A December to Remember!
Honoring our 57 year Member, Bobby Fujimoto
Our December 16th's noon-time meeting was a celebration of our distinguished member Bobby Fujimoto's 57 years in our Rotary Club!
Bobby's long career and biography were told to the Club by his son, Mike. Bobby represents the third generation of the Fujimoto family to lead Hawaii Planing Mill, now known as HPM Building Supply. The company was started in 1921 by Bobby's grandfather. Bobby was there when HPM was destroyed by two tsunamis and saw it recover. He was an owner when the United States government took it over during World War II, and his family took the company back at the end of the war.
Our December 16th's noon-time meeting was a celebration of our distinguished member Bobby Fujimoto's 57 years in our Rotary Club!
Bobby's long career and biography were told to the Club by his son, Mike. Bobby represents the third generation of the Fujimoto family to lead Hawaii Planing Mill, now known as HPM Building Supply. The company was started in 1921 by Bobby's grandfather. Bobby was there when HPM was destroyed by two tsunamis and saw it recover. He was an owner when the United States government took it over during World War II, and his family took the company back at the end of the war.
In 1959 Bobby began a profit sharing plan with HPM employees, and in 1977 Bobby's was one of the first Hawaii companies to start an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). HPM Building Supply became 100% employee owned in 2006.
Bobby's life and work exemplify his belief in Rotary's FOUR WAY TEST of things we think, say and do... "Is it the TRUTH?" - "Is it FAIR to all concerned?" - "Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?" and "Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?"
Mayor Harry Kim was inducted to the Club as an Honorary Member... Welcome Back, Harry!
Shane Okimoto, Pastor of the Waiakea Uka Bible Church was inducted into the Club by Sponsor Helene Tajiri and welcomed by President Randy Hart.
Dec. 7 ~ The Sunao Wada Foundation members met to make plans for the new year. This unique foundation works in conjunction with our Sister Rotary Club, the Hiroshima South Club in Japan to perpetuate goodwill, understanding and peace. Youth sponsored by both clubs are able to travel to and experience the culture of each other's country and community. Last August, 13 students and adults from Hiroshima joined our Club at our annual summertime Steak Fry. This foundation, started in 1990 by Russ Oda and Dr. Sunao Wada of Hiroshima South, has brought many Japanese students to Hilo and sent local students to Japan.
Dec. 14 ~ For over 30 years, our Club Members have served up a Holiday Meal at the Kamana Senior Citizens' Center.
Dec. 3 ~ Waiakea High School Interact Club was out in force to help with the Salvation Army's Bell Ringing! Thanks for your hard work!
Dec. 17 ~ Following the excellent example of the Waiakea Interact students, Club members turned out in force to ring the bell for the Salvation Army's annual fundraising drive.