We had a fantastic year. Net membership increase of 16. Fueled by Monthly Mini Mixers exemplified an innovative, relationship-centered approach to membership growth and retention. By creating welcoming, low-pressure opportunities for 8–10 members and guests to connect, events such as Yacht Club Pau Hana, Coffee Notes Morning Meet Up, The Meadery Pau Hana, PIYO Fitness Class, Gut Health Workshop, Bowling at KMC, Santa Workshop and Caroling, Holiday Shop Night, Palace Theatre Ghost Stories and Tour, and Hilo Walk and Talks strengthened fellowship and introduced prospective members to the spirit of Rotary. Targeted recruitment events produced outstanding results: Speed Chat welcomed 21 Rotarians and 9 guests, resulting in 3 new members, while Team Bingo Night welcomed 22 Rotarians and 18 guests, including 8 first-year members, resulting in 7 new members. The club further distinguished itself through intentional onboarding and retention. Coffee Talks connected new members’ personal and professional interests with meaningful committees and relationships, while Orientations grounded them in Rotary International, the club’s mission, activities, and expectations. Through the Mentor/Red Badge Program, new members gained confidence by greeting, leading traditions, attending events, and engaging in club life. A Mid-Year Check-In reinforced retention by gathering feedback and strengthening connection.
This year’s Rotary Foundation giving has been phenomenal. Our Annual Fund giving of more than $37,000 doubled our $18,000 goal. Giving to Polio Plus was more than $15,000 which was over 300% of our goal. A concerted effort was made to reach 100% EREY and we did it! What a great job by our members. I participated in the Tour De Tucson and the Ride to End Polio in Taiwan, while results are not completed yet, I think I raised nearly $10,000. Our International project completed construction of bathrooms for a school in rural Fiji with financial assistance from our sister club in Hiroshima. We also attended their 70th anniversary celebration in Hiroshima Japan as we have been in a sister club relationship for over 50 years.
For Vocational, we had 2 site visits and 1 speaker. While the 2 site visits were fun, the talk given during a regular meeting on the history of the development of the 4-way test in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert Taylor and the Declaration of Totarians in Business reached more Club members and provided a learning opportunity for all, no just new members, but guests as well. It was a reminder that the spirit of Rotary guides us not only when we gather to work on a Rotary Project or attend a meeting but also at our home and workplaces. Our club made a powerful impact for youth across East Hawaiʻi this year through the following initiatives: - Kindergarten Literacy: We conducted monthly readings and provided quarterly take-home books to 400 kindergarteners across 12 elementary schools. - Dictionary Project: 288 dictionaries were delivered to third graders in six elementary schools in East Hawaii. - RYLA Leadership: Jennifer and Gail Takaki chaired RYLA 2026, RC Hilo awarded 21 scholarships to East Hawaiʻi high school students. Mahalo! - HRYF Scholarship: Alden Noguchi Waiakea High School Senior received RCH's $5,000 scholarship. - Interact Support: Rotarians advised and partnered with: - Waiākea High (WHS) Interact: 35 students and 3 faculty members. - LCPCS (Laupahoehoe) Interact: 8 students and faculty members. Both Interact clubs completed multiple school and community service projects, including the Alzheimer's walk, Genki Toss, the Queen Liliuokalani Clean Up, KTA Haunted House, Joint zoom meeting with sister interact students at Shudo High School in HIroshima, Japan and several other service projects.
We attended many community service events, including cleaning up Queen Lilioukulani Park, marching in the Merrie Monarch Parade, helped Hilo Bay Rotary in their Food Fight to end Hunger Campaign. We had representatives at the Taipei International Convention. We continued to perform regular service projects such as preparing meals for the Hilo Home for Recovery. Members assisted with greeting visitors at the Cruise Ship Dock. We even established a pet theraphy group at the Hawaii Island Adult Care center. All in all, a busy and productive year for The 106 year old Rotary Club of Hilo.
With Aloha, Newton Chu, President 1025-26