Blessing of the Peace Poles and Solemn but Joyous Hula Marked Peace Ceremony at “Rotary Centennial Park,” Saturday, September 28 2024-10-02 10:00:00Z 0
Newton Chu Attending an Early September Rotary Meeting in Oslo, Norway 2024-09-27 10:00:00Z 0
Representatives of Hilo’s 3 Rotary Clubs Celebrating Peace Week 2024 at Our Club’s Granite Peace Pole 2024-09-25 10:00:00Z 0

Four New Members Join Our Newest Satellite Club
 

 

L-RSera Lu, Kanoa Wilson, Marisol Nelson, Barney Nelson, Past-President Jeremiah Leonard.

 

Past-President Jeremiah Leonard inducted four new members into our club’s newest satellite club for Service Members, Veterans & Families, and First Responders (SMVF). The ceremony took place August 28, 2024, at Kuhio Kalanianaole Park (aka Rotary Park). Inductees are Sera Lu, Kanoa Wilson, Marisol Nelson, and Barney Nelson. Katherine Baca sponsored Marisol; Connie Ichinose sponsored Sera, Kanoa, and Barney.

President Chelsea Mack and Jeremiah also officially installed SMVF, Chaired by Deborah Funai, as a satellite club.

The club was officially formed during the last month of Jeremiah’s tenure.

 

Four New Members Join Our Newest Satellite Club  2024-09-10 10:00:00Z 0

Hiroshima South Sister Club Visit

 
Our sister Club ... the Rotary Club of Hiroshima South flies in for a Visit!
 
Time to meet and greet old friends and new ones as members of RC of Hiroshima South come to town. Dinner, golf, another dinner, adventures with the Japanese students who came. Good fun and building Peace in the World!
Hiroshima South Sister Club Visit 2024-08-27 10:00:00Z 0
The Club Welcomes new members on August 9, 2024 2024-08-11 10:00:00Z 0

DG Visits our August 9, 2024 Club Meeting

 
Hawaii Rotary District 5000 Governor Ted Faigle visited our Club Meeting and started with the induction of 3 new members! He then shared his and Rotary International's vision for the new Rotary Year. Bev Heikes Assistant Governor, Ted, and Chelsey Mack, our club's President were on hand to hear Ted speak.
DG Visits our August 9, 2024 Club Meeting 2024-08-11 10:00:00Z 0

New 2024-25 Club Board

 
One can't have a great Club without a Great Board of Directors!
 
July 12 saw a large group of dedicated Rotary members installed and gearing up for a new year of service... and food.... and FUN!
New 2024-25 Club Board 2024-08-06 10:00:00Z 0

BREWFEST 2024

 
BREWFEST 2024 AT THE HILO YACHT CLUB ON JULY 13,2024
 
Were you there? A beautiful day of good beer, ono-licious food, and great music! All to support the good deeds of the Club in our community and in the world. If you missed it... try again next year about the same time.
BREWFEST 2024 2024-07-16 10:00:00Z 0

5 new members!

The Rotary Club of Hilo is on a roll... 5 new members!
Five new members were inducted on June 21!  
From left to right:
Jeno Enocencio, Vittorio Grieco, John Regan, Dayna Kawazoe, Deborah Funai
5 new members! 2024-07-08 10:00:00Z 0

MINI MIXERS FOR FUN!

ROTARY IS FUN AND FOOD!
Yes, we meet on Fridays and hear about good works going on in the community...
but we also get together for fun, food, and relaxation!
"Mini Mixers" give us an opportunity to get to know our fellow members... and, of course, EAT AND TALK!
MINI MIXERS FOR FUN! 2024-06-17 10:00:00Z 0

dictionaries

Our Club has been distributing Student Dictionaries to third graders for many years... even during the Pandemic!
On May 5, a group of club members were out at schools getting those much-needed dictionaries out to students!
dictionaries 2024-05-31 10:00:00Z 0

park event

FUN DAY AT THE PARK!
Promoted by our ECO Satellite Club, fun, face painting, and plant potting were had by all!
park event 2024-05-31 10:00:00Z 0

CASSIE JOINS

ON APRIL 26, 2024, THE CLUB WELCOMED CASSIE HERNANDEZ!
CASSIE is part of the Community Emergency Response Team and a Master Gardener! Welcome, Cassie!
CASSIE JOINS 2024-05-31 10:00:00Z 0

Joycelyn joins

APRIL 5, 2024 - ANOTHER NEW MEMBER
The Club was happy to welcome JOYCELYN CABAL on April 5. Joycelyn is with HOPE SERVICES HAWAII.
Joycelyn joins 2024-05-31 10:00:00Z 0

Outreach to Military Veterans

Are you a Military Veteran?
You are invited to a "Get to Know You" meeting on Thursday, May 16 from 1 to 2pm at Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers, 500 Kalanianaole Ave! 
Have you always wondered just what Rotary Clubs do and how you could participate? Here's your chance to learn about a "Military Satellite Club" of the Rotary Club of Hilo.
Outreach to Military Veterans 2024-05-03 10:00:00Z 0

SCOTLAND COMES TO HILO

SCOTLAND COMES TO HILO on APRIL 18!
President Gordon, seated beside his wife Heather, is wearing a kukui nut lei. Beside him is District Governor Mark and his wife Kathleen, wearing a maile lei.
 
A totally unique and wonderful event happened on April 18, 2024. For the FIRST TIME EVER... a sitting Rotary International President came to Hilo! Gordon McInally and his wife Heather were feted at a multi-club luncheon event at the Hilo Hawaii Hotel Moku Ola Room. Rotarians from all around the Big Island came to meet and greet the current International President and hear about the continuing good works of Rotary. Also in attendance were Hawaii District Governor, Mark Merriam and his wife Kathleen, along with Rotary Club Presidents from Kona to Hilo.
SCOTLAND COMES TO HILO 2024-04-19 10:00:00Z 0

New Member Jocelyn Cabal

WELCOME NEW MEMBER - JOCELYN CABAL on APRIL 5
We're onboarding yet another new member, Jocelyn Cabal of Home Services Hawaii.  Welcome to the club!
New Member Jocelyn Cabal 2024-04-19 10:00:00Z 0

new members - FEB 16, 2024

NEW CLUB MEMBERS ON FEBRUARY 16, 2024
THREE NEW MEMBERS at one meeting! (L-R)
 
MAEDYNE MOLINA - Retired Workforce Development
SARAH LUCHENBILL - American Cancer Society Associate Director
KELLEY STILLMAN - The Employee Experts Sales Manager
 
WELCOME ABOARD!
 
 
new members - FEB 16, 2024 2024-03-05 10:00:00Z 0

FEBRUARY SPEED CHAT

ROTARY "SPEED CHAT" ON FEBRUARY 22, 2024
It's hard to actually get to know members at meetings... thus a Social SPEED CHAT! Members (and possible new members) lined up across from each other on long tables to CHAT for a total of only 7-8 minutes! What fun (and loud!)...using "notes" write short answers from CHATTERS. Then one side would shift so that people would CHAT with someone else.  Before the CHAT, attendees participated in a fun ICE BREAKER designed to keep people from sitting down and just waiting for something to happen. People had to find someone in the room who had been or done each of the "squares", thus getting people to meet other people. This event was especially helpful for new members who all want to come back... maybe next fall!
FEBRUARY SPEED CHAT 2024-03-05 10:00:00Z 0

PARK CLEAN UP

JANUARY 28, 2024 ~ FIRST SERVICE PROJECT OF THE NEW YEAR!
It was a lovely Sunday morning and volunteers from the Rotary Club of Hilo came together as “Friends of the Kuhio Kalani’ana’ole Centennial Park” to put forth their efforts, connect with the aina, give back to the land and improve the beauty of the park that Rotary began many years prior. Among the Rotarians and jr. Rotarians who participated in the effort were Beckie Marshall, Kari Hoffman and Fred Fischer. Also in attendance dance as supported of the effort were Jeremiah and Brayden Leonard.
PARK CLEAN UP 2024-02-01 10:00:00Z 0

Busy Dec. 15, 2023 Meeting

FINAL MEETING OF THE YEAR ~ DECEMBER 15
 
So much happening at our busy December 15 meeting at the Yacht Club!
 
A new board of Directors for the July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 Rotary year was voted in by the membership!
 
$25,546 was awarded to the Friends of the Children's Justice Center of East Hawaii, the Hilo Medical Center Foundation and the 'Ohana Wa'a Laulima. All moneys were part of the net profit from the 2023 Hilo Brewfest held in July of 2023.
 
A truck full of new toys was collected from the members... going to the Salvation Army's Annual Toy Drive.
 
A nice selection of Teddy Bears was also gathered for the "Friends" to distribute to Police cars. The goal is one Teddy Bear for each active Police car so that officers would have a bear ready to hand to a child who is being removed from a toxic home environment or may be suffering from an injury due to an accident.
 
Busy Dec. 15, 2023 Meeting 2023-12-28 10:00:00Z 0

ROTARY RINGS THE BELL!

EACH YEAR, ROTARY HAS SUPPORTED THE SALVATION ARMY WITH BELL-RINGING... This year at Walmart on Saturday, December 2
Alberta Dobbe, Bev Heikes, and Benson Medina were ringing the bells and watching the kettle fill to the brim! Thanks to all the Rotarians who showed up in shifts to support the Salvation Army.
ROTARY RINGS THE BELL! 2023-12-04 10:00:00Z 0

new members Dec. 1, 2023

2 NEW MEMBERS WERE INDUCTED ON DECEMBER 1 MEETING... RCOH CLUB'S 103 ANNIVERSARY!
SHANE HANLEY (l) from the Hawaii Police Department and Terrianne Brown (r) from the Hawaii Community College, were inducted during our December 1 meeting. Welcome aboard!
new members Dec. 1, 2023 2023-12-04 10:00:00Z 0

WREATH CLASS

NOVEMBER 18 - WREATH CLASS!
A bright sunny day up on the mountain had club members out picking for wreath making. B.J., our leader, started the day out correctly with a DLNR Picking Permit.
After picking, (no lehua, please!) we adjoined to Gail's house for instructions from B.J. Ans what creations we made!
 
 
WREATH CLASS 2023-11-27 10:00:00Z 0

Chicken Hekka

"KANPAI!" Our Club's Annual CHICKEN HEKKA returned on November 16
Cook your own dinner at your table and enjoy warmed sake for a "Kanpai" toast. The last Chicken Hekka was before COVID... and our members and other Rotary friends were happy to join in the fun.
Humorous "cooking instructions" plus plenty ingredients were awaiting our amateur chefs.
Chicken Hekka 2023-11-17 10:00:00Z 0

Reading in Kindergarten

CLUB MEMBERS CONTINUE "READING IN KINDERGARTEN"
Club members fan out to 12 local schools reading to 464 students in Kindergarten during the school year. Every other month, the students receive their very own copy of the book being read. What a fun and educational program!
Reading in Kindergarten 2023-11-13 10:00:00Z 0

Veterans Day Parade

November 4 - Hilo Veterans Day Parade
 
The Rotary Club of Hilo was on site to help with the celebrations!
 
And our own Chelsea Mack was in uniform!
Veterans Day Parade 2023-11-06 10:00:00Z 0

November 3 New Members!

November 3 Brought us 2 New Members!
 
Fred Fischer
Retired Mohave Electric Company
and
Katherine Baca
New American Funding
November 3 New Members! 2023-11-06 10:00:00Z 0

Hilo Airport Peace Pole Dedication

November 3 at the Hilo International Airport... Another Peace Pole Dedication!
Pictured left to right are those involved in helping Design and construct the Peace Pole into reality:  Charlene Iboshi - Rotary Peace Committee; Dave "Tavita" Kunert (Carver); Leroy Chow (Tiler -base); Jeremiah Leonard - Sun Construction - Rotary Club of Hilo; Peter Boucher - Returning Peace Corp Volunteers; RosaLei Quinting -Quinting.vip- Rotary Club of Hilo; and Jon Countess, Returning Peace Corp Volunteers. 
 
Hilo Airport Peace Pole Dedication 2023-11-06 10:00:00Z 0

September 28 Park Clean Up and Tree Planting

On a Beautiful Saturday (September 28). Rotary Club of Hilo Members and Laupahoehoe School Interact
Met to Clean up Weeds and Plant Two Trees
Two Kamani trees, donated by Mountain Meadows, were planted at "Rotary Park"... also known as Prince Kalanianaole Park. These trees will live in the park in remembrance of our club's recently passed members. Many thanks to the Interact students for providing the heavy labor.
And thanks to Rotary Members for the Park Clean Up!
September 28 Park Clean Up and Tree Planting 2023-11-04 10:00:00Z 0

Oct 6 New Members

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
October 6, 2023 brought us two new members! Megan Arbles of KTA Pharmacy and Craig Lawver of Sean Allen Designs, LLC. We welcome their smiling faces and their professional talents!
Oct 6 New Members 2023-10-09 10:00:00Z 0

September 8, 2023 ... Welcome New Members!

Three New Members Came on Board on September 8, 2023
JOY BARUA, Finance Insurance Ltd, President; CLODET WRIGHT, Finance Insurance Ltd, Manager and BRIAN MEAD, Finance Factors Vice President were all inducted during our September 8, 2023 meeting. Welcome Aboard!
September 8, 2023 ... Welcome New Members! 2023-09-15 10:00:00Z 0

Arc of Hilo Visit

Club Members visit the ARCH OF HILO for a tour and a regular meeting
We visited the Laundry Operation and many other sites... with a lunch visit to the TIKI TURTLE cafe
Arc of Hilo Visit 2023-09-12 10:00:00Z 0

Decades of Friendship

DECADES OF FRIENDSHIP
The Rotary Club of Hilo honors its sister Rotary Club of Hiroshima South with loose Anthuriums arranged into a wreath. Each year for decades, the Rotary Club of Hilo has sent a floral arrangement in solemn remembrance and respect for the August 6, 1945 ("Hiroshima Day") bombing of their city.
Decades of Friendship 2023-08-09 10:00:00Z 0

RC of Hilo Rocks the Awards!

THE ROTARY CLUB OF HILO ROCKS THE DISTRICT AWARDS!
Pictured (l-r) Randy Hart, District Governor; Connie Ichinose, Club President; and Beverly Reed, Rotary Zone 26/27 Regional Foundation Coordinator representing Rotary International.
 
At the State of Hawaii May 19-21, 2023 Rotary Convention (which was held in HILO for the first time ever!), our Club absolutely Rocked the Awards!
3 FIRST PLACE Awards;
3 SECOND PLACE Awards;
2 TOP 5 Awards...
and the BIG ONE...... ROTARY CLUB OF THE YEAR FOR LARGE CLUBS
 
We were all so happy and nearly jumping up and down at the announcement. CONNIE ICHINOSE, our current Club President accepted the coveted award on behalf of our entire membership. And what a special honor for RANDY HART, our club member and the current District Governor. A new Rotary year begins on July 1, 2023 with incoming President, Jeremiah Leonard. Go for it, Jeremiah... let's do it two years in a row!
RC of Hilo Rocks the Awards! 2023-05-25 10:00:00Z 0

Wearing a Rotary Pin

Club Ladies Wearing our Rotary Pins!
And Hello to visiting Charlene Meyers! Welcome back!
Wearing a Rotary Pin 2023-03-23 10:00:00Z 0

CLUB DONATES NEARLY $30,000 TO LOCAL NONPROFITS

ROTARY CLUB OF HILO AWARDS NEARLY $32,000 TO THREE NONPROFITS
 
The Rotary Club of Hilo awards nearly $32,000 to three local nonprofits from the proceeds of the Hilo Brewfest 2022. Pictured left to right: Bob Hanley, Club member and Brewfest Originator;  Beverly Heikes, Club President during the June Brewfest; Anita Tatum (kneeling) Club member and Brewfest Chair; Lisa Rantz, Club member and Hilo Medical Foundation E.D.; Chad Cabral-CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Island; Robin Benedict, Program Coordinator for the Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of East Hawaii; and Nicole Chase, (kneeling) Assistant to Robin at the Friends.
 
 
After a two year hiatus, the Rotary Club of Hilo’s signature fundraiser “Hilo Brewfest” came roaring back in June of 2022. People were ready to party and sponsors were ready to help!
 
Presented at the former Wainaku Executive Center which has been bought by Ola Brew, the site overflowed with craft beers, ono-licious food and plenty of good fun.
 
The Hilo Medical Foundation’s Primary Care Physician Training and the Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of East Hawaii were again the two signature beneficiaries. Each received $13,300. Added for this year was the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Island for $5,320. These awards total nearly $32,000 that stays right here to help our local communities.

“It was especially a challenge this year,” said Anita Tatum Brewfest Chair. “The Brewfest was slated for June 26 and we weren’t even sure we could have a large gathering until early March. Our Brewfest planning normally starts in December/January!”
 
“We were again blessed by many local breweries who jumped at the chance to participate,” said Bob Hanley, Brewfest Originator and Beer Contact. “Also a mahalo to our local restaurants who all stepped up at the last moment!”
 
“We were especially pleased at the number of Sponsors who joined in Hilo Brewfest 2022,” said Beverly Heikes, Rotary Club President at the time of the festival. “It is so heartening to see our local businesses step up so that we would be able to help our 2022 beneficiaries.”
 
Plans are already underway for Brewfest 2023 which will occur in July instead of June. And because the Ola Brew renovations of the former Wainaku Center will be in full swing, the Rotary Club of Hilo is proud and excited to announce that the 2023 Brewfest will be held at the Hilo Yacht Club.
 
Watch for more details and the new year’s festival approaches. Log on to hilorotary.org for more information about the club and updates about Brewfest 2023 as information becomes available.
CLUB DONATES NEARLY $30,000 TO LOCAL NONPROFITS 2022-12-14 10:00:00Z 0

cooking again

ミ★ Go Cook Um Crew ★彡
On Thursday, October 6, the GO COOK 'EM CREW treated the residents of Hawaii Island Home for Recovery grilled pork chops with wild rice, homemade Cole slaw, and a huge piece of homemade carrot cake! Yummm! These amazing folks cook EVERY THURSDAY!
cooking again 2022-10-07 10:00:00Z 0

Eco- project

ECO-PROJECT on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1
On Saturday, October 1,  Rotarians and community members (future Rotarians?) came together to help clear the shoreline of the ponds by Seaside Restaurant of invasive plants to entice native water birds to return.  Thank you to future member Kumiko Mattison for heading up and organizing this project. The work site is absolutely beautiful and the work is oddly satisfying. Be on the lookout for more Aina Ho`ola work days.
Eco- project 2022-10-07 10:00:00Z 0

peace pole

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
 
OUR "CENTENNIAL" PEACE POLE FINALLY INSTALLED AT MO'OHEAU PARK
 
Remember our Centennial year 2020? Remember Covid 19, lockdowns, shutdowns, and the fear and uncertainty it caused? Remember how our club faced the adversity and following the leadership of President Nancy Cabral, we achieved more than most clubs did? President Nancy had a tough year for sure, and leaned upon her executives, VP Kerry Glass and Secretary Susan Munro. But one thing they couldn't complete was President Nancy's vision of a permanent and beautiful granite Peace Pole to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the Rotary Club of Hilo.
Well... better late than never, right?????
 
So all who attended last Friday's Peace Pole dedication were transported back to the year 2020. Past President Nancy Cabral was magically transformed to President again and ran our Mooheau Park Meeting. With help from Rotary Club of Hilo Bay's Tim Hansen, Rotary Club of South Hilo's Charlene Iboshi, Cou Ty of Hawaii Managing Director, Lee Lord, Connect Point's Pastor Dion Maeda, and Pole Engraver Mike Sasaki our Peace Pole was unveiled and presented for all to enjoy while pondering the concept, "May Peace Prevail on Earth."
peace pole 2022-09-30 10:00:00Z 0

walk and talk 2

AUGUST 10
Hilo Rotarians on another WALK AND TALK tour with Harvey! So much fun to learn about the wonderful town in which we live!
walk and talk 2 2022-08-10 10:00:00Z 0

PAINTING PAHOA!

AUGUST 6
PAINT THE TOWN
Rotarians revitalizing Pahoa Town. Local artist Keone Alvarez laid out a grid for his mural and Rotarians from East Hawaii Clubs and the Eco Rotary Club of Kaka’ako joined in to “paint by number”.
PAINTING PAHOA! 2022-08-09 10:00:00Z 0

MEMBERSHIP MIXER!

JULY 27
Ola Brew Membership Mixer
A great mix of new and long-time Rotarians gathered and socialized with many prospective members, wanting to get to know Rotary more.  Pupus, drinks, fellowship, and fun was had by all!
MEMBERSHIP MIXER! 2022-08-09 10:00:00Z 0

WALKING AROUND TOWN

JULY 26
EXPLORING HILO WITH HARVEY
The Rotary Club of Hilo explores the old railroad tracks around Banyan Drive. This is the first in a series of Harvey’s (Harvey Tajiri) Hometown Walk and Talks. Rain or shine our Rotarians keep going!
 
 
WALKING AROUND TOWN 2022-08-09 10:00:00Z 0

FUN AND EXERCISE!

JULY 24
Fun Pickle Ball class!
Nice work players! You went from how to hold the paddle to playing a real game in 90 minutes! Mahalo to our seasoned trainers Connie and Audrey, and our event host Jen. Players included Tina, Beverly, Treena, guests Beth and Brooklyn.
FUN AND EXERCISE! 2022-08-09 10:00:00Z 0

Go Cook 'Em continues its awesome job!

Continuing their faithful Thursday Lunch "Go Cook 'Em Crew" stirs up delicious lunches for the residents of the Hawaii Island Home for Recovery.
They have been doing this weekly for MONTHS!
Go Cook 'Em continues its awesome job! 2022-07-26 10:00:00Z 0

A NEW ROTARY YEAR STARTS!

 
 
Friday, July 1 started our New Rotary Year and was also the installation of 4 East Hawaii Rotary Clubs and our own ROTARY DISTRICT GOVERNOR!
(l-r) Connie Ichinose, Rotary Club of Hilo; Randy Hart, District 5000 Rotary Governor (for the whole state!); Susie Osborne, Rotary Club of Pahoa Sunset; Catherine Rehberg of Rotary Club of South Hilo; Mayor Mitch Roth, Keynote Speaker and a member of our club; and Ron Cutler, co-President of Rotary Club of Pahoa Sunset. Everyone is looking forward to a new Rotary year with more in-person meetings, service projects and social gatherings! I Mua!
A NEW ROTARY YEAR STARTS! 2022-07-09 10:00:00Z 0

Club Member Wally Wong Receives Special Rotary Award

WALLY WONG OF ROTARY CLUB OF HILO NAMED AS STATE-WIDE ROTARY AWARDEE
 
It’s not enough to make it to Rotary meetings. It’s not enough to manage a single service project. It’s not enough to help our local community. In order to win the annual recognition by Rotary’s State-wide district, you have to be a Super Rotarian!
 
Rotary has five “avenues of service” in every club. “Club Service” is directly helping a person’s own club. Being a Greeter, supporting every club event, helping new members find their way. “Vocational Service” means sponsoring vocational outings for club members, helping our youth learn about job opportunities, helping workers work better in their jobs. “Community Service” is just what one would expect… beach clean-ups, backpacks filled with school supplies for needy students, feeding our Kupuna. “Youth Service” brings free books to Kindergarteners, student dictionaries to third graders and even renovating run-down classrooms. “International Service” supports projects around the world, creates opportunities for foreign youth to visit Hilo, promoting peace between cultures.
 
Wally Wong, a Rotarian since 1995, was awarded the annual District “Avenues of Service” Award for his outstanding work in ALL the five areas of service. Only one Rotarian out of 1,600 Hawaii members in 53 clubs around the islands is recognized annually for this prestigious award. The Rotary Club of Hilo is proud to acknowledge Wally’s dedicated work over his 27 years of Rotary membership. Ho'omaika'i 'ana, Wally!
 
Caption for photo:
Wally Wong (holding the Rotary Award) is congratulated (l-r) by Beverly Heikes, Club President, Past District Governor Naomi Masuno., and Nancy Cabral, Past Club President. Only one Rotarian is awarded this honor each year out of all the 1600 plus members in the state. Congrats, Wally!
Club Member Wally Wong Receives Special Rotary Award 2022-03-18 10:00:00Z 0

RCOH Awards $16,000 to Two Nonprofits

ROTARY CLUB OF HILO AWARDS $16,000 TO TWO NON-PROFITS
 
The Rotary Club of Hilo presented two checks of $8,000 each to their annual signature beneficiaries at the November 19th club meeting. The Hilo Medical Center Foundation’s Primary Care Physician Training and the Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of East Hawaii were on hand for the awarding of the Hilo Brewfest’s annual fundraiser.
 
(l-r) Bob Hanley, Brewfest Committee Chair; Beverly Heikes, current Club President; Tim Beatty, Club Foundation Chair; Robin Benedict, Professional Staff of the Friends of the CJCEH; Nancy Cabral, Immediate Past Club President; Lisa Rantz, Club member and Hilo Medical Foundation Executive Director; and Marcia Prose, Club member and current President of the Friends.
RCOH Awards $16,000 to Two Nonprofits Marcia Prose 2022-02-24 10:00:00Z 0

100 years and counting!

100 years of Service Above Self
 
100 years ago, on December 1, 1920 the Rotary Club of Hilo
became the second club in the Territory of Hawai’i .  
 THE HILO HOTEL, 1920
  Carl S. Carlsmith was named the first President and meetings were held at the old Hilo Hotel.,Over the 100 years, Rotary has been a vital part of the Hilo community. Many significant events and activities have grown our club from the original 13 men only members to nearly 100 members.  Almost half the members are women, including our current President, Nancy Cabral, who was also the first female member of the club back in 1988.
A few of our significant accomplishments include:
1949 - After the end of WWII, Carl Carlsmith wrote to   
   General Douglas MacArthur suggesting that restoring Japan to Rotary would foster World Peace.
   MacArthur agreed and at the 1949-50 International Rotary Conference, Japan was welcomed back into
   Rotary. Five years later (1955), our club sponsored the Rotary Club of Hiroshima.
1955 – Founded the Boys Club of Hilo. Today it is the Boys and Girls Club of Hilo.
1970-71 – Established the sister-city Rotary relationship with Hiroshima South.  
1981 – Served Christmas meals for Kamana Senior Citizens Center. The tradition continues for 40 years.
1997 – Participated in the reforestation of native Koa forest on Mauna Kea above Hakalau.
1999 – Partnered with other Rotarians to sponsor a water purification system in India.
2005 – Teamed with the other east Hawaiʻi Rotary Clubs to clean a shoreline area to create Kūhiō
   Kalanianaʻole Park (Rotary Centennial Park).
2009 – Founded first major Club Fundraiser for several years – with the monies raised going to the Hilo
   Medical Center Rural Residency Program and other projects through the Club’s Foundation.
2013 – Initiated the Rotary Global Peace Forum held in Honolulu.
2013 – Established the Club’s current fundraiser – Hilo Brewfest.
2016 – Served first Hawaiʻi Island Home for Recovery Thanksgiving meal, continuing today.
2017 – Donated $30,000 that went toward the purchase of Shelter Boxes, tents, shelter kits, and tarps
   helping 1764 Fijian households after the devastating earthquake.
2018 – Helped to fund the Global TeleMedicine Project, our club recognized for District International Service.
2019 – Established a satellite Rotary Club – the “Social Squad”
2020 – Developed a video to coordinate with and support Dictionaries for Youth.
2020 – Cooking meals twice a week for the Hawaiʻi Island Home for Recovery, ongoing.
2020 – Creating alternative methods of delivery to continue Reading in Kindergarten, ongoing.
2020 – Helping with the Rotary COVID response in our community. (see below!)
 
NEW MEMBERS
Our meetings are all by Zoom... kind of hard to take great photos of new members!
Welcome to three new members during December!
 
DANIELLE PRESTON - Education
SHAUN O’BRIEN - Sun Construction
AARON BLAKE - Sun Construction
 
 
SPECIAL AWARDS!
CHARLENE and AMOS MEYERS

This amazing couple was honored with the “White Hat” Rotary International Award during our last Zoom meeting.
 
IN THE COMMUNITY!
“GO COOK ‘EM CREW”
Rotarians and Community Members help cook meals every Thursday for residents at the Hawaii Island Home for Recovery. These chefs also cooked up a great Thanksgiving Day Feast.
 
100 MONTHLY "THINGS" UPDATE
 
120+ Trees Planted around town!
 
100 Hygiene Bags for Homeless Women assisted by UHH Delta Sigma Pi
 
PLUS....
175 boxes of Food distributed to the community.
 
100 people attended our Dec. 1 100th Anniversary meeting... by ZOOM!
100 years and counting! Marcia Prose 2020-12-30 10:00:00Z 0

Busy in October

OCTOBER HAPPENINGS
 
New Members
Our meetings are all by Zoom... kind of hard to take great photos of new members!  Welcome to four new members during October!
 
PATTI BRAY
Hilo Medical Center Foundation
 
IZZY HUERTAS
Hawaii Home for Recovery
 
LARA HUGHES
First Hawaiian Bank
 
LEANA POHEVITZ
Law Student
 
 
“GO COOK ‘EM CREW”
Rotarians and Community Members help cook meals every Thursday for residents at the Hawaii Home for Recovery. October 29 gave everyone an opportunity to have a bit of Halloween fun!
 
UPDATE ON OUR "100 THINGS"
 
OCTOBER GOAL: 100 MASKS
RESULT: 1317 MASKS!
Thanks to all who contributed!
 
NOVEMBER GOAL: 100 TREES PLANTED
 
You can be a part of the count! If you plant a tree in November, let us know on our website: hilorotary.org
 
ROTARY MEANS BUSINESS
 
You may have noticed that all our new members are always paired with either the business they represent or with their areas of service. Check us out!
 
Alarm & Access Control Technologies ~ Bay House Bed and Breakfast
BJ Penn Enterprises ~ C. Y. Shikuma, MD, Inc. ~ Century 21 Homefinders of Hawaii
Chris Brilhante Realty LLC ~ Church of the Holy Cross UCC
Coldwell Banker Island Properties ~ Converged Telcom ~ County of Hawaii
CU Hawaii FCU ~ Day-Lum Rentals & Management, Inc. ~ Dept. of Human Services
Department of Water Supply ~ Dodo Mortuary, Inc.
Double H Printed Products, LLC ~ First Hawaiian Bank  ~ Global Offsite Care Hawaii Electric Light Company ~ Hawaii Fire Department
Hawaii Fresh Products, Inc. ~ Hawaii Island Home for Recovery
Hawaii Printing / Instant Sign Center ~ Hawaiian Telecom
Healing Hands Publishing ~ Hilo Hearing Aid ~ Hilo Medical Center Foundation  Hilo Surplus Store ~ Homelani Memorial Park ~ I Kitagawa & Co ~ Images of Hawaii
Iokua Real Estate ~ K&J Tire Center Inc ~ Kama’aina Motors & Kamaaina Nissan
Kilauea Military Camp ~ Lex Brodie's Tire Co ~ Naomi's World Travel Service
Orchid Isle Auto Center ~ Palace Theater ~ Ron Dolan, CPA & Associates, Inc.
Salvation Army ~ Student at CUNY School of Law ~ Subway Sandwiches
Torkildson Katz Hetherington Harris Knorek Chu
University of Hawaii at Hilo ~ Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii (VASH)
Waiakea Uka Bible Church ~ Wong Way Farms
Yamanaka Enterprise ~ YWCA of Hawaii Island
Busy in October Pro 2020-11-12 10:00:00Z 0

RCOH Doings in September

We've been busy... even during Covid!
 
NEW MEMBER
Kazuo Todd, County Fire Department First Responder
 
 
 
"SOCIAL SQUAD" Helps out Hawaii Rise Foundation's Project
 
AUGUST 19 at the TEMPLE BAR
It was still possible to meet, have fun and do good for the community.  The club’s “Social Squad” met at the Temple Bar and was able to collect over $400 to donate to the HAWAII RISE FOUNDATION’s Hygiene Packs. What a great job this community organization does to help in our East Hawaii community! Below, some of HAWAII RISE’s members pack up supplies for distribution.
 
 
OUR CLUB'S "100 THINGS" MONTHLY PROJECTS
 
100 School Backpacks
Since this is our 100th Anniversary Year as a Chartered Rotary Club, we've set out to "do / accomplish / collect "100 Things" each month. AUGUST's project was 100 Backpacks. Keiki served by The Salvation Army needed backpacks, and our club made assembling 100 of them as our August “100 Things” project. Our “100 Things” is a project for each month — a challenge to collect 100 of something that is needed in our community. SUCCESS!  We collected 136 backpacks.
 
100 CANS OF SPAM FOR SEPTEMBER
Our project for September is 100 cans of SPAM for the Food Basket.  Want to help? You can drop off cans at either Day Lum Rentals & Management at 2 KamAvenue or Hawaii Printing Corp at714 Kanoelehua Avenue. And thank you!
 
 
OH, AND BTW... CONGRATS TO OUR CLUB MEMBER BUSINESSES WHO WERE RECOGNIZED IN THE HAWAII TRIBUNE-HERALD'S "BEST OF" 2020!
 
FIRST PLACE!
 
DODO MORTUARY
Funeral Home
 
DAY LUM RENTALS
& MANAGEMENT

Property Management
 
K&J TIRES
Tire Shop

LEX BRODIE'S FAST LUBE
Oil Change
 
 
And six more in Second Place:
 
ORCHID ISLE FORD

FIRST HAWAIIAN BANK

CU HAWAII FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

HAWAII PRINTING CORP

LEX BRODIES TIRES

SUBWAY SANDWICHES

HILO HEARING CENTER
 
Congratulations, members!
 
RCOH Doings in September 2020-09-23 10:00:00Z 0

Busy in August

AUGUST IS ROTARY MEMBERSHIP MONTH!
Why Join Rotary?
Professional Networking ~ Service Opportunities ~ International Awareness
Friendship ~ Good Citizenship ~ Youth Development ~ Ethical Environment ~ FUN!

It’s where PEOPLE OF ACTION, neighbors, friends and problem-solvers share ideas, join leaders,
and take action to create lasting change.
 
    As our club begins celebrating the 100th years of existence (our birthday will be on December 1, 2020) we invite you to join us and more than a million other people world-wide in 35,000+ clubs.
    Want to help locally? Nationally? Worldwide? Rotarians contribute over 16 million volunteer hours every year... and you can be a part of the projects that create lasting solutions!
    And yes, we are still meeting, even in this stressful time of Covid. We meet in person when and where it makes sense, and we offer ZOOM meetings for those who wish to stay home.
Fill out the form on CONTACT US  on our website: hilorotary.org
 
DOINGS IN OUR COMMUNITY
 
HOW DO YOU DEMO A SCIENCE LAB IN ONE DAY?
You get seven Club Rotarians together and stand back!
Saint Joseph School says “Thank You!” to Jeremiah Leonard, Misti Tyrin, James Tyrin, Malcolm Chun, Wally Wong, Patrick Smith
and Bobby Dugar. (not in order shown)
 
BACKPACKS!

School will begin soon and many children will need a new backpack.  Why New? Because other keiki will have their new backpacks, but if the child is homeless or living in a poverty situation, that child won’t have the same new thing. It’s very hard to feel “normal” when your clothing or “accessories” don’t match the other keiki. For our “100 things each month”, our club is gathering 100 brand new backpacks for distribution to needy children.
 
AND IN JAPAN....
 
FLOWERS TO HIROSHIMA
“Yesterday, Vice President Toru Nakano, Director Mitsunori Ueno, Secretay Tetsuro Hiraga, Deputy Secretary Naoto Kawai of the Hiroshima South Rotary Club and I, Yuji Saiki, president, went to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park to offer the anthuriums you had sent us for the Atomic Bomb Victims Memorial. I’m sure that the anthuriums will comfort the spirits of the victims.”
Busy in August 2020-08-12 10:00:00Z 0

100th Year President - Nancy Cabral

 
On July 1, Nancy Cabral became the new president of the Rotary Club of Hilo for its 100th year. Nancy joined the club on January 29, 1988 as the first woman member and has served in various capacities since that time. As the owner of Day-Lum Inc. she is active in business and in the community.  
 
100th Year President - Nancy Cabral 2020-07-02 10:00:00Z 0

Rotary and Covid-19

Spring 2020
 
New Club Members
Beckie Marshall, VASH Services
 
Lani Olds, Homelani Memorial Gardens
 
Shane Shitabata, Nissan
 
 
Our Club's Youth Scholarship Awardee: Miya Yanagisawa

Miss Miya Yanagisawa is the Rotary Club of Hilo's selection to receive a $5,000 Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation Scholarship for the 2020-2021 school year. Miya reports: “I am 18 years old and am a part of the graduating class of 2020 from Waiakea High School.  I plan to attend San Diego State University in the fall to pursue a degree in Business Marketing."
 
 
WHAT HAS ROTARY BEEN DOING
DURING THIS COVID-19 PANDEMIC?
 
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL: RI has contributed over $18 million to Pandemic relief and is working the  Global TeleMedicine Project which is training and consulting using best practices on treating Covid-19 Virus.
 
 
ROTARY IN HAWAII STATE:
1600 Rotarians across the state have been working together and partnering with organizations to find creative solutions to critical needs in response to COVID19. Financial support from the District has helped individual clubs respond to needed Covid related local projects.
 
 
AND ALL OUR BUSY EAST HAWAII ROTARY CLUBS:
 
ROTARY CLUB OF HILO:
RCOH contributed $1000 to the Kupuna of Keaukaha Meals program along with Hilo Bay Club, the Hilo Yacht Club, and Hawaii Rise. The club also contributed to the Tele-medicine project of RI.
 
 
ROTARY CLUB OF SOUTH HILO:
The South Hilo club awarded $4,000 each to the Salvation Army, Keiki Care Packs, Boys and Girls Club, Friends of the Children’s Justice Center East Hawaii and Kuikahi Mediation Center.
 
 
ROTARY CLUB OF HILO BAY:
Hilo Bay donated $5,000 to the Boys & Girls Club Meal Program, $1375 to The Food Basket plus rebagging over 30,000 lbs of rice, $1,000 to the Friends of the Children's Justice Center of East Hawaii and $2500 to the Kupuna Project.
 
 
ROTARY CLUB OF VOLCANO:
This club provided lei and a congratulations card for each graduating Senior from Ka’u High School and helped with the KMC weekend flag raising.
 
 
ROTARY CLUB OF PAHOA SUNSET:
Pahoa Sunset Club contributed $500 to Hawaii Food Basket and $200 and a sewing machine to Youth Challenge Academy Hawaii.
 
 
Rotary and Covid-19 2020-06-18 10:00:00Z 0

Memorial of Bobby Fujimoto

 
With great sadness, we announce the loss of our Badge #1 member Bobby Fujimoto. Bobby was a major pillar in the Hawaii Community and he loved Rotary. In loving memory of Bobby, Newton Chu has written a memorial, below.
 
Aloha,
 
Anna Liu
President 2019-2020
Memorial of Bobby Fujimoto 2020-04-24 10:00:00Z 0

April Virtual Meeting

RCH’s First Friday Zoom Meeting!

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Members joined the Zoom event well before noon, so we had a few minutes to greet and chat. Then meeting host Kerry Glass rang his cow bell, and the first-ever remote meeting of the Rotary Club of Hilo began exactly at noon on Friday, April 17.

 A person sitting on a tableDescription automatically generated

April Virtual Meeting 2020-04-17 10:00:00Z 0

"THINKING" and "DOING" in February!

THINKING....
 
February 7 - WEAR RED
Wearing RED at our Friday Meeting to help raise awareness about Women’s Heart Health.
 
 
February 19 - SOCIAL SQUAD
Having fun and fellowship with club members and friends, the SOCIAL SQUAD met at the Temple Bar on a mid-February Wednesday night. $300 was raised to support the club’s ongoing support of a literacy project in Fiji. Join us on March 18!
 
 
FEBRUARY THEME:
PEACE-BUILDING AND CONFLICT PREVENTION/ RESOLUTION

Every month, Rotary International has a “theme”, an “area of focus” for Rotary members around the world to think about and, in many cases, make plans for international projects that can promote peace.
 
 
WHERE DO OUR NEW LEADERS COME FROM?
 
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts where high school youth develop their skills as leaders while having fun and making connections.  Club members and Rotarians from other East Hawaii Rotary Clubs worked hard to put on this hands-on mentoring event the last weekend in February.
 
 
 

 
The Rotary Club of Hilo
meets nearly every Friday at noon in the Queen’s Court Restaurant at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel.
Drop by and speak to our GREETERS at the door! Welcome!
 
 
 
No time for lunch with us on a Friday?
Join us for our monthly *Social Squad* event at Temple Bar on Wednesday,  3/18 at 5:30pm.  We’ll be supporting the *Center for Tomorrow’s Leaders Ambassadors Program" at Pahoa High & Intermediate School.
"THINKING" and "DOING" in February! 2020-03-13 10:00:00Z 0

January 2020... new year... new members!

Wow! Six New Members in January!
 
Ben Marks ~ Peco Arts
 
D'Andrea Pelletier ~ our own Opera Singer!
 
Danni Gardner ~ Day Lum Associations
 
Julie Kron ~ Paralegal
 
Patrick Smith ~ Retired
 
Reese Mates ~ Rotary Shelter Box
 
 
BREWFEST RETURNS ON JUNE 27!
 
 
The Hilo Brewfest is a fun afternoon of beer tasting, food sampling and entertainment. And it’s also our club’s Signature Fundraising Event that supports two local nonprofits (see below) and other smaller contributions to many projects both local and worldwide.
THIS YEAR, WATCH FOR OUR NEW “BREW-WEEK” FILLED WITH BEER AND FOOD PAIRINGS & FUN!
 
OUR BREWFEST RECIPIENTS
 
The Hilo Medical Foundation Residency Program
 
The Friends of the Children's Justice Center of East Hawaii
 
 
OUR CLUB'S SOCIAL SQUAD
 
No time for lunch with us on a Friday? Join us for our monthly “Social Squad”... coming up this month on February 19 at the Temple Bar at 64 Keawe Street in Hilo.
Our February event is in support of Literacy in Fiji with collected funds going to buy books and school materials for impoverished schools on some of those small, isolated islands.
 
 
 
January 2020... new year... new members! 2020-02-12 10:00:00Z 0

A REALLY BUSY DECEMBER!

December 7 ~ “Waianae Parade”

Assistant Rotary District Governor and club member Randy Hart drives District Governor Eric Kaler and his wife in the annual Rotary sponsored Christmas Parade through downtown Waianae. Good, safe driving, Randy!
 
 
December 11 ~ “Seniors’ Luncheon”

Club members gathered to present a delicious luncheon to seniors at the Kamana Senior Center. Singing and live entertainment accompanied the serving of this traditional meal provided by our club.
 
December 12-14 ~ “Craft Fair”

Member Mike poses with a “friend” at our third annual Kama’aina Christmas Craft Fair held at the Civic Center Butler Building. Over 1000 shoppers stopped by to see hand made crafts by local crafters... plus delicious BBQ from a food truck.
 
December 14 ~ “Bell Ringing”

Club members turn out for shifts of Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army outside of Macys at the Mall. Good fun and holiday cheer plus ample donations make this annual effort well worth the time.
 
December 12 ~ “Bali Report”

Randy Hart “reports” to the club about the trip to Bali. Rotarians were able to make a difference by providing prosthetic legs to amputees, working on restrooms in a nearby school... a great international project sponsored by our Rotary Hawaii district.
 
December 18 ~ “Social Squad”

Members and friends met at the Temple Bar for an evening of socializing and fundraising to help with the Foster Siblings Holiday Party. Over $500 was gathered for the present exchange. (see the December 23rd post!)
 
December 23 ~ “Sibling Party”

Often times, siblings who go into Foster Care don’t get to see each other at Christmas time. The Teen Board of “HI H.O.P.E.S.” and “Epic ‘Ohana” planned a holiday get together for teen siblings held at Solid Rock East Hawaii church in Pahoa. But “presents” were needed for the teens to “shop” for their siblings.  The Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of East Hawaii joined in for the program... and were able to buy “presents” thanks in part to the fundraising of our “Social Squad” members and friends.”
 
JOIN US!
 
No time for lunch with us on a Friday? Join us for our  “Social Squad”...coming in February
 
Our club meets nearly every Friday at noon at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. Want to join us for lunch and community networking? Leave us a message on our website: hilorotary.com
 
A REALLY BUSY DECEMBER! Marcia Prose 2020-01-08 10:00:00Z 0

NOVEMBER HAD THE CLUB "OUT AND ABOUT"!

NOVEMBER STARTS THE HOLIDAY SEASON!
 
 
 
December 18 ~ No time for lunch with us on a Friday?
Join us for our monthly “Social Squad”... coming up this month on December 18 at the Temple Bar at 64 Keawe Street in Hilo. Our Dec 18th event is in support of The FRIENDS of the Children's Justice Center of East Hawaii Sibling Holiday Party. The party is for youth who have been separated from their siblings and will be reunited and able to celebrate together!   If you are unable to attend Social Squad event, you can still donate by visiting
www.fcjcEastHawaii.org and click DONATE.
 
November 7 ~  Salvation Army Kettle Kickoff
Members of our club enjoyed some great entertainment at the Red Kettle Kickoff with comic Augie T. Plus everyone loved to get an ono-licious Breakfast that they didn’t have to cook!
 
November 15 - Breakfast... again!
Another breakfast... this time for the new edition of the Hilo Hospital Foundation’s Residency Program. New interviewees were greeted by hospital staff and club members.
 
November 16 - Rotary Assembly
Members were on hand to learn about Rotary International’s Foundation and how local clubs can interact with this large, top flight charitable organization.
 
November 21 ~ “Social Squad”
It was a casual, after-hours get together, this time at The Temple Bar. Starting at 5;30pm and going until 7:30pm, members and non-members learn about projects that our club is working on.
 
November 23 ~ Waiakea HS Students
Cooked turkey needs to be shredded in preparation for the Salvation Army’s Annual Thanksgiving meal. Who better to help than high school students not afraid to get their hands involved.
 
November 28 ~ Thanksgiving
While their own turkeys were cooking, club members worked in the kitchens of the Hawaii Home for Recovery preparing turkey and fixins’ for the hungry residents.
 
 
NOVEMBER HAD THE CLUB "OUT AND ABOUT"! Marcia Prose 2019-12-10 10:00:00Z 0

OCTOBER OUT AND ABOUT!

NEW MEMBER
JOY MATSUURA
 
OCTOBER READING IN KINDERGARTEN
Many of our Rotarians spread out to read a great story to 537 students. Reading continues through May of 2020.
 
OCTOBER STUDENT DICTIONARIES
Over 350 Student Dictionaries were delivered by Rotarians to 3rd graders in schools around Hilo and nearby towns. And they came will a short lesson on how to use them.
 
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER IN BALI
Making a difference in Bali! Rotarians provided prosthetic legs to amputees, worked on rest rooms in a nearby school... and ate lots of great food!
 
OCTOBER 17 ~ ANNUAL CHICKEN HEKKA
Cook your own dinner... and what better plan than to have our club President cook and serve us! It was delicious, Anna!
 
OCTOBER 19 ~ "PEACE POLE"
Members of four East Hawai’i Rotary Clubs erected a “Peace Pole” at the Rotary Centennial Park on Reed’s Bay.  “Let peace prevail on earth” is written in several languages. The Peace Committee hopes to map more poles across the island.
 
OCTOBER 23 ~ "SOCIAL SQUAD"
Want to participate in our club, but can’t make the Friday noon lunch? Join our once-a-month “Social Squad.” Next meeting Nov. 21 at 5:30pm at the Temple Bar, 64 Keawe St, Hilo
 
OCTOBER 26 ~ YWCA's WALK
Rotarians gathered to “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” for a fundraiser in downtown Hilo. Whose hairy legs are those walking in high heel shoes?
 
OCTOBER 26 ~ FRIENDS' MTM PARTY
Always ready for a party for a good cause, Club members attended the Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of East Hawaii’s Mai Tai Masquerade. And our Mitch won best Celebrity Bartender!
 
OCTOBER 31 ~ HALLOWEEN DOINGS
Club members and other Rotarians were ready for the Trick or Treaters at the Parks and Recreation’s Community Halloween festivities!
 
 
OCTOBER OUT AND ABOUT! Marcia Prose 2019-11-15 10:00:00Z 0

September Recap

SEPTEMBER 2019
 
OUT AND ABOUT
 
September 7 - Beach Cleanup
Our High School “Interactors” (that’s Rotary Jr!) head to the beach along the Queen Liliu’okalani Park to pick up and bag rubbish.
 
 
September 14 - District Meeting
Members of our club join with other East Hawaii Rotary clubs to meet and listen to Eric Kaler, the Hawaii State Rotary District Governor.
 
 
September 21 - Walking for Good
Club members and Interact members combine to walk for support at the 2019 Alzheimer’s Walk in Hilo.
 
 
JOIN OUR CLUB IN DEVELOPING OUR YOUTH
Rotary is not just about meetings and service... it’s also about mentoring and supporting our youth. These are our leaders of tomorrow! We get started with Kindergartners!
 
READING IN KINDERGARTEN
We read to 537 Kindergartners and give them their own books 4 times a year.
 
 
DICTIONARIES FOR 3RD GRADE
We give out 350+ Student Dictionaries to third grade students.
 
 
ELEMENTARY HALLOWEEN FUN
We contribute Halloween Candy for the Parks and Recreation’s Safe Halloween Fun.
 
 
HIGH SCHOOL INTERACT
We mentor High School students through their INTERACT clubs.
 
 
HIGH SCHOOL STEM
We support NEX TECH that teaches STEM skills.
 
 
ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
We help with the RYLA conference for high school students.
 
 
COLLEGE ROTARACT
We involve “almost Rotarians” attending UH Hilo..
September Recap Marcia Prose 2019-10-09 10:00:00Z 0

AUGUST WAS MEMBERSHIP MONTH... and we focus on LOCAL SERVICE!

JOIN US!
WEEKLY MEETINGS
We meet nearly every Friday at noon at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. Interested? Send us an email through our website on the: CONTACT TAB: hilorotary.org.
 
SOCIAL SQUAD MEETING
Can’t make those Friday noon meetings? Join us through our “Social Squad”, an after hours branch of our club where people can gather to discuss community minded events and projects. See you on Sept. 18 at 5:30pm at the Hilo Yacht Club!
 
JOIN OUR CLUB IN HELPING
OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES!
We carry out service projects that enhance economic and community development and support the efforts of other community organizations and non-profits. Together we make a difference right here in East Hawaii.
 
LABORING:
• BAY FRONT CLEAN UP
• BEACH CLEAN UP
• PAINTING
• PARK CLEAN UP
 
SERVING:
• THANKSGIVING DINNERS
• FOOD PREPARATIONS
• SENIOR LUNCHEON
 
SUPPORTING:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
• YWCA WALK A MILE
• HEART WALK
• ALZHEIMER’S WALK
• SALVATION ARMY BELL RINGING
 
MENTORING:
• HIGH SCHOOL INTERACT CLUBS
• ANNUAL ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
• READING TO KINDERGARTNERS
 
SUPPLYING:
• BACKPACKS FOR KEIKI
• RICE FOR FOOD BASKET
• “GLAM BAGS” FOR HOMELESS WOMEN
• BOOKS FOR KINDERGARTNERS
• DICTIONARIES FOR 3RD GRADERS
 
SUSTAINING:
Our Two Major Hilo Brewfest Recipients:
 
• HILO MEDICAL FOUNDATION’S RESIDENCY PROGRAM
(Training new doctors and encouraging them to stay here on Hawaii Island)
• FRIENDS OF THE CHILDREN’S JUSTICE CENTER OF EAST HAWAII
(Enhancing the lives of abused children in East Hawaii)
 
 

We don’t just meet to learn (and eat, and have fun),
we work to help  our local communities.
Where would you like to fit into this picture?
 
AUGUST WAS MEMBERSHIP MONTH... and we focus on LOCAL SERVICE! PRO 2019-09-10 10:00:00Z 0

THE ROTARY CLUB OF HILO ... BUSY IN JULY!

It's a new Rotary Year, with a new President, a new Board of Directors,
and a renewed enthusiasm for helping communities locally and around the Pacific.
 
NEW MEMBER ~ AMOS MEYERS
Would you like to become a member of our club? Do you like helping people? How about meeting and forming friendships with people in our community? And don’t forget about learning about lots of things... like upcoming projects and concerns.  Talk to one of our members or visit us on Fridays at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel.
 
EAST HAWAII CLUBS MEET
July 30 ~ Rotary Clubs of East Hawaii Meet
Rotary members from all East Hawaii Clubs listen to Del Green, one of our Past District Governors,  talk about changes and innovations from the 2019 Rotary International Council on Legislation. Del was also able to give us “sneak peeks” at the 2020 INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION that will be held in Honolulu next June! Rotarians from around the world will be meeting and enjoying our Aloha Hospitality... “No Ka Oi!”
 
THE ROTARY CLUB OF HILO IS INVOLVED IN PROJECTS AROUND THE PACIFIC

1 - INDIA
We join forces with the Wailea-Kihei Club and RotaryInternational to support Health Camps in India that will provide much needed and critical eye surgeries!
 

2 - NEPAL
Our contributions went for a Sustainable Water project and to continue the development of “Tele-Medicine” that puts local doctors in touch with health care professionals... all by video conferencing!
 

3 - THAILAND
Could a dialysis machine make a huge difference for a person living in Thailand? How about several dialysis machines and the needed support equipment? Yes to both questions
 

4 - PHILIPPINES
Establishing a Tele-Medicine Center in Zamboanga City will bring world class heath training and equipment to this
severely under-served area of the Philippines!
 

5 - BALI
A very high percentage of Bali people suffer from having a leg amputated. Joining in with the Rotary Club of Volcano, our club is raising funds to purchase prosthetic limbs for Bali people.
 
6 - FIJI
For over 17 years our club has been assisting with projects in Fiji. Helping to build a school for Special
Education pupils has been enhanced by working to provide simple water filtration systems to local families.
 

7 - BOLIVIA
Education is one of Rotary International’s Central Projects. Providing school supplies and other needed materials helps to develop Bolivian children. We’re happy to help!
 
And... of course! Rotary International's Project to END POLIO WORLD WIDE!
THE ROTARY CLUB OF HILO ... BUSY IN JULY! PRO 2019-08-08 10:00:00Z 0

End of a Great Year... The Beginning of a New One!

OUT AND ABOUT IN JUNE
June 1-5 ~ Convention in Hamburg, Germany
Each year, Rotary world wide holds an International Convention... this year was in Hamburg, Germany. Our club’s past President and current Assistant District Governor, Randy Hart represented our club... and probably drank some great German beer!
 
 
June 8 ~ Picnic at Reed’s Bay
Our final get-together was on a sunny Saturday and featured pot-luck offerings, good fun and some great grinds! Club members and guests enjoyed a leasurely day of fellowship and food.
 
June 29 ~ Hilo Brewfest at the Wainaku Executive Center
It takes a lot of people to put together a massive event... nearly 200 volunteers to “host” over  
1200 attendees!  Good Job, Everyone!
 
 
 One Rotary Year ends... and another begins!
June 12 ~ Installation Dinner
Rotary’s calendar year begins on July 1 and ends on June 30. Our annual June Installation Dinner is an opportunity to celebrate and recognize our achievements and activities and to welcome our new President and her board of directors. Emcee Newton Chu welcomes Anna Liu, our new President, and congratulates Keith Okamoto, our immediate past president, on a terrific year.
 
Welcome board members and officers for our new 2019-2020 Rotary year!
 
 
 
End of a Great Year... The Beginning of a New One! pro 2019-07-11 10:00:00Z 0

Brewfest Success

Success!
We did it! Such an amazing crowd. People coming together, enjoying a beautiful day, with delicious brews, fantastic food and jamming to great music. New friends were made and old ones were found. I’m just so pleased with how polite and caring everyone was. The power of good times always comes through!  Thank you to the organizing committee, volunteers, vendors, security and most of all THANK YOU all for coming to Hilo Brewfest 2019!
Brewfest Success 2019-06-30 10:00:00Z 0

MAY DOINGS WITH THE CLUB

 
 
New Members!
Charlotte Kekela Yamanaka ~ Enterprises, Inc
 
Laura Kniffin ~ Associa Hawaii
 
And Bringing along the Next Generation!
 
INTERACT at WAIAKEA HIGH SCHOOL ~ 2019-2020
 
Interact Clubs which develop young people for leadership roles are based on the same principles of Rotary. Our club sponsors two Interact Clubs, one at Waiakea High School and a second at Laupahoehoe High. Pictured above are some of the Waiakea club’s new officers for the next school year. (l-r) VP Evan Hill, President Kala Van Veen, and Secretary Ginger Pettijohn. Missing from the photo are Keala Doran and Carina Shintaku.
 
May 31 ~ $5000 Scholarship Awarded to Saesha Hanselman
Each year, our club (in addition to other Rotary Clubs) awards a $5000 Scholarship to a graduating High School senior. This year, Saesha Hanselman (shown here between Mitchell Dodo, club Scholalrship Chair and Keith Okamoto, President) plans to attend UH- Hilo with a major in Business Administration.
 
OUT AND ABOUT WITH THE CLUB
 
May 4 ~ Friends of the CJCEH Gala
Great food and great company, celebrating the good works of the Friends who help children of abuse.
 
May 11 ~ RICE RALLY at KTA
Club members join other Hilo area Rotarians to collect bags of Rice for the Food Basket. Thanks to all the hard work and donations, over 450 fifteen pound bags of rice were collected!
 
May 17-20 ~ Hawaii District Conference
Awards and recognition for all the Rotary Clubs in the state! And a welcome to the new incoming Presidents for the 2019-2020 year.
MAY DOINGS WITH THE CLUB Marcia Prose 2019-06-17 10:00:00Z 0
Brewfest Tickets Available now! 2019-05-09 10:00:00Z 0

April 2019... new members and more "doings"

NEW MEMBERS
Kelvin Watanabe, Hawaiian Telcom
Dwight Matsumoto, Hawaiian Telcom
 
April 12 ~ Hilo Brewfest Ticket Sale Event
 
April 25~ Mini Membership Mixer at Hilo Bay Café
 
April 26 ~ Rotarians Visit Businesses
Club Members enjoy a lunch during their Downtown Hilo Visits
 
Kimo Jim checks out a Dodo Mortuary Casket.
Seems like there were plenty to choose from!
 
Hawaiian Telcom shows us just how it all works!
 
 
And a reminder about our
Signature Fundraising event... the 2019 Hilo Brewfest
7th Annual
Hilo Brewfest
Wainaku Executive Center
Its not JUST a Party at the Bay!
It’s our Signature Fundraiser!
 

Tickets available now at hilobrewfest.com
 
Come and enjoy a fun afternoon of nearly 70 beer choices, great food and rockin’ entertainment!
Again this year, we will be awarding some of the net proceeds to the Hilo Medical Center’s Foundation that trains and encourages much needed Doctors to stay in our community. Also for 2019 will be the Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of East Hawaii who work to enhance the shattered lives of child victims of abuse and neglect. And during the year, many other smaller bequests help to support our community... like
Rotary’s RICE RALLY coming up at KTA.
April 2019... new members and more "doings" 2019-05-09 10:00:00Z 0

March 2019... a busy and fun Month!

Hilo Brewfest Tickets available now at hilobrewfest.com. Don't miss the Party at the Bay on June 29!
 
March 14 -- Annual Chili and Dessert Cookoff
How do you choose the best chili from many offerings? Club members brought their own favorite versions along with some yummy desserts! Mahalo Cooks!
 
March 27 -- Mini Membership Mixer at Wainaku Center
What a great way to get to know our own members and meet new people in a casual and friendly setting. Thanks hosts Tina and Tom!
 
March 30 -- Hilo Heart Walk
It’s early in the morning... but the air is fresh and the skies are blue! Club members show up to walk the walk and contribute to the funds raised for research.
 
March 30 -- Rotary Training at Kamehameha School Cafeteria
Board members for the upcoming year along with new club members learn about the new focus of Rotary and how to implement ideas in our club.
 
INTERNATIONAL SERVICE IN FIJI
March 22 -- Rotary World Water Day
Nearly 50% of Fijians use contaminated water sources that can carry leptospirosis,  and dysentery diseases. Thanks to our Club’s Foundation, we were able to pay for clever and simple water filtration systems in homes... affecting nearly 250 people. This is just one of the projects that utilizes funds from our annual Brewfest fundraiser!
 
March 2019... a busy and fun Month! Marcia Prose 2019-04-16 10:00:00Z 0

FEBRUARY, 2019 DOINGS!

HERE COMES THE 2019 HILO BREWFEST.... ON JUNE 29!

7th Annual Hilo Brewfest at the beautiful Wainaku Executive Center at the edge of Hilo on June 29!
Tickets will be available at an April Ticket Sale Event... bring CASH only and buy your $60 ticket without the EventBrite Fee added in!
 
February 1
Club BREW CREW Kickoff Party!

   It takes a LOT of organization and club volunteer hours to get the Hilo Brewfest on its feet.  At our regular Friday Rotary  meeting on February 1, we had a short “pre-party” for club members... complete with beer on tap! (Our Brew Crew Party Planners wanted to get everyone in the mood!) After a shortened “regular” meeting, club members were treated to a Power Point and video presentation all about Brewfest!
   Literally hundreds of volunteers are needed to stage this massive event with over 1,200 guests in attendance. And some of the jobs MUST BE DONE BY ROTARY MEMBERS...thus a party to get the club invested and involved.

 
BE READY TO GRAB THOSE BREWFEST TICKETS ON OUR APRIL SALE EVENT
(Stay tuned for the exact day, time and place.) Tickets will be available online the following day.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO VOLUNTEER AT THE BREWFEST?
Online registration will begin on May 1.
If you’re hoping to be a Beer Tender, mark your calendar. Those jobs are filled right away!
 
NEW MEMBER.... NATE CHANG
 
“Mini-Mixers”- Good Food, Good Fun, Good Fellowship
 
February 7
At Pineapples in Downtown Hilo

Fresh air and Fellowship along with great food were on the menu for club members and guests.
 
February 17
At Chaing Mai Thai Restaurant

Members and guests were too busy eating to remember to take a photo... here’s a look at one of the dishes!
 
February 21
At The Seaside Restaurant and Aqua Farm

Fish don’t get any fresher than at the Seaside! Looks like a few cocktails were involved also......
 
February 27
At Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill

‘Ohana indeed!  Club members getting to know each other in this “small group” setting.
 
International Service in New Delhi, India - During February
Club member Jim Becker was working to put together a Rotary Global Grant for the Rotary Eye Center in New Delhi, India. Our club contributed an additional $500 (already had committed nearly $2300) to the multi-club fund, which was added to by donations from Rotary Clubs around the World.

A second Rotary Grant is to fund a mass cataract surgery screening in the New Delhi slums for prospective patients.
FEBRUARY, 2019 DOINGS! prose 2019-03-14 10:00:00Z 0

JANUARY - 2019 STARTS OFF WITH A BANG!

JANUARY WAS VOCATIONAL SERVICE MONTH
 Vocational Service represents the opportunity that each Rotarian has to represent the dignity and utility of one's vocation as an opportunity to serve society. So when the call for expert “Hot Dog Help” was sent out by Bobbie Stivers-Apika, Club Vocational Service Chair, to help out at fellow member Chuck Porter’s Grand Opening of the Lex Brodie’s Car Wash/Fast Lube on Saturday, January 26. Two shifts of fast-footed club members arrived to take hot dog orders. (“Red or Brown dog?  With Mustand, Ketchup, Relish? And to drink?)
January 26 ~ Hot Dog Help at Lex Brodies
Cars were lined up out to the street on Kilauea Ave. and waited for a record 376 car washes. And club members hand delivered over 400 hot dogs to people in cars.
FYI Hilo preferred RED dogs to BROWN dogs... 3 to 1!
 
JANUARY WAS ALSO HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS MONTH
What? Surely we don’t have Human Trafficking here on our islands!  Unfortunately, studies have shown that in 2018, people, including children, were being sold for sex in the state of Hawai’i. Sex buyer demand is the culprit of sex trafficking. Addressing sex buyers is a critical step to reducing sex trafficking in Hawaiʻi.Online Sex buyers create a market for victims to be bought and sold for sex and there is a tremendous incentive for traffickers to sexually exploit children and adults in Hawaiʻi.
 
MEMBERS "GETTING TO KNOW YOU"
January 12 ~ Hilo Civic Center Vulcans Tail-Gater Party
The Vulcan’s Basketball Team is HOT this year... and to get the party going, club members “reported” to the Civic to munch on hot dogs (wow! hot dogs, again!) and hamburgers under tents just outside the back doors. Must have worked... the Vulcans won that game! Thanks to club members Coach Jimmy Yagi and UHH Athletic Director Pat Guillen for the invite!
 
January 18 ~ Small Group Mixer at Hula Hulas
Pau hana is a great time to sit and talk with fellow members... and imbibe a drink or two along the way.
 
January 21 ~ Small Group Mixer at Café Pesto
Good food and good fellowship came together for a fun dinner out “with the gang”.
 
MISSING YOU...
January 4 ~ Stew Hussey Memorial
Stew, a really smart guy and former Seal, was one of the most gentle gentlemen of our club. Past President and Rotary member for over 20 years, Stew was passionate about International Service and was serving as that Director when he passed away.
You are missed, Stew!
 
CONGRATULATIONS!
January 29 ~ Rotary Foundation Dinner
Nancy Cabral (left) was presented with a special crystal award for her many years of giving to the Rotary Foundation. Beside her was Brenda Cressey, Rotary Foundation Trustee and Winton Schoneman, our Hawaii Rotary District Governor
 
AND JUST WHAT IS THE ROTARY FOUNDATION...
AND WHAT DOES IT DO?
Rotarians from around the world contribute to this International Foundation that transforms the money into projects that change lives. This well managed Foundation has received the highest marks from CharityNavigator. Since the first donation of $26.50 in 1917, the Foundation has received contributions totaling more than $1 billion.
JANUARY - 2019 STARTS OFF WITH A BANG! 2019-02-13 10:00:00Z 0

DECEMBER - HELPING OTHERS AND HAVING FUN!

2018 ROTARY
KAMA'AINA CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
 
Nearly 40 local crafters selling hand made items
 
Club members and Salvation Army Angel Tree
 
High School Interacters wrapping presents
 
2018 HILO BREWFEST AWARDS $26,700+
TO THREE LOCAL BENEFICIARIES
 
Dec. 7 ~ $8,902.18 to Puna Lava Relief
 
Dec. 7 ~ $8,902.18 to Hilo Medical Foundation’s
Residency Program for new Doctors
 
Dec. 7 ~ $8,902.18 to The Friends of the
Children’s Justice Center of East Hawaii
 
HOLIDAY DOINGS
Dec. 8 ~ Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army
 
Dec. 14 ~ Our annual Kamana Senior Luncheon
 
Dec. 20 ~ Stockings to Hawaii Island Home for Recovery
 
AND DON'T FORGET OUR YOUTH!
Dec. 27 ~ Supporting STEM research for students
DECEMBER - HELPING OTHERS AND HAVING FUN! 2019-01-14 10:00:00Z 0

NOVEMBER... ROTARY GIVES THANKS!

NOVEMBER...  HELPING OTHERS IS THE KEY!
 
NEW MEMBERS
Lara Hughes,
First Hawaiian Bank
 
Katie Wong,
First Hawaiian Bank
 
And speaking of MEMBERSHIP...
 
Rotarians are PEOPLE OF ACTION!
We are Community Builders locally and world-wide! We are Problem Solvers
Together, we apply our professional experience and personal commitment to tackle our communities’ most persistent problems, finding new, effective ways to enhance health, stability, and prosperity across the globe. Join Rotary’s 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. Rotary is made up of more than 33,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. The members of these autonomous clubs are called Rotarians, and they form a global network of 1.2 million business and professional leaders, all volunteering their time and talents to serve their communities and the world.
 
November 10 ~ Benches at Rotary Park
Kalanianaole Ave. ~ Hilo

A place to sit down at this pocket ocean Park! New plaques dedicate these benches to Russ Oda, Bobby Fujimoto and Coach Jimmy Yagi.
 
November 17 ~ Gift Wrapping for the
Salvation Army Thanksgiving Luncheon

Cooked turkey was shredded, and small gifts were wrapped in preparation for the noon-time lunch.
 
November 19 ~ Fall Social

It’s always great to get together informally and have some fun. And fun was had with a craft project, followed by a Pot Luck and Margarita Bar!
 
November 22 ~ Thanksgiving Prep
at the Hawaii Island Home for Recovery

Turkey shredding (again!), ham cutting, pie slicing and other tasks were completed on time for a large luncheon for residents of this home.
 
November 30 ~
Exploring Africa with Susan and Kerry

We are often treated to interesting “travelogues” from our members world adventures. This year, in addition to Africa, we’ve “been” to The Maldives, Cuba and England. (They seem to be petting that lion in the photo!)
 
NOVEMBER WAS ROTARY FOUNDATION MONTH
Rotarians from around the world contribute to this International foundation that transforms the money into projects that change lives. This well managed foundation has received the highest marks from CharityNavigator. Since the first donation of $26.50 in 1917, the Foundation has received contributions totaling more than $1 billion.
NOVEMBER... ROTARY GIVES THANKS! 2018-12-17 10:00:00Z 0

KAMA'AINA CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR

KAMA'AINA CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
Dec.6, 7 & 8 at the Civic Butler Building (Manono at Piilani Streets in Hilo)
Thursday and Saturday from 9am to 5pm; Friday from9am to 8pm for your late night shoppers!
The Rotary Club of Hilo is proud to host this annual Craft Fair that not only supports local crafters, but also has a "heart"!  The BISAC Food Truck and their clothing booth will be on board. BISAC helps people recover from addiction by teaching great real life job skills.  The Salvation Army Angel Tree project (Christmas presents for children whose parents are incarcerated) will also be there on Thursday afternoon and during the day on Friday.  And the Waiakea High Interact (that's Rotary Junior) will be on hand Friday night and Saturday for gift wrapping by donation.
KAMA'AINA CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR 2018-11-30 10:00:00Z 0

OCTOBER, 2018 DOINGS!

OCTOBER, 2018
Focusing on YOUTH, CLUB ACTIVITIES and INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS!
 
ROTARY AND YOUTH
 
During October
Club members arrived at 8 local schools to distribute free age appropriate DICTIONARIES to enthusiastic third grade students... over 311 dictionaries were handed out! Most frequently asked question... “Is this mine to keep?”
 
October 12-14
NexTech 3-Day STEM Camp

Students from six high schools learned through robotics, coding, problem solving, leadership and their inspiring one-on-one Career Mentors.
 
October 20+
Waiakea Interact High School students help at KTA Haunted House
It takes a lot of hands to set up a Haunted House... and then to help be part of the fun. And what fun it was for little ones to visit the Spooky House... filled with Boo-worthy surprises!
 
CLUB ACTIVITIES
 
October 5 - Congrats, Coach Jimmy!
At this Friday meeting we all found out that Coach Jimmy was awarded the LIVING TREASURES OF HAWAII recognizing his 60+ years of coaching youth basketball.
 
October 18 - Our Annual Chicken Hekka
Fun, food and friends and someone else cooking!

Well, actually it was several club members serving as Chefs for the night.  And hot sake topped it off!
 
October 27 - “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes”
Club Members put on ladies’ shoes to support the YWCA. And we won FIRST PLACE TEAM!
 
INTERNATIONAL
The Rotary Club of Hilo is joining other Hawai`i and worldwide Clubs to help communities internationally.
 
THAILAND
Six new kidney dialysis machines and a health awareness and prevention outreach program.
 
BOLIVIA
Renovation of the St. Vincent de Paul Educational Unit with school furniture and training for parents.
 
ROMANIA
Support to help start the first multidisciplinary Craniofacial/cleft palate medical team.
 
NEPAL
Help to continue the “Telemedicine” project that allows Nepalese Doctors access to world medical professionals
 
OCTOBER, 2018 DOINGS! 2018-11-14 10:00:00Z 0

Busy times in September

Welcome to our New Member!
Michael Whitney, Agro Crop.
 
LEARNING IS IMPORTANT
 
September 15 - District Training
It takes TRAINED Rotarians to help in our communities and around the world. Over 35 Rotarians gathered together to learn about writing and applying for district and Global grants. Monies raised by club members can be doubled or even tripled by strategic grants. GREAT WORK!
 
September 21 -
Hawai’i County Fire Chief Darren Rosario
speaks to our club
Rotary meetings aren’t always about what we can do to help people in our community.  We also bring in interesting speakers to educate us. Fire Chief Darren Rosario wowed us with all the work our County Fire Department does. As a matter of fact, our County Department is the only one statewide that responds to all 5 areas of concern: Fire Suppression, Emergency Medical Services, Search and Rescue, Hazardous Materials and Ocean Safety! GREAT WORK!
 
DEVELOPING YOUTH
 
September 29 -
Waiakea High School Interact helps out
at the annual Alzheimers’ Walk.
Interact (Rotary Junior) club members get to the Walk early, help get everything set up, cheer on the participants and then help clean up and store all the supplies and equipment. These students are learning early that all people need to “give back” to our communities to ensure that needed services get to the people who need them.  GREAT WORK!
 
A school year of reading to Kindergarten classes!

August to May, club members arrive each month in 14 local schools and read to nearly 470 Kindergarten students... leaving the book for the classroom and often leaving a copy of the book for each student. Learning to enjoy reading is critical to developing most all of the cognitive skills needed to succeed in life.  And... it’s fun for our club readers, too. The kids wave and get all excited when the reader comes into the classroom. GREAT WORK!
 
LET'S END POLIO THIS YEAR! October 24 is WORLD POLIO DAY

Rotary International Started Polio Eradication
In 1988 With 350,000 Cases World Wide
1905 Polio recognized as a contagious disease by Swedish Dr. Ivar Wickman.
1916 Huge Polio outbreak in New York City kills 6,000 people, cripples more.
1955 Dr. Jonas Salk develops vaccine.
1960 Oral Polio vaccine developed by Dr. Albert Sabin, approved for use.
1979 Rotary International begins the fight by immunizing 6 million children in the Philippines.
1985 Rotary International and World Health Organization launch the Global Eradication Initiative  with an estimated 350,000 cases in 125 countries.
1994 Polio eradicated in the Americas.
1995 165 million children in China and India immunized in one week.
2000 550 million children immunized.
2006 Only four countries in the world still report polio cases. GREAT WORK!
2018 Only 18 cases of polio WORLD WIDE!
14 in Afghanistan, 4 in Pakistan
Want to help? DONATE at www.endpolio.org/donate
Busy times in September Marcia 2018-10-15 10:00:00Z 0

Dogwood Initiative 2001 Update

Dogwood Initiative 2001 Update
 
In 2001 the Rotary Club of Hilo donated seeds and seedlings towards Hiroshima, Japan's Dogwood Initiative 2001 project.  In 2004 these were planted along the Kyobashi-gawa River to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the U.S.-Japan relationship.  Recently the club received this update of the success of this project to symbolize peace.
 
Dogwood Initiative 2001 Update 2018-09-19 10:00:00Z 0

Busy, Busy, Busy in August!

FOUR NEW MEMBERS!
Katie Osborne, Y Hata
 
Chris Corley, Geologist
 
Danielle Bratton, Salvation Army
 
Jacob Bratton, Salvation Army
 
ROTARY WORKING TO FINISH UP KUA O KA LA IN TIME FOR FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
 
August 4 - Work Continues!
Keiki (left) co-founder of the school, takes a moment to share “Honi” with hard working Rotarian Jeremiah Leonard as work continues at the School location.
 
August 4 - Last Weekend Work Day
Rotarians come together on Sunday - Benson Medina (South Hilo Club), Randy Hart (Hilo Club & Ass’t District Governor), Win Schoneman (District Governor) and Ron Cutler (Pahoa Sunset Club) take a moment to laugh.
 
August 8 - First Day of School
Elementary students start arriving and can’t wait to explore their new classrooms! 
Pau just in time!
 
Our Sister Rotary Club from Japan!
Thanks to our beloved Russ Oda, the Rotary Club of Hilo has enjoyed a nearly 50 year association with the Rotary Club of Hiroshima South, sponsoring exchange students and visiting each others’ clubs.
 
August 6 - Memorial Flowers sent to Hiroshima as a token
of goodwill and friendship.
Since 1971, our club has sent flowers for the Cenotaph at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in remembrance of the 1945 bombing of Hiroshima.
 
August 17 - Hiroshima South members and students arrive at the Hilo Airport!

Our Club Members greet our visiting Japanese friends, presenting lei and posing for a group photo with a combined Rotary Club banner.
 
August 17 - Dinner at the Yacht Club
Posing outside (in the dark!) at the Yacht Club, our Rotary Japanese friends and our club members display a “Big Check” from our club to theirs to help in the recovery of the disastrous flooding in Japan.
 
August 18 - Fun at the Annual Steak Fry!
Rotarians chow down on steak, sushi, vegetables... and of course some liquid aloha at a packed party.  Our Japanese visitors, many tired after a “rough day of golf”, mingle with our club members
 
August 18 - SHAKA and KANPAI!
Two of our fellow Japanese Rotarians salute our on-going friendship and mutual support with a sake KANPAI! and a local style SHAKA during the dinner.  Golf winners were announced, food was consumed, fun was had by all.
 
August 18 - Meanwhile with the Students....
Despite an amazing amount of rain, our visiting Japanese students were joined by the Waiakea High School Interact Club (Rotary Junior!) for fun and adventures. Piling onto a sailboat, these international friends had a great time!
 
 
 
Busy, Busy, Busy in August! 2018-09-13 10:00:00Z 0

Rotary Sponsors A Christmas Craft Fair

 
Are you a local crafter?  Want to join a large group of "kama'aina" folks who make and sell their own items.  No re-sellers are allowed.  And the booth fee is a very good deal.  Email me (see the graphic) if you are interested.
Rotary Sponsors A Christmas Craft Fair 2018-09-06 10:00:00Z 0

JULY begins a New Rotary Year

It all depends on our members!
Keith Okamoto, our new Club President for July 2018-June 2019 knows that it's our members who work hard and strive to "Be the Inspiration"... Rotary International's new theme for the new Rotary year. According to Keith, our members are a diverse group of business, community and civic leaders. Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change - across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. We welcome you to join us at our Friday lunch meetings or on our various projects.
 
And how could we do it without NEW MEMBERS?
Bobby Dugar, Coldwell Banker Day-lum Properties
 
Dan Turner, Pacific Tec Lending
 
Jim "Kimo" Becker, Financial Services
 
 
Aloha to one of our own.
Russ Oda
Russ Oda, a friend and our Rotary Club member for over 50 years, always had a smile and usually a great joke every time we saw him. A past President and the founder of our sister Rotary Club of Hiroshima South, Russ also had been an active member of the Sunao Wada Foundation that works to bring Japanese students to Hilo and to send Hilo students to Hiroshima.
Aloha, Russ, you will be missed by all of us!
 
Rotary is about FUN!
July 11 - Membership Mixer at Chapter 17
Yes, Rotarians are out in our community helping with projects, but it’s also about fun! These “mixers” not only allow potential new members to meet our group, it also gives us a chance to get to know each other.
 
Rotary is also about helping kids!
July 20 & 27 - School Supplies Gathered for Salvation Army distribution
Bags and boxes of pencils, erasers, and composition books brought in by our club members were presented to Danielle of the Salvation Army. Many of our island keiki are in need of school supplies!
 
And, of course, Rotary is about helping our community -
in this case, helping Kua O Ka La Charter School
 
Rotary Knows How to Help With Disaster Relief - Focus on Kua O Ka La
 
  Many people may be familiar with Rotary International’s world-wide work helping endangered communities with clean water and educational support for children… among many other effective solutions to the problems of struggling communities. In fact, Rotary International rates 100% for financial accountability and transparency in administering donated funds by Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org)

    So it’s no surprise that local Rotary Clubs here in East Hawaii have banded together to raise funds for Puna. The “Rotary Fund for Puna Lava Relief” was started within days of the first eruptions. Housed through the Hawai’i Rotary District’s Foundation, all donations are tax deductible as the foundation is a 501©(3) accredited organization. (donate at www.rotaryd5000.org)
 
So... the question for Ron Cutler (above) of the Rotary Club of Pahoa Sunset, was how to use the donated funds that would make a significant improvement to areas affected by the lava. Kua O Ka La Charter School was a large part of the answer. The school campus was overrun by lava. Where to have classes starting in early August? Kindergarten through 6th grade could meet at a building on the Nani Mau Gardens grounds, but major work to rehabilitate the run down building was needed. All 5 East Hawaii Rotary Clubs have been working to get the new “campus” ready by the start of school. Susie Osborne, Head of the School, (pictured above with Ron) is thrilled to have so many Rotarians help along side of her school staff and volunteers.
I mua Kua O Ka La!
 
JULY begins a New Rotary Year 2018-08-10 10:00:00Z 0

JUNE ENDS OUR "ROTARY YEAR"

JUNE ACTIVITIES CAP OUR GREAT ROTARY YEAR!
 
"BE THE INSPIRATION" IS OUR NEW YEAR'S INTERNATIONAL THEME
   Rotary International, with over 1.2 million members worldwide and over 35,000 clubs, has a mission to help “people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves”. And each new Rotary year, there is a new theme. Ending in June, last year’s theme was “Making a Difference”; this new year the world-wide theme is “Be the Inspiration”.
Rotary is People of Action
   Rotary is where neighbors, friends, and problem-solvers share ideas, join leaders, and take action to create lasting change. Through Rotary clubs world-wide, people from all continents and cultures come together to exchange ideas, and form friendships and professional connections while making a difference in their backyards and around the world. Helping to end polio, seeking new ways to create peace, bolstering education, creating new sources of clean water... all these tasks and many more are projects of Rotary.  Want to be the “Inspiration”? Consider  joining with Rotary and find your own “inspiration.” Meet new people, help create change in the world and pitch in to assist right here in East Hawaii. E komo mai.
 
Inspiring in Our Community
June 16 ~ Small-House Project in Pahoa for Lava-impacted Evacuees
An amazing collection of people gathered to put together small housing for the Lava impacted Evacuees, and representatives of the Rotary Club of Hilo were on hand to help with painting and erecting of canopy tents.
 
Inspiring in the World -- Fiji
   For 10+ years, our club has been helping out in Fiji... with a focus on the Nadi Centre for Special Education. We've helped build a building and supplied school supplies.Several years ago a major hurricane hit Fiji. Our club, additional Hawai’i Rotary clubs, Hawaii’s Rotary District 5000 and others in the community raised over $80,000 to provide SHELTER BOXES for the Fijian residents who no longer had a roof over their heads
 
The Hilo Brewfest, our annual fundraiser, a great success!
June 23 - A major Party-on-the-beautiful-Bay with over 1100 people!
It really was fun to meet friends, enjoy beer tasting, great food and rockin’ entertainment while also providing our club with net profits that go to helping people right here in East Hawai’i. Added to our reoccurring beneficiaries that help train new doctors and provide needed items to abused children, this year we’ve included help for Puna Lava Relief.
 
JUNE ENDS OUR "ROTARY YEAR" 2018-07-12 10:00:00Z 0

MAY DOINGS AT RCOH

OUT AND ABOUT IN MAY
 
May 2 ~ Membership Mixer at Wai'oli Lounge
Potential members met some of our club members.
 
May 4 ~ Friends' Gala Honors Our Club
In spite of two big earthquakes, past, present and future Presidents of our Club (with our PR person) attend The Friends of the Children’s Justice Center Gala, one of our annual Brewfest beneficiaries.
 
May 25 ~ President Steve shows off our five District Awards from the Rotary Conference
Two First Places in Youth Services and Public Image and three First Runners-up in Vocational Service, Community Service and Club Foundation Giving!
 
May 26 ~ We get our "Cowboy" on!
Our members enjoyed an old fashioned country “Hoe Down” at Gay and Chuck Porter’s  beautiful Waiki’i Ranch on a partly sunny Saturday. Featuring Bar-B-Que and Irish line dancing, guests were also treated to an up close visit with 14 year old “Winston” their nearly 180 pound boar.
 
Our Club bands together to help the Rotary Club of Pahoa Sunset as they take on a Puna Lava Relief Project
President Steve Handy, Kahea Rosehill (Sun Construction), Jim Becker (Rotary Global Grant Specialist) and Cel Ruwethin (Salvation Army) stand up for Ron Cutler (center - Rotary Club of Pahoa Sunset). Ron came to visit and tell us of the real situation in Puna. Rotary is on board to help!
 
Rotary Knows How to Help With Disaster Relief!
 
  Many people may be familiar with Rotary International’s world-wide work helping endangered communities with clean water and educational support for children… among many other effective solutions to the problems of struggling communities. In fact, Rotary International rates 100% for financial accountability and transparency in administering donated funds by Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org)
    So it’s no surprise that local Rotary Clubs here in East Hawaii are banding together to raise funds for Puna. The “Rotary Fund for Puna Lava Relief” was started within days of the first eruptions. Housed through the Hawai’i Rotary District’s Foundation, all donations are tax deductible as the foundation is a 501©(3) accredited organization.
   Our 6th Annual Hilo Brewfest has added the Rotary Fund for Puna Lava Relief as a beneficiary of our festival. So please, come party with us and help Puna... all in an afternoon’s “work”!
 
MAY DOINGS AT RCOH Marcia Prose 2018-06-18 10:00:00Z 0

Help Pahoa through Rotary d5000!

Rotary has the ability to handle large scale relief operations!
We're glad that so many people and organizations are donating to funds that are helping the People of Pahoa. Here's your chance to donate to a ROTARY fund that will help w-a-a-a-y beyond the immediate needs. Homes have burned, other homes are damaged by earthquakes, and still other homes are buried under lava. Donate now at: rotaryd5000.org. Look for the article about Pahoa with this image and use the DONATE BUTTON. Let's all come together to help Pahoa in a big way.
Help Pahoa through Rotary d5000! Marcia 2018-05-14 10:00:00Z 0

APRIL IN ROTARY

Rotary Club of Hilo...
busy during April!
 
For this month's posting, we'll show a bit about the doings of our club interspersed with ROTARY's international causes.
 
April 6 - Club Business Visitations
 
BJ PENN
 
DODO MORTUARY
 
HILO MEDICAL CENTER
It's always good to know what our club members' businesses are all about... and it's always fun to meet in a new place!  For April, club members could choose from three different businesses to visit... BJ PENN, DODO MORTUARY or HILO MEDICAL CENTER!
 
ROTARY CAUSE #1 - PROMOTING PEACE
Rotary encourages conversations to foster understanding within and across cultures. We train adults and young leaders to prevent and mediate conflict and help refugees who have fled dangerous areas.
 
April 15 - Our Annual Chili Cookoff!
 
Judging the chili is serious business! Plenty chili and desserts along with wine and beer make for a fun evening!
 
ROTARY CAUSE #2 - FIGHTING DISEASE
We educate and equip communities to stop the spread of life-threatening diseases like polio, HIV/AIDS, and malaria. We improve and expand access to low-cost and free health care in developing areas.
 
ROTARY CAUSE #3 - PROVIDING CLEAN WATER
We support local solutions to bring clean water, sanitation, and hygiene to more people every day. We don’t just build wells and walk away. We share our expertise with community leaders and educators to make sure our projects succeed long-term.
 
April 22 - Tree Planting Continues!
What else could be a perfect project for Earth Day than planting more trees!
 
ROTARY CAUSE #4 -- SAVING MOTHERS AND CHILDREN
Nearly 6 million children under the age of five die each year because of malnutrition, poor health care, and inadequate sanitation. We expand access to quality care, so mothers and their children can live and grow stronger.
 
April 27 - High School Interact Clubs
Students from both the Waiakea High School and the Laupahoehoe High School Interact Clubs meet up for fun and a chance to get to know one another.
 
ROTARY CAUSE #5 - SUPPORTING EDUCATION
More than 775 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate. Our goal is to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy.
 
ROTARY CAUSE #6 - GROWING LOCAL ECONOMIES
We carry out service projects that enhance economic and community development and create opportunities for decent and productive work for young and old. We also strengthen local entrepreneurs and community leaders, particularly women, in impoverished communities.
APRIL IN ROTARY 2018-05-09 10:00:00Z 0

RCOH's OUTREACH IN OUR COMMUNITY AND INTERNATIONALLY!

RCOH GOES TO FIJI!
 
For over 10 years, our club has been helping out in Fiji... with a focus on the Nadi Centre for Special Education. We've helped build a building and over the years supplied school supplies, books and other needed materials for the students. Several years ago when a major hurricane hit Fiji hard, our club, joined by other Rotary clubs, Hawai’i District Rotary and local community members, raised over $80,000 to provide SHELTER BOXES for the Fijian residents who no longer had a roof over their heads. Most recently, a group of six club members and Hawai’i District Governor Nalani Flinn traveled to Fiji to provide a freezer, a gas cook stove, household items and rugs along with story books for the Nadi School. A second school visit to the Lautoka Methodist primary school distributed books to the eager learners!
Imua! Rotary Club of Hilo and Fiji!
 
NEW MEMBERS IN MARCH
ELLE LEE, Elite Pacific Properties
 
DEBRA TEICHMAN, Elite Pacific Properties
 
KEEPING BUSY AND HAVING FUN!
 
March 2 ~ Dr. Seuss Birthday Reading

“Cat in the Hat” and other great Dr. Seuss books were read to youngsters in school to celebrate reading for his birthday celebration.
 
March 11 ~ “High Tea” for Women in Rotary

  Rotary women from our club and others here in East Hawaii came together to recognize and celebrate women and all they do for Rotary clubs.
 
March 17 ~ Clean up at “Rotary Park”

  Students from the Waiakea HS Interact Club and club members worked at the Kalaniana'ole Park...
raking and picking up litter.
 
March 18 - Big Island Marathon

Another year and another marathon where our club members and friends helped out at a Relief Station...
followed by a great breakfast!
 
March 24 ~ Rotary District Training

Incoming club board members, members and new club Rotarians turned out to get great help and ideas at this District Conference tor the Island of Hawai’i.
 

 SAVE THE DATE!  ~ SAT ~ JUNE 23
  HILO BREWFEST

            Beer Tasting!   Food Sampling! and Rock n’ Roll!
    Tickets will be available  on May 4 on our website:

www.hilobrewfest.com
 
 
RCOH's OUTREACH IN OUR COMMUNITY AND INTERNATIONALLY! 2018-04-12 10:00:00Z 0

FEBRUARY, 2018 - SHORT MONTH - BUSY CLUB MEMBERS!

YEAH... TWO NEW MEMBERS
PATTY BRAY ~ HILO MEDICAL FOUNDATION
 
JD DOMIZIO ~ HILO MEDICAL FOUNDATION
 
INTERNATIONAL CONCERNS
POLIO PLUS
Charlene Meyers, Hawai'i's Polio Plus Chair reported that our club has achieved 327% of our stated goal to help support Rotary International’s campaign to end polio. Way to go, members!
 
February 23 ~ Sharing our Rotary Club Flag
President Steve Handy exchanges Club Flags with Emii Kato of the Rotary Club of Tokyo Roppongi.
 
February 23
We join forces with the Rotary Club Kihei-Wailea to support a Rotary International Global Grant that will help with Health Camps and needed Eye Surgeries in India.
 
KEEPING BUSY AND HAVING FUN IN FEBRUARY!
 
GETTING TO KNOW OUR CLUB MEMBERS!
February 2 ~ Who is member Pat Guillen?
Pat is UH HIlo’s Athletic Director and shared with us his sometimes hilarious methods of sending resumés!
 
February 2 ~ Who is member Newton Chu?
Newton is a Director of the Hawaii Island for Torkildson, Katz, Hetherington, Harris and Knorek, Attorneys at Law.
 
February 15 ~ Valentine’s Membership Mixer
Want new members?  Want current members to show up at a function?  Is there a better way to entice a crowd than offer wine and a few sake tastings combined with great food! Many thanks to Ryan Kadota of Kadota Liquors who really knows his stuff!
 
February 23 ~ Our Club loves to help the Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of East Hawaii
The Friends were in desperate need of new packages of underwear for abused children who are taken from their homes. (Did you see the Friends “ad” from last month’s page about the Drive?). Pat Guillen and Bobby Stivers-Apika help to fill a bag with new underwear packages held by club member Marcia Prose.
 
February 23-25 ~ Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)
RYLA an annual leadership camp for high school students is a collaboration of all nine Rotary Clubs on Island. This year's successful Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) camp is thanks to the Rotary Club of Hilo as Host Club and its chair, Jennifer Tanouye. Outstanding leadership learning and opportunities to meet new students were the highlights for students from 10 different island schools. Mahalo to business sponsors: Iris Kuwaye of State Farm Insurance; Cary Ichinose of State Farm Insurance; Hilo Produce and Waterman.
 
 
FEBRUARY, 2018 - SHORT MONTH - BUSY CLUB MEMBERS! 2018-03-19 10:00:00Z 0

NEW YEAR BRINGS NEW INFO, SERVICE AND FUN FOR RCOH

January 20 ~ Weed Whacking and more at Kaivao Farms

At the Farm to help with the  Wauke garden preparations. Members brought rakes, chainsaws, weed wackers and sunscreen. The plan was to clear an area to plant wauke (paper mulberry) for future cultural demonstrations.
A great help and a great start on this innovative garden that will bring more  Hawaiian culture to our beautiful island home.
 
 
January 23 ~ East Hawaii Rotary Clubs come together for an informative meeting all about how the Rotary Foundation brings hope and caring to the entire world!

Around 90 Rotarians from all five East Hawai’i Clubs gathered together at the Grand Naniloa Hotel in the Sandalwood Room, engaging in conversations and dining.  The speakers included Steven Solomon, Senior Annual Giving Officer of The Rotary Foundation  and Beth Garrow, Major Gifts Officer (2016), with the caption “Giving is Good.” You can guess the theme for the evening was “giving.”
 
January 26 ~ No Friday meeting so time to take a Selfie wherever members found themselves!

At work, at a meeting, at play... Club members proudly wear their Rotary pins in our Rotary Pin Selfie Day.
NEW YEAR BRINGS NEW INFO, SERVICE AND FUN FOR RCOH 2018-02-05 10:00:00Z 0

DECEMBER HOLIDAY DOINGS IN THE CLUB

WELCOME NEW CLUB MEMBER -
JOSHUA COUNTESS!
Bringing us his Financial Wisdom from Merrill Lynch
 
THE POLIO RIDE IS A SUCCESS...
and is continuing!
Ride So They Can Walk -
Rotary is sponsoring a series of bike rides to raise funds to end polio forever in the world. The Ride began back in November and is continuing! Want to help and Ride? Ride however and wherever you wish. To date, over 70 riders have collected over $30,000! Like our Rotary Club member Newton (pictured above), you can help bring an end to this devastating disease. For more information and to register and/or to donate... here’s how Log on to www.rotaryd5000.org and click on RIDE FOR POLIO
 
 
DECEMBER 5 --
HOLIDAY SUSHI NIGHT
Club members taste test different sushi created by Chef Roy Kaneko of Hilo Bay Café at the remarkable, festively decorated Shin house.
 
 
DECEMBER 7, 8 & 9 --
OUR CLUB'S FIRST "KAMA'AINA CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR"
Nearly 40 local crafters displayed some amazing handmade products inside the Butler Building on the Civic grounds.  Club members helped to host the event and Waiakea High School Interact
students learned about retail selling at their water and juice booth.
 
 
DECEMBER 9 --
BELL RINGING FOR
THE SALVATION ARMY
Club Members show up outside of Macys for our annual Bell Ringing efforts.  Aren’t we glad it’s WARM here in Hawai’i!
 
 
DECEMBER 10 --
BELL RINGING CONTINUES
Club members join a large and enthusiastic group of Hilo High School Leo Club in keeping the bell ringing going!
 
 
DECEMBER 13 --
CONTINUING OUR 30+ TRADITION OF SERVING A HOLIDAY LUNCH TO SENIORS AT THE KAMANA SENIOR CENTER
So much Holiday Spirit and a great lunch... plus Club member Dirk’s entertainment! A fun time every year.
 
 
DECEMBER 22 --
HELPING WITH GIFT WRAPPING FOR THE HOMELESS KEIKI CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
It’s a lot of presents to gift wrap.... and keep in the right order and in the right bags. Club members are getting their instructions shortly before the wrapping begins!
 
 
DECEMBER HOLIDAY DOINGS IN THE CLUB 2018-01-10 10:00:00Z 0

Club Members were very busy in November!

Ride So They Can Walk -
A series of bike rides to raise funds to end polio forever in the world is continuing til the end of the year!
Ride however and wherever you wish. For more information and to register and/or to donate go to the RotaryD5000 website and click on Ride for Polio. It will walk you through the steps. Then ask friends and family to sponsor your ride with donations – 100% of those funds go directly to polio eradication with every dollar being matched 2-1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
 
 When Rotary began this project in 1988 there were 350,000 cases a year worldwide – this year there have been 16 cases in only 2 countries. Zero is the magic number - Your assistance is needed to eradicate this crippling disease forever. Log on and donate today.
Log on to www.rotaryd5000.org and click on RIDE FOR POLIO!
 
November 9
Fun at our annual Chicken Hekka Party! Our Rotary members were joined by other clubs for a fun and delicious evening of cooking our own food... PLUS HOT SAKE!
 
November 13 ~
You can’t paint a fence until you clean it first!
 
November 18 ~
Waiakea High School Interact students shred cooked turkeys in preparation for the Salvation Army Thanksgiving  luncheon.
 
November 18 ~
Waiakea Middle and High School Interact Clubs wrap items for the
Salvation Army luncheon.
 
November 23 ~
Club Members show up before their own Thanksgiving meals to help dish up a great lunch for residents at the Hawaii Island Home for Recovery.
 
November 23 ~
Club Members and Interact students serve up turkey and all the “fixins” at Aunty Sally’s Luau Hale on Thanksgiving!
 
November 25 ~
Fence Painting at the Hawaii Island Home for Recovery!  Rotary members worked to paint this really tall (and l-o-n-g) fence!
 
November 27 & 28
Body Safety for Keiki Training at the YWCA
Thanks to club member Kathleen McGilvray at the YWCA! It’s important that young children learn body safety and awareness. This is an important curriculum that needs to be available to keiki in our community. Thanks, Rotary members for supporting this effort.
Club Members were very busy in November! 2017-12-14 10:00:00Z 0

Work and Play in October, 2017!

BREWFEST PROCEEDS AWARDED
TO TWO LOCAL NON-PROFITS!
The Friends of the Children's Justice Center of East Hawaii awarded $11,350 from the Brewfest 2017!
 
And ANOTHER $11,350 to the Hilo Medical Foundation's Residency Program!
 
October 7 ~ The Rotary International challenge to all clubs to plant a tree for every member...continues!
Rotary members work to plant 40 Ulu trees at Kai Wa Farms.  We’ve now planted a tree for all our members... but that won’t stop us now!
 
October 11 ~ A party to wish goodbye to one of our long time members who is moving to the Mainland... Cindy Boots!   We’re sad to lose her, but happy that she will be MUCH closer to her beloved Green Bay Packers!
 
All during October ~ Club Members visit many third grade classes and distribute the newest version Student Dictionaries.
These personal dictionaries also contain a huge additional amount of information...
about the 50 states, the Constitution, the Presidents and much, much more!
 
October 28 ~ YWCA’s WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES
Jen joins our manly men in their girly shoes for the mile walk around downtown Hilo. Congrats to Mike Meyer (second from left) who won the 2nd place overall fundraiser award! Way to go, Mike!
 
October 31 ~ We return to The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Palace!
Prepared with our Participation Kits, club members shout at the movie and take a Selfie with “Riff Raff” in the Palace lobby.  Great fun!
 
November 11-18 ~ Ride to End Polio
In 1988, Rotary International started a campaign to eliminate Polio. At that time there were over 350,000 cases every year in the world.  As of RIGHT NOW, there are only 11 cases worldwide!  But that isn’t good enough... ZERO is the magic number... and you can help:
Log on to www.rotaryd5000.org and click on RIDE FOR POLIO!
 
Work and Play in October, 2017! 2017-11-15 10:00:00Z 0

September was another Busy Month!

Yep... four new members!
Maureen Poirier ~ Insurance Industry, Retired
 
Brooke Higa ~ Student Pharmacist
 
Brittney Luna ~ Student Pharmacist
 
Atsuko Winston ~ Coldwell Banker Day Lum
 
Help Us End Polio World Wide!
 
In 1988, Rotary International started a campaign to eliminate Polio. At that time there were over 350,000 cases every year in the world.  As of RIGHT NOW, there are only 11 cases worldwide!  But that isn’t good enough... ZERO is the magic number... and you can help:
Log on to www.rotaryd5000.org and click on RIDE FOR POLIO!
 
OUT AND ABOUT IN OCTOBER!
 
September 2 ~ Wouldn’t you want a clean Park
for the Queen’s Birthday?
Rotary members turn out with rakes and brooms to get the Queen Lili’uokalani Gardens all “spiffed” up for the upcoming Birthday Celebration!
 
September 10 ~ Rotary International has challenged Rotary Clubs to plant a tree for every member!
Getting a good start on planting over 90 trees (that’s our membership... and that’s a lot of trees!) are club members planting Ulu trees.
 
September 16 ~ Walk to End Alzheimers
Rotary member Mike Meyer snapped this selfie at the Walk on this beautiful Saturday at the Park!
Thanks, Mike for “Walking the Walk!”.
 
September 17 ~ Rotary District Meeting
It’s important to plan... especially with projects that are local and internationally. 
Club members met with other Rotary Club members to “get the big picture”.
 
September 30 ~ Laupahoehoe and Waiakea High School Interact students and club members help clean up areas in Queen
Lili’uokalani Gardens, Coconut Island and the nearby fishing areas.
This beach clean up was part of the International project “Get the Drift and Bag It”.
 
 
September was another Busy Month! 2017-10-18 10:00:00Z 0

BACKPACKS FOR KEIKI

 
The Club donates backpacks and water bottles for deserving keiki
The Hawaii County Police Department again staged a “Backpack Drive” for needy and homeless children to start off the new school year on a good note.  The Rotary Club of Hilo joined in again this year, supplying 102 backpacks along with a water bottle included in each pack.
 
“It’s an important part of feeling like a child ‘belongs’… is no different than other kids,” said the Club’s Community Service director, Wally Wong. “Research shows that underprivileged keiki do better in school when they are not ‘singled out’ as different.  Having a brand new backpack may seem like a small thing, but its effect can be powerful,” concluded Wong.
 
“The Rotary Club of Hilo is proud to continue this annual donation,” said Steve Handy Jr, current Club President. “I figure that it took around 80 volunteer hours to shop, buy and assemble the backpacks and water bottles. And we estimate that the value was somewhere around $1000.  That’s a lot of savings for needy kids and a great annual project for our club,” said Handy.
BACKPACKS FOR KEIKI 2017-09-18 10:00:00Z 0

AUGUST RCOH !

A BUSY MONTH OF AUGUST!
New Member!
Skye Czember
 
 
Having Fun with Rotary... just one of the reasons we have so many new members!
 
August 27 - Volcano Winery
Our club joined with other Rotary Clubs for a fun afternoon of wine tasting and... yes, barbeque! A great way to spend a casual Sunday afternoon.
 
We're Out and About In August!
August 6 ~ Memorial Flowers sent to Hiroshima as a token of goodwill and friendship
Since 1971, our club has sent flowers for the Cenotaph at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park in remembrance of the 1945 bombing of Hiroshima.
 
August 19 ~ Helping at the Volcano Run
Aid stations are an important part of any run, and we were there to help out in Volcano!
 
August 19 ~ Hitomi Gilliam Bamboo Prep
Queen Lili’uokalani’s birthday is coming up and large floral arrangements are going to need prepared bamboo.  Club members are helping out!
 
August 19 ~ Helping our fellow Rotarians
with a big painting project at the Hawaii Island Home for Recovery
“Many Hands” make the work go quickly, especially when you are painting!
 
Our Youth are Important!
August 4 ~ “STEM” Student Akil Marshall
Akil tells us how our club is advancing STEM education by co-sponsoring NexTech STEM workshops for Hawaii Island Youth.
 
An Interesting Presentation at our Meeting
August 18 ~ Club member Chris Tamm shares slides of his trip to Borneo
Seen here is the unusual “upside down house” that is only one of several strange upside down life-size items found in Borneo!
AUGUST RCOH ! 2017-09-11 10:00:00Z 0

A Busy July, 2017

A Busy July, 2017
New Members
 
Kathy Borer, Social Worker IV
 
Deana Scott, Business Owner, Accountant
 
Leo Myers, Myers Integrated Tech, Inc.
 
Susan Myers, Myers Integrated Tech, Inc.
 
Where do all our members come from?
Thanks to our hardworking Membership Committee, lots of new people are getting to know us by visiting a meeting or as an invited guest at one of our Membership Mixers!
Interested?  Send us a message through this website. Click on CONSTANT US.
 
And, of course, new members find us at our Annual Hilo Brewfest!
Thanks to all of you (1300+ people!) who supported our annual signature fundraising event!  We are again sharing the profits with the Hilo Medical Primary Care Physician Training Program and The Friends of the Children’s Center of East Hawaii.
 
Helping our Community
 
July 16 ~ Do you enjoy sitting on a park bench, gazing out at the bay? Club members helped to first pour concrete slabs and then install THREE benches at “Rotary Park”. Enjoy these new additions!
This park is the first one on the left after you turn onto Kalanianaole in Keaukaha.
 
July 22 ~ Keeping our beautiful Island of Hawai’i clean!
Weed pulling prevents unwanted invasive species being transported up to higher elevation areas of
Maunakea. 29 bags of fireweed won’t make it up towards the top of our amazing mountain!
 
Learning About our Community at Weekly Meetings
 
July 7 ~ Hilo High School Robotics Students tell us about their amazing progress in competition on statewide and national levels... and show off their robot to interested club members.
 
July 14 ~ Chris Ridley of the Alzheimers Association talks about knowing the “Ten Signs of Alzheimers”. (Don’t worry if you lost your keys!)
 
July 21 ~ Olivia Rounds of Hilo Bike Hub tells us of her solo adventures crossing the US on her bike! Member Mike Meyers introduces Olivia and shares some “bike-care” advice.
 
July 28 ~ Coaches Daniel Kuramoto and Misty Ambrosio tell us about “Surf Soccer Club" that trains keiki and helps to get them on the road to success... in soccer and life.
A Busy July, 2017 2017-08-07 10:00:00Z 0

What A Year!  July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017

IT WAS A GREAT YEAR FOR OUR CLUB...
HERE'S TO ANOTHER ONE!
Mahalo Randy Hart for a Year of hard work and fun!
Aloha, Steve Handy Jr., incoming Club President for our next exciting year!
 
 
CLUB AWARDS FROM DISTRICT 5000
 
District 5000 GOVERNOR’S CITATION
First Place in MEMBERSHIP - 22 new members!
(Connie Ichinose, Membership Chair shown here
First Runner-Up in COMMUNITY SERVICE
First Runner-Up in YOUTH SERVICES
 
 
 
YOUTH SERVICES
INTERACT (for High School) and ROTARACT (for University)
students help develop our next generation of leaders!
Support of Two Interact Clubs, Waiakea HS and Laupahoehoe Charter, with over 100 members!
Co-support of UHH Rotaract Club
Hiroshima Interact visitation - World Youth Exchange
Support of Rotary Youth Leadership Academy
College Scholarships awarded to High School students
Over 400 keiki in Kindergarten are read to by club members and then given free books
 
 
 
INTERNATIONAL
WE REACHED OUT INTERNATIONALLY!
- $9000 Shredder to Thailand for
   agricultural development
- $4000 to Taiwan for literacy
- $3687 (139% of goal) to help eradicate Polio world-wide
 
 
 
VOCATIONAL
OVER 156 YEARS OF SERVICE IN OUR CLUB... our "GOLDEN THREE"
Bobby Fujimoto of HPM, Coach Jimmy Yagi and Russ Oda, Architect,
seen here with Mayor Harry KIm and President Randy Hart
MEMBER BUSINESS VISITS
Instead of attending a weekly meeting, club members visited many member businesses including the Palace Theater, YMCA, The Water Department and Hawaiian Fresh Products Papaya Processing Plant.
 
 
 
COMMUNITY SERVICE
PUTTING OUR “BACKS INTO IT!”
Our community always needs people to get out and actually work to make a difference!
Matson Ka Ipu Aina Project - cleaning up our local community beaches and areas
Helped shovel and paint at BISAC’s Keaau garden
Served Seniors at a Kamana Luncheon
Helped with Salvation Army’s Thanksgiving lunch
Rotary Park (Kalanianaole) Clean up, tree planting, and slabs poured for new benches
Laupahoehoe Beach Clean up
Hilo Medical Residency Cottage Cleanup
Invasive ginger eradication in Volcano National Park
 
 
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
SUPPORTING COMMUNITY'S EVENTS
Walk a Mile in her Shoes - YWCA Domestic Abuse Awareness
American Heart Walk
Walk to End Alzheimers
Big Island International Marathon Aid Station
Queen Liliu’okalani Birthday in the Park keiki booth
Salvation Army’s Thanksgiving luncheon
T-shirt sales at Laupahoehoe Music Festival
“Rice Rally” at KTA SuperStores
Appearing in the annual Merrie Monarch Parade
Our Club’s Salvation Army’s Bell Ringing brings in over $1700
 
 
COMMUNITY DONATIONS
Our annual HILO BREWFEST provides a fun festival for our community and allows our Club to financially support many community non-profits and organizations.  
Where do the profits go?
$13,850 to the Hilo Medical Foundation’s Residency Program
$13,850 to the Friends of the Children’s JusticeCenter of East Hawaii, supporting children of abuse
350 dictionaries to area 3rd grade students
Donating Library books to Naalehu School
Donating Gardening books to Hawaii Island Home for Recovery
Donating to “Camp Agape” for keiki of incarcerated parents
- Over 60 “Glam Bags” for homeless women with needed hygiene products through Hope Services
Dollars to “buy” a solar panel at the Palace Theater
And many other projects!
 
 
AND, OF COURSE, FUN!
ROTARY ISN’T ALL WORK AND MEETINGS...
THERE’S A WHOLE LOT OF FUN, TOO!
Chicken Hekka "cook-your-own-dinner”
Chili Cook-Off and Dessert Competition
WikiFresh food, selfies and more at this “mixer”
Celebrating our 96 years of Rotary combined with a Holiday Mixer at the Wainaku Executive Center.
Silent Movie Night at the Palace in costume “mixer”
Mardi Gras Party in costume ( of course!) “mixer”
Historic Lorraine Penn/Shin Home visit and tour
Aomatsu Tonkatsu dining, cooked by our own club member
Wai Oli Lounge get together and “mixer”
Beer Sampling at Mehana Brewery
Yacht Club Party with our Japanese sister club
 
 
 
What A Year! July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017 Marcia Prose 2017-07-07 10:00:00Z 0

May 2017

May 11 ~ Rotary Park in Hilo ~ Our "Golden Three"
   The meeting held on Thursday, 5/11/17, was no ordinary club meeting. It was a very special event that celebrated our distinguished “GOLDEN THREE” of the Rotary Club of Hilo, Bobby Fujimoto, Jimmy Yagi, and Russ Oda (seen here with President Randy Hart and Mayor Harry Kim standing behind one of the three loulu palm trees planted in their honor). These amazing gentlemen have given over 150 years in service through the Rotary Club of Hilo! The meeting venue was just as exceptional since it was held at the Rotary Park a.k.a. Kuhio Kalanianaole Park in Hilo.
   According to President Randy Hart, the Rotary Park was initiated 14 years ago, in 2003, when hard working members of the Rotary Club took the lead to invest sweat equity and clean up the once squalid park; hence its alias,
Rotary Park. In fact, most recently, club members took the time to tame the canopied hala tree that stands tall & proud overlooking the water’s edge. It is this kind of action that is reflective of the very heart and soul of the club and its collective theme of SERVICE ABOVE SELF.
   According to President Randy, Bobby Fujimoto’s monetary contributions allowed the club to extend its service and aid both locally and internationally. Jimmy Yagi’s basketball prowess has afforded him the opportunity to impress core values and work ethics upon the youth of Hawaii. As for Russ Oda, he was christened by President Randy as the “young one” in the group; however, don’t be fooled by his youth because Russ has architecturally put his stamp around Hilo town. Aside from designer talents, in 1970, Russ took on a key role in founding our club’s connection to the Rotary Club of South Hiroshima.
   After presenting the “Golden Three” with certificates of Appreciation, Mayor Kim noted that we all should leave this place that we call home a better place. These “Golden Three” have done just that.
 
May 5 ~ Club Members support the Friends!
The Friends of the Children's Justice Center of East Hawaii hold a special place in the hearts of our club.  Eight Rotary members sponsored a table at the Friends’ Gala. The "Friends" are one of the two beneficiaries of the upcoming 2017 Hilo Brewfest.
 
May 6 ~ Brewfest Ticket Sale Day

The public wants tickets to our annual fundraiser (coming up on June 24!), so club members held a TICKET SALE DAY at Mehana Brewery... tickets and free beer sampling!  Yeah!
 
May 19 ~ “Glam Bags” Report

About 60 bags (purses) were filled with toiletries and hygiene products and will be distributed through Hope Services to women in need in East Hawaii!
 
Rotary Supports College Scholarships!

Victoria Magana Ledesima (top photo) was our club’s 2017 $1000 UH Hilo Scholarship awardee.  
Nicholas Ohara (seen here with his parents)  was awarded a $5000 Hawaii Rotary Youth Scholarship towards his goal of a major in Mechanical Engineering. I mua Students!
 
May 2017 2017-06-05 10:00:00Z 0

HILO BREWFEST MAKES IT TO THE BIG TIME!

Wow!  The National Geographic Travel's BEST SUMMER TRIPS 2017 just mentioned our Brewfest! If you are planning to go.. get your tickets now at our website... www.hilobrewfest.com and we'll see you there!
HILO BREWFEST MAKES IT TO THE BIG TIME! Marcia 2017-05-15 10:00:00Z 0

April 2017

NEW MEMBER IN APRIL!
Beverly Heikes - Read Aloud Coordinator & Trainer
 
OUR CLUB GOES INTERNATIONAL!
April 7 - Report of grant monies going to Taiwan
Stew Hussey and Anna Lui tell the club about the club grant monies that helped two projects in Taiwan. Anna is holding the certificate... and she read it for us!
 
April 21 ~ Hokule’a Talk by Wally Wong
At a club meeting at the YMCA, Wally regaled the members with tales and photos of the canoe’s
48 mile journey through the Panama Canal.
 
 
April 27 ~ We’re visited by World Travelers!
Rotarians Sita Rupalcheti from Kathmandu, Nepal and Gunther and Helena Acheson from Remstal, Germany visit our club and present Rotary “banners”. Our own club members take “our” banner (seen being held by Sita) to exchange when they travel to other clubs on the mainland and internationally.
 
OUT IN THE COMMUNITY
April 1 ~ Hilo Heart Walk
Club Rotarians are always ready for a Walk to help a great cause.
Waiakea Interact students also participated.
 
April 8 ~ Laupahoehoe Music Festival
Out in Laupahoehoe helping a great festival to raise funds for the Laupahoehoe Charter School.
 
April 15 ~ Rotary Park in Hilo
It takes a lot of “down n’ dirty” Rotarians to make significant headway on an overgrown park!  
BIG MAHALO to Matson for the financial backing in their KA IPU AINA (Caring for the Land) campaign!
 
April 22 ~ Merrie Monarch Parade
Our own Nancy Cabral rides in this year’s parade and is accompanied by club members who walked with the Rotary contingent. Yep, members are walking again!
 
April 30 ~ Lantern Launch at Hospice of Hilo
Our busy Waiakea High Interact and UHH Rotaract students join forces at the Celebration of LIfe
ceremony at Wailoa State Park.
 
During May ~ Reading in Kindergarten
Over 400 keiki in local schools will hear about how “Giraffes Can’t Dance” as club members fan out to read to classes.  And all students will receive their own copy of the book! Member Glenn Harris tells us about the fun book for May Reading!
 
 
April 2017 2017-05-09 10:00:00Z 0

Celebrating the Life of Theresa English

Posted by Kerry Glass on Dec 17, 2016
 
Theresa Marie English
May 21, 1950 - October 24, 2016
 
Today we celebrated the life of our former member, Theresa English.  The service was held at the Hilo Coast United Church of Christ in Honomu where she was a member since moving to Hawaii in 2009.  Theresa joined our club in 2010 and was active in numerous fund raisers and community projects as well as serving on the board of our club's foundation. Her smile and enthusiasm will be missed.
 
Celebrating the Life of Theresa English Kerry Glass 2016-12-17 10:00:00Z 0
Welcome incoming president Randy 2016-06-30 10:00:00Z 0
Another successful Hilo Brew Fest 2016-06-30 10:00:00Z 0

Yearly Awards

Posted on Jun 12, 2016
 
What a great year for the Rotary Club of Hilo. In the Large Club Division we Took First Place for International Service and Public Image and First Runner Up in Youth Service.
Yearly Awards 2016-06-12 10:00:00Z 0

95th Anniversary Tree Planting

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Ceremonious tree planting with the Rotary Club of Hiroshima South.
Pictured l to r:  Wally Wong, Harvey Tajiri, Rimban Jeffery Soga, Reverend Daido Baba, Shigeo Mimura, Gakuhito Ito and Takuya Maekawa.
 
In celebration of our 95th anniversary, the Rotary Club of Hilo and the Rotary Club of Hiroshima South, planted a black pine tree in the Liliuokalani Gardens as a symbol of peace and friendship.  Both clubs have held a Rotary Sister Club relationship over the last sixty years with the sharing of cultural traditions, youth education and fellowship.
 
 
95th Anniversary Tree Planting 2015-12-06 10:00:00Z 0

Rotaract Club of Port Louis, Mauritius "Live with Dignity"

President Wally Wong presented a check for $2000 from our club and the Honolulu Sunset Club (Oahu) to support the "Live with Dignity" project sponsored by the Rotaract Club of Port Louis, Mauritius..
 
 
Roopesh Koolwant, president of the Rotaract Club of Port Louis, took Wally and several other crew members of the Hokule'a on a tour of their project.   "Live with Dignity" will help 8 families over the next 8 months to fix their homes and water supplies.  The goal is to provide water tanks to the poor, train the homeless with some renovation skills, and help with repairs.  They will be posting videos of their progress on YouTube over the next 8 months.  Our club's contribution of $950 purchased the water tanks for the families.
 
 
 
Rotaract Club of Port Louis, Mauritius "Live with Dignity" 2015-09-21 10:00:00Z 0

Malama Honua

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Pictured l to r:  Wally Wong, Risto & Dona Poskiparta and Bruce Blankenfeld
 
In pursuit of this year’s Rotary International theme “BE A GIFT TO THE WORLD,”
The Rotary Club of Hilo seized an opportunity to deliver humanitarian aid with a personal touch to two sister Rotary Clubs in the Indian Ocean.  The Club's President, Wally Wong, had coincidentally been selected to travel on the Hokule'a Voyaging Canoe during its August, 2015 journey through the Indian Ocean.  As a crew member representing Hawaii’s long tradition of international maritime navigators, and as the President of The Rotary Club of Hilo, Wally had a unique dual role opportunity to deliver a gift to two Rotary sister clubs in Bali and on the Island of Mauritius.
 
Flying into Bali, Wally delivered a check to the Rotary Club of Bali Nusa Dua for $3,500 to further that club's HIV/AIDS project that provides scholarship funds for underprivileged and disadvantaged children in Bali affected by HIV / AIDS.  The Rotary Club of Hilo contributed $3,000 and the Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunrise added another $500.
 
"This journey with the Hokule'a is one I won’t ever forget," said Wong.  "It's always amazing to me how Rotary can provide an immediate personal relationship—whether locally, nationally or internationally.  It was just like lunching with our own Hilo club!  And members of the Rotary Club of Nusa Dua were really gracious hosts,” Wong concluded.
Malama Honua Stew Hussey 2015-08-16 10:00:00Z 0

Kaumana Cleanup

 
 
 
Hilo Rotarians completed our second clean up of this area in Kaumana with the assistance of members from our UH Hilo Rotaract Club.  Mahalo to Matson Navigation for sponsoring this event and donating $1000 to our Hilo Rotary Club Foundation.

 

Kaumana Cleanup 2015-08-06 10:00:00Z 0