The Rotary Club of Hilo Bay: Meeting Notes – March 11, 2026
Meeting Overview
On March 11, 2026, the Rotary Club of Hilo Bay held its regular Wednesday morning meeting. Members convened at 7:00 AM in the downstairs meeting room of the Grand Naniloa Hotel. The gathering aimed to continue the club’s tradition of community engagement and to further its ongoing service initiatives.
Call to Order
President Tim Hansen officially opened the meeting at 7:00 AM. To provide more time for the guest speaker, certain routine activities were deleted.
Opening Activities
The meeting commenced with Doug Adams leading the Pledge. Following this, Art Taniguchi shared an inspirational message on behalf of the late Chester Cabral: “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity,” setting a positive and motivating tone for the event.
Guests
Distinguished guests included DG Nancy Cabral, ADG, ADC Beverly Heikes, Doug Adams, and Lisa Williams, Rear Admiral Mahelona and his wife. Aide and driver along with five sailors who are a part of visit.
Guest Speaker
President Hansen introduced Rear Admiral Ryan K. Mahelona. The Admiral, a native of Hilo, wasted no time getting into his background in Hawaii and the US Navy. You can find his full biography at www.navy.mil. The content of his presentation took me by surprise. I expected something along the lines of the Navy today. ( I even had a couple of questions prepared about the Navy in the north Pacific that never got asked.) Instead, Admiral Mahelona provided a presentation on leadership.
Using his life as an example, he explained how leadership is formed and changes with life.
- He learned basic values when he was young from Scouting, sports and King Kamehameha school.
- As he got older, he attended US Military Academy at Annapolis because it offered free college education with a five year job upon graduation. He learned about Honor, Courage and Commitment from the Navy which aligned with his Hawaiian values.
- After being commissioned and going to sea, he learned the value of mentoring from a senior NCO who taught him the ropes of command.
- When he returned to civilian life, as computer engineer and coder, he learned another set of values as he navigated the Dot.Com crash and was forced to adapt to different life situations. Leadership is being a servant first.
- Mentoring and networking also make a good leader--“luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.
- Finally, just be yourself, live Aloha and stay healthy.
President Tim called on JoB to report on activities remain for the Admiral and the sailors.
JoB reported on the Food Basket painting which saved that organization $30K, the reading program in the school and the Lili Okalani Grarden clean up on Thursday. She also reported that discussions were underway for next year’s visit from the Navy.
Door Prize Winner Bob Juettner
Closing Announcement
- Next week’s speaker is Tracy Wise. It will also be the induction of Kevin Readom.
- President for 2029-2030 is needed. Jump in before you get ing
- May 2-9, Pohnpei Health Service Project, sign up on the D5000 website.
- June is the RI Convention in Taipei.
- 2027 will be an exchange visit to our sister club in Japan.
- Don’t forget to check your emails, website and sign up for inspiration & door prizes with Lorraine.
Four Way Test Richard Cunningham
Inspiration & door prizes
- March 25: Steven Sylvester
- April 1: Jan Haraguci-Abundo
- April 8: Patrick Bodell
- April 15: Mike Carroll
- April 22;