The Rotary Club of Hilo Bay: Notes of the Meeting – February 11, 2026
Meeting Details
The Rotary Club of Hilo Bay convenes every Wednesday morning at 7:00 AM in the Palm Room of the Grand Naniloa Hotel. The meeting on February 11, 2026, was called to order by Past President Steven Sylvester. February is the month of Peace and Conflict Resolution.
Opening Activities
PR Sylvester initiated the meeting at 7:00 AM. Bryan Lindsey led the Pledge, followed by an inspirational moment from Tim Hansen, “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Howard Truman.
The trivia question was “What is the eighth wonder of the world?” According to Steven, the bank manager, it is compound interest. You either master it or it masters you.
Guests, Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Inductions
- Guests: Liz Willians, Richard Soile, Dr. Mehmet—a visiting cardiac surgeon at Hile Bennihoff Hospital and Karl Gutknecht from Madison WI.
- Birthdays: None
- Anniversaries: None
- Inductions: Bob & Virginia Juettner
Club Announcements
- The Hale ‘Oluea Club House has invited 20 Hilo Bay Rotarians to visit on February 25th, between 10:00 AM and noon.
- Richard Cunningham is creating a jewelry box as a donation incentive for HRYF and the University of Hawaii Foundation. Contributions so far are total approximately $3,500. Richards goal this year is $5,000 for the U of H Foundation and $3,500 for HRYF, He encouraged members to donate generously to both scholarships.
- Virginia Juettner needs one or two volunteers to assist with the Birthday Book event on February 18. Members from the Hilo Rotary Club will also be observing.
- Alan Okinaka will provide a sign-up sheet for readers at the next meeting. Rotarians received his email sometime last week.
- Anita Cunningham reported that a donor came forward and funded the cost of the van for RYLA. Donations for snacks are being accepted.
- Admiral Mahelona will be our guest speaker on March 11th. We are inviting all Rotarians, friends and would be Rotarians to this meeting. It will be held downstairs and the cost of breakfast will be $25 for this event. A flyer was prepared and sent to HBRC members via email.
- James Tyrin is seeking ideas for the D5000 workday. Members are encouraged to contact him with suggestions.
- The Epic Food Fight to End Hunger is scheduled for May 16. A coordinator is needed for the event.
Happy Dollars
$10 – Mary Begier – Seahawks won Super Bowl! Watched the game with friends in Long Beach, CA. Spent 5 days at Canyon Ranch, where worked more than relaxed. $10 million by 8 people in Hawaii w/Real Estate News. Promised Richard Cunningham/HRYF Nursing check when it is close to deadline to give.
$10 – Kathleen Rowden – I am starting my own local business called “Hilo Heartbeat.” The company will be providing individuals with small groups (max 6 persons), American Heart Association (AHA). Heartsaver (CPR/AED/First Aid) and Basic Life Support (BLS) training courses. Please contact Kathleen Rowden for additional Information @ 808-854-0145. You can also text training requests to this number.
$10 – Alan Okinaka – Yellow Finch, Munia and Red Head Hawaiian Finch enjoying my yard. Learned who Bad Bunny was!
$5 – Virginia Juettner – Birthday Books next Wednesday, joined with Hilo club members/lei making. Happy Patrick Bodell is presenting today on our RCHB club’s website and will result in Foundation money.
$4 – Karl Gutknecht – Convey greetings from Sharon Scheele. Testify to privilege of service work in Hilo and the Board of Directors and treasurer of Hilo Lagoon Association. History of Kings Fishpond. Ticks all the boxes of 4-Way Test.
Guest Speaker: Patrick Bodell, Rotary Tech Tips
Patrick opened his presentation with a simple introduction to his tech skills. He had developed a couple of websites for his businesses in the past and was surprised by the HBRC website. It lacked interest and vibrancy. He then went to the revised website that he is working on which is current with photos of club activities and Rotarians. Patrick acknowledged that working with Clubrunner was challenging but what he needs now is news from Club Members. If you are involved with a committee, send him information about the committee and its activities. He will post it on the website which is https://hilobayrotary.com.
Patrick had intended to bring up him My Rotary account to show us what is available through Rotary.org but for some reason his login failed each time he tried. He stressed the importance of checking your Profile on My Rotary as it contains information on all your Rotary offices as well as your personal donation history. You can also sign up for monthly, quarterly or annual donations. If you see something wrong or missing from your profile, you can contact RI at the bottom of the profile page and correct or add information. You can reach My Rotary by going to Rotary.org and clicking on My Rotary or going directly to https://my.rotary.org/en/user. if you have an account.
Closing Announcements
- Next week’s guest speakers will be from the UHH/HCC Rotaract Club
- The Pohnpei Health Service Project is scheduled for May 2–9.
- We still need a worthy volunteer to be the 2029-2030 Club President. Jump right in.
- Members are encouraged to check their emails and the Club website for updates.
- 2027 sister club visit to Japan.
- Sign up for door prizes and inspirations with Lorraine. We need volunteers for April and beyond.
Door Prizes and Four Way Test
- Door Prize: Chester Cabral received the gift card for Hawaiian Delights.
- Four Way Test: Led by Chester Cabral.
February Door Prizes and Inspirations Schedule
- February 18: Deborah Beaver
- February 25: Bob Juettner
- March 4, Miyuki Lee
- March 11, Chester Cabral: JoB
- March 25: Steven Sylvester
Upcoming Guest Speaker
The next guest speakers will be from East Hawaii Rotaract Club.