Carol Ana Makana Lani Moore Yamada, mother of two champion surfers, was crowned the 2016 Lei Queen on Saturday.

Yamada is from Kaimuki and graduated from Kamehameha Schools.

Yamada is the mother of three-time World Surf League world champion surfer Carissa Moore, and Cayla Moore, a two-time National Scholastic Surfing Association champion.

She is the owner of public relations firm Moore Ideas Inc., which she opened in 1992.

Yamada and her court will make their official debut at the 89th Annual Lei Day Celebration on May 1 at Kapiolani Park. The event is open to the public. For more information, call 768-3003 or visit honoluluparks.com.

Lei Day events are coordinated by the city Department of Parks and Recreation.

Maui woman avoids jail for $24,000 theft

WAILUKU >> A Maui woman who stole more than $24,000 from a nonprofit organization that helps students become interested in science, engineering and math has avoided jail time.

Maui Circuit Judge Joseph Cardoza last week ordered 50-year-old Theresa Nunan, of Kihei, to perform 100 hours of community service. Cardoza had followed a plea agreement in sentencing Nunan that also allows her to keep a first-degree theft conviction off her record if she adheres to court requirements for five years, The Maui News reported Sunday.

Court records say Nunan had volunteered as a treasurer for the Hawaii Society of Professional Engineers when she stole $24,440 from the organization. The theft occurred from October 2012 to March 2014.

Deputy Prosecutor Justine Hura argued that Nunan stole money from kids who were being helped by the organization to pay for her own children’s college tuition.

“This was a selfish crime,” Hura said. “It was her choosing her needs over the money that did not belong to her.”

Cary Virtue, Nunan’s attorney, had argued that his client was self-employed and basically bankrupt at the time of the offense. He said Nunan had no previous record and was remorseful for her actions.

“Her friends are shocked she did this,” Virtue said. “She’s a hard worker. She’s an honest person. She’s trustworthy.”

Nunan apologized in court Thursday and said she continues “to care for the students any way I can.”