Plugged IN, Charged UP! 4 Peace - Because the Planet Needs a Hug (And So Do You) PLUGGED IN, CHARGED UP EV ROADTRIP 🚗 Celebrate peace, planet Earth, and Earth Day!
Saturday, April 22 – Grab your EV, hybrid, or that fancy electric thing your cousin won't stop talking about (borrow it!) and cruise to your nearest Peace Pole. No EV? Carpool! Ride tandem on an e-bike! Just get there with maximum fun and minimal fossil fuels. ⚡
Once you arrive, celebrate Peace on the Planet YOUR way: meditate under a tree, have a picnic, do interpretive dance, or just stand there looking serene and accomplished.🕊️
CLICK HERE to log in your project with the International Peace, WE Rotary club
The Mental Health Initiatives Rotary Action Group, District 5150 Chapter, invites you to our quarterly community meeting featuring Gordon McInally, Rotary International's President 2023-2024, who launched mental health and wellness as a global priority for Rotary. Event Details:
Who Should Attend: District 5150 Rotary members, Rotaractors, Interactors, mental health service providers, and anyone interested in mental health issues.
What to Expect: Hear Gordon's insights on why mental health is a priority for Rotary, Learn about creative initiatives from Clubs and Districts worldwide, Participate in an interactive Q&A session
For a limited time only, our Official Licensed Vendor, Island Traditions has Rotary polo shirts on sale. Check it out and place your order at: https://www.islandtraditions.com/rotary
The Rotary Club of Maui received a Certificate of Appreciation from the State Department of Transportation for being a part of the No Ka Oi Highway Hui. The club decided to do a project close to home here in Kula. Michael Lilly organized the 2 mile stretch of road that we clean quarterly. The Rotary Club of Maui is listed on a road sign and our two miles are in Kēōkea. The state Department of Highways provided vests and trash bags. It is a very rewarding service project.
2026 D5000 International Service Project: ROOTS (Regional Outreach Opportunities for Training and Sustainability) for a Healthy Micronesia, May 4-7, 2026
Two Main Objectives: • Advancing sustainable emergency, critical, and ophthalmic care through training and medical equipment donation to Chuuk and Pohnpei through Dr. Lorenzo Albala, Dr. Sila Bal, Dr. Cecily Wang, Dr. James Ham, and Paramedic Chico Caballero. • Advancing sustainable community health and wellbeing through Rotarian-led workshops and screenings at community health and wellbeing fairs utilizing local and international partnerships
~Interested in going to Pohnpei, Micronesia for an International Service project? We are working on a health fair project in early May 2026. If you are interested in joining the group for a hands-on project, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/CHTPCvNM4kKxxsQw7
~RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) camp applications are due in January. Apps at https://www.rylahawaii.org/
~D5000 Yellow Pages, Rotarian to Rotarian. We have our own "Yellow Pages" of fellow Rotarians in business. The listing if free, but if you want to have a banner, it's $30/year. If you need to look up a company or want to post your business, go to https://rotaweb.org/ypg_search.cgi?district=5000
~Get ready to celebrate Rotary’s birthday in February by spreading the word about Rotary. We’d like everyone to “Each one, Reach one” and share the fun, friendships and all the good work we do for our communities. More information to come.
~District Community Service Chair Nathan Graves and Team are coordinating the plans together for multiple projects District-wide to make a large, visible impact. Many of the multi-club projects with the environment theme will be on April 25th, Rotarians at Work Day, but some are planned on other April dates for each island for clubs, partner organizations and volunteers to work together. Check out the Service Project page for the list CLICK HERE to go to the site page.
~Today, in the Rotary Club of Hilo's 105th year, I am so excited about our future. I will be attending the Rotary international convention in Taipei Taiwan in June 2026. The week before the Convention I will join over 300 other Rotarians to ride around Taiwan to raise money for Polio Plus. I have learned that International Rotarians are more alike than we are different. They care about their communities, they care about the world, they care about others. They are committed to do more through Rotary. I am too. And I am going to represent District 5000 and Hawaii by riding over 500 kilometers the week before the convention to raise money for Polio Plus. Please support my efforts by donating to this effort! Your donation goes to the PolioPlus fund at The Rotary Foundation in your name. Mahalo and Aloha, Newton https://raise.rotary.org/Newton-Chu/challenge031
Each year, Rotary International dedicates the month of January to celebrate the importance of Vocational Service—a core tenet of Rotary’s mission. Vocational Month is a time for Rotarians to reflect on the role of their professions in shaping communities and to recommit to using their skills, knowledge, and ethical practices to make a positive difference in the world. Vocational Service, one of Rotary’s five avenues of service, encourages Rotarians to lead by example in their professions. It’s about recognizing that the principles of service above self are not limited to volunteerism but extend to our daily professional lives.
Ways you can use your skills: Vocational Talks and Recognition, Career Guidance for Youth, Mentorship and Vocational Training, Rotary Fellowships and Networking, and Promoting Access to Education.
Message from John Hewko, Rotary General Secretary and Chief Executive Officer.
For 120 years, Rotary has been a force for good. I am pleased to provide you with an advance copy of the 2024-25 annual report, so you can be among the first to read about how your contributions amplify our ability to do good where it is needed most. The report offers insights about a milestone year. We exceeded our goal of building the Endowment to US$2.025 billion, reaching US$2.050 billion in outright gifts and commitments. Our latest Programs of Scale grant recipient is a high-impact initiative that will expand economic opportunities and pathways to peace in Colombia. New partnerships have grown our Rotary Peace Centers to include programs for peacebuilders throughout Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. We also renewed a critical partnership to bolster our ongoing global polio eradication efforts. In these and many other ways, the generosity of donors like you allows us to transform our ambitions into sustainable action and create lasting change. It is an honor to serve among such dedicated people who are committed to making a meaningful impact in the world.
Congratulations to the newly elected officers and Board members for the 2026-2027 Rotary year! Be assured that we will provide you with the learning experiences you need to help you support your club and make it a memorable year for you!
The Rotary International Learning and Development team also wishes all new club and district officers the best as you work to accomplish the club goals, bring in new members, and provide meaningful service in your communities. They encourage you to use the Rotary Learning Center to gain knowledge to help you in your role as a club or district leader. When a new club officer is added through My Rotary, they receive an automated welcome email from learn@rotary.org with a link to their learning plan.
Save the date for the District Leadership Learning Seminars. On March 28, we have the Action Plan workshop to brainstorm plans for the coming year or three and think about implementing the plan. On April 4 and 11, we will have breakout sessions for Membership, Public Image, Rotary Foundation and all the Avenues of Service, plus special subject matter experts in focus areas, such as peace, environment, education and more. Something for everybody! We’re here to support you!
Need a wrapped Christmas present? The Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunrise has the solution for you! Visit the kiosk at the Lahaina Cannery Mall, Dec 12-14, 10am to 5pm and pick up a wrapped box of See's Candies. Proceeds go to Lahaina community service projects.
The RC of Kahala Sunrise again participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer's, fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease. Every day, Alzheimer's takes more of our parents, grandparents, partners, siblings, friends and neighbors. Every day, more are diagnosed.
As we approach the season of gratitude, Aloha Ranch would like to extend our warmest mahalos to all our donors who have made a profound impact on the lives of Lahaina's fire survivor families. We are especially grateful to the Rotary District 5000 Foundation Maui Fires Relief Fund, whose extraordinary generosity—over $300,000 in funds—has helped hundreds of families move into new homes and rebuild their lives after the devastating fires.
On September 20, 2025, 14 members and friends of the Rotary Club of Honolulu (RCOH) came together in the city of Hue in central Vietnam. We were gathered to embark the next day on a service project that would provide playground equipment, lunch boxes, pens and crayons to 6 elementary schools in a remote commune west of Dong Ha not far from the border of Laos. Our local hosts and partners were members of the Rotary Club of Quan Tri, a relatively new club of 14 members. The playground equipment was in the warehouse, ready to be installed. The 500 lunch boxes and pens were on the bus, and the crayons were in our respective suitcases. We were ready and excited to go, and then we got a text from Uyen, our local Rotarian contact: The newly installed local government officials weren’t going to let us (foreigners) get on the school campuses. Our participation in this project was effectively cancelled.
If you or someone you know wants to make a year-end gift, contact our Planned Giving Officer, Erin Groble at erin.groble@rotary.org to discuss your options or connect with our regional Major Gift Officer, Marge Cole, at marge.cole@yahoo.com.
Plan ahead. If you already know how you want to give, no need to wait for the year-end rush to make your gift, you can start the process now.
The Rotary Peace Fellowship is designed for leaders with work experience in peace and development. Our fellows are committed to community and international service and the pursuit of peace. Each year, The Rotary Foundation awards up to 50 fellowships for master’s degrees and up to 80 for certificate studies at premier universities.
Through academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities, the Rotary Peace Centers program develops the capacity of peace and development professionals to become effective catalysts for peace. The fellowships cover tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and internship and field-study expenses.
The Maui Nui Marine Resource Council (MNMRC) was the recipient of a grant for $26,000 from the Hawai‘i Rotary District 5000 Foundation Maui Fires Relief Fund to continue restoration efforts at Kahoma Village in Lahaina. The project builds on community planting events held earlier this year and expands long-term recovery efforts for one of West Maui’s impacted neighborhoods.
With Rotary funding, MNMRC and community partners will plant more than 300 additional native and Polynesian-introduced plants, install three interpretive educational signs, and host hands-on workshops focused on soil health, composting, and reef-friendly landscaping practices. These efforts support both ecological restoration and community healing by expanding shade, restoring local vegetation, enhancing food security through fruit-bearing trees, and improving access to a safe public green space for Kahoma’s 600 residents and the wider Lahaina community.
This project is part of MNMRC’s larger land-to-sea approach to protecting Maui’s nearshore waters. By restoring healthy vegetation and eliminating synthetic landscaping chemicals at Kahoma Village, the project reduces polluted stormwater runoff that would otherwise carry sediment and contaminants to the ocean and nearby coral reefs.
Joanne Laird, a member of the Rotary Maui Fires Relief Fund Advisory Committee, shared: “The funding provided by Rotary demonstrates the unified commitment among Rotarians to support the Lahaina community throughout its recovery process.” According to Jill Wirt, Project Manager: “MNMRC is grateful for Rotary’s partnership in advancing recovery, resilience, and environmental stewardship rooted in community leadership.”
Rotary clubs can respond to the urgent needs of students and families at Keʻelikōlani Middle School (KMS). With SNAP benefits stopping as of November 1, nearly 60% of KMS students whose families rely on food assistance will face serious food insecurity. Club have an opportunity to respond quickly and meaningfully.
Share our flyer: Post to social media and email your network.
Volunteer: Reply to this email if you can help shop or pack on Nov 6–7.
Every act of generosity makes an immediate impact for families right here in our community. Together, we can fill pantries, lift spirits, and support KMS students through this challenging time.
Below is the spreadsheet of the clubs who have reported their projects as well as the ‘Raise for Rotary’ contribution link. Use it to make your contributions….
Our World Polio Day event will begin at 5pm HST on Friday. The link we will be using is:
Rotary International District 5000 was honored on October 9th to be inducted into the Junior Achievement Hawaii Hall of Fame. This prestigious annual event celebrates trailblazers and innovators whose success stories inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders. The Community Partner of the Year award recognizes Rotary for its involvement in the community and in JA. District Governor Nancy Cabral accepted the award for D5000.
Highlands Intermediate Student Council / Interact Club receive check donations from Rotary Club of Pearlridge, Pearl City Shopping Center Merchants Association. By Barry Villamil, Past President, Rotary Club of Pearlridge
Mahalo to the Highlands Intermediate School (HIS) Student Council / Rotary Interact Club for welcoming me to their classroom this morning to present them with $250.00 check donations from the Rotary Club of Pearlridge (RCOP) and the Pearl City Shopping Center Merchants Association.
I was truly honored to represent both the Rotary Club of Pearlridge and Pearl City Shopping Center Merchants Association to present Ashlynn Peralta, President, HIS Student Council/Rotary Interact Club with $250.00 check donations each from both organizations.
The Rotary Club of Pearlridge and Pearl City Shopping Center Merchants Association annually supports the Highlands Intermediate 11x National Leadership Student Council Award Winners with monetary donations that go directly towards their leadership programs at school and in the community.
The Rotary Club of Pearlridge serves as leadership mentors and volunteers and partners with the students in community-oriented beautification projects.
Mahalo to Eric White, HIS Student Activities Coordinator; Advisor, Student Council / Interact Club for all his support and amazing success guiding the award winning HIS Student Council/Rotary Interact Club.
As a humanitarian organization, peace is a cornerstone of our mission. We believe when people work to create peace in their communities, that change can have a global effect. By carrying out service projects and supporting peace fellowships and scholarships, our members take action to address the underlying causes of conflict, including poverty, discrimination, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of resources.
On October 24, World Polio Day, Rotary will join partners, health workers, survivors, and advocates to reaffirm our promise to the world’s children: polio eradication is possible—and it’s a promise we will keep.
Has your club identified your awareness project yet???
Unemployment, underemployment, a lack of economic opportunities, a lack of basic education and training, and the absence of social safety nets are at the core of poverty. Developing productive employment and entrepreneurship opportunities is essential to reduce poverty, achieve sustainable economic and social development, and build income security — especially for women, people with disabilities, youth, and the extremely poor.
As an organization committed to advancing world understanding, goodwill, and peace, Rotary recognizes the United Nations International Day of Peace on 21 September as an opportunity to inspire acts of peace and friendship. The theme for 2025, Act Now for a Peaceful World, reminds us that everyone can do something to build peace and prevent conflict — whether in our everyday lives, within our clubs and communities, or at regional, national, and global levels.
Ways our members and peacebuilders take action
Rotary members and program participants are people of action who advance peace in countless ways:
Through every service project that fosters community well-being
ROTARY CLUB OF HILO BAY FUN(D)RAISER!Join us for the 25th Hilo Bay Oktoberfest!
Friday, September 26, 20256pm - 9pm @ Sangha Hall, Hilo HI
Authentic German Food • Beer • Refreshments Live Entertainment • Silent Auction • Costume Contest!
Tickets starting at $80.00!
Fun for the whole family!
Aloha! The Rotary Club of Hilo Bay is back, celebrating a tradition of more than two dozen years, all for a great cause -- don’t miss it! Authentic German Food – Beer – Refreshments – Live Music – Silent Auction - Costume Contest and More!
Our five downtown Rotary Clubs were honored to co-sponsor and support the annual remembrance ceremony at Tamarind Park — a tradition our community has carried on for 23 years. From firefighters and police in uniform to community leaders and neighbors, we gathered to remember those we lost and to thank those who serve. Rotary is proud to stand in unity and remembrance. � #Rotary #911Remembrance #RotaryHawaii #RotaryInternational #HonoluluSunriseRotary #firstresponders Rotary District 5000 - Hawaii, USA The Rotary Club of Metropolitan Honolulu Rotary Club of Downtown Honolulu Rotary Club of Honolulu Pau Hana
Aloha D5000 Rotarians, As many of you know our International President Elect, SangKoo Yun from South Korea had to step down for health reasons. Please read the notice that a new International President for 2026-2027 has been selected. Please join me with prayers and support for all of our leaders around the world. Mahalo, DG Nancy
CAUTION: Rotarians be careful with all emails. Someone is sending out emails to Rotarians asking them to respond to me, Nancy, as your District Governor. And someone is sending out detailed emails with false information about Rotary events. Don't Respond or Open anything strange.
Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset recognizes Vocational Service Awards Recipients
The Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset recently presented its 9th annual Vocational Service Awards, honoring an individual, a non-profit organization, and a local business. These recipients were chosen for exemplifying integrity and the highest standards of ethical conduct, which are integral to Rotary values. The awardees serve as models for ethical behavior both in the workplace and beyond. Presented annually, this recognition is given to three entities that provide exceptional service to the community and/or the club, and demonstrate the Rotary commitment to “Service Above Self”.
Denise “Neesey” Nussbaum received the Individual Vocational Service Award. In 2019, Neesey and several West Maui residents founded Aloha Ranch to support those experiencing homelessness. Working with local groups, volunteers, and donors, they provide essential services and support for families in need. Aloha Ranch received a Rotary District 5000 Foundation grant to supply household items for 450 families relocating to Ka Lai Ola community after the fires. Neesey serves as the primary organizer for essential items required by our community members in need.
Treecovery Hawaii Inc. received the Non-Profit Vocational Service Award for its work with the Army Corps in maintaining trees and improving soil in Lahaina and Kula burn zones. The group is partnering with organizations across Maui to plant and monitor new trees over the coming years, at no cost to the community. Treecovery also received a Rotary District 5000 Foundation Maui Fire Relief grant and will collaborate on a Rotary International Global grant to plant 2,500 trees in Lahaina and Kula over two years. Founder Duane Sparkman accepted the award.
Elly’s Formal Wear and Bridal received the Vocational Service Award for providing free tuxedo rentals at two Pop-Up Prom Stores, funded by the Rotary District 5000 Foundation Fires Relief Fund. The stores operated at Royal Lahaina Resort and Bungalows over two weekends in December 2024 and March 2025. Lahainaluna High School students booked appointments to select complimentary prom outfits, with a red carpet shopping experience.
The Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset is one of the nine Rotary Clubs located on Maui. Meetings are held on the first and third Thursday of each month. September meetings are being held at the portable classroom building at Sacred Hearts School, located in Ka`anapali at 2530 Keka’a Drive, Lahaina, 96761. Social time begins at 5:00 and attendees may bring their own food and beverages. The program is from 5:30-6:30 pm. To attend in person, email Club Service Chair Laura Stanton at lstanton127@outlook.com
PHOTO#1: (PC Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset)
Founder Duane Sparkman representing Treecovery Hawaii, Inc. received the Vocational Service Award for a Non-profit organization from Rotary District Governor Nancy Cabral, President Katy Shroder, and Assistant District Governor Al Weiland.
PHOTO#2: (PC Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset)
Founder Denise “Neesey” Nussbaum of Aloha Ranch. received the Vocational Service Award for an individual from Rotary District Governor Nancy Cabral, President Katy Shroder, and Assistant District Governor Al Weiland.
The next Rotary Convention will be Taipei, Taiwan, June 13-17, 2026. If you would like to learn more about it, join DGN Rich Proctor on Thursday, Sep 11, 6:30pm on zoom. If you are interested in reservicing a room in the D5000 block at the Fullon Taipei East hotel, CLICK HERE
Congratulations to our Clubs of Excellence! Eleven of our clubs in District 5000 have been recognized by Rotary International as 2024-25 Clubs of Excellence. It recognizes clubs for their contribution to Rotary priorities and organizational goals.
The entry signs for the West Maui Community Center Partnership Park were recently unveiled. The park project is a collaborative effort involving the Maui YMCA, the Rotary Clubs of District 5000 and $250,000 from Rotary D5000 Foundation Maui Fires Relief Fund.
The Rotary theme for September is Basic Education and Literacy, one of our 7 areas of focus. Rotary clubs all over the world are taking action to enhance basic education and literacy in their communities and every community has different needs and different opportunities to serve. The United Nations estimates that without additional measures, 84 million children and young people will be out of school by 2030, and approximately 300 million students will lack the basic numeracy and literacy skills necessary for success in life. Rotary’s global basic education and literacy strategy emphasizes the importance of getting children the numeracy and literacy skills they need while they’re still in school.
Ann Neizman of the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunrise has been selected to receive Rotary International's Service Above Self Award for 2024-25, the organization's highest honor bestowed upon a member. The award was presented this week by Immediate Past District Governor Ted Faigle, Assistant Governor Al Weiland, and current District Governor Nancy Cabral at a special gathering of the three Lahaina Rotary clubs. The Service Above Self Award recognizes remarkable contributions that significantly impact humanity, with only about 150 recipients selected worldwide each year from Rotary's 1.2 million members. Awardees are chosen by the Rotary International Board of Directors, making this recognition truly exceptional.
On Saturday, September 27, 10am, everyone is invited to join on Zoom to get an update on what Rotary Clubs on Maui have done in the the last year.
Global Grant #GG2464383, sponsored by Rotary District 5000, is a $150,000 grant to plant trees in the Maui burn zones. We are partnering with TreeCovery who will acquire, care for, and plant thousands of trees in the next several years. In addition, the homeowners will receive training in caring for the trees, and in creating a fire and drought-resistant landscape. Rotarians will continue to be involved in repotting events, and planting the trees in their final destination. In most cases homeowners will get the same type of trees that they had before the fire. Thank you to the 38 D5000 clubs that signed on to help the funding. We also received major support from three Rotary Clubs in Nepal, two Rotary Clubs in Japan, along with Districts 3350 and 2650.
Rotary Club of Kahului proudly hosted its Annual Scholarship Luncheon, honoring six outstanding Maui High School seniors who were awarded scholarships through the Hawai‘i Rotary Youth Foundation and the Rotary Club of Kahului. The event celebrated the academic achievements and future aspirations of these deserving students in the presence of their families and community leaders. Council Member Tasha Kama and County Director of Public Affairs Mahina Martin joined the luncheon to personally congratulate the recipients and share words of encouragement. The Club also recognized scholarship donor Bob Lee for his continued generosity and commitment to supporting youth education. A special mahalo was extended to Maui High School counselors Leka and Michelle for their invaluable support and guidance in helping students reach their goals."
Rotary Club of Pearl Harbor has been involved with several activities throughout 2024-25 with the Radford High School Interact Club to include the following: Radford Students of the Quarter,
Hawaii Food Bank Food Packing Projects, Hawaii Children and Youth Day, Institute for Human Services Hygiene Kit Packing Project, Thanksgiving Fun Fair, Heeia Fish Pond, Hawaii Rotary Youth Scholarship Award Luncheon. The Journey to Peace events at the Pearl Harbor Air Museum, sponsored by our club, which was popular with Interact leaders and youth and attended 3 times.
Rotary Club or Pearlridge’s RCOP Dictionary 5000 Good Citizen Awards were presented to 14 Aiea and Pearl City Elementary schools. Each Good Citizen Award recipient received a $50.00 scholarship check and recognition letter. Emily and Grant truly define Service Above Self with their selfless contributions to supporting 850+ third graders and their teachers while enhancing the student's literacy through the annual RCOP Dictionary 5000 Program. Each dictionary included Rotary International’s Principles of the “Four Way Test”. Students who best exemplified the Principles of the Four Way Test were chosen by their teachers to receive a Good Citizen Award. The Rotary Club of Pearlridge (RCOP), along with Pearl City High School and Highlands Intermediate Rotary Interact Clubs, and RCOP supporters, lent a hand at the Annual Honolulu City & County Pearl Harbor Bike Path Clean Up. The iconic “The Mike” courtyard at Pearl City High School received a fresh coat of paint on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 by the PCHS Rotary Interact Club. The Rotary Club of Pearlridge presented Highlands Intermediate School Principal Lance Tanouye with a $250.00 check donation on Friday, March 14, 2025 in support of the school’s Pearl City Complex wide COLTS EXPO. Highlands Intermediate Rotary Interact Club members also represent the school’s Student Council. The eight graders return in 2024-2025 as 2023-2024 National Student Council Leadership Award winners. They have their goals set on winning the school’s tenth National Student Council Leadership Award. The RCOP is extremely proud of them and grateful for the opportunity to support and mentor them as a part of our Rotary Club of Pearlridge Interact Leadership Program.
Rotary Club of Hickam Pearl Harbor Youth Service Projects: Queen of Bags project which entailed providing supplies for children entering a foster care facility. Turkey Trot event, which is an annual event that we support at Kalihi Elementary like a field day for the students which involves games and activities. Also, in conjunction with the Peace Pole installation that we installed using our District Grant, we sponsored a writing contest in January for two winners that wrote about What Peace means to them. This year we partnered with the Friends of Makalapa Park to get kids ready for school by providing school supplies and having games and prizes to have a fun afternoon at the Park. The activities involved getting a haircut, ride a bike, shoot some hoops, adopt a plant, volleyball, cornhole toss, making custom buttons and candies and snacks.
Rotary Club of Hilo 4,500 Mile International Friendship is nurtured with in-person trips and virtual meetings. Waiakea High in Hilo and Shudo School in Hiroshima are international sister-clubs by virtue of a very long sister-club relationship between the Rotary Club of Hiroshima-South and the Rotary Club of Hilo. Rotary Sister-club relations include trips to each other's club and city over many many decades. Students of Shudo School and Waiakea High alternate visits to each other. Sparked by the Covid pandemic, our Interact Clubs started periodic virtual meetings that cross the 4,500 miles and 19 hour divide to build friendships and boost individual confidence in global engagement. The Interact Clubs of Waiakea High and Shudo HIgh meet again on June 14, 2025 for another virtual meeting that's always filled with games, challenges and laughter.
Rotary in Kindergarten (RIK): 17 dedicated Rotarian readers + 1,580 books = and12 appreciative schools and 23 teachers, and 397 Happy Kindergarten Students on Hawaii Island. RIK Program Chair, Shirley Woods and her teammate, Beverly Heikes, plan to add two more schools in the 2025-26 school year. Interact Club of Waiakea High School (WHS): The experienced leadership of the WHS Interact Club quickly involved their members in hosting an international Home and Home Sister-Interact-School, Shudo High School in Hiroshima. Club President, Gabriella Tuson, confidently engaged her members in school, community and Rotary Club of Hilo projects. Here are key projects: Alzheimer’s, Salvation Army’s Thanksgiving, Christmas Shoe Box, Hawaii Food Basket, Santa’s Workshop for children, school clean-ups and year-long raising and lowering of school flags. Interact Club of Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School (LCPCS): Rotarian Advisor, Wally Wong, creatively combined Interact participation as an incentive for schools sports eligibility. This was the answer for a small school to engage students in community service and leadership learning. The Interact Club served their immediate community and projects of the Rotary Club of Hilo.
Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunrise had another great year of supporting our youth. We continue to support Roosevelt High School and Mid Pacific Institute’s Interact Clubs, Our focus continues to be on the new garden planters and composters that our club sponsored with Roosevelt Interact. The students continue to learn about minimizing food waste and having a sustainable food source. We were able to support 3 Roosevelt Interact students to attend RYLA, make and deliver Kupuna-cards to our seniors in need of connection, and selected and donated books to Lincoln Elementary. This was our second year manning the Rotary D5000 Booth at Hawaii Children and Youth Day where Roosevelt students engaged with parents and youth who stopped by the booth to learn more about Rotary. Club President Jerry Denton was interviewed by Olelo there too! We interviewed amazing high school seniors to select our Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation scholarship winner, and also selected our annual Honolulu Sunrise Rotary Scholarship recipient (in addition to our HRYF scholar).
Honolulu Sunrise is grateful for our partnerships as well as the passion of our members in supporting youth across our community. We look forward to another successful Rotary Year!
Rotary Club of Kona Our youth activities center around the Interact Club at Kealakehe High School. It was founded in 1997 and has about 70 members. They are known for helping international charities, their involvement in local issues and involvement in their school community. The Interact Club’s annual budget is more than $5000. Kona Rotary donates $2000 towards their annual budget. In 2024-25 the Interact Club at Kealakehe has been involved locally with peace week and the peace pole dedication, a beach cleanup at Old Kona Airport Beach, the IronMan Championship Triathlon, picnic bench painting at Kealakehe Middle School, and recycling during the Senior Men’s Golf Tournament in January. The officers and one of the student advisors were guests at our February 20th meeting. The officers gave us an excellent slideshow presentation of what they are about and their recent accomplishments.
Rotary Club Kihei-Wailea’s Imua! Readers Program was produced by experienced retired educators. This phonics-based curriculum aligns with Hawaii DOE English Language Arts standards. Volunteer reading coaches are trained in the teaching method during three-hour workshops that include all instructional materials. The Imua! Readers program targets 1st grade students that have fallen behind in reading proficiency. It is designed to support the classroom teacher by providing the necessary individual attention that is not possible while teaching in a classroom of thirty students. Trained reading coaches meet with students in 45-minute sessions that feature games, worksheets and sight word lists. Students learn to associate letter and letter combinations with the sounds that they make. Post COVID, 36% of Hawaii 4th grade students scored below basic proficiency in reading. The Imua! Readers program provides an early intervention to address reading deficiencies before they become a problem. Students are assessed three times during the school year to monitor their progress toward proficiency. 20 trained volunteers and retired educators work within the program. Three Rotarians serve to administer the program at 2 elementary schools in Kihei.
Rotary Club of Kona Sunrise sponsors the Kealakehe Hight School Interact Club established contact with M-3 High School in Pristina, Kosovo through Derek Chignell’s Water for Life Program. The students from both schools did a zoom video meeting, working through a twelve-hour time differential. They have agreed to work together as best they can on mutual service projects. We gave two $1,000 scholarships to two outstanding students at Konawaena High School. And we gave one $5,000 HYRF scholarship. We continue to provide support to our youth.
Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset A group of 30 students at Lahainaluna High School gathered for a pizza lunch to participate in an “Interested Students” meeting aimed at discussing the reestablishment of the Rotary-sponsored Interact Club. During the event on Sept. 24, attendees had the opportunity to meet four adult advisors from the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset, along with two school advisors. The students watched two informative videos showcasing the activities of Interact Clubs and various youth programs under the Rotary International umbrella.
Rotary Club of Kahala Sunrise RoCKS Members Wes Mun and Ryan Kawamoto participated in the Niu Valley Middle School Career Day on March 28, 2025. Wes spoke on his career in healthcare administration and Ryan spoke about his career as a filmmaker and television director. The Rotary Club of Kahala Sunrise supports NVMS through their Interact Club. On March 7, 2025 the Niu Valley Middle School Interact Club held a sushi making event. RoCKS members Wes Mun and Dianne Bosworth attended this fun and educational afternoon. The Rotary Club of Kahala Sunrise teamed up with the Rotary Club of East Honolulu to help with the annual Palolo Elementary Fun Fair. We assisted with the rummage sale and the games! A good day supporting the students and the school! On May 14, 2025 the Rotary Club of Kahala Sunrise presented special student Dictionaries to the entire 3rd Grade at Wilson Elementary as a part of our Education and Literacy Initiatives. As you can see the students were quite excited!
Each year, the Director of Zones 26 & 27 convenes a Rotary Institute which brings together members and guests from throughout the western United States and Canada. The Institute features:
Interactive, peer-based discussion and learning sessions.
Inspirational speakers and presentations.
Special program for Emerging Rotary Leaders from all 30 Districts in the Zones.
Service activities.
Networking and fun!
The Institute celebrates the graduation of the District Governors Elect from their week-long training course that helps prepare them to lead their Districts the following year. The Institute is Spring District Assembly on steroids! All are invited to attend.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, as well as the atomic bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima and the end of WWII. When the United Nations was founded in 1945, the Rotary International organization was one of its founding members. Pau Hana Rotary Club member Joanne's UNA-Hawaii Chapter has been a sponsor of the annual Nagasaki atomic bombing commemorations for the past 32 years. Please join them on August 9th for a wonderful program in the city's Mission Auditorium and to ring the Nagasaki Peace Bell, all on the grounds of Honolulu Hale (City Hall). This live event will be televised worldwide!
HIGHLIGHTS The Royal Order of Kamehameha I, Hawai‘i Chapter Anti-Nuclear Weapons Advocates Community, Interfaith, and Political Peacebuilders Nagasaki Hibakusha (atomic bomb survivor) Royal Hawaiian Band, Global Musicians, Youth Voices
Today, Rotary holds the highest consultative status offered to a nongovernmental organization by the UN’s Economic and Social Council, which oversees many specialized UN agencies. The Rotary Representative Network maintains and furthers its relationship with several UN bodies, programs, commissions, and agencies. This network consists of Rotary International representatives to the United Nations and other organizations.
Rotary and the United Nations have a shared history of working toward peace and addressing humanitarian issues around the world. During World War II, Rotary informed and educated members about the formation of the United Nations and the importance of planning for peace. Materials such as the booklet “From Here On!” and articles in The Rotarian helped members understand the UN before it was formally established and follow its work after its charter.
Rotary International was one of 42 organizations the United States invited to serve as consultants to its delegation at the San Francisco conference. Each organization had seats for three representatives, so Rotary International’s 11 representatives served in rotation. The people officially representing Rotary included the general secretary, the editor of The Rotarian, and several past presidents. Other Rotarians from Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and South America served as members of their own nations’ delegations. Rotarians also served as consultants to their national delegations.
The Maui News. Eight local Rotary clubs will be collecting food during an islandwide food drive from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 2. In collaboration with the state Hawaii Food Bank net- work, Rotary clubs will collect nonperishable food items and cash donations for the Maui Food Bank. Donations of food and funds will support families, seniors with fixed incomes
and single parents who utilize services provided by the Maui Food Bank. Donations will be accepted at the following locations: • The Rotary Clubs of Kahului and Upcountry Maui
will be at the Safeway market on Ho‘okele Street. • The Rotary Clubs of Kihei Wailea and Kihei Wailea Satellite will be at Safeway in the Lipoa Shopping Center. • The Rotary Clubs of Lahaina Sunrise and Lahaina Sunset will be at Safeway Lahaina • The Rotary Club of Wailuku, Safeway Maui Lani and the Eco Rotary Club will be at Walmart. Direct donations can be made by gong to mauifoodbank.org/event/food-drive-day/. Donations can also be made at mauifoodbank.org. For more information about the Maui Rotary Clubs, email Joanne Laird at mamalrd01@gmail.com.
The Rotary Club of South Hilo has joined forces with Vibrant Hawaii to support the Kaukau 4 Keiki project, a heartfelt initiative aimed at providing food to underprivileged children within the community. This partnership embodies a shared commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of young individuals who face food insecurity.
Project Overview: Kaukau 4 Keiki serves as a beacon of hope for many families, ensuring that children receive nutritious meals they might otherwise miss. The service project is scheduled to operate every Thursday over a span of four weeks, marking a dedicated period of community service and involvement.
By Barry Villamil, Past President, Interact Program Director, Rotary Club of Pearlridge
The iconic “The Mike” courtyard at Pearl City High School received a fresh coat of paint on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 by the PCHS Rotary Interact Club led by 2025-2026 President Jaylin Shirafuji. “The Mike” is a special space in honor of beloved retired PCHS teacher and Student Activities Coordinator Mike Ishihara who was the last of the original teachers hired back in 1971 when the school first opened its doors. The PCHS Interact Club got a great start to the 2025-2026 school year of leadership service projects with the summer painting project at “The Mike”. Club members along with PCHS teacher and Interact Club advisor Mr. Dane Souza painted steps and will later repaint the positive messages stenciled on each step. Rotary Club of Pearlridge President-Elect Dick Mosko and me, RCOP Past President, Barry Villamil were invited to the painting project on Tuesday.
We were so proud to join the PCHS Interact Club while learning of incredible service projects in Hawaii, Nationally, and Internationally planned for the 2025-2026 school year.
The Maui News Realizing that many Maui residents are still reeling from the 2023 Maui wild-fires, state and local Rotary Clubs are promoting mental health awareness and measures. District 5000 Foundation Fire Relief recently donated $2,670 for a suicide prevention and resiliency conference in September. According to Maui Island Resource Chair Joanne Laird, District 5000 refers to the 47 Rotary clubs statewide, including nine on Maui and others nationally that have contributed $3 million to fund programs aiding wildfire survivors and others impacted by the wildfire and its aftermath. The “Asking for Help is a Sign of Strength” conference will support Maui residents affected by the
wildfires by offering resources for recovery from trauma, grief and emotional hardship. The event provides education on suicide prevention and strategies for emotional self-regulation, focusing on high-risk groups like youth, elders, first responders and caregivers. Participants will learn to recognize warning signs, reduce stigma, and access professional and peer support. The conference also aims to strengthen community identity and mutual aid. The conference will be at the Maui Kuia Estate Chocolate Factory rooftop area from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 20. The conference is free and will include lunch. Participants can register online by searching for the event at eventbrite.com or going to tinyurl.com/mwvn-jst4. For more, email Laird at mamalrd01@gmail.com
At a recent event, the presidents of five Rotary clubs inducted their incoming presidents. These clubs are located in central Maui and include members from that area. The induction ceremony was conducted by Rotary District 5000 Governor Nancy Cabral, who traveled from Hilo to officiate the installation of the new club leaders.
From left to right in the photo are: Assistant Governor Al Weiland; Ronelle Etsy, Eco Rotary Club; Jessie Hughes, Rotary Club of Maui; District Governor Nancy Cabral; Mary Albitz, Rotary Club of Upcountry Maui; Gary Albitz, Rotary Club of Kahului; and Rachel Miyoshi, Rotary Club of Wailuku.
Rotary is a leadership organization composed of local business, professional, and civic leaders. Club members meet regularly to foster relationships, form collaborations, and effectively contribute to community initiatives. For additional information regarding the Maui Rotary Clubs, contact Maui Resource Team Leader Joanne Laird at mamalrd01@gmail.com.
If you missed the high-energy celebration of this year’s Hawaii Rotary District 5000 Club Awards, don’t worry—you can still catch all the inspiring moments by watching the replay! The virtual ceremony, held on July 7, 2025, was a night to remember, as we honored the outstanding achievements of clubs across Service, Membership, Public Image, Vocational Service, Youth Engagement, and the prestigious Club of the Year. The enthusiasm, camaraderie, and passion for Rotary’s mission were truly contagious.
From heartfelt acceptance speeches to surprise victories, the awards showcased the incredible impact our clubs have made throughout the 2024-25 Rotary year. Whether your club took home an award or you simply want to feel inspired by the amazing work happening across our district, the replay is a must-watch. President-elects, incoming officers, and Rotarians of all levels will find plenty of motivation for the year ahead.
Set aside some time to enjoy the ceremony—grab your favorite snack, gather your club members, and hit play! Let’s keep the momentum going as we celebrate Rotary’s spirit of service and prepare for another year of making a difference. Watch the replay now and relive the excitement! 🌺🎉 #RotaryD5000 #PeopleOfAction
Friends, my heart is absolutely bursting with joy today! On Saturday in downtown Honolulu, we witnessed something truly special - the charter meeting of our brand new Rotary Club of Aloha Hawaii International!
With 24 incredible members (including a few returning Rotarians and many wonderful folks new to our Rotary journey), this club is already bringing fresh energy and big dreams to our District 5000 ohana.
Journey to Peace Initiative (JPI) Session #5, focusing on the Battle for Okinawa, 80 years ago.
JPI is the brainchild and product of ten active and retired Army personnel, most of whom are members of the Rotary Club of Pearl Harbor.
Not only will the panel be world-class, but we will have guest panelist Steve Sombrero, who is the reigning Hawaii United Okinawan Association Man of the Year. Steve grew up on Okinawa, his maternal side is Okinawan, suffered significantly and left stories to be related by Steve. Steve is Pres. and CEO of Chaney Brooks Commercial Realtors, and the founder and President of Aloha Beer.
Click HERE for flyer which contains the registration link.
I would like to send my heartfelt appreciation to fellow Mana Loa Nimitz Lions Club community volunteers who came together Saturday morning to clean and beautify the Puuloa Springs Native Hawaiian Garden in Pearl City. The Puuloa Springs Native Hawaiian Garden is located along the Pearl Harbor Bike Path and historic, blessed Pearl Harbor shoreline that stretches (heading West) from around Blaisdell Park and towards the Hawaiian Electric Waiau Power Plant.
By Barry Villamil, President-Elect, Rotary Club of Pearlridge
The Rotary Club of Pearlridge (RCOP) made their final Dictionary 5000, Good Citizen Award presentation of the 2023-2024 school year on Friday, June 7, 2024, at St. Elizabeth School in Aiea, Hawaii. Good Citizen Awards were presented to thirty-one outstanding third graders from fifteen public and private schools in Aiea and Pearl City during their end of school year awards assemblies. One boy and one girl from each school received a Good Citizen Award congratulatory letter and a $50.00 check from RCOP presenters.
In the wake of the devastating Maui wildfires on August 8, 2023, Hawai‘i’s Rotary District 5000 has once again proven its dedication to community service and disaster recovery. With a legacy spanning over a century, the district, which comprises 53 clubs and more than 1,500 members across the Hawaiian Islands, has mobilized to make a substantial impact through the Maui Fires Relief Fund – through the Hawai‘i Rotary District 5000 Foundation (a 501(c)(3) non-profit).
The spirit of community and commitment to global health initiatives were vibrantly displayed as Kihei Elementary School's Student Council and Dolphin Ambassadors EarlyAct Group partnered with the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset for their fifth annual “Pennies for Polio” fundraising drive. This impactful campaign, led by school staff member Esther Byun and Rotary member Joanne Laird, supports Rotary International’s “End Polio Now Campaign.”
We are excited to announce the District Spring Training Assembly, a dynamic event designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in your Rotary roles and make a lasting impact in our communities. This year's assembly will be conducted via Zoom on two consecutive Saturdays: April 6th and April 13th, from 9:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M.
District Spring Assembly: Empowering Rotarians for Impactful Service
Konrad Ikei
2024-04-01 10:00:00Z
1
Club Community Service Chair,Club International Service Chair,Club President,Club President-Elect,Club Public Image Chair,Club Rotary Foundation Chair,Club Secretary,Club Services Chair,Club Tresurer,Club Youth Service Chair,District Assembly,Empowering Rotarians,Learn,Learning Facilitators,Learning Tracks,Social Media,Spring Training,Zoom
The Maui Rotary Clubs are honored to host Rotary International President, Gordon R McInally and his wife Heather. Join us for a presentation by Mr. McInally plus hear of the fire recovery programs/projects the various Rotary Clubs are invloved with. There will be a buffet dinner and music by Multi Grammy Winner George Kahumoku Jr as well as music by The Kanikapila Project . This is the ukulele project funded the by the Rotary providing ukuleles and instruction to fire survivor students.
In a momentous occasion for Hawaii Rotary District 5000, Rotary International President Gordon McInally, accompanied by his esteemed wife, Heather McInally, will be embarking on a special visit during the week of April 15, 2024. As the leader of over 46,000 Rotary clubs worldwide, President McInally's visit holds immense significance, offering Rotarians in the Hawaii district a rare opportunity to engage directly with the global figurehead of Rotary International.
On 8 March, 2024, Rotary International is hosting a 60-minute panel discussion as a way to celebrate and recognize International Women’s Day, and we would love for you to join us!
The discussion will focus on the importance of not only including but being a champion of women in leadership — in the workplace and beyond. We will discuss the importance of identifying leaders early, establishing mentorship and sponsorship programs, supporting women in joining women-led professional organizations, and focusing on allyship. We’ll also announce and celebrate the recipient of the 2023-24 Sylvia Whitlock Leadership Award.
This event is open to Rotary members and members of the public of all genders. Feel free to share with your networks.
Kona, Hawaii February 29, 2024 – PGA TOUR Champions announced today that Rotary Club of Kona, an official tournament charity partner of the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai, has been named the Tour’s 2023 Charity of the Year.
Past District Governor Sandy Matsui's presentation at the Zone Institute Peer-to-Peer Session in San Diego, November 9, 2023, showcased the transformative power of Rotary International's Empowering Girls Initiative. This initiative, a legacy from RI President Shekhar Mehta and actively promoted by Immediate Past President Jennifer Jones and President Gordon McInally, focuses on enhancing girls' safety, health, education, and well-being. Highlighting Rotary's commitment to basic human rights, the presentation covered the evolving role of the initiative, available resources for clubs, and actionable steps for deeper involvement.
For clubs inspired to support this cause, PDG Sandy Matsui is available to share insights and strategies on mobilizing resources and implementing projects that empower girls and women in their communities. Her presentation underscores the significant impact Rotary clubs can make by focusing on health, education, safety, and economic development, aiming to transform the lives of girls to become agents of positive change in their communities.
Rotarians are encouraged to invite PDG Sandy to club meetings for a deeper dive into empowering girls and to explore Rotary International's resources on this vital initiative. This call to action is not just about raising awareness but also about inspiring action that aligns with Rotary's areas of focus and avenues of service, creating lasting change in communities around the world.
Why should you go to the International Convention? You will experience the excitement when you are surrounded by the global grandeur of it all. You get ‘Chicken Skin’ while seeing the country flags paraded at the opening ceremony. You feel Rotary’s breadth when you are among thousands of others living up to Service Above Self. You will see fellow people of action fill an arena around you, and you might hear a dozen languages while walking around the House of Friendship. Hear from inspiring speakers and meet potential friends with the same conviction for service!
Benson Medina, from the Rotary Club of South Hilo, has been selected as our District Governor Nominee Designate. He will serve as District Governor July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027.
Amidst Maui's wildfire aftermath, Rotary District 5000 secured a $24,000 grant to aid Pu`uhonua o Nene shelter. Operated by Project Vision, it houses 150 wildfire survivors. Grant funds provided drinkable water containers and a powered golf cart for mobility. Rotary's commitment continues with plans for additional structures.
Using funds generated by the Rotary District 5000 Foundation Maui Fires Relief effort, the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset presented a check in the amount of $10,000 to support operations at the Pu`uhonua O Nene Shelter.
Through the unwavering spirit of Aloha and heartfelt donations from around the world, the Hawai’i Rotary District 5000 Foundation’s Maui Fires Relief Fund has garnered an incredible outpouring of support. Three Maui Rotary clubs collaborated to provide funds from this effort to support the Keiki Health and Wellness Fair held at Whaler’s Village on Saturday October 28, 2023.
As we count down the days to 'World Polio Day,' I find myself reflecting on the monumental efforts we've witnessed and the journey we've shared in the fight to eradicate this crippling disease. This year, on October 24th, we have another opportunity to raise our voices, commit to action, and contribute to a cause that, for decades, has been at the heart of Rotary's mission — ending polio.
District Governor Mark Merriam and District 5000 Foundation President Dave Hamil provides an update on the district's efforts in the recovery of of Maui families and friends.
October 11, 2023 - Join Rotary Girls' Empowerment Ambassadors on October 11th for a showcase of projects from AROUND THE WORLD in celebration of International Day of the Girl Child. Please Share and add this event to your calendar to Watch On Demand on October 11th!
October 24, 2023 - World Polio Day provides an opportunity to highlight global efforts toward a polio free world and honor the tireless contributions of those on the frontlines in the fight to eradicate polio from every corner of the globe. We need to ramp up our efforts to eradicate polio to protect children from this devastating and disabling disease. What are you and your club members planning for World Polio Day?
Greetings and Salutations from the Rotary Club of Honolulu!
If you missed our Tuesday meeting with guest speaker, Nanci Kreidman, you might want to give yourself a hug - be kind. She packed the "house"! Her topic was well received and plucked the heartstrings. Violence is a tough topic - especially for those who have endured it. Nanci, among others, has worked hard to make help available to those in need and she shared with us how, brought to our awareness things we may not have thought of, and definitely taught many of us more than we knew before.
Our Speaker Committee has been working hard to bring you amazing speakers with relevance.
This coming week, our guest speaker will be Chip Fletcher. He is going to share with us about our eroding shorelines. Do you live on the shoreline? You might want to come listen to what he has to say! Is there something we can do? I don't know, but I will be there to find out! COME JOIN US! Sign up now before registration closes!
The first of six projects funded by the Hawai'i Rotary District 5000 Folundation's Maui Fires Relief Fund, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset.
The Rotary Club of Hickam Pearl Harbor receives a request for help from fellow Rotarian, Rick Tabor (Rotary Club of Honolulu). From the club, President Joshua and Director Allen joined in the service.
Every year, Rotary members around the world mobilize for World Polio Day. We raise awareness of polio and gather support for our global effort to make sure that every child is protected from it.
By staying tenacious, hopeful, and committed, we will make history by making polio the second human disease ever to be eradicated.
Applications are now being accepted for an individual who will serve as District Governor, July 2026 through June 2027. Applicants must have served as a Club President. All Club Leaders are encouraged to apply. For more information, contact PDG Del Green.
It's time for our annual fundraiser! This year we are holding a garage and bake sale at Past President's Nicole's house. Her neighborhood is holding a neighborhood garage sale so we figured we'd join the fun! At our garage sale, we will also be selling baked goods, drinks, and possibly some other snacks. Make sure to stop by and support our club fundraiser.
Last year we fundraised money for our club necessities, IHS Hawaii and other non-profits with a 40/40/20% split of proceeds. This year we are doing a similar concept. 40% of our proceeds will go towardsAloha Harvest, the largest food rescue and redistribution organization in Hawaiʻi, getting quality excess food into stomachs instead of landfills. For information, please click HERE. 40% of the proceeds will be put into our club funds and allocated towards future service projects and club necessities, but not necessarily this fiscal year. The last 20% of the proceeds will be put into our club funds, but allocated for various service projects that occur this fiscal year (for example, Operation Christmas Child).
Maui Rotary Clubs hosted “Kokua Lahaina Rising,” an informational meeting with Lahaina-area physicians and mental health providers.
On Thursday, Aug. 31st, the nine Maui Rotary clubs hosted a dinner and informational meeting at Tante Fishmarket Restaurant in Ma’alaea Harbor. Over 65 Rotarians and Maui-area health care professionals gathered to hear Dr. David Schonfeld, director of the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement. Dr. Schonfeld was in Maui at the invitation of the Hawaii Department of Health. Kathleen Merriam, from the Department of Health on Oahu, Adult Mental Health Division, was dispatched to Maui for three days to assist with the newly-established Lahaina Medical Clinic. Kathleen assisted at the event and serves as the chairwoman of District 5000’s Mental Health Action Group.
Event coordinator Joanne Laird said Thursday’s dinner was underwritten by two very generous Rotary benefactors, one from Maui and one from California. For more information about children recovering from disasters and tragedy, visit www.schoolcrisiscenter.org
Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation (HRYF) is participating in Give Aloha, Foodland’s Annual Community Matching Gifts Program. This program honors Foodland’s founder, Maurice J. "Sully" Sullivan, and continues his legacy of giving back to the community. Proceeds from this campaign will help fund the HRYF scholarship program.
Kaanapali, HAWAII (August 23, 2023) – In response to the devastating wildfires that recently impacted West Maui, the Hawaii Rotary District 5000 Foundation has allocated $50,000 towards relief efforts aimed at providing immediate assistance to affected residents in the form of gas cards from Maui Oil. The distribution of gas cards started on Tuesday at the Hyatt Regency in Kaanapali, in conjunction with Maui United Way. Members of the Maui Rotary Clubs will continue distributing gas cards to individuals impacted by the fires.
Lahaina, Hawaii, August 22, 2023 –Maui Rotary Clubs, part of Hawai’i Rotary District 5000, is pleased to announce the availability of Free Starlink WiFi Hotspots to assist residents affected by the recent wildfires in Maui.
August 15, 2023 updates from Maui Coastal Clubs Assistant Governor Al Weiland
Maui Rotary Clubs is working with the State Dept. of Housing Finance and Development, Maui Economic Opportunity and the Realtors Association of Maui to identify people who need housing and landlords who have housing available. RAM is in contact with all the property management companies. HHFDC has a form online for landlords to identify the nature of their property and people in need of housing to identify what they need.
Ala Moana Rotary Initiative Will Give School Supplies to 60 Student
Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed in school, regardless of their family's financial situation. Unfortunately, the cost of school supplies has been steadily rising, making it increasingly difficult for some families to provide their children with the necessary tools for learning. The average family now spends a staggering $700 per child on school supplies. For many families, this means choosing between essentials like food, rent, or school supplies.
That's where the Ala Moana Rotary Club comes in. We're proud to introduce the SmartStart program, an initiative designed to donate 60 backpacks filled with school supplies to Lunalilo School. Our mission is to help students who may not be able to afford new supplies for the start of the school year.
The Rotary Club of Honolulu is thrilled to kick off the new Rotarian Year 2023-2024 with a fantastic array of upcoming events and engaging lunch meetings. From Restaurant Week gatherings to volunteer opportunities and inspirational guest speakers, we have something for everyone.
Each year, Rotarians and Rotaractors dedicate their time and efforts to their clubs and their communities. We don’t want that work to go unrecognized. Rotary offers a variety of awards to members, both Rotarians and Rotaractors, for their commitment to service. Each award is distinct in terms of eligibility criteria, the nomination process, and the award materials given to recipients. Learn more about recognition opportunities and plan ahead using the Rotary’s Service Awards guide.
RI President R. Gordon R. McInally urges Rotary members to prioritize mental health and create a culture of care within Rotary and worldwide. As August is Membership and New Club Development Month, it's an ideal time to assess and enhance the club's culture. The article suggests utilizing surveys, like the member interest and member satisfaction surveys, to gather feedback and empower members to shape their club experience. Moreover, it encourages taking the "Creating an Inclusive Club Culture" course and exploring additional resources on My Rotary to foster an inclusive and supportive environment.
Good news for all Hawai'i Rotary club members! Your district grant applications for the 2023-24 Rotary year have been approved, and funds can now be deposited into your club's grant account. However, before proceeding, clubs are requested to provide a copy of their grant account bank statement, reflecting the matching cash available. The statement can be sent to grants@rotaryd5000.org.
On Saturday July 26, six of the nine Maui recipients of the Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation Scholarship (HRYF) Awards program were recognized at a luncheon at Café O`Lei, Kihei restaurant. This event was attended by a parent of each of the recipients and the representatives of their sponsoring Rotary clubs. Katy Shroder, Maui HRYF Trustee and organizer of this event, addressed the group and gave a brief history of this unique scholarship program where all 52 clubs in Rotary District 5000 (Hawaii) have the opportunity to award a $5000 scholarship to a graduating high school senior. Two of the Maui students were also recognized as the recipients of the top scholarship awards of $10,000. Alex Nguyen from Maui High School (sponsored by the Rotary Club of Kahului) and Olapaholunape Duvachelle from Molokai High School (sponsored by the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset) shared their excitement of being selected for the Maurice J. Sullivan and the Joanna L. Sullivan awards. Joanne Laird, Maui Coastal Clubs Representative, and Wendy Hornack, Maui Central Clubs Representative, introduced each of the recipients who then had the opportunity to address the audience on where they were attending college and their future plans after graduating.
We had an incredible meeting on Friday, with attendance skyrocketing from 4 to 28 Rotarians! We are thrilled to announce that we will meet every month on the last Friday at 5 PM via Zoom.
Rotary International President R. Gordon R. McInally is passionate about mental health and helping remove the stigma that sometimes prevents people from getting quality care. During this year, Gordon will focus on three initiatives that Create Hope in the World: prioritizing mental health, building peace through virtual exchanges, and empowering girls.
I hope this message finds you well and excited for the upcoming Rotary events! Here are some important updates for our club:
We are dark this Thursday. There is no meeting July 27, 2023.
In lieu of a club meeting, we have a couple of activities such as two service projects: SmartStart Program and a Clothing Drive benefiting the students of our adopted elementary school, Lunalilo Elementary School (see details below). We also have our first social event of the new Rotary year. If you RSVP'd, we look forward to seeing you Thursday, 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.
Our next club meeting is next Thursday, August 3, at the Pacific Club - Thank you to those who have RSVP'd. If you have not yet replied, you still have today to do so! Check out the guest speaker and topic! We will have a plated lunch so it's important to have an accurate headcount to ensure that you will have a seat and plate. Click on the appropriate blue box below.
We are still collecting RSVPs for our club meeting the following Thursday, August 10. You have until August 2 to do so. Click on the appropriate blue box below.
Members: Please pay your semi-annual dues and voluntary contributions by the end of the month, July 31. If you need another copy of the Semi-Annual Dues and Voluntary Contribution Statements, please let us know. Pay by check (one check for both statements) or pay online (one transaction for dues; and, another transaction for contributions).
Thank you for your ongoing dedication to service and fellowship. Your contributions and participation make our Rotary Club of Ala Moana strong and impactful. Let's continue to make a positive difference in our community and beyond.
Hawai'i Rotary Past District Governor (2021-2022) Sandy Matsui, a dedicated Rotarian for over 30 years, shares her inspiring Rotary journey, which began with overcoming barriers as a woman in Rotary. Now serving as the Zone 26 Ambassador for Empowering Girls, Sandy is passionate about fulfilling Rotary International's legacy to empower girls, working alongside fellow Rotarians to enhance their safety, health, education, and well-being worldwide. Sandy emphasizes that empowering girls and women is more than achieving equity; it is about upholding basic human rights. She encourages Rotarians to share success stories and collaborate to make a positive impact, creating new pathways for membership growth and lasting change. Together, they aim to serve with Aloha and create hope in the world.
Nicole, a Rotaract member in Hawaii, shares her personal journey of finding hope amidst darkness. Despite her own struggles, she committed to organizing the Young Leaders Celebration, prioritizing the youth and their hard work. Unexpectedly, a job opportunity aligned with her field arose, reinforcing her belief in the reciprocal nature of creating hope for oneself and others. Nicole's story illustrates the transformative power of selflessness and the interconnectedness of actions, demonstrating how creating hope can bring about lasting change in individuals and communities.
Front row L-R: Mayor Richard Bissen; Brian Moto representing the Maui Rotary Club; Kelsey Briggs, Lahaina Sunset Club; Ann Neizman, Lahaina Sunrise Club; Co-President Hilton Unemori, Wailuku Club.
Middle Row L-R: Jay Satenstein, Kihei Wailea Club; Maile Tsurusato, Maui Eco Club; Mark Unemori, Co-President Wailuku Club; Mark Merriam, District-Governor Elect, Rotary Club of Metro Honolulu.
Back Row L-R: Joe Park, Lahaina Club; Kauwela Bisquera, Kahului Club; Mike Luque, Upcountry Club.
Mahalo Immediate Past District Governor for your year of service to Hawai'i Rotary District 5000. Read his end of year recap newsletter from June 30, 2023.
Rotary Fellowships are international groups that share a common passion. Being part of a fellowship is a fun way to make friends around the world, explore a hobby or profession, and enhance your Rotary experience. For more info, go to: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/more-fellowships
Membership in a fellowship is open to any interested individual. You can contact a fellowship directly by using the links below.
Now that school is over and students have graduated, the end of the club year is near! We have a service event coming up this month with the Ko'olau Mountains Watershed Partnership and a beach clean up in July.
We also have our last social for the club year coming up in July and would like for those interested in joining us for some Sports Box fun to please RSVP. Price will be $25 per person. In the RSVP survey there's a link to sign up for the potluck as well. Please fill that out if you plan on bringing something to share. For those who are unfamiliar with what Sports Box is, check it out here. Hope the video convinces you to come. 😋
You've arrived in Hilo. Now what? Transportation from and to the Hilo International Airport and the Grand Naniloa Hotel is on your own. For your convenience, a map of Hilo International Airport is shown below with locations for the various ground transportation accommodations of your choice (source: http://terminalmaps.hawaii.gov:8080/hmaps/ito).
Friendly Rotarian Shuttle (Click HERE on how to take advantage of this free service)
Join Hawai'i Rotary's Mental Health Initiatives during Mental Health Month. Visit our new page at www.RotaryD5000.org/MentalHealth to learn about local resources and become a part of Hawai'i Chapter's Rotary Action Group (RAG), Mental Health Initiative.
Happy Month of May! Rotaract e-Club Ohana is pleased to share their current newsletter for May/June 2023. And, they encourage everyone to follow them on social media: Instagram @recohana.808 and Facebook @recohana.808.
A panorama photo of the "Leading Ladies of Maui" event held Saturday, May 6, 2023.
The Leading Ladies of Maui event held on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at the University of Hawai'i Maui Campus, was an incredible success. Almost 60 participants from all over the island of Maui came together to learn from eight leading ladies on how to become empowered themselves. The event was designed "just for the ladies" and was made possible by the generous donation of the Rotary clubs on the island.
What is your Rotary club doing to focus on Youth Service this month? The month of May is Youth Service (formerly called New Generations) Month when Rotary clubs around the world focus on youth service, Rotaract, Interact, RYLA, and Youth Exchange.
In this letter published in The Lancet, scientists from around the world write that restoring natural vegetation, such as forests, is the BEST OPTION the world has for removing CO2 from our atmosphere and must begin immediately. They explain that the livestock sector currently occupies much of the land that needs to be restored. Restoring - or “rewilding” - vast areas of our earth to pristine, wild habitat could also rescue countless animal, plant and other species from the brink of extinction while simultaneously tackling climate change. It’s a Win-Win!
A study published in 2020 found that even if fossil fuel emissions were immediately halted, emissions from the global food system alone will make it impossible to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Why is that? The global food system is responsible for about 34% of total global human-caused greenhouse gas emissions (or 18 Billion metric tons). This is more than double the entire emissions for the United States! 57% of food system emissions come from producing animal-based foods even though the global livestock industry produces only 18% of the world’s calories and 37% of the world’s protein. Only 29% of food system emissions come from producing plant-based foods. The food that is responsible for the most emissions is Beef, accounting for 25% of total food system emissions. Learn more in this 4 min video. According to this study published in 2018, the world’s top five meat and dairy corporations combined are now responsible for more annual greenhouse gas emissions than Exxon, Shell or British Petroleum. Hopefully, you’re beginning to understand just how powerful your dietary choices are. Plant-based diets!
For years, we have been out in force doing projects in our communities in April and April 22nd happens to be Earth Day! Together we can make an impact State-wide. Let’s get out and show the world that we are People of Action. Please read more below for a list of projects, many of which are in partnership with our Interact clubs.
ShelterBox currently has response projects ongoing in 11 countries. Rotary support from D5000 is vitally important to enable this work and replenish our warehouses with the core aid items so we remain prepared for a rapid response to the next disaster. For more info and to donate, go to: https://www.shelterboxusa.org/
ShelterBox Response Teams are in Turkey working alongside Rotarian partners to distribute emergency shelter and critical household items to thousands of families devastated by the earthquakes that claimed more than 50,000 lives. In Northern Syria, we are working with our partner to support over a thousand households in Aleppo with ShelterBox tents, stoves, blankets, mattresses, solar lights, and children's winter coats. A second project is underway to support new arrivals to displacement camps in Idlib with household items. Click Read more...
"The Rotary Club of Pearlridge is offering a two-year scholarship of $2,000.00 a year ($4,000.00 overall) for a Pearl City High School or Aiea High School senior student who will be attending an accredited vocational, 2-year, or 4-year institution of higher education on a full-time basis in Hawaii or the U.S. Mainland.
Rotary in Hawai'i are calling on all girls and women for two exciting events during the month of April and May. The Girls' Empowerment Initiative is holding one event on the island of Oahu and the other event on Maui.
Upcoming Rotary in Hawai'i Girls' Empowerment Events
Nalani Flinn
2023-04-10 10:00:00Z
0
Ladies that Lunch,Maui,Meet the Leading Ladies of Maui,Oahu,RI Award of Excellence in Service to Humanity,Ruby Tuesday Moanalua,UH Maui No'i Building,girls empowerment initiative
Are you ready to take your Rotary knowledge to the next level? Look no further than the upcoming Rotary in Hawai'i Online Spring Learning Series! This two-part series on April 1st and 8th, 2023, from 9:00 A.M. to noon, 12:00 P.M. via Zoom, features 18 different sessions led by experienced volunteer leaders. Learn, Collaborate, and Take Action!
The District Public Image Resource Team is hosting a 9-week learning series on all things Public Image. The series started on Monday, February 27th and continues each Monday through April 24th. The sessions start at 3:00pm and are between 20-45 minutes, depending on the session. Read more to see the learning topics and schedule. Visit the District Events Calendar to register for a session.
Each year clubs around the State get out to execute a Community Service Project. This year, it is April 22, which happens to be Earth Day too! We are participating in Kahu Hawaii's Volunteer Month and our projects can be listed for others to join you. We will have a group listing under Rotary D5000 on the Kanu Hawaii website and the postings are being coordinated by Kristina Tomino for Youth Service Chair, Ryan Char. Read more for the projects planned so far.
“I raise up my voice — not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard … we cannot all succeed when half of us are held back." - Malala Yousafza
Welcome to March! It was in 1987 that Congress declared this month National Women’s Month, celebrating the vital role that women and girls have played in American history.
Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society. You already know that Women are active participants in Rotary, serving their communities in increasing numbers and serving in leadership positions in Rotary. The 1989 Council on Legislation vote to admit women into Rotary clubs worldwide remains a watershed moment in the history of Rotary. The vote followed the decades-long efforts of men and women from all over the Rotary world to allow the admission of women into Rotary clubs, and several close votes at previous Council meetings.
Rotary International also celebrates women and girls through the Girls’ Empowerment Initiative which debuted in 2022 and has continued today. Rotary Clubs are encouraged to engage in projects that empower girls, through education, health, clean water, disease prevention, community and economic development, the environment or peace and conflict prevention-Rotary’s seven areas of focus.
Our District has a team of committed volunteers from Hawaii, Oahu, Maui, and Kauai who meet monthly via zoom to discuss potential girl’s empowerment projects and share ideas for speakers that clubs can use as a resource for girls’ empowerment issues (the speakers and projects are listed on the District's Girls Empowerment page - CLICK HERE to go to the sitepage). Continue reading to learn about upcoming events.
During March, Rotary Water and Sanitation Month, we’re celebrating our commitment to create healthier communities by supplying clean water and sanitation facilities to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Here are just a few examples of club service projects that are creating a lasting impact:
Clean water is a basic human right that many are often denied. There are 2.5 billion people in the world that lack access to improved sanitation and 748 million people that don’t have clean drinking water. Nearly 1400 children die each day from diseases caused by lack of sanitation and unsafe water. When people have access to clean water, they live healthier and more productive lives. Through Rotary programs, we make schools healthier, bring water for a communities, provide access to toilets and more.
“Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn’t be that women are the exception.” ― Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Calling all women and girls. Join Hawai’i Rotary and hear from local, inspirational speakers to learn how to have your voice, as a girl or woman heard. Please bring feminine hygiene products for an upcoming service project. Contact Hawai’i Island GEI Representative, Connie Ichinose for questions (ConnieIchinose@gmail.com).
Guest speakers include Kathleen McGilvray (CEO YWCA of Hawaii Island), Brandee Menino (CEO Hope Services Hawaii), Bethany Hall (Ho`ola Na Pua), Jade Toma (Hilo Intermediate School Health/PE Teacher), and Sandy Schuffler, (Special Needs).
Join Hawai'i Rotary at the Arc of Hilo, Sunday, March 5th from 2-4pm for Hawai’i Island’s Rotary Girl's Empowerment Tea.
Peace is a cornerstone of Rotary’s mission. By carrying out service projects in this area of focus and supporting Rotary Peace Fellowships and scholarships, you become part of Rotary’s effort to address the underlying causes of conflict, such as poverty, discrimination, ethnic tension, lack of access to education, and unequal distribution of resources. During Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month in February, review Rotary’s brochure about our peace efforts and find ways to get involved in building more stable, peaceful communities. Rotary was present at the inception of the United Nations in 1945 and was one of only 42 organizations invited to serve as consultants to the U.S. delegation to the UN charter conference in San Francisco, California, USA. Throughout that process, Rotary members served as delegates, advisers, and consultants: guiding agendas, drafting resolutions, and helping resolve disputes between delegates.
"Creating Peace" category sponsored by the Rotary Club of Honolulu. Open to all students across Hawaii from kindergarten through college.(public, private, home school). It’s time to “Empower Youth Voices” by entering Hawaiʿi’s largest statewide student video competition. Youth Xchange 2023 continues to encourage and expand student participation and impact so that Hawaiʻi’s young voices can be heard. 'Olelo, in Hawaiian, means "to speak". All entries must focus on an Issue that affects community, our state or the world. A big mahalo to the educators who continue to encourage students to use this platform to speak up and speak out on issues of concern. Entry deadline February 28, 2023. Click here for more information
The Rotary Club of Pearlridge is proud and honored to recognize the Pearl City High School Interact Club for their acts of kindness by designing special Holiday cards with their heartfelt messages and images that were sent to hospitalized children in America. The 2022 Cards for Hospitalized Children Project was chaired by PCHS Interact club member McKenna Runyan who presented the card project to the club to implement as a community service project to benefit and brighten the spirits of hospitalized children in Hawaii, as well as across the country during the Holiday season. PCHS Interact Club Advisor Mr. Dane Souza invited RCOP President Dick Mosko and me, Barry Villamil, RCOP Director of Interact Clubs, to sit in on a few classes while the students crafted their wonderful and extremely meaningful Holiday cards that was completed the same day the students were scheduled to go on Winter break on Friday, December 16, 2022.
PCHS Interact Club members, PCHS staff, PCHS students, and volunteers worked hard to produce 433 cards for the 2022 Cards for Hospitalized Children Project well surpassing their original goal of 100-125 cards
Every year on the last Saturday of each November, Rotary International celebrates “Rotary Gives Thanks” - a day of showing gratitude, appreciation and respect for individuals, groups and communities that strive for a better life. In November 2019, the Rotary Club of West Pearl Harbor launched its inaugural Thanksgiving meal distribution for the clients of Pacific Gateway Center (PGC) in Kalihi. Additional Rotary members from Waianae Coast, Kapolei, Kapolei Sunset, West Honolulu, Kaneohe, and Pau Hana joined in, and roasted eight turkeys, provided all the Thanksgiving fixings with pumpkin pie, canned juice, and a Goodie Bag for each child.
The following year in 2020, our event became a “grab and go” Thanksgiving bento distribution and we added the farmers at the Kunia site. Rotary members from Ewa Beach and Pearlridge joined in. In 2021, we repeated the same. This year in 2022, we’ve seen the numbers increase at the Kalihi site with more clients from Ukraine. For the Kalihi site clients we will distribute $15 WalMart gift cards for each adult in each household, plus snack bags for the children. For the Kunia farmers, we will continue the Thanksgiving bento distribution with pumpkin pie, canned juice and snack bags for the children during their farmers meeting on Weds., Nov. 23rd.
Organizer Sonya Mendez wrote to PGC, "It is our way of saying Thank you for showing us what hope, perseverence and determination looks like…thank you for being an example to all of us that the human spirit can never be broken, when you know in your heart and soul that a better life awaits you…thank you.”
Message from PGC: Dear Sonya, To all the Rotarians who shared joy, goodness, kindness and love to PGC's clients this holiday season. We are so deeply appreciative of your generosity and aloha. All the joys of the season to all of you! Each of you make each year memorable for all of us! With aloha, Pacific Gateway Center.
The three Rotary clubs of West Maui invite West Maui residents to participate in an online environmental survey on composting. This survey is the first step in the three clubs’ environmental project to reduce the amount of waste going into the Maui landfill. The three Rotary clubs – Lahaina Sunrise, Lahaina, and Lahaina Sunset – have partnered with Malama Maui Nui, a non-profit organization whose mission is to care for Maui’s environment, to undertake this environmental project. Malama Maui Nui estimates about 50% of waste currently going into the Maui landfill is organic material – food waste and household paper – that could otherwise be composted. Composting reduces the volume of organic material by 80% and produces a helpful soil supplement to be used in home gardens and farms.
“The environmental mantra has three parts – reduce, reuse, recycle”, says Kelsey Briggs, President of the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset. “For seven years our club has partnered with the County of Maui, Malama Maui Nui, and 5A Rent-A-Space to focus attention on the third part of the mantra by sponsoring West Maui’s monthly Go Green Recycling events. Since 2015 the Go Green Recycling events have allowed West Maui residents to recycle nearly 2 million pounds of appliances, electronics, scrap metal and vehicle batteries and tires.” “Now”, says Briggs, “with the help of the other two West Maui Rotary clubs, we’re turning our attention to the important first part the environmental mantra – reduce. We’ll need West Maui residents’ help to make a difference.”
Residents can access the online community survey on composting through the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/266G3W5. Residents taking the survey may request more information on composting and/or a free presentation on composting for their neighborhood or community group. The survey is also accessible from the website of the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset: www.RotaryClubofLahainaSunset.org.
For more information about this community service contact Project Chair Jim Fahnestock at mauijimf@gmail.com
The Rotary Foundation is recognized as one of the most effective and well-managed charitable organizations in the world, with 14 consecutive the highest ratings from Charity Navigator. We know that the Foundation is helping Rotary members do good in the world. It is through the generosity of Rotarians and that powers the good work that the Foundation supports. November is Rotary Foundation Month; to make a contribution, go to rotary.org/donate.
Remember The Rotary Foundation this Giving Tuesday, 29 November. This global day of generosity is an opportunity for all Rotary members to make a big impact with a gift of any size to our Annual Fund-SHARE. Last year, we raised more than ever before — over US$1 million! We’re asking you to help us surpass that this year, so that we can do even more good together.
The Rotary Club of Poipu Beach is sponsoring a Meet & Greet with Rotary International President Nominee Stephanie Urchick along with a membership program by Stephanie and PDG Tom Gump. Stephanie and Tom have developed an engaging and outstanding membership training program centered around Rotary's Change Model and how you can transform your Rotary club's culture without alienating those resistant to change.
Relationships with the media can determine your success in promoting your club's projects, membership opportunities, and fundraisers. In addition, these relations are vital to securing coverage to raise awareness of Rotary and your club's work. And building a positive reputation is always helpful in reaching the club's goals.
This training is for District Public Image Chairs, Club Public Image Chairs, and all Public Image Committee members.
Come and learn about the resources Rotary International has created to make your job easier, where to find them, and how to use them. And bring your questions because we will have media experts who are also Rotarians available to answer your questions and provide tips to improve your media strategy.
Panelists include:
Renai Bodley Miller, President/General Manager of KPCW, NPR affiliate in Park City, Utah, Park City Rotary
Marlene Olsen, GoodStanding Outreach, Public Outreach Strategist, Rotary Club of Reno, Nevada
Luanne Arrendondo, Rotary Zone 26/27 Public Image Coordinator, Rotary Club of Greater San Gabriel Valley
Joshua Laguana, District Public Image Chair, Rotary Club of Hickam Pearl Harbor in Hawaii
Hawai'i Rotary District 5000 is proud to present an opportunity for our high school students, developed by Rotarians in the district. On November 8th from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, the District Youth Services Committee welcomes special presentations from representatives at the various Hawai'i colleges, as well as information about Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities.
On Tuesday, October 18th, Olelo Channel 53 aired an OHA-Rotary Forum with members from the Rotary Club of Kaneohe as they discuss community issues with this year's candidates for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA).
Continue reading to view additional airings on Olelo Channel 49.
Lili`uokalani Gardens in Hilo, a beloved 5 acre traditional Waihonu fish pond with surrounding park (21 acres), is enjoyed by all residents and visitors alike (250,000 users annually)! Project Genki Hou, To Thrive Again! will utilize Effective Microorganisms (EM) to clean the pond by remediating sludge. Coordinators: Rotary Club of Pāhoa Sunset, South Hilo and Hilo. In collaboration with: Friends of Liliu`okalani Gardens,Eco Rotary Club of Kaka`ako, Rotary Club of Hiroshima, Ho`oulu Lāhui (501c3), Kua O Ka Lā Charter School, County of Hawai`i and EM Hawaii.
Utilizing native wisdom of the Hawaiian mooncalendar, we will make the Geniki balls on the new Hilo moon on Saturday Nov 5th to inoculate for one month prior to the first ball toss on Dec 3rd, 2022. Second toss will be in March and the third set of balls will be made on Rotarians at Work day April 22nd and the toss will occur in May during the District Conference. For more information, call Susie Osborne at 808-640-3439 or susie@kuaokala.org. To sign up to make the EM Genki balls on Nov 5, 10am-1pm at Kua O Ka Lā Charter School (Green House) at 345 Makalika Road, Panaewa, go to: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4BABAF23A4FBC70-genki
Rotary club members may come from all walks of life, but they have one thing in common: They really love being Rotarians. Just ask Li Hay of Equity One Real Estate, who joined the Rotary Club of Upcountry Maui in the spring of 2020 and currently serves as its president. For Hay, becoming a Rotarian two-and-a-half years ago was a natural fit. “Rotary provided an efficient, overarching organization to help many of the nonprofits I once helped individually,” she said. “I love doing service work to help my community and contributing to Rotary’s global efforts for health, education and peace. I also love that I have a global community of like-minded people to visit when I travel.”
Rotary is an international service organization composed of business and professional leaders who create positive and lasting change in communities around the world. Among its many accomplishments, Rotary International is credited with initiating the global effort to eradicate polio. Over the years, it has helped immunize more than 2.5 billion children against the disease in 122 countries, reducing polio cases by 99.9 percent worldwide.
From Barry Villamil: The RC of Pearlridge Foundation annually sponsors free dictionaries to over 650 third grade students and their teachers representing 12 Aiea and Pearl City elementary schools.
Their Foundation also financially supports two students from each school with Good Citizen Awards that consists of a Good Citizen Award certificate and a $50.00 check. The students are selected by their teachers at the end of the school year for best exemplifying the Principles of Rotary International’s Four Way Test.
Neil Blomberg, Principal, Kanoelani Elementary School said, “It’s always nice when a group like the Rotary Club of Pearlridge comes and supports the local schools and seeing the kids and their excitement looking at the dictionaries and using them. It’s a great tool for them for the rest of the year, so we’re really grateful for the help and partnership with the Rotary Club of Pearlridge. The students are always motivated to do well, but I think the Good Citizen Award might take them to the next level. That’s an exciting opportunity for them as well. Thank you!
‘Out of The Darkness’ a World Day of Hope and Awareness’
by Rick Tabor, MS, LMHC | RC of Honolulu | Rotary Cares Walk, Team Captain
World Suicide Prevention Day is an awareness day observed every year on September 10th, in order to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides, with various activities around the world since 2003.
Hawai’i’s American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Out of Darkness Walk, raised $65,252.75. AFSP Co-Chair & Rotarian, Kathleen Rhoads Merriam says, walk organizer’s goal was $50,000. 200 walkers were expected and over 600 walkers participated in the event. Hawai’i truly cares about suicide prevention. After a two year pandemic break, the in-person enthusiasim was incredible. As team captain for our Rotary Cares Walk Team and helping set up the Rotary Refreshment tent, I felt the love all morning. As we moved past the stigma and listened to listen, in hopes of a world that cares for those who want to be heard. Saturday’s event was incredible! Thank you Kathleen, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Out of Darkness Walk volunteers and participants!
Heads up: The 2022 Rotary All-Member Survey is your chance to tell us about your experience as a member — what you like, what you don't, and how we can make your membership experience even better. The survey is being sent to all Rotary and Rotaract members for whom we have a current email address. To ensure that you receive it, sign in to My Rotary and update your email address by 1 October. Then, look for the Rotary All-Member Survey in your inbox in early October.
On August 27th, the Rotary Clubs of West Maui, in partnership with the Lahaina United Methodist Church, held a Wellness Fair, which was funded in part by The Rotary Foundation grant funds. Kihei-Wailei President Al Weiland reported that there were 30 organizations, from keiki to kupuna participating, along with 2 Food Trucks; Feed My Sheep signing up people for food assistance and handing out free food.
We had a Qi Gong class; followed by CPR training for 50 people; followed by a chair Yoga class. We handed out passports for adults to get stamped and turn back in for a door prize; about 100 were filled out and turned back in. Joanne Laird ran a prize wheel for keiki and handed out around 100 prizes. In addition, we had entertainment - first a 50-member Lahainaluna Band, and then Uncle George Kahumoku played guitar and sang for about 2 hours. The initial feedback from the vendors was all positive, and they were happy they came - "let us know your next event". (Click the "Read more" for more pictures and the Press Release)
Youth Exchange is back! We have three students outbound from Hana sponsored by Lahaina Sunset and one from Big Island sponsored by North Hawaii. Hennessy is in Chile, Mahea is in France and Kawai, who has not left for Spain just yet. They are all spending their junior year abroad. Lily from Kamuela is in Belgium where she is a gap year student as she was supposed to go abroad when COVID hit so we are excited that she is able to fulfill her dreams this year.
There are four students who are inbound. Sara from Italy is spending her year in Hana and sponsored by Lahaina Sunset. Julie from Norway is sponsored by Maui Upcountry. Elsa from France is sponsored by North Hawaii. Nico from Sao Paulo, Brazil is sponsored by Poipu Beach. Please take the opportunity to meet these students and invite them to speak at your club.
I am hoping to have the students visit each of the islands. This is a perfect opportunity for your club to experience Youth Exchange. Youth Exchange in Hawaii has different challenges than the mainland, like having events where the students in the district get to meet the other students and other club’s members meet in a social setting. I am hoping that you know of a way to bring the students in for 2 or 3 nights to your island, participate in a service project, meet other students with the interact club you may be sponsoring and see something special on your island like a special hike or a boat trip. If you have a home that could house the students (hide-a-beds and air mattresses work just fine) or know an inexpensive location that could have housing, please let me know.
I cannot do this alone. I need your club’s help. I do have some funds to assist with costs. Please let me know if you can assist in making this an amazing year just as your counterparts in Chile and Europe are doing for our kids. Please reach out to me at d5000rye@gmail.com or 808.634.2988.
Yours in Rotary,
Tom Gross, 808-634-2988
D5000 Hawaii Youth Exchange Chair
Lily's arrival in Belgium and Nicolas arrives on Kauai. Student from Milan with her Hana host family and counselors
Registration for the Zone Institute November 10-12 in Salt Lake City is still open. Go to trailstopeace.com for more info.
Our Zone 26/27 has put together People of Action Summits for you to attend either in-person or virtually. The Zone is made up of thousands of Rotary members across the Western US, as well as part of British Columbia, Canada. The People of Action Summits will provide an opportunity for Rotary members to join forces with communities and industry experts to tackle some of the biggest challenges we face. It’s all about individuals identifying issues, solving problems, and making a difference. More info at: https://zone2627.org/
Green Transportation and Clean Energy Hybrid Summit, San Jose, CA, Sep 10, 4pm GMT
Water: Source to Sea Hybrid Summit, New Port Beach, CA, Sept 10-11, 4:30pm GMT COST: $50 for in-person attendees, and $10 for virtual attendees, REGISTER at https://rotarysummits.com/water/
Healthy Soils Virtual Summit, Fort Collins, CO, Sept 10, 3pm GMT COST: $25 for virtual attendees, REGISTER at https://rotarysummits.com/soils/
Stop Human Trafficking, Virtual and In-Person in San Diego, CA, Oct 1,
Rotary International strives to create and maintain a safe environment for all youth who participate in Rotary activities. To the best of their ability, Rotarians, Rotarians’ spouses and partners, and other volunteers must safeguard the children and young people they come into contact with and protect them from physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.
If your club is interested in getting a public image review of your website and/or social media accounts, or if you are interested in having one of our District Public Image Co-Chairs speak at your club, email PublicImage@RotaryD5000.org.
One of the initiatives of our District Education Team is to help develop leaders and, as District Trainer Benson Medina puts it, raise your Rotary I.Q. Besides the many Saturday workshops for the Committee Chairs and Committees, there is, at the 101-level, a quarterly "Kuleana, A Course in Leadership" Zoom sessions, starting on September 3. At the 201-level, we have the District Leadership Academy for Past Club Presidents, which is 8 monthly sessions, starting August 20th. Registration closes soon. Click here for info and application
We have quarterly sessions for the Boards to share best practices to strengthen the support team. The Spring Training Assemblies in March and April will help the incoming chairs and committees to prepare for their positions. Session information and Zoom links can be found on the rotaryd5000.org website in the District Calendar.
Rotary International offers tons of courses in the Learning Center, not only for club positions, but also for personal growth, including Professional Development courses in public speaking by Toastmasters. Log in to rotary.org and check out the Course Catalog at : https://learn.rotary.org/members/pages/36/course-catalogs
Here's an example of how Rotary funds save lives. The Omben Village Water Project District Grant will provide a safe water source to the 800 people living in Omben Village located in rural Jiwaka Province, Papua New Guinea. The project will be managed by Water Hands Hope, a Honolulu-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by James Ham, working in Papua New Guinea since 2013. The District Grant is broken down into three components: RC Honolulu Sunset will purchase the rain catchment tank, RC Windward Oahu will purchase the water tap, and pipe fittings, and RC Kaneohe will purchase Sawyer bucket filters and buckets to be used for teaching programs in local schools and in homes of the villagers. Rotarians Murray Visser and Bede Cooray (RC Windward Oahu) along with James Ham (RC Honolulu Sunset) will travel with 13 other volunteers from Water Hands Hope to implement this project as well as global grant GG2231243 which will provide ultrasound devices and specialized training to emergency physicians at 4 hospitals in Papua New Guinea.
Below is a picture of their current water source and some pictures from our previous projects in the same region of Papua New Guinea.
It’s time to celebrate your Rotary Club, your members and all the good you do in your community and around the world. There are many ways to join in the celebration, but here are a few activities to get you started:
Say it loud, say it proud! Let everyone in your social network know that you are a proud Rotary member in your Twitter and Facebook profile
Making a difference. Rotary clubs are known for the high-impact service projects they undertake locally and globally. Share stories about your service projects and how they improve lives on Rotary Showcase, on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Stay Connected. Rotary clubs continue to demonstrate their value by staying connected to members and responding to changing needs in the community. Find ways to adapt to new challenges
We are 1422 Rotary members in 53 clubs strong at the start of this year and we know that when people find value in Rotary membership and see all the good we are doing in the world, they will want to join you for fellowship and service.
Kathy Lum, Rotary Club of Mililani Sunrise, is the President-elect for Rotary year 2023-2024 and was inducted one year ago. Here is a recap of Kathy's first year in Rotary.
Rotarians, take the pledge to promote peace by adding your name to the blog. Log in to rotaryd5000.org and click on the Comments bubble at the top of this story and enter your name and club name.
Click the Read More button for names of those who have taken the pledge.
We have an opportunity to bring in Leaders to share their insights about their industries and philosophy about their business life. If you would like to hear a speaker on a particular topic, please add your suggestion, comment or request in the "Comment" blog below. You must be logged in the District website to write or view comments.
RI President Shekar Mehta’s theme for 2021-22 is Serve to Change Lives. He is urging members to become more involved in service projects, saying that caring for and serving others is the best way to live because it changes not only other people’s lives but also our own.
LIHUE — The five Rotary clubs on Kauai have announced recipients of the 2020 Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation (HRYF) Scholarships. Each student receives $5,000 to attend an accredited four year college or university in the United States.
The clubs, students, and fields of study are:
• Rotary Club of West Kauai: Leslie Uri, Waimea High School, Nursing at Washington State University
• Rotary Club of Poipu Beach: Macy Melchor, Kauai High School, Nursing at Washington State University
• Rotary Club of Kauai: Destrey Shibuya, Kauai High School, Electrical Engineering at College of Wooster
• Rotary Club of Kapaa: Kasiah Vercelli, Kapaa High School, Religion and Ancient Civilizations at Agnes Scott College
• Rotary Club of Hanalei Bay: Lana Ersoy, Kapaa High School, Biology at University of Southern California\“We are so happy to support these students to continue their education,” said Ray Paler, Trustee of the Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation. “We are extremely excited to see what they will accomplish.
Ted Faigle, Assistant Governor for Rotary on Kauai, added, “A key area of service for Rotary clubs is to mentor, assist, and empower young people. These scholarships are one of the many ways that Rotary clubs in Hawaii do that.”
Each year the 52 Rotary clubs across Hawaii select recipients for HRYF scholarships. Scholarships awarded across the state this year total more than $270,000.
The Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation was created in 1976 by Maurice “Sully” Sullivan, founder of Foodland Supermarkets, when he served as the District Governor for Rotary in Hawaii. It was his desire to assist Hawaii’s high school graduates to realize their potential by attending a college of their choice here in Hawaii or on the mainland United States.
Since its inception HRYF has granted scholarships across Hawaii totaling almost $7 million. HRYF receives donations from Rotary club members and other community minded people and foundations. Donations can be made at www.hawaiirotaryyouthfoundation.org.
JPG Hawaii 1860 Ala Moana Blvd Ste. 420, Honolulu HI 96815 (808) 429-4544 gojpg.com Joseph Gedeon Vice President joe@jpghawaii.com Rotary Club of Waikiki
Rotary is closely monitoring the pandemic of COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus, and continuously assessing the potential impact. Rotary encourages members and their families to take precautions to protect themselves from contracting the virus by: washing your hands often and thoroughly, putting distance between yourself and others if COVID-19 is spreading in your community, and staying home if you are sick. The Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group shares this handwashing tips below:
Community Resilience Through Responsible Ecological Management
Harvy King
Of all the many ways to describe Hawaii as a beacon of reckoning across the pacific, Aloha stands the test of time. Highlighting Rotary International’s monthly theme for April, Maternal and Child Health, globally, April is Earth Month. Locally, there is lots happening around “Sustainability.” This month is all about taking care of Mother Earth. This article will explore two local projects that members of the Eco Rotary Club of Kaka’ako have been tracking as being independently operated, community driven initiatives that meet all six focus areas of the Rotarian Action Group on Environmental Sustainability.
• Promoting Peace • Fighting Disease
• Providing Clean Water and Sanitation • Saving Mothers and Children
The three West Maui Rotary clubs immediately sprang into action in order to provide food and support to families and local businesses affected by the COVID-19 virus pandemic. Boards of Directors of the three clubs met virtually to hammer out programs to help our local community members and their families. The Rotary Club of Lahaina in cooperation with Sysco is donating $4000 in wholesale fresh produce (4400lbs.!), refrigerated, and frozen items to be donated to needy families via The Maui Food Bank. Since the Maui Food Bank does not have storage for perishable items, Sysco is working with the club to keep these items in storage in their facilities until time of distribution.
The Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunrise is making a $1000 donation to the Maui Food Bank. Additionally, this club is purchasing 80-$25 gift cards from locally owned Island Grocery Depot to be distributed to West Mauians who have lost work due to the coronavirus crisis. Additionally, several members have personally contributed extra cards, beyond the 80. These will be distributed (mailed to recipients) over the next four weeks. If the situation continues beyond that time, the club will continue the program.
The Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset is working with Dr. Rebecca Winkie, principal at Princess Nahienaena School, to help students and families in need who attend her school. This club has purchased 40-$25 gift certificates at two locally owned food establishments that are remaining open for take-out orders. Moku Roots located in the Lahaina Gateway Center and CJ’s Deli located in the Fairway Shops each received $1000 to provide the gift certificates. $1000 in $25 gift cards were also purchased by the club at Foodland. These 120 gift cards and certificates were presented to Dr. Winkie on Thursday March 26 th for distribution. Additionally Marilyn Jorgensen, co-owner of CJs Deli, in collaboration with Dr.Winkie, invited families to her place of business to pick up surplus milk, eggs, and other produce that was donated by Sysco. To quote Dr. Winkie: "To witness the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset's compassionate support for our community is both humbling and heartwarming. Their beyond-generous donation of meals by way of gift cards is truly a blessing during these trying economic times, and I applaud their efforts to assist the students, families and local businesses of Lahaina."e; This club also made financial contributions to the following agencies to support local needs during these times of the COVID-19 pandemic: Maui Food Bank, $1000; Salvation Army, $500; and Maui Rescue Mission, $200.
All three of the West Maui Rotary Clubs will continue efforts to raise funds to support future projects to assist families in need due to the COVID-19 crisis. Two of the clubs hold 501(c)(3) status and all contributions for future support programs are tax deductible. To make a donation to a local Rotary Foundation contact the following leaders via email: Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset Foundation, Mariko Higashi, marikoinmaui@gmail.com. Rotary Club of Lahaina Foundation, Rick Nava, rick@msimaui.com Photo ID: Dr. Rebecca Winkie, Princess Nahienaena Principa, and Erica Gale, Youth Service Chair for the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset display some of the 120 gift certificates that will be given to families in need at the school.
The Windward Sunrise Rotary Club, The E-Club of Oahu, the Windward Rotary Club, family, and friends teamed up to complete a major renovation of the Windward Community Mental Health Clinic! 26 volunteers from around Oahu dedicated over 150 combined man hours to make this happen, along with hardware store donations from Hawaii Hardware and a furniture discount from Habitat for Humanity ReStore. This clinic reached out to the Windward Sunrise Rotary Club to see if we could accommodate, and we planned and made it happen in about a month. We'd love to have you join us for our next project!
Rotarians are PEOPLE OF ACTION! Many clubs are jumping into action to help their families, friends and beneficiaries.
*Kauai, Maui Oahu- Rotary Caremongers buddying up to help a club member or neighbor who is higher risk due to age, lowered immune system, self-isolating and need help getting groceries, supplies or other errands and delivering them to a garage or doorstep after carefully wiping down items.
* Oahu: our Community Desperately Needs Blood Donors! Please call the Blood Bank of Hawaii at (808) 848-4770 with questions and to schedule an appointment in April or May. You can also make an appointment online, at www.bloodbanktough.org when you select “find a blood drive”. Appointments are available at locations in Honolulu, Kailua, Kaneohe, Waikele and Kapolei. Please indicate you are donating on behalf of Group Code 3010 - EcoRotary so we can track and report on our progress
Lots of need out there. Be safe and proud that we are Rotarians! Please add your story on what your club is doing during this time of need. Log in to the website and click the Comment button right under the Article title and add your comment.
On October 20, 2019, Windward Sunrise Rotary Club gifted the Boy Scout Pack 311 #1,848 through subscriptions to our Flag Program in the Olomana Community. For the five flag days each year (Veterans Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day), flags will be placed in subscribers yards. This is a new fundraiser for the Boy Scouts and our Rotary club.
We are off to a great start and looking forward to having this grow!
Windward Sunrise Rotary Club Kicks Off Symbol of Freedom Flag Program
The Windward Sunrise Rotary Club members and local community groups had an amazing and fulfilling day learning about the history, culture, planting, caring for, and harvesting of taro at Hoʻokuaʻāina, a beautiful traditional farm. It was truly a wonderful experience to work our āina together and learning hands-on about traditional Hawai'ian cultivation methods. Mahalo to all those who joined us!
The RI Board of Directors passed a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) statement: "As a global network that strives to build a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change, Rotary values diversity and celebrates the contributions of people of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, color, abilities, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Rotary will cultivate a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture in which people from underrepresented groups have greater opportunities to participate as members and leaders." Making diversity, equity, and inclusion a priority is everyone's responsibility.
Aloha PROUD District 5000 Rotarian! The Hawaii LGBT Fellowship committee and District 5000 is spear heading the first ever rotary representation at Honolulu Pride. We are excited for you to join us! Friends and family welcome.
Honolulu Pride Parade, Saturday October 19, 2019
Starting at Magic island Beach Park and ending at Kapiolani Park/Waikiki Shell. Meet up time estimated: 9:30am
Or A navy rotary shirt or a basic navy blue shirt.
Also bring your best rainbow accessories! We will provide all participants a flag representing a country Rotary can be found in to wave to symbolize the theme “Rotary Connects the World”.
There was an amazing turnout for the first Blocktoberfest in Kailua! Thousands of residents and families came out to support their community in the Windward Sunrise Rotary Club’s Community Awareness Outreach event. Visitors had an opportunity to see what Rotary stands for, locally and internationally, as well as enjoy fun games and candy for the keiki.
A new member induction was held during a multi-club social mixer at D'Vine Kailua. Mahalo to all our awesome Rotarians, future Rotarians, friends, and family who came out to support and appreciate our inductees. Anna, Larry, Naty, Luke, and Lauren were excited to become Rotary International's newest members. A great time was had visiting with other club members, as well as supporting one of Kailua's newest businesses and sampling the unique food and wine varieties offered.
New Member Induction and Club Social at D'Vine Wine Bar Kailua
The very generous Windward community for donated 12 boxes full of school supplies for local area schools—and $640 in cash donations for items teachers need most. The Windward community's overwhelming care and interest in the local keikis’ education is what aloha is all about. Kudos to the eleven Windward Sunrise club members who donated their time on a Saturday!
Windward Sunrise Rotary Club held its amazing annual Kailua Independence Day Parade with Windward Sunrise member Joe Lichota providing live island-style guitar music for the crowd while other Rotarians passed out American flags and candy to parade attendees. Happy Birthday, America!
In honor of May Mental Health Awareness Month, a total of 26 volunteers, over three days, with a total of 155.5 man hours, made this amazing mental health clinic transformation happen for Windward neighbors in need.
The Windward Community Mental Health Clinic had been neglected since the 1970s and did not project the care the Windward Sunrise Rotary Club feels towards the local residents and families grappling with the effects of houselessness, mental illness, and/or substance abuse issues. Rotarians from the Windward Sunrise Rotary Club, the E-Club, Honolulu Metro Rotary, the Windward Rotary Club, as well as clinical mental health professionals, family members, and community donated their time to this project over three days.
A big shout out to Hawaii Hardware, whose generosity supplied nearly all the paint, nails, brushes, spackle, and wood beams. Habitat for Humanity Restore also contributed to the project with affordable decor and furniture.
The Rotary Club of East Honolulu continued a sweet and impactful tradition of presenting each student at Palolo elementary school with a wrapped Christmas shoebox filled to the brim with snacks, games, school supplies, and a logo water bottle. About 50 rotarians, rotaractors, employees from AXA Financial, and family & friends picked up, wrapped, stuffed, and presented about 300 shoeboxes to students at their Christmas program.
Ho'ola Na Pua helped organize the Human and Trafficking Awareness Day Walk and Fair. The Rotary E Club of Hawaii walked with DG Win and many other organizations and members of our community in Downtown Honolulu. Please join us and bring awareness to human trafficking and learn about how we can take a stand against human trafficking on our islands.
The three clubs — the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunrise, the Rotary Club of Lahaina and the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset — have 22 tubes that they plan to install in late February, said Mariko Higashi, who was the president of the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset last year and has been spearheading the project. Higashi said the tubes cost about $3,000 in total and were paid for by the clubs as well as the Hawaii district office that oversees all Rotary clubs.
Friendship Exchange is an international exchange program for Rotary members, families and friends that allows participants to take turns hosting one another in their homes and clubs
Rotarians, families, friends, students, and contractors gathered this past weekend to restore a building at Nani Mau Gardens for students to continue with their education. The Kua O Kala Charter School was destroyed by the lava flows in lower Puna. This building at Nani Mau needed very serious restorative work because of the extensive termite damage over the years, a joint club project was coordinated by the Rotary Club of Pahoa Sunset to get the job done!
The Rotary Club of Hilo accepted $20,000 US dollars from their "sister club", Rotary Club of Hiroshima South at their meeting on Friday, June 1. Their contribution will go toward the Puna Relief Fund with the funds distributed by the Rotary Club of Pahoa Sunset.
The Rotary d5000 Foundation (a 501 (c)(3) organization) is now accepting donations by credit card on the DONATE link below or checks can be mailed directly to the Foundation at 45-675 Luluku Road, Kaneohe, Hawaii, 96744. Please put "Puna Relief Fund" on the memo line.
Happy May Day to you and hope you are wearing that special lei that binds us as a community and that wreath of love. Speaking of love, I’d like to thank those who have donated to the Disaster Fund through our District website; and if you haven’t made your donation, please kokua your neighbor on the island of Kauai. They are still struggling with the aftermath of mud and debris caused by the heavy rain. Show that aloha to those around you.
Speaking about Aloha, in 17 days we will be celebrating all the accomplishments our clubs have completed throughout the year at the beautiful five-star Four Seasons Resort at Koʻolina. And being that May is Youth Service Month, we are reaching out to Rotaractors and Interactors to attend Saturday’s plenary session for the cost of lunch at $65.00. It’s surprising how many future leaders of tomorrow don’t know who we are nor what we do. We want to close that gap in Hawaiʻi. We’d love to see you consider sponsoring a student or your family member. Your conference planning committee is working extremely hard to create an exciting conference for you!
In closing, I would like to quote from RI President Ian Riseley’s remarks in The Rotarian magazine that’s worth repeating. “Last June, your Rotary International Board of Directors voted to adopt a new vision statement, reflecting our identity and the single purpose that unites the diversity of our work.
Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create
lasting change across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
Wherever we live, whatever language we speak, whatever work our clubs are involved in, our vision is the same. We all see a world that could be better and that we can help to make better. We are here because Rotary give us the opportunity to build the world we want to see – to unite and take action through Rotary: Making a Difference.”
E Hana Kakou (Let’s work together)……. Navigating Together to Change Lives……
Nalani Flinn
District Governor 2017 - 2018 Hawaii Rotary District 5000
The Rotary International Convention is coming to Hawaii and we need your help. Please consider making a donation to the Host Organization Committee! Funds are need for the website, the promotional materials, supplies, and much more. Go to the site page to see Sponsorship benefits.
I want introduce one of my speakers at the District Conference. His name is Mitty Chang. A Professional Motivational and Inspirational Speaker Specializing inHow to Attract Millennials into Organizations. Mitty has delivered speeches to audiences in Canada, Thailand, Portugal, Brazil, Australia, and throughout the USA. He is one of the most sought after young speakers in the Rotary world. He is the Creative Director of Candeavor, a digital marketing & web design agency based in the Silicon Valley. I built my first website in 1998. I was in the fourth grade at that time. By the time I was 13 years of age, I had already begun my freelance web design career. In my early high school years, I began my first part-time business--opening a web hosting business, which continues to run today. Over the past 16 years, I have designed powerful websites for a wide array of clientele.” Mitty Chang will be speaking at our District Conference on Saturday morning May 19th and loves talking to Rotarians, especially young millennials. Sign up for the District Conference on www.rotaryd5000.org. You will be glad you did!
The District Conference will be held at the Four Seasons Resort at Ko Olina, May 18-20. Besides the inspiring speakers and the House of Friendship, there is a golf tournament,, tennis tournament, a zipline activity, a Walk to End Polio, a "Primping for PolioPlus" popup spa on Sunday 1:30-3:30pm . Register for the conference today --> CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
To go to the District conference site page for all the information and forms ---> CLICK HERE
Spring is in the air and the flowers are starting to bloom here in San Jose, California which is where I am and where the President Elects Training will start on Friday. It is March and we have four more fabulous months in this Rotary year to do good in the world. Thereʻs still time to meet your goals for Membership, Polio Plus, and Annual Giving to The Rotary Foundation. Meeting your goals will offer others the opportunity to join 1.2 million fellow Rotarians around the world save lives and fund future global/district grants. More hands, less work.
Speaking of work, we need your help with the Rotary International Convention that will be held in Honolulu in 2020. Last week RI President Nominee Mark Maloney and his entourage were here reviewing the venue and activities Hawaii would be hosting for his International Convention. Our Host Organization Committee (HOC) has been busy putting plans together and we need your assistance through financial sponsorships, volunteers, club hosting, entertainers and your expertise. Please give your support as we will need everyone on board.
Our District conference is happening May 18th – 20th at the breathtaking 5-Star Four Seasons Hotel on Oahu. Register now on the District website! Come and represent your club and support your president. Let them know you appreciate the time, talent and resources they have given to lead your club this year.
Additionally, Steve Dyer, District Alumni Chair from the Rotary Club of Pearl Harbor, is reaching out to all Rotary Alumni to meet on March 14th at the Pagoda Restaurant in Honolulu for dinner at 6pm. We need your assistance getting up-to-date email information and to get the word out. If you know an alumni, please contact Stephen.dyer@hawadvocate.com In case you are wondering, an alum is someone who has participated in any of the following programs: Interact, Rotaract, Youth Exchange, New Generations Service Exchange, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards(RYLA), Rotary Peace Fellowships, Rotary Scholarships (funded by global grants or district grants), vocational training teams (members and leaders), Ambassadorial Scholarships, Grants for University Teachers, Group Study Exchange (members and leaders), and Rotary Volunteers. What a great way to keep these young people engaged with Rotary!
Did you know that March 8th is International Women’s Day? We will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of women in Rotary with an Afternoon Tea throughout our islands, honoring women who are “Making A Difference.” Check our district website or ask your Assistant Governor for information.
As a closing thought, we are fortunate in Hawaiʻi to have clean water in our homes when many in the world do not. To quote from the RI website “Clean water and sanitation is a human right. When people, especially children, have access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, they lead healthier and more successful lives.” Thank you Rotarians for your contributions to provide clean water worldwide.
E Hana Kakou (Let’s Work Together)
Nalani Flinn
District Governor 2017 - 2018 Hawaii Rotary District 5000
I trust you had an awesome holiday celebration with family and friends and you are now ready to get back to work with the remaining months of “Navigating to Change Lives.” I want to mention a few things that are noteworthy and the first is about our District Membership standing in the zone ending November 2017.
Per our Regional Membership Development Manager Nicole Jones, “District 5000 has experienced the highest net growth so far with a 3.33% net growth” which reflects an increase of 57 new members. However, we do know retention of members in December and June tend to drop as clubs are reviewing members that have stopped coming. May I suggest finding ways to re-engage those who are thinking of leaving through projects, friendship, personal contact and restructuring club dues for financial support. Reach out to them and ask if there is anything you can do. Maybe that is all they need, someone who cares.
I would like to give my heartfelt aloha and mahalo to those who participated in the “Ride So They Can Walk” Polio Plus fundraiser by riding their bikes to help raise awareness of this crippling disease AND those who chose to be creative in doing other fundraisers around the state. I thank you and ask that you continue the fight to meet our District goal of raising $300K. I believe we can do it!
As you read our January Newsletter, you will find stories of fellow Rotarians sharing their vocational skills around our state. Use this month to promote Vocational Service to friends and family by inviting them to join our organization. The Kahauiki Village Transitional Housing project that Rotary partnered with the City & State is a good example of volunteers and businesses coming together for the one purpose of “service above self” and providing families who are working but can’t afford the housing market, a “second chance”. To the countless clubs, Rotarians, family and friends, I thank you for supplying the units with household items, for painting, cleaning and giving of your time each week. The families moved in last month and you are part of that success story.
We are six months into our Rotary year and so much has happened since our last visit. We are having our Polio Plus Fundraising project “Ride So They Can Walk.” It’s still ongoing and together, we can “Make that Difference.” The fight against Polio lives on and we can reach our goal of raising $300K through everyone’s participation. Don’t give up! I ask that you continue to raise the public’s awareness of Polio, the good Rotary does in the world, and continue to Ride So They Can Walk.
Another project that is dear to my heart is the Holiday Homelessness Project at Kahauiki Village Transitional Housing on Oahu, where fellow Rotarians in collaboration with other organizations are donating their time, talent and resources by painting and cleaning these housing units. Our goal is to help homeless families get off the street and into a home by the end of the month. We sent a “wish list” via your club president asking for your assistance in supplying 30 of these housing units with needed household products and supplies. Please work with your Club President and/or AG in securing items on the list. This is a manageable act of giving that will make such a big difference for many families this holiday season.
We have so much to do and only 6+ months left to finish -- selecting your club officers for next year, hosting Foundation dinners on each island, updating your Rotary Club Central projects, supporting the Centennial Park project in Waikiki, planning our upcoming 2020 Rotary International Convention, awarding clubs with the RI President and the Governor Citations, hosting the Women in Rotary 30th Anniversary Tea celebration, engaging with our the Mauka to Makai - Malama the Land service projects and more. So much to do, so little time to finish…
As we navigate to the end of the year and approach the holiday season continuing to change lives together, may the Spirit of Christmas be never-ending, filling your home with the warmest greeting for this holiday season.
From my home to yours, a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday!
District Governor Nalani Flinn's Message: December
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I am so blessed to be a Rotarian and have many friends like you. As we enter into the holiday season, please be safe and share the opportunity of service through Rotary Give Thanks Day. Our Polio Plus “Ride So They Can Walk” Bike ride is ending November 18th and I know we can reach our goal. Many are looking to raise a $100 and stop. I say, don’t stop, continue and add another “0” zero at the end. Ask family and friends to join our team to End Polio Now.
I have been hearing about the many different activities clubs are working on to raise awareness of this disease. The Rotary Club of Poipu Beach held a Raise a Glass to End Polio event on October 18th where they donated 100% of the sales from two beer taps at Merriman’s Kauai during the culinary market at the Shops at Kukui’ula to The Rotary Foundation Polio Plus fund. The Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunrise held a casual One Day, One Focus, Ending Polio evening under the stars at Bakery and Table for World Polio Day on October 24th. Palettes for Polio will be hosted by the Rotary Club of Kona Mauka at which 40 artists’ palettes will be painted and offered at a silent auction at the Rumley Gallery at the King Kamehameha Hotel on November 18th. The Rotary Club of Downtown Honolulu held a Strike Out Polio bowling event, while another club is collecting Pennies for Polio. Share your story with our District Polio Plus Chair Charlene Meyers to post on the website. Let her know how you celebrated World Polio Day.
I received an email from my classmate DG Claudette McWilliams (District 5110) and I quote, “As long as we are bragging, my DRFCC tells me that with the second check for $536,000 to TRF (the first was $500K), District 5110 was Number One in the world for giving. Whether that lasted beyond the date that it was reported is unknown, but Number One in the world for even one day is something that I will gladly accept.” She reminded me that November is Rotary Foundation Month. I thank the many Rotarians in District 5000 for stepping forward to share their resources in “Making a Difference.” Without your generosity, the books we ship, the eye clinics we support, the clean water wells we build would not happen. This is my favorite quote when an individual is recognized for donating $1,000 or more to Rotary Foundation:
You will build houses in which you will never live
You will feed hungry people of every race creed and political philosophy
You will make crawlers into walkers.
You will educate children you will never know
You will vaccinate children you will never meet
You will dig wells from which you will never drink
You will plant trees under which you will never sit
You will restore eyesight to those who will never see you.
When you donate to do these things, not only will you be IN the Rotary Family, but you will have the Rotary Family in you.
Having just completed 47 club visits in the District, I can’t believe we are already 3 months into the Rotary year. Mahalo for your hospitality, accommodations and for chauffeuring me around the state. Three (3) more club visits to go and we are done. I have learned so much from you. I hope you found our visits profitable, meaningful and of value.
October is Economic and Community Development Month
October is designated as Economic and Community Development Month featuring one of Rotary International’s 6 Areas of Focus, The Rotary Foundation (TRF). I’ve asked Rotarians from our District to contribute to this topic. The first is submitted by Geoff Horvath, Past President of the Rotary Club of Wahiawa-Waialua that spotlights one of Rotary’s vital causes -- growing local economies. According to the United Nations, 836 million people still live in extreme poverty. Unemployment and underemployment, along with a lack of economic services, lie at the core of poverty. In addition, nearly 1.4 billion employed people live on less than $1.25 a day. Rotarians promote economic and community development and reduce poverty in underserved communities through training, well-paying jobs, and access to financial management institutions. Projects range from providing people with equipment to vocational training. Our members work to strengthen local entrepreneurs and community leaders, particularly women, in impoverished communities.
What are we doing in D5000?
I hope you have enjoyed the first issue of Mauka to Makai, our District 5000 Community Service Newsletter that highlights community service projects our clubs are engaged in across our islands. Mahalo to Wally Wong, Community Service Director of the Rotary Club of Hilo and D5000 Community Service Chair, for putting together this culturally based community service program.
One of the projects featured this month is from the Rotary Club of Hilo in which Rotarians helped plant 28 ulu trees to provide an economic development start for an education and applied research based farm that will provide cultural programs and a sustainable crop. It’s an ongoing project in collaboration with UH Hilo and a grant thru Kamehameha Schools that supports the lease of 15 acres of land with the purpose of propagating Ulu. Kaivao Farm, an agro-forest farm, specializes in the cultivation and production of two food crops: breadfruit (ulu) and cassava, and two art crops: wauke (paper mulberry) and hala (pandanus). Breadfruit and cassava produce high yields of organic starch to supply local markets, restaurants, and a feed mill in Panaewa, while wauke bark and hala leaves support the art-forms of kapa making and weaving. Kaivao Farm presents an opportune venue for education and research surrounding the practices and resources of the farm.
From the Rotary Club of Pearl Harbor, President Bruce Fink reminds us that October 24th is World Polio Day and brings our attention to the article, Our Goal: A World Without Polio, recently featured in The Rotarian. To reach this goal, the Rotary Club of Pearlridge, led by President Lasar McCabe, sponsored a BBQ fundraiser dinner with all proceeds going to Polio Plus. A second initiative is the “Ride So They Can Walk – Polio Plus fundraiser” in which members who donate a minimum of $100 to Polio Plus before October 24 will receive a calendar.
Let us continue to Navigate Together to Change Lives by supporting economic and community development through our service projects and by contributing to The Rotary Foundation…
Governor David Ige Joins Rotary Governor Nalani Flinn at her Family Reunion:
Helping to Celebrate September's Rotary Theme: Basic Education & Literacy
At DG Nalani’s annual family reunion family members chose to do a community project together. They worked side-by-side creating book marks for Nanaikapono Elementary School. This venture so intrigued Governor David Ige and his wife, Dawn, that they decided to join in the project!! They then signed the book marks with the message, “Study Hard” and “Read 20 minutes every day.”
Q: What is one of the goals for our new R.I. President, Ian Riseley?
A: Our environment.
Ian challenged every Rotary club to make a difference by planting a tree for each of its members between the start of the Rotary year on 1 July and Earth Day on 22 April 2018. Trees remove carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from the air, which slows global warming.
“It is my hope that the result of that effort will be far greater than the environmental benefit that those 1.2 million new trees will bring,” Riseley said. “I believe the greater result will be a Rotary that recognizes our responsibility not only to the people on our planet, but to the planet itself.” He makes the case that protecting the environment and curbing climate change are essential to Rotary’s goal of sustainable service.
Be sure to share at #pledgetoplant
District Governor Nalani Planting a Kukui Nut Tree
How timely that Hawaii District 5000 starts the year with a female District Governor on the 30th anniversary of Women in Rotary. It seems hard to believe that it was as recent as May 4, 1987 that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Rotary clubs may not exclude women from membership on the basis of gender.
As we celebrated 100 years of Rotary in Hawaii during PDG Del Green’s year, he hosted Sylvia Whitlock as the Keynote at the District Conference. Sylvia has the distinction of being the very first woman Rotary club president . . . in the world!
Did you know that in 1972 more and more clubs began lobbying for female members as females began to reach higher positions in their professions. In 1977 three separate proposals to admit women into membership were submitted to the Council on Legislation for consideration at the 1977 RI Convention.
Today, not only do we have a female District Governor with Nalani Flinn, but 2017 also has the distinction of being the year that Hawaii is lead by our first Hawaiian District Governor. Imua!
Support HRYF (Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation) and Help Provide Scholarships to Hawaii Students
Did you know that you can help support Rotary’s efforts to provide scholarships to students while you are shopping at Foodland?
The BEST and EASIEST way to give to HRYF is at Foodland during the “Give Aloha” campaign September 1—30, 2017. Your gift will be matched so that a $20 donation becomes approximately $24, a $40 gift would increase to around $48. The match comes from Foodland (up to $250,000) and Western Union (up to $50,000). Based on past years, the matches have provided at least an additional 20%!
How?
1) When you shop at Foodland show your Maika`i Card and make your tax deductible donation to HRYF (up to $249 per person) at any Foodland, Sack N. Save or Foodland Farms checkout from September 1-30, 2017. Please check to make sure that the HRYF name appears on the receipt.
2) Foodland and the Western Union Foundation will match all donations up to a total of at least $300,000 for all organizations combined.
3) Give a copy of the receipt to your Club Donation Rep or email a copy to hryf@hawaii.rr.com. Please be sure to include your name and club for credit to your HRYF contribution account.
What is HRYF?
The Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation was founded by Maurice J. "Sully" Sullivan (founder of Foodland) during his year as Rotary's District Governor in Hawaii, 1976-1977. It was Sully's desire to assist Hawaii's high school graduates realize their potential by attending a college or university of their choice here in Hawaii or on the mainland United States.
Did you Know??
HRYF gives a $5,000 scholarship award to each of the 50 participating clubs!
Where does the money come from?
HRYF programs are financed by contributions from Rotarians, Rotary Clubs, individuals and various foundations. Donations can be made through your Rotary Club representative or made directly to the Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation.
Give Aloha, Foodland's Annual Community Matching Gifts Program, was created in 1999 to honor Foodland’s founder, Maurice J. "Sully" Sullivan, and continue his legacy of giving back to the community.
I spent this past Labor Day weekend at my annual Kekauoha family reunion in Nanakuli. As a community project we made bookmarks for the students at Nanaikapono Elementary School. When Mrs. Dawn Ige heard about this, she decided to join us accompanied by her husband, David. Yes, thatʻs right, I mean Governor David Ige. She & the Governor both joined us making the bookmarks and signed them with “Study Hard” and “Read 20 minutes every day.” Mrs. Ige commented that the most critical need in Hawaiʻi is Early Education for children 0 – 5 years old. Of the 66,000 preschoolers, only half receive any type of basic educational training, pre-school or after school program. It all starts with the parents which leads me to our Rotary theme for the month of September, Basic Education and Literacy.
The sad reality is that 1 in 6 adults in Hawaiʻi struggle with basic reading and writing skills. What are we, as Rotarians, doing to help? Think about the many education programs we support throughout District 5000. We provide dictionaries to the elementary schools, school supplies and books for the local communities, tutoring and mentoring, scholarships to high school graduates for college and trade schools, and much more. In addition, we support Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) and host annual camps to foster leadership development for our local youth.
As examples, one of the familiar sights on the Waianae Coast is the Hawaii Literacy Blue Bookmobile that serves families on a weekly basis at the Boys & Girls Clubs, housing developments, as well as homeless families and emergency shelters. With humble beginnings of a donated VIP van, fellow Rotarians partnered with the Hawaii Literacy Project to produce a bookmobile that is still in use today. Another Literacy program Rotarians are actively engaged in on the island of Maui is Read Aloud America, an after-school-reading program led by Joanne and Larry Laird. As educators, they enjoy the opportunity to share their “craft.” Through projects like these, we become part of the solution to a major social dilemma by providing “Basic Education and Literacy.” Every time we put a book in a person’s hand, we are improving their survival skills.
Consider inviting local educators, representatives from literacy organizations or members of your own club who are educators to provide a “Craft Talk” and to promote basic education and literacy as one of Rotary’s six areas of focus. We know that basic education and literacy are essential for reducing poverty, improving health, encouraging community and economic development, and promoting peace.
Let us continue to Navigate Together To Change Lives by improving Basic Education & Literacy…
Rotarians, individual community members, biking groups and clubs riding bikes, and those on stationary bikes in health clubs and gyms are all riding in the support of eradicating polio. This ride is different in that no roads need be closed as everyone will ride on their own schedule and desired distance. Each rider will pay a $20.00 registration fee and will also have friends and family sponsor their ride with all those donations going to Rotary’s Polio Plus program. When Rotary started the campaign to eradicate polio in 1988 there were 350,000 cases a year in the world. As of the date of this writing there are 10 cases worldwide – 6 in Afghanistan and 4 in Pakistan. This isn’t good enough - Zero is the magic number.
Each rider will receive a commemorative towel with the specially designed logo once they complete their ride and bring in a minimum of $100.00 in sponsor donations. Do even more by challenging another rider to see how many sponsor dollars you can bring in….
Join in the fun by becoming a rider and/or sponsoring a rider to help Rotary End Polio Now.
Aloha, Charlene Yours in Rotary,
Charlene M. Meyers, PHF
Rotary Club of Hilo D5000 Polio Plus Chair 2015 - 2018
One of the benefits of membership is Rotary Global Rewards. Find discounts and special offers, along with opportunities to give back to Rotary. Rotary and Rotaract members can add their own offers by going to Create a New Offer. You can find discounts on:
Need an suggestion for a speaker or had a really great one that you want to let clubs know about? Add your information to the message board, using the "Comment" link.
Log in first to the rotaryd5000.org website, click on the title of this story and then look for the "Comment" button. You can add information about a speaker that was interesting and let other clubs know how to contact them. If you are looking for a speaker on a particular subject, put your request out there and see if someone can help you. This system will work as a message board for you to interact with the website and to help get ideas for speakers. Comments are limited to District 5000 Rotarians only.
ALOHA TO OUR NEWEST ROTARY FAMILY! 
Join us for a fun and meaningful event hosted by 
Genki Ball Making Fund-raiser
Saturday, March 16, 2024, from 9am to noon
Waikiki-Kapahulu Public Library, Honolulu, Hawaii
Everyone is welcome!
Suggested Donation: $50 (Higher level sponsorship available, contact ecorotarykakaako@gmail.com)
A panorama photo of the "Leading Ladies of Maui" event held Saturday, May 6, 2023.
Watch a Hawaii News Now Special Report about this project!
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
