WE Rotary eClub for International Peace assembled a 2025/26 speaker lineup so luminous it would have lit up the UN General Assembly. From Ray Matsumiya's quiet Peace Parking in Taipei to JZ's frequency-shifting eco-joyous mystique, the roster spans peacebuilders, policy makers, philanthropists, Game designers, social change agents, authors, climate warriors, legal eagles, educators, healers, filmmakers, nuclear abolitionists, and at least one person whose last name is literally "Light" (Quanta Dawn, we see you).
Our club was engaged with Maui Fires Fund projects, including planting trees, assisting with housing needs, emotional support with Lahaina Lights and Hale O La'ie Maui. In addition we maintained the Rescue Tubes and reef-safe sunscreen for South Maui, collected food for the Maui Food Bank, planted Peace Poles, handed out treats to 2000 keiki at Halloween, and expanded our reading coaching program for first graders through Imua Readers. Co-President Al says, "Jay Satenstein, a tireless co-President; Kim Hightower, an energetic President-elect and all our committee chairs for an outstanding job!"
RCMS focal points are a combination of education & literacy, and community service. Highlights for 2025-26 are 1) school supply drive; collected $4,335 in supplies (Kipapa Elementary) and $2,619 in cash donations ($400 to 5 other elementary schools). 2) "I Love Books" Fair; funded in excess of $1,800 in books, distributed free to Mililani students. Also provided free tote bags, shave ice and popcorn to registered students. 3) Provided scholarships to seniors attending MHS or residing in Mililani. Abiyana Moore received the $10,000 Maurice Sullivan Scholarship; Yuma Kamuro, Danica Ibanez, Noah Keli'i Pila (Kamehameha), and Emily Jay Nishimitsu, received $1,500 Club Scholarships; and Ryder Sato and Milo Maloney-Tubbs, received $1,000 Club Scholarships to attend Community Colleges. 4) Recognized 12 students from 6 elementary schools, with Service Above Self Awards. Students were selected by the administration staff of each school. RCMS provided professionally printed certificates, leis, and $50 gift certificates from Walmart. President Paul says, "We would like to thank TCM for their support!"
We tested the vision of all third graders within our service area and provided each child with their own dictionary. We purchased dozens of pairs of slippers for Konawaena Elementary School when they reported that almost one quarter of the students came to school without shoes or slippers of any kind. We donated $500 to Kona waena High School to support a teachers meeting held to examine ways the recently flooded school needed to be cleaned and repaired. We provided scholarships to 3 graduating high school seniors. We participated in Kona Brewfest fundraiser that provided funds to 14 local charitable organizations. President Karen says, "I'd like to thank my club members for their commitment to assisting our local community."
RC Poipu Beach continued its support of Kids’ Christmas, Highway Clean-Up, and Rotary Reader for first graders in Koloa. The club awarded scholarships in nursing, education, culinary arts, and skilled trades at Kauai Community College; supported a school in Cambodia; funded honu and monk seal educational signage at Poipu Beach Park; and sponsored the Koloa Co-Ed and Open Softball Leagues.
Our club celebrated 75 years of existence. We had 100 sister club members from Tokyo West, Kyoto West, Nagoya Airport, Taipei West, Hong Kong Island West and Makati West attend our 3-day anniversary celebration. We hosted 2 students for our exchange program from Kyoto. We participated in the 911 Ceremony at Tamarind Park. We participated in numerous Community Service projects with the He'eia Kea fishpond Halloween decorating mask program by donating $1000. We participated in a Toys for Tots give away. We participated in the food bank food distribution. We participated in the joint Lion's Club, Kiwanis Club food and monetary donation drive. We participated in the McKinley HS speech contest by providing 7 judges and finally we participated in Child and Family Services Environmental Workday. Our largest accomplishment was we were able to induct 7 new members to our club and have another 2 in process. President Cleigh says, "I would like to say "Mahalo" to my BOD, our members and finally to Naomi Masuno for her continued support"
We worked with The Shelter, a location for homeless women and children, providing them with a home-cooked Valentine's Day Dinner. We converted their sanctuary into a high-end restaurant for the moms and kids to enjoy a sit-down dinner together. Projects: Kailua 4th of July Parade, Kailua Houseless Service Care, Adopt a Highway, Supported Safe Space, Windward Senior Center Thanksgiving celebration, Castle Tree Lighting trolley, Salvation Army bell ringing, Delivering Shelter Christmas Presents from Adventist Hospital, Volunteer with The Shelter Christmas Party, Supported Women-led Ghailaghari Eco-Village in Nepal grant, Shelter's 2nd Annual Valentine’s Day Dinner, Book Distribution to 6 Elementary Schools, Science Fair Judging, Shelter Farm Work Day,Kalani High School Speech/Presentation Judging. President David says, " Small but mighty club!!"
The highlights of our year were working directly with the community in Volcano and the surrounding areas. We partner with the Cooper Community Center to help prepare and distrubute almost 200 bags of donated groceries. We conduct a regular monthly cleanup of Highway 11. We partner with local elementary schools to buy and distribute dictionaries to every third grader, and we regularly support our local Volcano School of Arts and Science in a number of ways. We are active participants in the annual Fourth of July parade and celebration in Volcano as well as the Experience Volcano celebration. And, by far, our biggest event is an annual Christmas Tree Lighting party, attended by almost 200 people every year, a major community event. President Mike says, "We are a small club, but almost all our members participate in these activities."
Our club highlights are assisting with the Makawao 4th of July Parade, Block Party and Rodeo. We held 10 Student of the Month (with one of them including a Teacher of the Year) meetings featuring 2 Upcountry High Schools. We did environmental and Maui fire recovery service with 3 different non-profits a total of 9 times; we did 2 Maui Food Bank Food Drives and of course dictionaries - about 350 dictionaries to 7 different upcountry schools. Mary says, "Unfortunately we did not update our roster before June 30 2025 and so it looked like we had 10 members but we really only had 6. We now have 9 so on the way to rebuilding."
The Rotary Club of Hickam Pearl Harbor is actively engaged in a wide range of projects that support education, families, veterans, the environment, and individuals experiencing hardship throughout Oʻahu. The club conducts beautification and improvement projects at Kahauiki Village, the Dynamic Healing Center, Kalihi Elementary School, and Dole Middle School. Rotarians regularly serve vulnerable populations by providing meals to residents of the Keauhou Emergency Shelter and by supplying food, clothing, and other essential items to families connected with Kalihi Elementary School and Dole Middle School. The club also supports veterans by providing meals, clothing, and toiletries. A signature youth service initiative is the Santa’s Helper Project, where Rotarians partner with students from Lunalilo Elementary School to shop for school supplies and clothing. In addition to meeting students’ needs, the program teaches valuable money-management and budgeting skills. The club demonstrates its commitment to environmental stewardship through cleanup projects along sections of the Pearl Harbor Bike Path and at the Ehime Maru Memorial. Supporting education is another key priority. The Rotary Club of Hickam Pearl Harbor exemplifies Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self,” making a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives. Thanks, Emilie Smith
The West Pearl Harbor Rotary Club is proud of the impact we made in our community this Rotary year. We supplied much-needed school supplies to Waipahu Elementary School and launched our new "Read to Me" program. We created a fundraising calendar that not only supported our club's service projects but also raised awareness of Waipahu Safe Haven through a dedicated informational page. During the Christmas and Valentine's Day seasons, we spent time with the kupuna at the Waipahu Elderly Hall. We helped clean the pond and surrounding areas at Waipahu Plantation Village by removing invasive species, preserving an important cultural and historical site. With other West Oahu clubs in decorating Christmas trees at the Daniel K. Akaka State Veterans Home to show appreciation for our veterans. We also connected with local business leaders, sharing who Rotarians are, what we do, and the positive difference Rotary makes. We awarded scholarships to two outstanding students from the Waipahu community. This year, we were fortunate to make a meaningful difference in the lives of many and are grateful for every opportunity to serve. Mahalo to Rotary, our members, partners, and supporters for making these accomplishments possible. Together, we continue to create positive change and strengthen our community through Service Above Self. Thank you, Rotary, for making it all happen.
The Rotary Club of Maui has a project at least one every month. In July we collect school supplies for Kula Elementary School. We clean a two mile stretch Kula Highway quarterly. We ring the bell for the Salvation Army ant there Christmas and this club has been doing this every year for decades. Our club has presented to the community several times a day exploring the many ways Maui supported the efforts during WWII. The day includes audio video presentations and lecture from historians. Last year we welcomed the presentation of an underwater archeologist. We sponsor each year a scholarship for a senior from Seabury Hall or Kamehmeha schools. The interview process is delightful and making the choice is the hardest job that we yearly face. Our club has received wonderful support from the Assistant Governors here on Maui and the district. Many Mahalo…Al, Randy and many others!
Twelve months ago, I shared with my fellow Rotary East club Rotarians about great business leaders in our nation. They all created a positive mindset internally and what they manifested externally, displayed a thriving and successful business due to great leadership. I wanted to mirror their leadership qualities and philosophies so that our club would be successful this year. I replicated it and instilled those values and leadership qualities and it proved great success for our club. As I conclude my year, I share deep gratitude, profound humility and a heart of excitement as I had the honor to serve our members and community. From social mixers, and incredible service projects that expanded not only within our community, but beyond. We had outstanding special guests speakers that impacted our society; HUGS, Ronald McDonald house, Big Bothers & Big Sisters and Make-a- Wish Foundation. Projects included Palolo Elementary School Shoe Box project and a School Supply drive to name a few. Rotary’s motto, “Service above Self” is not just a phrase. It’s a way of life and we lived it with spirit, compassion and foremost with aloha. We really did “ UNITE FOR GOOD.”
The Rotary Club of Kona took over leadership and operation of the Kona Brewers Festival charity event in partnership with the Rotary Club’s of West Hawaii and donated roughly 50 k to local organizations/charities. Beneficiaries represented youth initiatives, culture and history, the environment, and food security. We purchased a cardboard shredder and donated it to Kealakehe High School’s Ag Dept. They are now taking cardboard destined for the landfill and making planters and other useful items and winning awards on the way. We continue to support food security by participating in “Meet and Eat” which provides food for families in need. We are supporting the start-up of a Satellite Club in Ka'u who’s focus us food security.
Our club meetings, featuring interesting speakers and community programs, continue to attract guests. Lahaina Sunset continued its signature projects of dictionary distributions with a fun lesson with prizes, School supplies drive, Maui Food Bank drives, rescue tube monitoring at local beaches, and teaching financial literacy classes to the Lahainaluna Boarders and kids attending Boys & Girls Club after school program. We supported and volunteered for Polio Plus events, RYLA, Ecycling, delivering food to Kapuna, Angel Hands Maui, Habitat for Humanity, and Aloha Ranch. Our Interact program signed up 45 students on Club Day, and the students decided to support many projects through a grant from the United Way, including Boo Bash crafts at the YMCA, cookie decorating/talk story with Kapuna for Valentines Day, all school awareness events featuring Maui Humane Society and Youthline Hawaii, and a “sober night” after prom. A project with Treecovery, which supplies trees to those who lost them in the fire, was featured on HGTV. At Christmas, our club helped put on a Christmas party for those receiving mental health treatment at the Comprehensive Health Center. We also worked with the Children’s Program Director at Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Shelter to have Santa & Mrs. Claus distribute 160 wrapped gifts (each of the 80 children received a personalized gift and an age appropriate book). Families were also given food and gas cards and were treated to lunch. The inaugural Lights for Lahaina saw club members volunteering with youth, staffing water stations along the walk route, and talk story with residents of Lahaina. This healing event welcomed over 800 participants. People in Lahaina know Rotary!
We had a fantastic year. Net membership increase of 16. Fueled by Monthly Mini Mixers exemplified an innovative, relationship-centered approach to membership growth and retention. By creating welcoming, low-pressure opportunities for 8–10 members and guests to connect, events such as Yacht Club Pau Hana, Coffee Notes Morning Meet Up, The Meadery Pau Hana, PIYO Fitness Class, Gut Health Workshop, Bowling at KMC, Santa Workshop and Caroling, Holiday Shop Night, Palace Theatre Ghost Stories and Tour, and Hilo Walk and Talks strengthened fellowship and introduced prospective members to the spirit of Rotary. Targeted recruitment events produced outstanding results: Speed Chat welcomed 21 Rotarians and 9 guests, resulting in 3 new members, while Team Bingo Night welcomed 22 Rotarians and 18 guests, including 8 first-year members, resulting in 7 new members. The club further distinguished itself through intentional onboarding and retention. Coffee Talks connected new members’ personal and professional interests with meaningful committees and relationships, while Orientations grounded them in Rotary International, the club’s mission, activities, and expectations. Through the Mentor/Red Badge Program, new members gained confidence by greeting, leading traditions, attending events, and engaging in club life. A Mid-Year Check-In reinforced retention by gathering feedback and strengthening connection.
This year’s Rotary Foundation giving has been phenomenal. Our Annual Fund giving of more than $37,000 doubled our $18,000 goal. Giving to Polio Plus was more than $15,000 which was over 300% of our goal. A concerted effort was made to reach 100% EREY and we did it! What a great job by our members. I participated in the Tour De Tucson and the Ride to End Polio in Taiwan, while results are not completed yet, I think I raised nearly $10,000. Our International project completed construction of bathrooms for a school in rural Fiji with financial assistance from our sister club in Hiroshima. We also attended their 70th anniversary celebration in Hiroshima Japan as we have been in a sister club relationship for over 50 years.
For Vocational, we had 2 site visits and 1 speaker. While the 2 site visits were fun, the talk given during a regular meeting on the history of the development of the 4-way test in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert Taylor and the Declaration of Totarians in Business reached more Club members and provided a learning opportunity for all, no just new members, but guests as well. It was a reminder that the spirit of Rotary guides us not only when we gather to work on a Rotary Project or attend a meeting but also at our home and workplaces. Our club made a powerful impact for youth across East Hawaiʻi this year through the following initiatives: - Kindergarten Literacy: We conducted monthly readings and provided quarterly take-home books to 400 kindergarteners across 12 elementary schools. - Dictionary Project: 288 dictionaries were delivered to third graders in six elementary schools in East Hawaii. - RYLA Leadership: Jennifer and Gail Takaki chaired RYLA 2026, RC Hilo awarded 21 scholarships to East Hawaiʻi high school students. Mahalo! - HRYF Scholarship: Alden Noguchi Waiakea High School Senior received RCH's $5,000 scholarship. - Interact Support: Rotarians advised and partnered with: - Waiākea High (WHS) Interact: 35 students and 3 faculty members. - LCPCS (Laupahoehoe) Interact: 8 students and faculty members. Both Interact clubs completed multiple school and community service projects, including the Alzheimer's walk, Genki Toss, the Queen Liliuokalani Clean Up, KTA Haunted House, Joint zoom meeting with sister interact students at Shudo High School in HIroshima, Japan and several other service projects.
We attended many community service events, including cleaning up Queen Lilioukulani Park, marching in the Merrie Monarch Parade, helped Hilo Bay Rotary in their Food Fight to end Hunger Campaign. We had representatives at the Taipei International Convention. We continued to perform regular service projects such as preparing meals for the Hilo Home for Recovery. Members assisted with greeting visitors at the Cruise Ship Dock. We even established a pet theraphy group at the Hawaii Island Adult Care center. All in all, a busy and productive year for The 106 year old Rotary Club of Hilo.
The Rotary Club of Pearl Harbor had an exceptional year. Community service remained our highest priority. We volunteered quarterly at Hawaii Food Bank, benefiting Hawaii's vulnerable elderly and keiki populations. At one event we packed 9,000 meals. Our Radford High School Interact Club provided outstanding support at these events. We volunteered at the Food Pantry; Aloha Animal Sanctuary; and cleaned the Pearl Harbor Bike Path and Ehime Maru monument with RCPH-Hickam and Scouting America. Our quarterly JOURNEY TO PEACE public seminars focused on Rotary International’s PEACE goal of bettering our nation and world. We organized an inspiring commemoration of the famed WWII 100th Battalion with Hilo’s Cafe 100. Our Radford High School Interactors were very active this year. Quarterly, we highlighted 3-5 Interactors at a club meeting, and funded 7 Interactors for RYLA. We had outstanding speakers at our meetings. Quarterly, one meeting spotlighted a current member. All meetings were broadcast on Zoom. In November, we hosted 30 members from our sister Hiroshima club with a full schedule of socials, dinner meetings and tours. Four members of our sister Tokyo club visited this year. In January, 29 of our members toured the USS Arizona on the Admiral's barge.
What a great year this has been for the Rotary Club of Kona Sunrise! We enjoyed a meaningful and active year, participating in the July 4 and Christmas parades, supporting the monthly Meet n Eat program for food-insecure residents, and providing gifts to the Kona Domestic Abuse Shelter. We installed a small Peace Pole at the Kona VFW to honor Mike Fraser. We were invited guests to the West Hawaii Veterans’ Cemetery for Veterans’ Day and Memorial Day services, representing Rotary. We awarded two $1,000 scholarships to excellent students at Konawaena High School. With the three other West Hawaii Rotary Clubs (Kona, Mauka, North) we collaborated and organized the 31st Annual Kona Brewers Festival in April. Our Club’s major project was the Kona Community ConnectFest—a gathering of 42 non-profits and government agencies to present their organization’s information in one place to support housing, health, food, volunteer activities, and to network with each other. The Club’s members enjoyed several Pau Hana events to fellowship with one another. Our programs and speakers were informative; we always learned something new! We’ve had a GREAT 2025-2026 Rotary year! We look forward to another great year as we continue to put Service Above Self. President Nancy says, " I truly appreciate my Chief-of-Staff Vern Lowrey! He's made my job as President so easy!!"
