Our Islands, Our Clubs:

Oahu

Waipahu Elderly Hall Project by West Pearl Harbor

On the first Friday of December for the last 20 plus years, the West Pearl Harbor club has treated residents of the Waipahu Elderly Hall to a “Holiday Bingo Dinner” complete with prizes, a sing-along, goodie bags for every attendee, and a delicious dinner prepared by the Rotary members themselves. This year’s party was attended by more than half of the senior facility’s 70 residents. The Waipahu High School Interact Club and the Phi Theta Kappa Society members held a food drive at their school to contribute to the goodie bags and bingo prizes and served dinner to the seniors. By the end of the evening, many senior residents thanked Rotary for what it does in its community and said “you make us feel so good…” Service Above Self…this is what makes us feel so good!

(Note: Prior approval has been given to post Waipahu High students photos on websites)

Multi-Club H.O.M.E. Project

What a beautiful day it was to enjoy fellowship and make a difference at a Rotary multi- club community event at the John A Burns School of Medicine/ H.O.M.E. Van. On Thursday, August 1st, Presidents from the Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunset, Pau Hana, Waikiki, Hickam Pearl Harbor, and Ala Moana organized members to put hygiene kits for homeless clients who came to get free medical care at the HOME (Homeless Outreach and Medical Education) Van. After receiving medical care, the families were served pizza, donated by Boston Pizza and Jane Ferreira, a Honolulu Sunset member. Additional treats of sweets for dessert were balanced with green veggies and dip, donated and served by the Rotarians. The cupcakes were a hit to the young kids. Cold drinks and ice provided by DGE Naomi Masuno from The Rotary Club of West Oahu, were appreciated as the volunteers were challenged by the humidity and warm air .

After the hygiene kits and meals were served, the Rotarians gathered at the JABSOM school's cafeteria for a pot luck meal. PDG Win's barbecue beef and James' kimchee fried rice were a delight to many, as they enjoyed the fellowship and camaraderie with 50-60 fellow Rotarians. Highlight of the evening was a talk by Program Director of the HOME Van, Michael McNulty, who shared his story about his own struggles with homelessness and how he became connected to the HOME VAN. Kevin, a 2nd year medical student, shared how the HOME VAN helped him hone in on some clinical skills, being involved a a volunteer and also as part of the medical school's curriculum. More so, he learned compassion for the less fortunate and the homeless population. Both inspired many of the club leaders to explore getting involved and helping the mission of the H.O.M.E. Van. The H.O,M.E. Van does not receive any state funding, so they rely on grants and community donations.

Mahalo to Dr. James Ham, President of the Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunset, for leading this event and getting many clubs involved. There were many countless and tireless hours planning and coordinating.....but with Rotarians, service above self connects us to the world outside of Rotary. We can make a difference in our own community!

Rotary Give Thanks Day - East Honolulu

As rotarians, we do community service projects to impact the community, not because we want something in return. But, once in a while, a service project has the ability to change you as much as it changes the community.

On Rotary Gives Thanks Day, the Rotary Club of East Honolulu visited the Hale Ho Aloha Nursing Home. This project was chaired by Jamie Apuna. We visited, passed out holiday necklaces, hot cocoa and cookies, painted with them, and mostly talked story with. Resident charmer Jerry even serenaded us with a few songs. Actually, we could not take the mike away from him.

Waianae Rotary Involvement in Economic Development

On October 7, 2017, the Rotary Club of Waianae was one of the sponsors for a Hooulu Kaiaulu O Waianae 2017, a Community Planning Summit in Waianae. The Waianae Economic Development Council develops economic opportunities on the Waianae Coast. Their goals include building the physical infrastructure for local businesses to develop and grow by utilizing the rich culture, history, natural resources, and people of our community. They strive to increase opportunities for the residents by identifying and addressing economic development priorities. The Council created an ongoing, sustainable and long-term community planning entity to take responsibilities for community planning and development needs on the Waianae Coast and improve access to capital, information, technology and other resources.

At this Planning Summit, a “Report Card” was shared that included demographic data on housing, employment, family, Aina/agriculture, transportation and business development. They discussed the homeless impact on the Waianae Coast. Participants discussed the goals and objectives for the next 3 years, which included developing existing and emerging leadership; identifying and constructing the physical intellectual and social infrastruture to further economic development and stimulate new growth; and building the financial foundation needed to ensure financial sustainability for the efforts to continue.

Rotarian Joseph Lapilio was one of the key organizers and he facilitated the session on economic development. Seven Rotarians from the Waianae Club attended representing one of the many stakeholder groups involved in this community assessment and conversation. As Rotarians, we should consider doing a community assessment to identify the needs of the communities we serve and look for meaningful solutions to make a difference in the lives of those around us. Go to rotary.org to find a Community Assessment Toolkit.