IT'S BEEN A WONDERFUL YEAR TO BE YOUR DISTRICT DIRECTOR. I've visited over 50 Rotary, Rotaract and Interact Clubs and I'm proud to report that Rotary is strong and healthy throughout District 5000 - Hawaii. We may have different small, medium or large clubs and we may do different types of community service projects and we may donate different amounts to The Rotary Foundation, but we all share the desire to do good in our community, our nation and in the world. All our clubs are full of amazing people that support each other in friendship, in business and in service.
With the coming of a new Rotary year, we need to renew our membership and our commitment to 'Service Above Self'. The growth of membership in our club allows us to do more for our community. Every project for our youth, for our needy, for our kupuna, for our veterans and for our environment is important. Without you and Rotary, who will do these projects, big or small?
Rotary’s theme for June, Rotary Fellowships Month, is to recognize the importance of international fellowship and goodwill among Rotarians with similar recreational and vocational interests, promote increased participation in fellowships, and increase understanding of this program. 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. Membership in a fellowship is open to any interested individual. You can contact a fellowship directly by using the links on the Rotary website at: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/more-fellowships
FELLOWSHIPS BY THE NUMBERS: 57,000 PEOPLE belong to Rotary Fellowships.in 100+ Active Fellowships in 150+ countries.
Lahaina Sunset Rotary Club Helps Complete Home for Fire Survivor Family
Members of the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset and fellow volunteers spent a recent Thursday helping to finish a Habitat for Humanity home for a family of wildfire survivors in Lahaina. The community service project brought together volunteers for a day of service, fellowship, and community spirit. Members of the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset and friends volunteered their time to help paint the home on Komo Mai Street, share fellowship, dance, and enjoy a lunch together.
All D5000 Rotarians are invited to Zoom in June 27, Saturday, 10-11:30am, for the District End of Year Wrap up and Business Meeting. We’ll have a recap of our club accomplishments this year. Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/94810456899 for the District End of Year Wrap up and Business Meeting. Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/94810456899
Change in Leadership Ceremony at Nani Mau Gardens & Event, June 27, Saturday, 11:30am-1pm, , 421 Makalika St, Hilo. Join us for the Change in Leadership ceremony with Benson Medina’s installation as District Governor. CLICK HERE for information
Rotary Volunteers Needed for Statewide Rescue Tube Project - Drowning remains one of Hawaiʻi’s most serious and heartbreaking public safety issues. According to the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 15 in Hawaiʻi. From 2013 to 2022, an average of 80.4 drowning deaths occurred each year statewide. That means more than 800 families lost a loved one during that 10-year period, leaving lasting emotional and financial impacts across countless ʻohana.
The Rescue Tube Foundation is working to change that. Started in 2010, the Rescue Tube Foundation grew out of the Rotary Club of Hanalei Bay’s efforts to prevent drownings on Kauaʻi, where more people have died in the ocean than on the highway. Public Rescue Tubes are flotation devices placed at beaches and other water-access areas so bystanders can help stabilize a swimmer in distress while protecting themselves until lifeguards or emergency responders arrive.
Kauai, June 7, Taste of Hawaii, 11:30am-3:30pm at Smith’s Tropical Paradise. The 34th Taste of Hawaiʻi, the premier culinary event in the state and is affectionately called “THE ULTIMATE Sunday Brunch,” and definitely lives up to its name. Taste of Hawaiʻi features Hawaiʻi-based vendors serving up their best dishes, sweets, and delectable cocktails, mocktails, and craft beers. Stroll and Savor through the lush gardens of Smtih’s Tropical Paradise while savoring the delicacies offered. All inclusive event. This drool-worthy annual event is not only an opportunity to sample an abundance of different dishes in a stunning location, but it funds valuable scholarships and local nonprofit initiatives. This fundraiser features 25+ chefs from restaurants around Hawaii,10+ beverage vendors, 12+ musical and entertainment groups, Online silent auction, Smith’s™ Tropical Paradise stunning 30 acre private park, FREE Parking and shuttle service from VIDINHA STADIUM to/from Smith’s. Buy tickets at: https://tasteofhawaii.net/
Rotary International Convention, June 13-17. This year the RI Convention will be held in Taipei with a reported attendance of 35,000 people. District 5000 will be well-represented by 75 Rotarians. DGN Rich Proctor has arranged a district dinner on June 13. It is not too late to sign up for the Convention!
Next year, the Convention will be in Barcelona, Spain, June 26-30, 2027, followed by Minneapolis May 27-31, 2028. Dubai is planned for 2029, Chicago May 25-29, 2030 for Rotary’s 125 anniversary, Dublin in June 7-11, 2031 and Hawaii 2032
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In Taipei, Rotary Club of Hilo’s President Newton Chu will be joining over 300 Rotarians to ride over 500 kilometers the week before the convention around Taiwan to raise money for Polio Plus. Newtown will be representing District 5000 and Hawaii, so please support his efforts by donating to PolioPlus: https://raise.rotary.org/Newton-Chu/challenge031
Use your Rotary email address to get your Paul Harris points and a receipt from The Rotary Foundation.
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Alzheimer’s/Dementia Rotary Action Group raised over $700,000 via 150+ Rotary Teams nation-wide. The only team in D5000 to participate, was the Rotary Club of Kahala Sunrise. Congratulations Ambassador Calvin Hara for his endeavors to bring awareness about Alzheimers and Dementia. Calvin will be manning this RAG’s booth in the Taipei House of Friendship.
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Kudos to Kathleen Merriam for her passion to promote mental health. The Rotary Action Group for Mental Health Initiatives aims to improve mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and enhance access to treatment and prevention resources globally. The District Mental Health committee meets the last Friday of each month at 5pm on Zoom. Check the district calendar for the Zoom link.
Oahu, June 24, Food & Clothing Drive to support the homeless with the River of Life Missions. Donation items desired: canned protein such as Spam, Tuna, Chicken. Rubber Slippers (larger sized preferred), Sanitizing wipes (Clorox or Lysol wipes), Men’s socks (size large and extra large). Drop off donations June 20, 9-11am at 3620 Waialae Ave or Contact Calving Hara for info at cmhara@comcast.net
