Biography
Arnold Charlie Lavaki, better known as Nolo, was born and raised in Tonga, where he graduated from Liahona High School. After serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter—day Saints in the Colorado Colorado Springs Mission, he attended Brigham Young University–Hawaii and earned a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology. During his time as a student, Nolo worked at the Polynesian Cultural Center as a cultural demonstrator, Night Show and Canoe Show performer, and tour guide. He also worked at the Campus Distribution Center and in the Office of Information Technology as a Client Services Representative. After graduation, he completed a one-year internship with BYU–Hawaii IT Infrastructure as a Network Field Technician.
Following his internship, Nolo enlisted in the United States Army as an active-duty Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic and served for 12 years. Throughout his military career, he had the privilege of serving in several leadership and technical roles, including Team Leader, Squad Leader, Senior Mechanic, Platoon Sergeant, Motor Sergeant, and Technical Inspector. After leaving active duty, he continued his service for a year with the Hawaii Army National Guard and the 227th Brigade Engineer Battalion. In March 2026, Nolo returned to BYU–Hawaii and joined the Office of Information Technology as a Business Analyst. He enjoys supporting the technology needs of faculty, staff, and students, but what makes his work especially meaningful is the opportunity to mentor and develop student employees. He hopes to use his experiences in technology and military leadership to help prepare students to become disciples of Jesus Christ and leaders throughout Oceania and the Asian Rim.
Nolo is married to Karen Lavaki, who is from Laie, Hawaii, and together they have one daughter. They are grateful for the opportunity to raise their daughter in a community they love and call home. Looking to the future, Nolo hopes to use his VA education benefits to further his education, continue building a life with his family in this community, and contribute to the mission of BYU–Hawaii. For Nolo, returning to BYU–Hawaii feels like coming full circle—from being a student who was given opportunities to learn and grow to now having the opportunity to give back, mentor others, and help prepare the next generation of students to go forth and serve.