Homesteader Completes Molokai's First MEO CDL Program

Kayla Luuloa is the first resident to obtain a Commercial Driver's License through Maui Economic Opportunity's new training initiative.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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A Hawaiian Homes homesteader named Kayla Luuloa has become the first resident of Molokai to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) through a new training program offered by Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO). Luuloa passed her CDL exam on February 5th and will now be able to drive MEO buses, which provide the island's only mass transit option.

Why it matters

With no other CDL training opportunities available on Molokai and a demand for bus drivers, MEO created this in-house program to help meet the transportation needs of the rural island community. Luuloa's achievement represents an important milestone for Molokai's workforce development and public transit capabilities.

The details

MEO's Driver Supervisor Amy Makaiwi runs the CDL training program, which is a required qualification for an MEO bus driver on Molokai. Luuloa, who recently returned to Molokai after giving up city life on Oahu to rebuild her family's homestead, came across the MEO CDL Driver Trainee position and decided to pursue the opportunity. Though the training process was long and frustrating at times, Luuloa persevered and is now MEO Molokai's fifth Personal Assistance Technician.

  • Luuloa passed her CDL exam on February 5, 2026.
  • Luuloa recently returned to Molokai after giving up city life on Oahu.

The players

Kayla Luuloa

A Hawaiian Homes homesteader who recently returned to Molokai and is the first resident to obtain a Commercial Driver's License through Maui Economic Opportunity's new CDL training program on the island.

Amy Makaiwi

The Driver Supervisor at Maui Economic Opportunity who runs the CDL training program for MEO bus drivers on Molokai.

Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO)

A non-profit organization that provides transportation services in the rural communities of Molokai, Lanai and East Maui through a Human Services contract with the County of Maui.

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What they’re saying

“The process was long, and there were many frustrations throughout the training. Looking back at all the studying and effort I put in, it was all worth it.”

— Kayla Luuloa (themolokaidispatch.com)

“The stress is gone and a heavy weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Now I can go home to my family with peace of mind.”

— Kayla Luuloa (themolokaidispatch.com)

What’s next

Luuloa will now begin training to drive MEO buses that provide the island's only mass transit option through MEO's Human Services transportation contract with the County of Maui.

The takeaway

Luuloa's achievement in becoming the first Molokai resident to complete MEO's new CDL training program represents an important step forward for the island's workforce development and public transportation capabilities, filling a critical need for bus drivers in the rural community.