A Reflection on KNL: Marnelli Joy Ulep

Marnelli Joy Ulep, front right, eats with the Kaibigan ng Lahaina board and staff while visiting Dr. Amy Agbayani, founder of the University of Hawaii SEEDS office, at Maui Filipino restaurant Balai Pata. Marnelli is the first director of the University of Hawaii’s Pamansatan program, which aims to support Filipinos in higher education.

Watching the events of the wild fire and seeing updates in the days and weeks following help so many questions. My social media feed soon became flooded with notes and stories and I saw how many people I knew that also had close ties with Lahaina town and its people. Personally I have fond memories visiting family as a child. In my young adult years I would start to visit on my own, gallivanting with family and friends. 

I distinctly remember the feeling in the weeks and months following the Maui wildfires wanting to help, be a part of the recovery efforts. I saw information and posts on social media and wanted to do more than donate money. Being in the second trimester of a high risk pregnancy, I had to come to terms with the idea that my contributions would need to be limited. My capacity to be present and in the action was limited, especially physically. I kept telling myself that it was not the season for me to help; that my season was to focus on my pregnancy. 

Months later I was granted an opportunity to help and was asked to join the Kaibigan ng Lahaina Board of Directors. I learned about their mission to assist the recovery and facilitate the long term resilience of the community and there turned out to be a few familiar faces. 

Through Zoom calls and shared meals, I have come to know the other hearts and minds of Kaibigan ng Lahaina. The passion for their community is fueled by a love and fierce loyalty that is special and unique to the town, including humble traditions.

I am grateful to this group for the way they have stepped up and lead with their community at top of mind, setting sights on a future where people thrive, where younger and future generations will know and take pride in the Filipino community of Lahaina. Staking a claim at the history Filipinos have helped to build. 

As the organization turns a year old my hope is to bring to life the ideas and programs that filled conversations. I consider it an honor to have been welcomed into this dynamic group and be able to offer my perspective and expertise to the mission.