie
Archivist
Sidney preserves and shares the rich history of Palama Settlement as the archivist. She manages the care, organization, and accessibility of historical records. Through research, documentation, and community engagement, she helps ensure that our legacy continues to inform and inspire future generations.
Jonah Stokes
Fund Development Coordinator
Jonah leads fundraising initiatives to support the mission and growth of the organization. He manages donor relations, grant writing, and fundraising events. Jonah works closely with community partners and stakeholders to build lasting relationships and secure resources that strengthen programs and services.
Lauren Taffer
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Lauren leads all branding and communication efforts in line with Palama Settlement's mission. From managing the website and social media to designing print materials and the bi-monthly email newsletter, she ensures the community stays informed, connected, and inspired by the work being done at Palama.
Landon Yamashiro
Recreation Manager
Landon manages Palama Settlement’s recreation programs, overseeing gym operations, facility rentals, and athletic activities. He also leads the senior programs, creating inclusive and engaging opportunities that promote wellness, connection, and active living for keiki & kūpuna in the community.
Anna Gustafson & Kasey Kawaguchi
Digital Arts Team
Kasey and Anna lead our Digital Arts Program, where they teach creative technology to youth and adults. As program managers they empower participants with creative and technical skills, fostering digital literacy and self-expression. Through hands-on classes, they help bridge the digital divide and inspire creativity.
Matthew Ornelles
Youth Center Manager
Matt is the Youth Center Manager, responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Youth Activity Center and Tutoring Center at Palama Settlement. He develops and implements academic, cultural, and enrichment programs that support, inspire, and engage youth from the surrounding community.
Larry Sweets
Teen Center Manager
Larry oversees the daily operations of the Leland Blackfield Youth Activity Center, also known as Palama Settlement’s Teen Center/Gameroom. He develops and leads cultural programs that engage, inspire, and empower local teens, while creating a safe and inclusive environment.
Lani Davis & Scott Kaeo Jr.
Community Outreach Team
Lani and Scott work together to lead our community outreach efforts, ensuring meaningful connections with those we serve. They coordinate regular food distributions, providing essential support to families in need. Together, they also organize our annual events, bringing the community together and strengthening our mission.
Duval Dutro
Support Services Manager
Mr. Dutro has been part of the Palama Settlement ʻohana for over 50 years. He maintains campus cleanliness and supports facility operations, helping ensure all spaces are safe, welcoming, and ready for community use. His dedication and care reflect a deep commitment to the community and Palama’s mission.

Join Our Community Today!

Become a part of our vibrant community by volunteering, joining, or reaching out to us.

810 North Vineyard Boulevard
Honolulu, Hawaii 96817

Phone: (808) 845-3945
Fax: (808) 847-2873
Email: info@palamasettlement.org

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© 2025 Palama Settlement. All rights reserved.
Land Acknowledgement
Palama Settlement stands on the Native Hawaiian ancestral lands of Kapālama and Honolulu. We acknowledge that in 1893, Queen Liliʻuokalani yielded the Hawaiian Kingdom under duress to prevent bloodshed. We honor the generations of Kanaka Maoli whose knowledge systems and lifeways continue to steward the ʻāina, wai, and lewa, protecting the lāhui to this day. With a deep sense of kuleana, we integrate Indigenous values and traditions into our programs and services, fostering a community rooted in respect and resilience.