Speaker: Rotarian Mike Robinson
Update on Rotary Park's Phase II
Several years back, Mike Robinson of the Rotary Club of Hilo spearheaded an ambitious, successful effort to reclaim a part of the Bayfront coastal area as a park to honor the 2005 Centennial of Rotary. 
At the time, there were four East Hawaii Clubs (Pahoa Sunset had not yet been founded). "Everybody pitched in," Robinson told RCHB meeting Wednesday (9/10/14). "Once we put together the plan, it was easy to sell."
He spoke to our Club about Phase II operations and funding for Kuhio Kalanianaole Rotary Centennial Park. Robinson's committee estimated the cost per Club based on size. RCHB's suggested amount was around $7,000. The board last year approved $3,500 for the project. Our board is expected to be asked for an increased contribution. The project remains about $4,000 to $5,000 short of needed funding.
The large banyan trees on the site will be trimmed substantially, and an ironwood growing through the middle of one of them will be removed.
Mayor Kenoi is on board and has promised county assistance with park benches and picnic tables.
The next phase will include clean up around a former fish pond, getting rid of vegetation and "see what's there," Mike said. In Phase I, the clean up unearthed the remains of a restaurant, The Kontiki, which had burned years ago.
The first step will be on Rotary Work Day, Oct. 18, Saturday, when all Clubs are committed to clean up and a pot luck picnic. Those who cannot participate in the actual cleanup can still be involved by bringing a potluck dish for the picnic.