As we leave March and its devastating storms, I realize more than ever how much Rotary is needed to help rebuild our own neighborhoods. The past few weeks have been filled with anguish as I see and hear of the devastation so many are experiencing. Yet, I feel gratitude with calls and emails asking; “How can we as Rotarians help?”
We are organizing a Flood Disaster Relief Fund as many are contacting us with offers to help. And we are asking you, our D5000 Rotarians if you, your family or neighbors need help. Requests for help and offers to help are coming as I write this Newsletter. Please look around and let us know what you see, what you need and how you and your Rotary Club might be able to help.
While many Clubs will turn their focus to the storm recovery in April, others will continue with Community Service Projects throughout the State.
Rotary supports activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of natural
resources, advance environmental sustainability, and foster harmony between people
and the environment. At Rotary, environmental sustainability means ensuring the
responsible care and use of Earth’s natural resources for the greatest benefit of living
things in a way that supports ecological integrity, planetary health, and future
generations. Area of Focus Statement of Purpose and Global Objectives TRF enables
Rotary members and partners to protect, preserve, and conserve the environment
through a variety of project pathways in order to: I. Conserve nature and biodiversity; II.
Mitigate climate change, by reducing or avoiding greenhouse gas emissions; III.
Facilitate sustainable and adaptable livelihoods with smaller ecological footprints; IV.
Strengthen environmental equity by addressing socio-environmental issues that
disproportionally affect marginalized communities.
The Service Above Self Award was presented to Arjun Aryal of the Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunset on March 12, 2026. The Service Above Self Award is considered the highest honor that Rotary International (RI) can bestow on a member. It recognizes up to 150 outstanding Rotarians and Rotaractors each year whose service makes an impact on humanity. Nominators Dan Murariu and Beth Hoban wrote that Arjun’s legacy is not just in the projects completed, but in the increased spirit of engagement and action he fosters in every Rotarian he encounters. He is an outstanding example of how to translate the Rotary motto into daily, measurable humanitarian service.
On Saturday, April 11, one of Hilo’s most celebrated community events takes place. This is a wonderful opportunity for Rotary members across the district to come together, celebrate the spirit and culture of our island, and showcase Rotary’s commitment to service. Members are invited to walk in the parade carrying their club banners or ride on a decorated flatbed truck generously provided by Past President Jeremiah Leonard. Participants will gather at 8:30 a.m. to decorate the truck with foliage, and the parade will begin at 10:30 a.m.
Work days on April 11 with Rotary Club of Kahala Sunrise (with Interactors) or April 25 with Rotary Club of Honolulu. Hamakua Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, 268 Hamakua Dr, Kailua. During the event, we would restore our native forest on Pu'u o 'Ehu (the hillside above Hāmākua Marsh), enjoy bird watching by the wetland, and learn about the site history and how our work improves the environment. To sign up your club or yourself, call Anna Friedman at : (808) 699-7684 or email: anna@healthyclimatecommunities.org.
On April 25 Maui Rotarians will work with Malama Kula, an Upcountry non-profit, to help remove invasive species and plant native plants in the burn zone Upcountry. We will gather at 9 AM Upcountry, work through till about 1 PM and then have lunch. Our Maui Fires Fund has supported Malama Kula in their work to clear burn zones, remove invasive species and replant for homeowners who lost their plants in the Maui Fires. Sign up with your nearest Maui Club President or contact Al Weiland at aw3200@gmail.com
This work day is still on schedule, although the scope of work may change due to storm damage. May 1-3, 2026 Work Days at Camp Erdman to pain Rotary Hall, cabins, etc and carpentry projects, laying a stone pathway and removal of encroaching brush. No special skills required. Feel free to invite anyone. You can choose just Saturday, just Sunday or both and spend the night in a camp cabin. If interested in joining, email Don Anderson at vmcadon@mac.com
Kudos! The Rotary Club of Wahiawa-Waialua went to work to help our North Shore neighbors. RCWW in collaboration with multiple partners: the Wahiawa Hongwanji; Mililani Hongwanji; Wahiawa Lions Club; Whitmore Economic Development Group; Ho`ala School; UH Office of Civic and Community Engagement; and the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center was able to provide nearly 200 meals over the two days for families impacted by the storm and feed volunteers helping with the cleanup.
Club Leadership Learning Seminars (formerly called Spring District Assemblies), On April 4 and 18, 9am to Noon, there are sessions for everyone. Club officers and committee chairs learn about their roles and responsibilities. We’ll have Focus area subject matter experts for all interested in learning about what is happening in their areas. Check the calendar for zoom links.
Rotarians at Work: Annually in April, we encourage all members to get out and participate do good in the world. This year, in celebration of Earth Month, the District focus is on environmental-related projects. More info, go to: https://rotaryd5000.org/sitepage/service-projects
Oahu - Hāmākua Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary Saturday, April 25, 9am-12pm.
Maui- April 25, 9am-1pm. Maui Rotarians will work with Malama Kula
Oahu- May 1-3, 2026 Rotary Club of Honolulu Work Days at Camp Erdman
District International Service Project in Micronesia, May 2-9. These are the activities at the Health Fair in Pohnpei: (1) health and wellness screenings, (2) visual acuity screenings (eye testing), (3) mental health screenings (if you're qualified), (4) first aid, CPR, and stop the bleed training, (5) toothbrush training, (6) nutrition training and healthy eating habits, (7) professional training for nurses, physicians, and other medical personnel. If you would like to join us, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/isH1uXFFGRjTXYco8
International World Series. We are launching a Virtual Cultural Exchange program to learn about other cultures and about our Global Grant projects. Join us at 5:30pm on Zoom. Check the district website calendar for zoom links Here’s the tentative line-up:
~On March 3, 2026, the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset sponsored a very successful “Friendraiser”. Nearly 50 members and guests gathered at the Maui Chocolate Factory Rooftop Pavilion and during the social segment, a video showcased photos from almost 75 projects the club has sponsored since the Lahaina Wildfires. One unexpected result was that one of our Friendraiser guests sent us a check for $10,000 to be used for "keiki projects". The goal of our Friendraiser was, of course, to add some new members. But this unexpected donation reminds us of the value of telling our story to our friends in the community and inviting them to join us in service to our community. To view the video go to: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lvlA-eSaScb8o19cG7t8mHP2YUB4OFfz?usp=sharing
~ Kona, Rescheduled to April 4, 31st AnnualKona Brewers Festival at the King Kamehameha Beach Hotel, Kailua-Kona, HI. The Kona Brewers Festival operates under the Rotary Club of Kona Community Foundation and is organized in partnership with the Rotary Clubs of West Hawai‘I (Kona, Kona Sunrise, Kona Mauka, North Hawaii). https://konabrewersfestival.com/tablet/index.html
~April 13, in Hilo, 10:30am at the Café 100. The Rotary Club of Pearl Harbor in coordination with the Rotary Clubs of Hickam Pearl Harbor and Hilo along with Journey to Peace Hawaii, the 100th Battalion Veterans Association, and the West Point Association of Hawaii are sponsoring an Unveiling Ceremony dedicating Storyboards in honor of Richard Miyashiro founder of the Cafe 100 in Hilo and a combat veteran of the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team Nisei Warriors during World War II. See story on District Home page for more information and the invitiation.
~ The District Maui Fire Fund awarded a $30,000 grant to Imua Onipaʻa to provide career coaching and digital literacy training for residents displaced by the 2023 Maui wildfires. Gary Albitz, managing director of Imua Onipa`a, leads a cohort meeting sponsored by Imua Onipa`a. PC: Imua Onipa`a.. The funding supports the organization’s career development program, operated in partnership with the Lahaina YMCA. The initiative aims to move participants from the immediate crisis of job loss into stable employment in high-demand industries. “This grant strengthens a pathway to living-wage work and a more resilient Maui Nui,” Winfrey said. “What makes this partnership special is the Rotarian involvement. Mentorship, career talks, and employer connections are the difference between training and real-world opportunity.” The program focuses on measurable results, including professional credentials earned by participants and subsequent wage growth.
~ The Rotary Club of Ala Moana proudly sponsored and installed a Rotary Peace Pole at King William C. Lunalilo Elementary School on February 24, 2026. During the ceremony, selected students read “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in multiple languages spoken in their homes, reflecting the school’s rich diversity. We are honored that this meaningful event received media coverage, helping amplify Rotary’s message of peace in our community. PDF of article was emailed. Submitted by Konrad Ikei on behalf of Club PE David Kennedy
~The Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunset and the Fukuoka Josei Rotary Club held a sister club agreement ceremony at the Waikiki Yacht Club on Thursday, February 12th. President Takagi stated, "We hope to deepen the ties between our two clubs and further promote our contributions to the local community. We look forward to a fruitful and lasting relationship." Honolulu Sunset Public Image Director Kazu Inakoshi added, "This agreement marks the first step in our two clubs joining forces to advance joint projects for the community and future generations." KZOO Radio CEO and editor came to interview and they posted on the WEB NEWS with photos. Please see photos on this link: https://kzoohawaii.com/hawaii-news/post-31456/ Submitted by Beth Hoban
~In true embodiment of "Service Above Self," Rotary Club of Hilo President Newton Chu is taking his commitment to new heights—or rather, new distances. This June, Newton will represent District 5000 and Hawaii at the Rotary International Convention in Taipei, Taiwan, but not before tackling an inspiring challenge: joining over 300 Rotarians from around the world to ride more than 500 kilometers around Taiwan to raise funds for Polio Plus. "I have learned that International Rotarians are more alike than we are different," Newton shares. "They care about their communities, they care about the world, they care about others." This ride represents more than just a physical challenge—it's a testament to our global Rotary family's shared dedication to eradicating polio worldwide. As our club celebrates its 105th year, Newton's journey reminds us that service knows no borders. Support his efforts and join him in making a difference by donating at https://raise.rotary.org/Newton-Chu/challenge031.
~ Rotary Club of West Kauai will be doing a Taste of Waimea on March 28th with the Waimea HS Friends and Family to raise funds for this year's Project Grad. We are also doing our annual track meet on April 18th slightly modified due to ongoing construction at Vidinha Stadium.
