The Rotary Club of Hilo Bay convened on February 18, 2026, for its weekly meeting. The session took place in the Palm Room of the Grand Naniloa Hotel at 7:00 AM. This gathering continued the club's tradition of meeting every Wednesday morning to foster community spirit and engage in service activities.

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

PP Sylvester initiated the meeting at 7:00 AM. Miyuki Lee led the Pledge, followed by an inspirational moment from Deborah Beaver: “No man stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child.”

The trivia question was “At what age do children begin to read?” Answer: Six or seven years

Guests, Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Inductions

Guests: Kennedy Moniz, Katherine Keier, lacy Wong and Ava Speakers East Hawaii Rotoract Club, Emmett Sylvester
Birthdays: Jessica Thompson
Anniversaries: None
Inductions: Micelle Flemming

Club Announcements

The Hale ‘Oluea Club House has invited 20 Hilo Bay Rotarians to visit on February 25th, between 10:00 AM and noon including lunch with Club House members.
Patrick Bodell went to RYLA and reported on his time there. There were 47 students and 3 Youth Leaders. It was a wonderful program run by the students!
Richard Cunningham is creating a jewelry box as a donation incentive for HRYF and the University of Hawaii Foundation. The call for contributions is being answered by some Club Rotarians and even by Lion Cedric Mitsui. For those of you who contributed, Richard said thank you but he expects more of us to step up and contribute before April 1^st.
Virginia Juettner announced that today was Birthday Books at Waiakea Elementary.
Alan Okinaka was still looking for three volunteers to assist with readings at Waiakeawaena Elementary School.
Anita Cunningham reported that a donor came forward and funded the cost of the van for RYLA. Donations for snacks are still being accepted.
Admiral Mahelona will be our guest speaker on March 11^th. We are inviting all Rotarians, friends and would be Rotarians to this meeting. It will be held downstairs in the Sandalwood Room and the cost of breakfast will be $25 for this event. A flyer was prepared and sent to HBRC members via email. You must respond to the QR Code to reserve and pay for space at this meeting.
James Tyrin is seeking ideas for the D5000 workday which will be April 18^th. Members are encouraged to contact him with suggestions. Finally, James needs volunteers to distribute Dictionaries at Hilo Union Elementary immediately following our next meeting on Feb. 25^th.
The Epic Food Fight to End Hunger is scheduled for May 16. A coordinator is needed for the event.
JoB reported that she is still coordinating events for Navy week. There are several activities to still be confirmed . However, she knows that sailors will be at St. Joseph’s Interact Club, the Food Basket, Lili ‘oukalani Garden. Still to be determined is whether there will be hosted dinner for Admiral Mahelona.
The St. Joseph’s Interact Club is sponsoring a slightly used clothing drive for the Friends of the Children’s Justice Center. Clothing item can be brought to our next meeting according to Anita Cunningham. A flyer was being prepared to be distributed to the members.

Happy Dollars

$100 - Bryan - Thankful to Mary Begier's generosity, for sponsoring my golf spot, at the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce Tournament. The views were incredible and reminded me of what a beautiful place we live in!

$80 - James Tyrin - For the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce 24th Annual Whitey Rose Memorial President's Golf Tournament. His son, Luke, won the contest and a prize of a putter for hitting his ball to the "closest to the pin!"

$8 - Patrick Bodell - For the 8 club members who wore a Rotary club name tag. He finds it helpful, as he's still learning our names!

$5 - Alan Okinaka - For having the Rotaractors at the meeting and another $5 happy dollars for participating in the dedication of the Peace Pole at the Hakalau Jodo Mission grounds.

$5 - Anita Cunningham - Thanked the members that participated in the RYLA weekend; Jan Abundo, Patrick Bodell, Lorraine Davis and Janelle Kuamoo, plus the two Rotaractors; who I'd like to adopt and take home, Kennedy & Katherine! Also, Big Mahalo to Geoli Ng for the Hawaiian Water.

Guest Speakers Kennedy Moniz, Katherine Keier, Lacy Wong and Ava Speakers East Hawaii Rotaract Club provided us with an update of their activities. To say that they have been active since they received their Charter last August is an understatement. Now that the start-up activities are over, the group is involved in fundraising, community support and recruiting members.

In addition to thanking the Rotary Clubs of Hilo, Hilo Bay and Hilo South for being their sponsors, an invitation was extended to attend their next meeting on Feb. 23^rd from 3:30-4:30 in Building K, room K 129.

Door Prize Kathleen Rowden.

Closing Announcements

Next week’s speaker is Phillips Payson, Director of the Palace Theater
President for 2029-2030 is needed. Jump in before you get volunteered
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 Brian Lindsey assisted by Emmett Sylvester

Inspiration & door prizes

February 25: Bob Juettner
March 4, Miyuki Lee
March 11, Chester Cabral

March 25: Steven Sylvester