In the month of September, Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation (HRYF) is participating in Give Aloha, Foodland’s Annual Community Matching Gifts Program. This program honors Foodland’s founder, Maurice J. "Sully" Sullivan, and continues his legacy of giving back to the community. If you would like to donate:
1) Go to Foodland and give the cashier your Maikai card and tell them to credit HRYF # 77199
2) Donate up to $249 to the HRYF
3) Write your name and West Honolulu Rotary on the receipt (important)
4) Email your receipt to office@hawaiirotaryyouthfoundation.org
Last year, HRYF funded $270,000 in scholarships. Our club received a $5,000 scholarship to award to a student of our choice.
The speaker for our Sept 16th meeting is Alexander Silvert on the Mail Box Conspiracy Story. Alexander was raised in New York City and Vermont. After graduating from UCLA and driving a cab in New York, and a year of post-graduate political science courses at New York University, he switched to Boston College Law School where he obtained his JD in 1984. He worked as a state and federal public defender in Philadelphia before moving to Honolulu in 1989 with his wife and three-week old son to work at the Hawai‘i Federal Public Defenders Office.
He served as the First Assistant FPD from 1992 to his retirement in October of 2020. During his tenure he handled numerous high publicity cases, including representing two defendants in potential federal death penalty cases. In 2000, he was one of several AFPDs named “Federal Defender of the Year” by the National Association of Federal Defenders.
In July of 2013, the author began his representation of Gerard Puana, who was charged with destruction of a mailbox owned by Honolulu Chief of Police Louis Kealoha and his wife, Katherine Kealoha, third-ranked City of Honolulu Prosecutor. The case continued for over seven years, with the author starting as defender and ending as the key instigator of the federal prosecution of the Kealohas in what has become known as the greatest public corruption case in the history of Hawaii.
In October of 2020 Silvert retired as a Federal Public Defender after 33 years. Silvert has written a book about the Puana/Kealoha case entitled “The Mailbox Conspiracy: The Inside Story of the Greatest Corruption Case in Hawaii History.” Silvert currently is a lecturer at the University of Hawaii Richardson School of Law and runs his own private federal criminal law consulting firm in Hawaii.
Kenny was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaiʻi. Kahu Makuakāne comes from a long line of Kahu (pastors). His great-great-great grandfather was Rev. Daniel Makuakāne who served as the pastor of ʻOpihikao Congregational Church from 1865 to 1873 and at Kalapana in 1877. He was described as the "kanaka kahu hipa o ke kuahiwi" or "the Shepard of the hills" and was renown for his humility and piety. His great grand uncle, Rev. William Kamau also served ʻOpihikao Church as well as others, and served at Kawaiahaʻo Church 1934 to 1940. His parents are the Reverend John and Reverend Violet Makuakāne--both of whom served ʻOpihikao Congregational Church 1987 to 2010. His uncle, Rev. William Kaina served churches around the islands and served at Kawaiahaʻo Church 1984 to 1997. His cousin, Kahu Curtis Kekuna served at Kawaiahaʻo Church 2004 to 2017.
In 2010, Kahu Makuakāne answered the call to authorized ministry and began working at the Hawaiʻi Conference of the United Church of Christ, first as an Associate for Church Vitality, then as an Associate Conference Minister and the Papa Makua (the head minister) for the Association of Hawaiian Evangelical Churches. On May 5, 2018, Kahu Kenneth Makuakāne was ordained and installed by Kawaiahaʻo Church as its twelfth pastor.
Before his ordination, Kahu Kenneth Makuakāne was (and is) a successful singer, song writer and producer. According to his biography posted by Kamehameha Schools: Kenneth is recognized as a successful innovator in producing and recording Hawaiian music. He has over one hundred albums to his producing credits, working with artists such as Na Leo, Hapa, Amy Hānaiali‘i Gilliom, Raiatea Helm, Obrian Eselu and Jeff Rasmussen.
A prolific songwriter, Kenneth's compositions have been recorded by local artists, as well as international artists. His songs have even been performed many times over at the annual Merrie Monarch Hula Festival. He produced a track on Kenny Loggins 2000 CD release More Songs from Pooh Corner. And his music has been on the soundtrack of major films like "Honeymoon In Las Vegas" and "Parent Trap In Paradise." He has received a total of eighteen (18) Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, the Hawaii equivalent of the Grammy Awards. Makuakane won Song of the Year honors in 2000 for his hit composition, I Miss You, My Hawai‘i. He has been recognized in the National Registry of Who's Who.
The speaker for Friday. July 15 is Catherine Orlans. The O‘ahu Visitors Bureau (OVB) appointed Catherine Orlans as destination manager in September 2021 where she will be responsible for implementation and oversight of the O‘ahu Destination Management Action Plan (DMAP), as well as O‘ahu’s Community Enrichment Program (CEP). Orlans lends extensive experience in the hospitality industry, sales and marketing, as well as sustainability to the position. The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, in partnership with the City and County of Honolulu and OVB, developed the O‘ahu DMAP with a 23-member steering committee and input from O‘ahu residents through community presentations and an online feedback form. With the goal of rebuilding, redefining and resetting the direction of tourism over a three-year period, the DMAP identifies areas of need and actionable solutions for enhancing the residents’ quality of life as well as improving the visitor experience. Catherine is in charge of facilitating, implementing and managing the O‘ahu DMAP actions. Her role includes leading meetings and discussions with organizations and agencies involved in the DMAP, as well as engaging with the wider community on DMAP activities and updates. Orlans holds a B.S. in travel industry management from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa with an emphasis in sustainable tourism and transportation management focusing on impacts to indigenous host cultures of destinations. Orlans, an O‘ahu native, is also an advocate for diversity and inclusion as a mother of a son with autism.
June is Rotary Fellowships month and Rotary members are encouraged to take advantage of the groups to enhance their Rotary experience. Want to be with members who share a common interest in recreational activities, sports, hobbies, or professions? These groups help expand skills, foster vocational development, and enhance the Rotary experience by exploring interests while developing connections around the world. OVERVIEW Help participants make lasting friendships outside their own club, district, or country Advance Rotary’s public image and identity Serve as an incentive for joining Rotary and for maintaining active membership. Visit the webpage: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/more-fellowships
Rotary's theme for April is Maternal and Child Health. Rotary makes high-quality health care available to vulnerable mothers and children so they can live longer and grow stronger. We expand access to quality care, so mothers and children everywhere can have the same opportunities for a healthy future. An estimated 5.9 million children under the age of five die each year because of malnutrition, inadequate health care, and poor sanitation — all of which can be prevented. Last year, the Rotary Foundation funded 129 global grants in this focus area in the amount of $8.4 million.
During March, Rotary Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Month, we’re celebrating our commitment to create healthier communities by supplying clean water and sanitation facilities to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education are basic necessities for a healthy environment and a productive life. When people have access to clean water and sanitation, waterborne diseases decrease, children stay healthier and attend school more regularly, and mothers can spend less time carrying water and more time helping their families. Through water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs, Rotary’s people of action mobilize resources, form partnerships, and invest in infrastructure and training that yield long-term change. The Rotary Foundation has invested $148 million in water, sanitation, hygiene and water resource management interventions globally.
The Rotary Foundation, has designated its Disaster Response Fund as the main avenue for contributions. These expedited disaster response grants are being used to provide relief to refugees or other victims of the crisis including items such as water, food, shelter, medicine and clothing by designated Rotary districts that border Ukraine and the Rotary district in Ukraine. Donate: https://my.rotary.org/en/disaster-response-fund
View a video report from a person in Ukraine as relayed to a Rotarian in the WE Rotary Club in our District: : https://youtu.be/VCPvrzG079E
Since Rotary and its partners launched the Global Polio Eradication Initiative 30 years ago, the incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99.9 percent, from about 350,000 cases a year to just 22 cases in 2017. To sustain this progress, and protect all children from polio, Rotary has committed to raising US$50 million per year in support of global polio eradication efforts. Without full funding and political commitment, this paralyzing disease could return to previously polio-free countries, putting children everywhere at risk.
Your donation helps Rotary and its partners reach every child with the polio vaccine. Thanks to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, your contribution will be tripled, getting us even closer to a polio-free world.
This video is a 360 degree, non-VR version one. Move the picture with your mouse to see 360 degrees.
Our Vision : "Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves." Rotary's vision statement adopted by the Board and Trustees in June 2017, reflects the impact Rotary aspires to have on the world and our members.
Our Mission : We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.
Our sister club, the Rotary Club of Hong Kong Island West, will be celebrating their 65th anniversary and our club is invited. If you would like to go (April 12-14, 2019), please let Roland Chun know at: rchun44@yahoo.com The celebration program follows:
Rotary has been working to eradicate polio for more than 30 years. Our goal of ridding the world of this disease is closer than ever.
As a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, we've reduced polio cases by 99.9 percent since our first project to vaccinate children in the Philippines in 1979.
We've helped immunize more than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries. So far, Rotary has contributed more than $1.8 billion toward eradicating the disease worldwide.
Today, polio remains endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan. But it’s crucial to continue working to keep other countries polio-free. If all eradication efforts stopped today, within 10 years, polio could paralyze as many as 200,000 children each year. Your donation helps Rotary and its partners reach every child with the polio vaccine. Thanks to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, your contribution will be tripled, getting us even closer to a polio-free world. Donate to PolioPlus today.
EVANSTON, Ill. (Aug. 17, 2018) — Preventing conflicts from escalating into violent crises is 60 times more cost effective than intervening after violence erupts, according to the Carnegie Corporation of New York. A recent partnership between the membership service organization Rotary and Mediators Beyond Borders International (MBBI) aims to bring community-based solutions to prevent conflict in more communities.
MBBI – an impact organization founded on the principle of people-centered peacebuilding – has been working with Rotary since 2013 to advance the common goals for peace. This new partnership will enable Rotary members to train with MBBI to sharpen their mediation, dialogue, and other conflict transformation skills. Rotary’s 1.2 million members, located in over 200 countries and regions, will help MBBI expand its network of trained mediators – potentially transforming conflict in communities not previously reached. MBBI’s members are at the center of a movement for global peacebuilding through advocacy, capacity building and consultations.
Rotary's theme for this month is Basic Education and Literacy. Did you know that more than 775 million people in the world over the age of 15 are illiterate. That’s 17 percent of the world’s adult population. One in 6 adults in Hawaii cannot read or write even at a basic level . "There are over 150,000 people in Hawaii right now who are not reading and writing at the level considered literate. They're making a living, or raising children but that would be easier if they improved their reading and writing skills," said Suzanne Skjold, the Executive Director of Hawaii Literacy.
Rotary's goal is to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy. We support education for all children and literacy for children and adults.
Picture from our Sept 7th meeting with Hannah Shipman, a Maui gal speaking on 100% Clean Energy on behalf of Blue Planet Foundation. Who is that guy in the middle that looks like the spot light is on him?
Volunteers needed for the CHILDREN AND YOUTH DAY Event. It's on Sunday, October 7th, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, at the State Capitol, Kalanimoku Building, Frank F. Fasi Civic Center, Hawaii State Art Museum, ʻIolani Palace, Kamehameha V Building (Supreme Court Building), Punchbowl Street, and Department of Health Mauka Parking Lot. www.HawaiiCYD.org.
Hawaii's 25th Annual Children and Youth Month kick-off event, Children and Youth Day, honors and celebrates our children and youth in Hawaii. Over 200 interactive, educational, fun activities for infants, toddlers, children, youth and the entire family. Free parking at neighboring State and City parking lots, Central Middle School, and Central Pacific Bank at the corner of King and Alakea Streets. Sponsored by HONOLULU Family, Kama‘aina Kids, McDonald's Restaurants of Hawaii, ‘Olelo Community Media, Pacific American Foundation, The Friends of ‘Iolani Palace, Tihati, KFVE, and Upspring.
EVERYDAY EXPERIENCES MADE BETTER THAN EXPECTED - Discover a world of savings - Discounts and Specials Rotary Global Rewards is the member benefits program designed exclusively for Rotarians and Rotaractors. The extensive collection of discounts and special offers covers the types of goods and services that members care about most — for getting a project completed or just treating yourself after a job well done. Categories include: • Entertainment • Business services • Dining • Travel • Insurance • Retail Create your own offer You can share discounts with other Rotarians. Help build the program by adding special offers from your own company to the growing portfolio of Rotary Global Rewards. Give back to Rotary By using Rotary Global Rewards, you have the opportunity to give back o Rotary.* Look for offers that include a percentage back to Rotary.
Explore Rotary Global Rewards today Access Rotary Global Rewards using the URL below or the Rotary Global Rewards app available through the Apple App Store and Google Play.
VISIT rotary.org/globalrewards or DOWNLOAD the Rotary Global Rewards app.
Local-born and raised LORRAINE MINATOISHI, PH.D., AIA, LEED AP, is the president of Minatoishi Architects, an award-winning architecture firm specializing in historic preservation. Dr. Minatoishi produced an award-winning documentary entitled Aloha Buddha, which covered the history of Japanese immigration, religion and architecture in the Hawaiian Islands.
Business Architecture Firm Minatoishi Architects, Inc. is an award-winning architectural firm, with Secretary of Interiors (SOI) qualified Preservation Architects. We specialize in historic architecture and historic preservation. As dedicated preservationists, we are proud to integrate elements of Hawaii’s diverse history in our design. We work with private homeowners, commercial owners, and state and federal government agencies as preservation experts. Our primary work is building renovation and restoration. We also provide technical assistance by inventorying and assessing buildings at the front end of project design.
OUR MISSION is to work with the highest level of integrity, paying critical attention to detail, and creating works of the highest quality. We value spending significant time on historical and material research to fully and accurately analyze the architectural and cultural resource. We dedicate ourselves to projects that improve the environment of Hawaii and aim to share our findings and historical research with professional colleagues. We advocate for cultural heritage preservation, study, interpretation, and education. Treating our employees, clients, colleagues and our fellow citizens with Aloha is of the utmost importance in order to contribute to our clients’ success. We Specialize In Historic Preservation, Historic Nominations, Permit Processing, Modern Architecture, Renovations, Historic Tax Credits, Master Planning,Japanese Traditional Architecture.
The Chinese New Year dinner social on Feb 17 had a fantastic turn out. Total of 46 people attended, along with the signature 7 course dishes with complimentary wine, and have door prizes which were donated by Terry Lo and Elvira Lo, Edward Ane donated 2 home make rice cake for dessert as well. Mahalo to all WHR participants.
Jeff Wilson is associate professor of religious studies and East Asian studies for Renison University College, at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada . He has written several books and numerous articles about the interaction of Buddhism and various aspects of North American culture, and published pioneering research in the history of same-sex wedding ceremonies. Jeff teaches courses on religion in North America, East Asian religion, and theory and method in religious studies at the University of Waterloo. He is active in the American Academy of Religion, and does media appearances and radio interviews to provide an informed perspective on issues of religion in contemporary society. He is the current Numata Scholar at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and was the 2016 BSC Summer Session speaker.
Professor Wilson’s book, Mindful America, The Mutual Transformation of Buddhist Meditation and American Culture (2014) is the first comprehensive exploration of the practice of mindfulness in America. It outlines how Buddhism influences and is appropriated and adapted by non-Buddhist cultures in the United States and elsewhere.
On April 28, 2018, Texaco is hosting this year’s DOE Honolulu District Elementary Speech Festival again. This will be the 30th anniversary for the speech festival. Many of you remember last year’s festival and how much fun it was. Well now all of you will have the opportunity to show your support for our Keiki by coming out to watch them perform. There will be 480 student participants in grades 3-5. The students will participate in one of five categories: choral reading, group interpretation, interpretive reading, poetry and storytelling. The program is seeking the help of 120 volunteer judges who will help to judge and critique the students’ performance. This event is designed to help encourage students to develop public speaking skills and to gain self-confidence.
Registration starts at 7 a.m. and breakfast will be provided. Briefing for the judges will be conducted at 7:30 a.m.
If you would like to participate in this year’s speech festival, please be sure to sign up by clicking on the doodle link and by adding your name to the roster. If you have any questions about this event, please do not hesitate to contact me.
We will be having our Chinese New Year dinner social at Maple Garden on Feb 17, Saturday evening, come early to enjoy networking with your fellow Rotarians at 5:30pm, dinner will start at 6 pm, bring your friends and family to celebrate the Year of the Dog.
The cost is $22 per person, 7 course Chinese cuisine specially created for our club, to name a few of the favorite dishes: Smoke Tea Duck, Walnut Prawns, Spareribs in Honey BBQ sauce. And each table will have a complimentary bottle of WINE, seats are limited, first come first serve...
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