North Kohala Tool Library relies on its all vounteer crew to keep the tools in tip-top shape and keep them coming and going through the door. It’s all thanks to these dedicated and hard workers that we have this amazing resource in Kohala.

Here’s to you, Tooligans!

Tooligans 2/12/2025

Mahalo for all you do!

Meet the Tooligans

  • Wes K

    Mr. Fixit

  • Karen S

    Tool Librarian

  • David F

    Tool Librarian

  • Jack B

    Tool Librarian

  • Eileen H

    Tool Librarian

  • Midori W

    Tool Librarian

  • Austin H

    Tool Librarian

  • Jessica F

    Tool Librarian

  • Clark J

    Tool Librarian

  • Rachel M

    Tool Librarian

  • Elizabeth P

    Volunteer / Advisor

  • Ginger G

    Volunteer

David Gibbs, president and founder

David Gibbs and his young family moved to Kohala in 2018. His background is in construction, engineering, project management, homesteading and international aid. The tool library strikes a chord with his passion for the environment, community, projects and resilience. Grateful for being welcomed with the Kohala community, he is happy to be a part of a project that will have a positive impact and contribute to the community.

david@nktoollibrary.org (808) 987-3116

Lani Bowman, treasurer

Lani Bowman is a native Hawaiian and lifelong resident of Kohala. She has been involved in community work most of her adult life. Lani is a networker. She loves to support efforts that make Kohala the caring and sharing community that it is. Lani’s background is in environmental science, and she is a great proponent of reducing, reusing, refurbishing and recycling. She feels the tool library is a great way to bring the community together to support each other in both donating and borrowing tools. The Library also helps people avoid having to purchase tools and those who wish to donate to have an outlet to do so.

Alicia Veloria, Advisor

Alicia Veloria was raised on the island of Hawaii, primarily in the Puna district and graduated from Kohala High School in 1994. She first attended University of Hawaii in Hilo but eventually graduated from University of Alaska in Anchorage with a Bachelor of Science in Justice.
She is a full-time mom to two energetic girls. Always willing to embark on new projects utilizing available family and community resources. Passionate about conservation of our ‘Aina so that Keiki may enjoy the treasures of Hawaiian culture and survival.

David Fuertes, advisor

David Fuertes is the executive director of the educational agriculture non-profit Kahua Pa'a Mua, whose mission is to enhance communities through economic, conservation, preservation, social and educational programs for youth and adults. As a part-time rancher, Hawaiian saddle-maker, and advocate for increased food self-sufficiency statewide, Mr. Fuertes, who served over 30 years with the Department of Education teaching agriculture, has successfully executed numerous programs, events and educational activities in his 40+ years of community service in North Kohala. He has served on numerous County, State, and Federal boards and commissions including 8 years with the State Board of Agriculture, and was also State FFA Executive Secretary. His particular passion is working with families and youth in entrepreneurial agriculture development programs that empower community resilience. He thinks the tool library involves the value of sharing each other's resources and building capacity with the community making connections.

Adrian Thalasinos Haley, advisor

Adrian Thalasinos Haley works as a home inspector, has over 20 years experience in the trades, founded and supported three maker-spaces in Portland, Oregon and served as the acting tool coordinator for the North Portland Tool Library. He moved to Kohala in 2018 to be with his ‘ohana and integrate into the community. He believes that tool libraries foster resilience and self reliance in communities by sharing knowledge, skills, and resources.