John Pele is a proud graduate of Molokai High School and attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He started his career in hospitality, becoming purchasing director, rooms director and general manager of the Molokai Ranch before its closure in 2008. His experience in management continued as he oversaw a condominium complex before becoming an entrepreneur. Pele owned and operated Maunaloa General Store for fourteen years and later, a family restaurant in Hotel Molokai, Hiro’s Ohana Grill that is still thriving today. His business experience led to consultant services for government affairs, community outreach and strategic planning. He has had a career of 36 years as a professional musician playing drums/percussions for Sterling and the Precisions, Na Leo O Maunaloa, Pound4Pound, Darrell Labrado, Lawaia, and Hawaiian Prime Time. He also served on the Molokai Planning Commission from 2017 to 2023. In his free time, he enjoys volunteering for Kaunoa Seniors Meals on Wheels, Maui Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity as well as golfing, fishing, woodworking and spending time with his wife, daughter, and grandchildren.

*John has a non-voting position on the BOD