Congratulations and deeply appreciation to CPA Ronald Young, our WHRF Chair, and CPA Walter Chang, who diligently dedicated over 100 hours to completing and filing the IRS Form 1023. Thanks to their hard work and commitment, our 501(c)(3) status—lost in August 2025—has been successfully reinstated WHRF Non-Profit Status as of the end of February 2026.
The West Honolulu Rotary Foundation was incorporated on May 16, 1983, marking over four decades of service and commitment to the community.
The original incorporators were members of the West Honolulu Rotary Club and included Past District Governors Albert Hastings (1965–66), Ralph Honda (1971–72), and Ronald Young (1990–91).
Albert Hastings made a significant philanthropic contribution of over $262,000 to establish a scholarship program, now known as the Al Hastings Fund in Sept 1983.
Ronald Young played a key role in forming the Foundation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. He prepared and submitted the necessary documentation to the Internal Revenue Service, successfully securing tax-exempt status. The donation was structured as an endowment fund in Al Hastings' name to ensure long-term sustainability.
Lincoln Ishida, also a club member, drafted the original Charter of Incorporation and Bylaws. These documents, including Exhibits A and B, were filed with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) and approved on May 16, 1983.
Today, Ronald Young remains the only living incorporator. Lincoln Ishida, who authored the original Charter and Bylaws, are still available to monitor the compliance of the By-Law. We are so fortune to have this 2 dedicated Rotarians to continue to practice the Rotary spirit "Service Above Self"