Generous Village of Oak Creek Resident Stan Krol Secures $25K for Maui Wildfire Relief

Stan Krol, a longtime resident of Maui, Hawaii, who has recently shifted to the Village of Oak Creek, made a return trip to the Valley Isle from January to May. His visit supported Project Vision Hawaii, a nonprofit part of the Maui Strong initiative, focused on rebuilding Lahaina after last year’s devastating wildfires.

“The whole town was devastated, and it still is,” said Kathleen Tezak, a business associate of Krol’s and real estate agent on Maui. “Lahaina was the jewel of our island. Almost a year later, it’s still hard to believe it’s gone.”

Known for his philanthropic efforts, Krol managed to raise $25,000 through the Stan & Sharon Krol Charity for the organization People of Hawaii. This substantial donation benefited the Maui Food Bank, the Maui Humane Society, and Toys for Tots. Krol financed his travel and lodging to Maui to provide assistance with the installation of housing units along Veterans Highway.

A self-proclaimed “golf nut,” Krol spends four days a week at the Oak Creek Country Club providing customer service. He previously worked in a similar role during his 20 years living in Maui, receiving complimentary golf rounds in return.

Krol has a storied past, having served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1959. “I was in the Third Marine Division,” he noted. He played a significant role during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. His responsibilities included delivering supplies to the front lines and transporting injured Marines back to ships using amphibious vehicles known as LSDs (Landing Ship, Dock).

In 1991, Krol met and married his wife Sharon on Maui. She was dedicated to numerous volunteer activities, including after-school programs and work with the Maui Humane Society. Krol fondly remembered her as a “beautiful lady” who taught him the essence of love.

Krol described Sharon’s passing as a tremendous loss. “It was a beautiful relationship and I miss her a hell of a lot,” he expressed. He scattered some of her ashes in Maui’s waves during a small ceremony in December.

“I kind of feel that I understand people more than I ever did from what I’ve seen in Maui,” Krol said. “I’ve seen the devastation in their eyes and hope they can survive the loss.”

Moving to the Village of Oak Creek was prompted by his daughters, both of whom reside in Arizona. They believed their father would need support following Sharon’s death.

Krol’s new role at the OCC is as fulfilling as his previous position in Maui. OCC professional Heather Risk praised his dedication. “He’s one of our best. He keeps traffic moving and is kind to everyone. He’s always trying to help the people of Lahaina,” she said.

Organizations Krol recommends for donations to support Maui’s rebuilding efforts include the Maui Food Bank and the United Way of Maui.

“Lahaina will arise in beauty once again… have hope, have faith,” wrote Krol. “I believe in the Lord and feel that he has helped me on this journey.”