Professional staff
 
 

Mimi S. J. Hu, CPA, MAcc – Partner/Principal  Mimi S. J. Hu is the partner and principal of Levin & Hu, LLP. Mimi has a broad base of knowledge and experience in auditing, accounting, income tax planning, compliance, financial advisement, and business consultation. Mimi has a Bachelor’s degree from Chaminade University and a Master of Accounting degree majoring in taxation from the University of Hawaii. She has been a licensed CPA in the State of Hawaii since 1989 and has been in the public accounting profession for over twenty years. 

Mimi places an emphasis on professional development and has conducted numerous continuing education courses to ensure the firm’s professional staff maintains a high level of technical skills.   In addition to in-house training, Mimi encourages professional staff to broaden their knowledge by attending technical seminars, participate in industry specific trade associations, and pursue higher education in the realms of accounting, taxation and information technology. 

In her spare time, Mimi reads and writes and enjoys playing piano and violin.
 
 

Douglas K. Levin, CPA, MBT – Partner/Principal   Doug is the managing partner of the firm and establishes the standards for the preparation of tax returns and the education of our professionals. He is a Specialist in taxation of C & S corporations, partnerships, and high net worth individuals and has additional expertise in multi-state taxation and U.S. taxation of foreign operations.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix in 1987, a Certificate in Accounting from California State University in 1993, and a Masters in Business Taxation at the University of Southern California in 1997. Doug worked as a senior accountant in private industry for 5 years, then spent 7 years with Deloitte & Touche as a Tax Manager. He moved to Maui, Hawaii in 2000, where he started his own practice which later merged with Mimi’s in 2006 to form Levin & Hu, LLP.

When Doug is not spending time with his young son, Declan and wife, Maureen, he donates his time to the community by serving on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Maui.
 
   

Kimberly Vanderlaan, CPA – Partner   Kimberly Vanderlaan is a Partner with Levin & Hu, LLP.  Kimberly is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of Hawaii and the State of Nevada, and has over 16 years professional experience in public accounting and private industry.

Kimberly has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Nevada and began her public accounting career with Ernst and Young, LLP.   She has provided audit, accounting, tax planning, compliance, and business consulting services to clients in a variety of industries including waste management, alternative energies, high technology, manufacturing, construction, wholesale-distribution, aquaculture, hospitality, entertainment, health care, non-profit, insurance, telecommunications and governmental agencies.  She has also performed and managed a range of special project engagements including break even analysis, process mapping, contract review and compliance, use of funds audits, escheatment of funds audits, vendor price audits, and governmental internal control audits.

In private industry Kimberly held Senior Management positions ranging from Controller to Chief Financial Officer with “hands on” management experience in all aspects of accounting, taxation, compliance, finance, budgeting, strategic planning, treasury management, human resource, risk management, logistics, operations, system conversions, and project management.
 
  Venus A. B. Co – Senior Manager   Venus has over 20 years of professional experience in accounting, auditing and taxation. Her proficiency is also noted in compilation, review, as well as financial and income tax planning. She has worked with a wide range of clientele in the areas of oil and gas, new technology, nonprofit, tourism, construction, restaurant, hotel operation, retail and wholesale, etc. She puts her heart in what she does and she is a major team player at Levin & Hu.

Venus has a degree in Business Administration major in Accounting from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and a licensed CPA of that country. Before immigrating to the United States in 1985, she was with the Finance Department of the Philippine National Oil Company, one of the largest companies in South East Asia, with ten accounting staff under her supervision.

Venus stays abreast with the ever changing Federal and State of Hawaii tax laws and regulations by reading, researching and updating and alerting the staff about the latest changes and development in tax law. Venus is a member of Hawaii Association of Public Accountants.

Venus loves to travel which has taken her to many foreign lands. She is an avid fan of Lakers, 49ers, Dodgers, not to mention the fact that she is a spinning junkie at YMCA on Maui.
 
 

Linda Leigh-Helbling, CPA – Manager   Linda Helbling is a manager at Levin & Hu, LLP.  She has 20 years professional experience in individual, expatriate and small business taxation.
 
Linda is a graduate of Southern Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a major in Accounting.  She is a member of the Hawaii Association of Public Accountants.

Linda lived and worked in Saudi Arabia for 10 years.  While employed by Saudi Arabian Oil Co, she managed the U.S non-resident tax compliance programs.  Additionally, she is experienced in U.S. expatriate taxation, international taxation, as well individual and small business compliance.  Linda continues to strive for excellence and knowledge with continued education and training.
 
Linda’s goal is to understand her client’s needs and provide them with appropriate professional services.  Her maturity, friendliness and expatriate experiences enhance her ability to meet this goal.
 
 

Barbara Guest, CPA – Audit Manager  Barbara is the Audit Manager at Levin and Hu. Barbara has planned and performed audits and attestation engagements of various organizations in a wide range of industries. She assists in training staff members on new auditing and accounting standards while maintaining and ensuring the company’s quality control at Levin & Hu. Barbara has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a Masters Degree in Accounting from the University of Hawaii. She is a licensed Notary Public in the State of Hawaii and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Hawaii Association of Public Accountants.

Prior to becoming a CPA, Barbara worked for the County of Maui in both the Police Department and Public Works Department, Wastewater Division. Her experience with the County ranged from payroll processing for over 400 employees to performing direct billing and maintaining the purchase order database within the Wastewater Reclamation Division. Barbara also spent a number of years at another local CPA firm before joining Levin & Hu in December of 2006.

Barbara has lived on Maui for 30 years. Her love for adventure has led her to become a private pilot as well as a self proclaimed farmer. Presently, she resides in south Maui with her husband and two sons. During the summer, she looks forward to travelling and visiting long lost relatives.
   
 

Tom Marino, CPA – Tax Manager   Tom graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. Tom is a licensed CPA in both California and Hawaii since 1987. He has worked for several CPA firms on Maui, including his own practice in Lahaina before joining Levin & Hu, LLP. He has three grown children and enjoys fishing, hiking, and traveling.
 
  Remalyn Rosete, CPA – Manager   Remalyn began her professional accounting career in 2001 with the firm of Mimi Hu, CPA, Inc. She has since worked intelligently and diligently and has held various positions in the company from staff accountant to senior accountant to CPA and Manager. Her dedication and work ethic has made her an invaluable team member at Levin & Hu. Remalyn manages a large pool of clients in areas of construction, restaurant, nonprofit, real estate development, as well as hotel operations. An excellent problem solver and efficient communicator, Remalyn has a keen understanding in complex taxation and accounting issues and has consistently delivered quality services to a wide range of clients.

Remalyn has recent experiences working for Hawaii’s largest public utility company, where she conducted audits of internal control in compliance with the Sarbanes Oxley Act. She also held responsibilities in capital budgeting; ensuring the review, analysis and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Remalyn was born and raised on the island of Maui. She graduated from Lahainaluna High School as the class valedictorian. An attendee of Hawaii Pacific University, she graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Business Administration majoring in Accounting. To further her education, she plans to obtain a Masters degree in Accounting. She is presently a member of the Hawaii Association of Public Accountants.

Aside from her professional career, Remalyn enjoys her time as a wife and mother, and their family outings at the beach.
     
  Leizl M. Tabon – Senior Accountant   Leizl began her accounting career with Mimi S.J. Hu CPA, Inc. and has over 5 years of professional experience in accounting, auditing, and taxation. She is proficient in compilation, review, and auditing services, as well as income tax planning and preparation. Leizl has a varied client base which includes those in the restaurant, tourism, gas, medical industries, professional service providers, farming, construction and nonprofits. She continuously strives to improve her skills and knowledge through continuing education and training.

Leizl has a Bachelor’s degree of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of San Francisco. She has passed the Uniform CPA Examination and is currently working on her fulfilling the requirements necessary for licensing in the state of Hawaii. Leizl plans on obtaining a Master’s degree in Accountancy in the near future.

When she’s not in the office, Leizl has her hands full as the mother of twin girls, Peyton and Briana. In those rare moments of free time, Leizl enjoys reading, dancing, and is an avid San Francisco 49ers fan.
 

     		 

Jan Alejandro – Senior Accountant   Jan started her professional accounting career in 2004 with the firm of Mimi S. J. Hu, CPA, Inc. A proficient and intelligent worker, Jan has since advanced from being a bookkeeper to a staff accountant and to a senior accountant. Her professional experience includes financial accounting and reporting and individual and business taxation. Jan excels at what she does and has proven to have the strength and the desire to succeed. She challenges herself in her career as well as in her academics by maintaining a 3.8 GPA while working full time at Levin & Hu. Jan’s dedication to her work and willingness to learn has made her an important team player in the firm.

Currently attending the University of Hawaii, Jan will graduate in the Spring of 2010 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration majoring in Accounting. She plans to take the CPA Examination shortly afterwards and to eventually obtain a Master’s Degree in Taxation.

Jan is a native of Maui. In her spare time, Jan enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach and traveling. Once in a while and under tremendous peer pressure however, Jan shows up at the YMCA.
     
 

Don Couch – Information Technology Manager   Don is the Information Technology Manager for Levin & Hu, LLP. Don has extensive background in computer systems management and he is an important team member as he keeps the firm abreast with the newest development in computer information technology as well as the application of such technology. Don was a Systems Administrator for the Pacific Disaster Center prior to joining the County of Maui as an Executive Assistant to a former mayor and then Deputy Director of the Planning Department.

In his spare time, Don enjoys outrigger canoe paddling and poker. He also volunteers a substantial amount of his time to assist various nonprofit organizations in their effort to make Maui a better place. Don is a board member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui, Akaku: Maui Community Television, and the Kihei Community Association.
 
 

Peter D. Woods – Senior Accountant   Peter is a native of Maui. He is a graduate of the University of Montana with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration majoring in Accounting. Formerly in the agricultural business, Peter joined DK Levin, Company in 2006. Peter is currently pursuing his graduate degree in accounting as well as preparing for the CPA examination. He enjoys sports, jogging, the beach and investment research.
 
 

Mila T. Co – Staff Accountant   Mila joined Levin & Hu as a Staff Accountant who works closely with her manager in areas of financial accounting and taxation. She is experienced in the preparation of financial statements for various engagements from compilation, review, to audit, as well as the preparation of individual and small business tax returns. Mila’s desire to acquire new knowledge is demonstrated in her effort in attending various continuing professional education and trainings. Mila has a great attitude towards her work and she has set up her goal to be a licensed CPA. Mila is a member of Hawaii Association of Public Accountants.

Mila graduated from the National College of Business & Arts in Manila, Philippines in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration majoring in Accounting. Mila worked as an accountant at the Finance Department of the Philippine National Oil Company, one of the largest companies in Southeast Asia before immigrating to Maui with her family in 1991.

Prior to joining Levin & Hu, Mila worked at the Fairmont Kealani Hotel and Renaissance Wailea Beach Resort as a night auditor. In addition, Mila worked at a property management company where she advanced from an accounting staff to a property manager managing twelve homeowners and apartment owners associations ranging from 6 to 300 apartments.

Mila’s friends like to be around her to spend time together. Mila has three boys; two are currently attending colleges at the University of Hawaii and University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Mila is a hard worker who manages her time well. In lieu of parking herself on the couch, Mila spends time with her family, enjoys cooking and is a fervent stamp collector.
     
 

Jennifer Fischer – Staff Accountant   Jennifer was born and raised in California. She graduated from Sonoma State University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting. Shortly after that, she moved to Maui and joined Levin & Hu, LLP. She loves to travel and go to the beach.
 
    Robert Bahus, CPA – Staff Accountant   Robert moved to Maui in 2009 from the mountain ranges of Washington State.  He attended Central Washington University where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting with a minor in economics.  Prior to joining Levin & Hu, Robert worked for RSM International’s U.S. affiliate, RSM McGladrey where he gained his tax compliance experience servicing clients in various industries such as commercial fishing, construction, property management, ranching and farming. Since joining Levin & Hu, Robert has gained additional experience in areas of auditing, accounting and taxation while continuously improving his professional skills to suit the distinct needs of Levin & Hu’s clients. Robert is a licensed CPA in the state of Washington and he is currently working on the additional requirements to become a licensed CPA in the state of Hawaii.

An enthusiast of the great outdoors, Robert enjoys spending time at the beach, long boarding when the conditions are good, and hiking the many trails on the island.
     
 
 

Jonell Vale – Staff Accountant   Jonell joined Levin & Hu as a staff accountant shortly after his graduation in 2006 from University of Phoenix where he received a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in accounting.
 
Jonell is well versed in a wide range of accounting functions, including general accounting, financial statement preparation and reporting, income tax return preparation which includes business and individual. As a team member, Jonell is reliable, efficient, honest, and willing to take on the challenges and responsibilities of assignments. Jonell enjoys working at Levin & Hu because of the sense of camaraderie and family oriented environment. Jonell believes that the company’s uniqueness comes from within; each staff member has his/her own experience, skills, and character that contributed toward the company’s success.  
 
In his spare time, Jonell enjoys playing piano, cooking, and spending time with his family.  In the near future, he plans to pursue a graduate degree in accounting and become a licensed CPA in the state of Hawaii.
 
 

Fae Casayuran – Bookkeepper   Fae was born and raised in Maui, Hawaii.  She is currently attending Maui Community College and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with a  major in accounting.  Fae worked as an administrative assistant at Baldwin High School before joining Levin & Hu, LLP in 2007 as a bookkeeper.  She enjoys going to the beach, dancing, and spending time with friends, family, and her dog Kainoa.
 
 

Bonnie Yurkanin – Administrative Assistant   Bonnie moved to Maui in 1973 where she met her husband on day she arrived. She worked as a medical assistant in many well known physicians’ offices over the last twenty years before joining Levin & Hu, LLP. She is a member of Unity Church where she serves on the Board of Trustees and as a chaplain. She is currently pursuing her degree in ministerial studies. Bonnie has two daughters. One attends Maui Community College and the other attends Colorado College in Colorado Springs.
 
  Lani Stout – Administrative Assistant    Born in Honolulu, Oahu to Hawaiian ancestry and grew up in Washington State, Lani spent many years in California, Oregon, mid-west and east coast before moving back to Hawaii in 2003.  Lani brings with her a 25+ year experience in the legal field as a legal secretary and paralegal, beginning her legal career in a district attorney’s office and then continuing to work in various private law firms.  In addition to her legal knowledge, Lani is experienced in the management of vacation rental operations. Lani’s strong organizational skills have contributed greatly toward the office administration and management of Levin & Hu.

As a native Hawaiian, Lani preserves and promotes her Hawaiian heritage and culture through Awana and Kahiko hula dancing. She has been inspirational in teaching Keiki (children) hula, and she has recently accepted the offer to come along side her Kumu Hula as her Kumu’s Ala Ka’i to continue her growth as a Haumana (student apprentice) and to some day attain the Kumu Hula status.   

In her spare time, Lani exercises, takes care of her husband and their daughter.  For fun, she likes to choreograph hula movements to songs, work in her garden, go to the beach or pool, visit her family on Oahu, shop and have a girl’s night out!
     
 

Kathy Harima – Administrative Staff   Originally from Connecticut, Kathy moved to Hawaii in 1980. She spent twleve years at the Hyatt Regency Maui in the Accounting Department and fifteen years with two local CPA firms before joining Levin & Hu, LLP in 2007. Kathy enjoys music, traveling and working out at the YMCA but most of all, spending time with her teenage son, Riley.

     
  Lori Steer – Administrative Staff – Lori joined Levin & Hu as part of the administrative support team in March, 2008 when she relocated to Maui after 25 years in Phoenix, Arizona.  Born and raised in Chicago, Lori brings with her a strong background as a Title & Escrow Officer as well as years of customer service experience, providing invaluable assistance to staff and clients alike.  Lori puts her heart into what she does and she oversees the timely delivery of finished work to our clients.

When Lori is not busy assembling tax returns and organizing the day to day operation of Levin & Hu, she is busy baking delicious coconut macaroons which she sells to local merchants.  Lori enjoys hiking and exploring Maui.

Lori is fluent in American Sign Language.