Rawlins Enterprises Announces Leadership Transition After 67 Years

Aunty Shirley Rawlins to step back from day-to-day operations, daughter Lori-Lei to lead next chapter

Mar. 21, 2026 at 6:49am

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After 67 years as a family-owned and operated business serving the Molokai community, Rawlins Enterprises has announced a thoughtful leadership transition as 82-year-old Aunty Shirley Rawlins prepares to step back from day-to-day operations. Shirley's daughter Lori-Lei Rawlins-Crivello will take over as President, continuing the four-generation legacy of service and commitment to Molokai.

Why it matters

Rawlins Service has long been regarded as a backbone of Molokai's business community, quietly supporting the island in both visible and unseen ways. This transition represents an evolution that will bring additional operational support and innovation while honoring the legacy and relationships built over nearly seven decades.

The details

For the past 33 years, Aunty Shirley and her daughter Lori-Lei have led the company together. At 82 years old, Aunty Shirley and her daughter recently began reflecting on what the next chapter should look like. Lori-Lei undertook a careful and thoughtful search to identify a trusted partner who understands the responsibility of operating on Molokai and shares the commitment to safeguarding the needs of the community.

  • Rawlins Texaco traces its roots back to Aunty Mary Lani Rawlins, who founded the business as Rawlins Tire & Supply in 1959.
  • Larry Rawlins Sr. took over the business in 1965 after his mother Mary Lani Rawlins.
  • After Larry's passing in 1993, Shirley Rawlins carried the torch forward, continuing the family legacy.
  • Shirley Rawlins was joined by her daughter Lori-Lei in the early 1990s, and together they continued operating the station as a true family business.
  • Aunty Shirley plans to remain at the station during a transitional period and may continue working part-time for the foreseeable future.

The players

Aunty Shirley Rawlins

The 82-year-old matriarch who has led Rawlins Enterprises for the past 33 years, continuing a four-generation legacy of service and commitment to Molokai.

Lori-Lei Rawlins-Crivello

The daughter of Aunty Shirley Rawlins, who will take over as President of Rawlins Service and lead the company into the next chapter.

Mary Lani Rawlins

The founder of Rawlins Tire & Supply, which later became Rawlins Texaco, in 1959.

Larry Rawlins Sr.

The son of Mary Lani Rawlins, who took over the family business in 1965 and operated it with his wife Shirley Rawlins.

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What they’re saying

“The time has come for my mother to focus on her health and well-being. This decision was made with great care, and always with the community in mind.”

— Lori-Lei Rawlins-Crivello, President, Rawlins Service

“Aunty Shirley's presence, guidance, and deep connection to the community will continue to be part of Rawlins as this next chapter unfolds.”

— Lori-Lei Rawlins-Crivello, President, Rawlins Service

What’s next

The last day to redeem Rawlins gift certificates will be March 31, 2026. The last day for authorized charging to a Rawlins business in-house account will also be March 31, 2026. Businesses currently using house accounts are encouraged to contact Lori-Lei Rawlins-Crivello for information regarding transitioning in-house accounts to the new credit system.

The takeaway

After nearly seven decades of family ownership and operation, Rawlins Enterprises is transitioning to the next generation while honoring the legacy and community ties that have made it a cornerstone of Molokai's business landscape. This thoughtful transition ensures the continued commitment to serving the island's needs.