Lori Buchanan, Board President
Lori Buchanan is a born and raised Native Hawaiian from Molokai. She is a mother and grandmother who is passionate about environmental and cultural protection for the future generation. She currently owns and operates multiple small businesses on Molokai and serves as project coordinator for the Molokai Maui Invasive Species Committee. Lori has decades worth of professional experience in the field of environmental conservation in Hawaii and has received commendations in recognition of her work from the Governor of the State of Hawaii as well as from the County of Maui. As a passionate community advocate and volunteer, she actively participates in community issues and initiatives and has served on numerous boards and commissions including: Chair of the State Game Management Advisory Council, Chair of the Legacy Lands Conservation Commission, and Member of the State Office of Planning Marine and Coastal Zone Advisory Council, and current Chair of the Molokai Planning Commission.
Kilia Purdy-Avelino, Board Member
Kilia is a native of Molokai; she is a wife and a mother of 4 beautiful girls who reside in Hoʻolehua on Hawaiian Homestead land. Kilia obtained her degree from UH Hilo and later moved home to Molokai to share her knowledge and to support our youth. She has been a Hawaiian Language and Culture educator for most of her adult life—and along the way created OLA Molokai, a grassroots homeschool-style learning hui. She has and continues to be a very important and valuable contributor to our Molokai community, serving tirelessly on many boards and volunteering much of her time with various groups. Kilia continues to promote education and how to live a sustainable lifestyle on Molokai, and always shares the important values and respect for Molokai and its precious resources.