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About Our Club

The Rotary Club of East Honolulu is a dynamic community organization dedicated to service and fellowship. As part of Rotary International, members of the East Honolulu Club are committed to the Rotary motto,

"Service Above Self"

We engage in various service projects, educational initiatives, and international humanitarian efforts. Our local activities range from providing scholarships for local high school students, assisting schools such as Palolo Elementary, addressing food insecurity by volunteering with organizations such as Aloha Harvest, improving health through our partnerships with HUGS and the Aloha Diaper Bank, and working on environmental clean-up projects and sustainability.

The club provides a platform for personal growth, networking, and community engagement.

Don’t Forget to Support The Rotary Foundation – Be Part of Global Change!

The Rotary Foundation is at the heart of Rotary International’s mission, transforming lives and communities around the world. By supporting the Foundation, you are contributing to critical initiatives that address pressing global challenges, including disease prevention, water and sanitation, education, economic development, and peacebuilding.

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps fund impactful programs such as:

PolioPlus: Rotary’s commitment to eradicating polio is closer than ever to achieving its goal. Your support helps provide vaccines and awareness campaigns to protect the world’s children.
Global Grants: These large-scale, sustainable projects provide solutions to pressing local and international issues, improving health, literacy, and quality of life for millions.
District Grants: Empowering local clubs to create meaningful change in their own communities.

This year, let’s make it a priority to ensure our club’s robust participation in supporting The Rotary Foundation. Imagine the impact we can make together: providing clean water to a village, offering scholarships to young leaders, or funding critical medical supplies.

Contributing is easy and rewarding. Set up a one-time donation or consider becoming a Sustaining Member by giving $100 annually. For those seeking to make a legacy impact, explore opportunities such as the Paul Harris Fellowship, Benefactor, or Bequest Society.

Together, our contributions fuel hope and opportunity for people worldwide.
Click here to donate to The Rotary Foundation today! https://my.rotary.org/en/donate

Be part of something extraordinary—make your contribution and help change the world!

2025 is Here! Next Board and General Meetings – Join Us for Exciting Updates!

Mark your calendars for our upcoming Board Meeting and Virtual General Meeting on January 14th.

Board Meeting: 4:30 PM – Dive into the planning and decision-making that keep our club running smoothly.
General Meeting: 5:30 PM – Connect with fellow members, catch up on club news, and get inspired for the exciting projects and initiatives ahead.

This month’s meetings promise to be engaging and informative as we kick off the new year with a strong focus on service and fellowship. Whether you’re eager to share ideas, learn more about our upcoming projects, or just enjoy some time with your Rotary family, we’d love to see you there!

A link to join the virtual general meeting will be sent out soon, so keep an eye on your email. Let’s start 2025 with enthusiasm and momentum as we work together to make a difference in our community and beyond!

Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation – Donations Needed!

The Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation (HRYF) is a cornerstone of our Rotary mission, dedicated to supporting Hawaii’s youth through higher education scholarships. Since its inception, HRYF has been instrumental in helping students across the islands achieve their academic dreams, empowering them to become future leaders and contributors to our community.

This year, our club is committed to raising the necessary funds to provide a $5,000 scholarship for a deserving student. To meet this goal, we need every member’s support. With a per capita contribution of just $50 per member, we can reach our target. Currently, we are $350 short, and your generosity can help us bridge that gap.

Supporting HRYF is more than just a donation—it’s an investment in the next generation. These scholarships not only ease the financial burden of higher education but also inspire students to give back to their communities, embodying the Rotary value of “Service Above Self.”

Let’s come together to ensure our club meets this meaningful goal. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. If you haven’t yet donated, please consider doing so today. Together, we can make a lasting impact on a student’s future!

Any Interested Hosts for our Exchange Student Frida?

Our Rotary Youth Exchange student, Frida Paulsson, is looking for a final host family to support her through the end of her exchange year. Frida is an active member of the Kalani Swim Team, an outstanding student, and a wonderful ambassador for Rotary.

Hosting Frida is a rewarding opportunity to share our aloha spirit and make a positive impact on her exchange experience. Hosting can be a homestay, but can also be things as simple yet meaningful such as:

Taking her on trips to the movies or local attractions.
Showing her around the island and sharing its beauty.
Inviting her to dinner with your family to experience home life in Hawaii.
Including her in everyday family routines and special moments.

If you or someone you know is interested in getting to know Frida, please contact Dailyn Yanagida or Alissa for more details. Let’s ensure Frida continues to have a fantastic experience here in Hawaii!

Thank you for considering this wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories and build international goodwill!

Kalani High School Interact Club is Thriving!

Thanks to the leadership and dedication of Dailyn Yanagida, our Kalani High School Interact Club is active and thriving again! The students have been holding regular meetings, volunteering for events like the Honolulu Marathon, and gearing up to participate in many more service projects.

We’re incredibly proud to support this amazing group of future leaders. Let’s continue to encourage and celebrate their commitment to service above self!

International Convention 2027 – Let’s Get Excited!

Mark your calendars! June 5–9, 2027, will be a landmark event as Hawaii welcomes Rotarians from around the globe for the Rotary International Convention. This is our chance to showcase our aloha spirit, stunning scenery, and strong commitment to Rotary values.

Adding to the excitement, RI President Nominee Sangkoo Yun is in town this month to collaborate on plans for the convention. His visit underscores the importance of this global event and offers an incredible opportunity for us to engage and contribute.

The convention will be held at the Hawaii Convention Center, with events extending to Honolulu’s vibrant streets and beautiful beaches. It will feature inspiring speakers, cultural exchanges, and countless opportunities to connect with Rotarians worldwide.

Let’s start brainstorming ways for our club to participate and make a lasting impression on thousands of attendees. Got ideas? Share them at the next meeting—we’d love to hear from you!

Building Bridges of Fellowship with Kyoto Rotary Club

Our January bulletin opens with a heartwarming event: the exchange of omiyage with Yamamoto-san from the Kyoto Rotary Club. Club Members Alicia Pranica and her son, Miki May, and President Lillian Shaw ensured smooth transportation for Mr. Yamamoto and his large family between the hotel and California Pizza Kitchen, where all enjoyed delightful fellowship. Approximately 20 guests, including six toddlers, shared a lively evening of laughter and stories. A big thank you to everyone who helped make this event memorable!

California Wild Fire Donations Through Rotary

In a heartfelt message from District Governor Ted Faigle, we are reminded of the importance of helping our Rotary family in California as they deal with devastating wildfires. DG Ted emphasized that California Rotarians were among the first to offer assistance during the Maui fires last year, providing much-needed aid and support during our time of need.

Now, it’s our turn to return the favor. Let’s stand in solidarity and show our aloha spirit by donating to wildfire relief efforts in California. Together, we can make a difference for those impacted by this tragedy. See his letter and the ways to donate below.

"No doubt you have seen in the news the devastating images of the current Los Angeles wildfires. They have directly impacted Rotarians and communities in Rotary District 5280 and also in District 5300.

This past October 45 Rotarians from District 5280 came to aid our Maui fire survivors doing hands-on projects with partner non-profits and also contributing $90,000 on top of donations already made to our Maui Fires Fund.

Now they need our help. I have received this information from my friend and colleague, District Governor Albert Hernandez:

Financial donations can be made by check or credit card.

Your donation is tax deductible and will directly impact those most devastated by this disaster. The tax ID of the Charitable Foundation is 95-4597691.

Donate by check:
- Please make your check payable to "Rotary District 5280 Charitable Foundation"
- Mail the check to Rotary District 5280 Office at: 8055 W. Manchester Ave, Suite 460, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
- Please put "Wildfire Disaster Relief" in the memo
Donate by credit card:

◦ Please click HERE to make your donation via credit card.

More information about the Rotary disaster relief efforts and ways people can donate, volunteer, and provide resources is at https://rotary5280.org/page/2025-wildfire-disaster-relief/

Thanks for your support.

Ted

December 10th Meeting - New Member and a Great Speaker

Our December 10th general meeting at Ala Moana Assaggio’s was a memorable evening and marked our last in-person meeting for the near future as we reflect on the direction and future of our club.

The evening included the induction of our newest member, Susan Chong Wong, a legal professional whose expertise and passion for service make her a valuable addition to our Rotary family.

We were also honored to host Assistant District Governor (ADG) Ryan Kawamoto as our guest speaker. Ryan is an award-winning television and film director known for his remarkable storytelling. Represented by Kinetic Productions since 2002, he has directed notable advertising campaigns featuring Marcus Mariota for First Hawaiian Bank and Island Insurance, as well as projects for Central Pacific Bank, Kaiser Permanente, and Hawaiian Telcom.

Ryan’s contributions extend beyond advertising. In 2012, he was named the American Advertising Federation Hawaii "Advertising Man of the Year." He has directed several feature films, including the Asian American comedy "Hang Loose" and the acclaimed documentaries "The Untold Story: Internment of Japanese Americans in Hawai’i" and "Voices Behind Barbed Wire," the latter receiving an Achievement in Interpretive Award in 2020 from the Hawaiʻi Historic Foundation.

In addition to his professional achievements, Ryan mentors the next generation of storytellers through PBS Hawaiʻi’s Hiki No student news program. We were inspired by his insights and his commitment to fostering creativity and community engagement.

As we navigate the future of our club, this meeting served as a moment to reflect on our mission and strengthen our fellowship. Thank you to all who attended and contributed to making it a special evening.

Holiday Party a Fun Time for All!

Our Rotary Christmas Party was an intimate and heartwarming evening, bringing together 30 Rotarians, family, and friends to celebrate the holiday season with fellowship and good cheer. The highlight of the evening was a Swedish-inspired feast, lovingly prepared by Frida and her host families, featuring delicious Scandinavian appetizers, Swedish meatballs, creamy mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and a decadent chocolate cake to finish.

The festive atmosphere was filled with laughter, music, and the joy of giving. Most importantly, the event raised over $1,000 to support Frida’s upcoming exchange trip, ensuring she will carry cherished memories of her time in Hawaii.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined and made this gathering such a delightful success. Your kindness and generosity truly embody the spirit of Rotary!

Dear Friends and Fellow Rotarians,

I am thrilled to announce that July 1 marks my first day as President of the East Honolulu Rotary Club. As I step into this role, I am filled with enthusiasm and a strong sense of purpose to lead our club toward new heights. My primary goals for the upcoming year include:

1. Doubling Our Membership: We aim to expand our reach and impact by increasing our membership. More members mean more hands to make a difference in our community.

2. Enhancing Community Service: We plan to collaborate with other Rotary clubs to amplify our community service activities, creating a larger, more positive impact.

3. Establishing an E-Club: Under the East Honolulu Rotary Club umbrella, we will launch an E-Club to offer more flexibility and inclusivity for members who prefer virtual meetings.

4. Boosting Donations:We will work to increase contributions to our international and district foundations. By encouraging both members and non-members to sign up for automatic contributions on the Rotary Club website, we can support even more global and local initiatives.

Given that our past two presidents and I are all educators, our club will emphasize promoting education within our community. We are committed to supporting both students and teachers in meeting their needs.

Our bi-monthly meetings are held at Assaggio in Ala Moana Center on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 5:30 PM, with only two exceptions this year.

I warmly invite my Facebook friends and anyone interested in our mission to attend these meetings and submit their membership applications on the East Honolulu Rotary website.

I look forward to seeing you at our meetings and welcoming you to join our monthly community service projects. As I often share with my friends, my happiest moments come from helping others. I hope to share many of these happy moments with you in the near future. Thank you for your support, and I am excited to embark on this journey together.

Lillian Shaw

President 2024-2025

Please donate to support our ohana on Maui as this tragedy unfolds. Help will be needed for a long time.

https://www.facebook.com/RCOEH

Welcome to the Rotary Club of East Honolulu

Celebrating 65 years of Service!

We meet In Person

Tuesdays at 5:30 PM

Assaggio’s

Ala Moana Mall - Lower Level
Honolulu,
United States of America

2nd and 4th Tuesdays

District Site

Bulletins

Venue Map

Member Birthdays:

Jack Hinton

May 11
Claudia Zhang

May 20

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