The Rotary Club of Hilo Bay: Meeting Notes – March 18, 2026
Meeting Overview
The Rotary Club of Hilo Bay convened on March 18, 2026, for its regular Wednesday morning meeting. Members gathered in the Palm Room of the Grand Naniloa Hotel at 7:00 AM.
Call to Order
President Tim Hansen brought the meeting to order at 7:00 AM. March is recognized as the month of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, underscoring the club’s ongoing commitment to these important Rotary themes.
Opening Activities
The meeting opened with Allen Novak leading the Pledge. This was followed by an inspirational moment delivered by JoB reflecting on the state of the world she wanted us to remember that these days shall pass setting a positive tone for the gathering.
Trivia and Notes
What company did Admiral Mahelona work for in his civilian life? ABC Supply
Guests, Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Inductions
- Birthdays: Paula Uustitalo, Kevin Hopkins
- Anniversaries: John & Maureen Gap, Kumiko & Tomonuri Usuda, Dale & Sandra Tokuuke, Sharon & Art Scheele
- Inductions: Paula Uusitalo, Janell Kuamoo, John Gapp
- Guests: None
Induction of New Member: President Hansen asked Kevin Rearon, to come to the podium. After the usual induction ceremony, President Hansen invited Kevin to address the membership. After which, the members came forward to greet our newest Rotarian.
Club Announcements
- Richard Cunningham sent the following to be included here. He is traveling until late April which means that the door prize will now be drawn on May 6th giving you more time to contribute to HRYF and U of H Foundation. Please make checks payable to HRYF and U of H Foundation for the nursing scholarship. Checks may be given to Janelle or mailed to Richard at 252 Kaiulani St. Hilo 96720. Thanks to all who have supported Hilo Bay Scholarships.
- Virginia Juettner announced that she completed a memory books for Chester Cabral’s family and asked who be the person to deliver it—Steven Sylvester would do it. Lorraine reminded the group that she had sympathy cards at the desk for anyone who needed one.
- Jan Harguchi-Aboundo reported that the five sailors working in Queen Lili Okolona park removed 540 gallons of muck, rock and seaweed from the lagoon in 2 hours! JoB reported that planning for the next year’s visit is underway and wanted to thank everyone for their support and flexibility.
- James Tyrin is seeking volunteers for the D5000 workday which will be April 18th. The project will be the removal of invasive seaweed from the ponds at Lili Okalani Garden. There will be volunteer activities for all levels of volunteers. It is a joint project between the Hilo Rotary Clubs, Rotaract and possible Interact.
- Alan Okinaka is looking for five reading volunteers to create images for kindergartners. He circulated a sign up sheet. Virginia Juettner reminded members that she needs one volunteer to assist with Birthday Book on March 25th between noon and 1 pm.
- Patrick Bodell is looking for Rotarians to march in the Merry Monarch Parade or to ride on the float. Either option will support DG Nancy Cabral who leading the parade this year. It is a great opportunity to support her and Rotary.
Happy Dollars - March 18, 2026
$20 - Kevin Reardon - Happy to be joining the Rotary Club of Hilo Bay!
$10 - Alan Okinaka - Ho'ailona - Aloha to Chester Cabral.
$5 - Virginia Juettner - Happy it stopped raining enough to get Rotary lei making rescheduled for April 4.
James Tyrin, Thank you for the Dictionary Project presented at Hilo Union Elementary School.
Guest Speaker: President Hansen introduce Tracy Wise our guest speaker. Tracy’s organization is Pepeekeo Development which was organized as a 501C3 in 2019 but had existed for 40 years prior. RCHB gave the organization a small $1,000 grant to address a big problem. How do you pull together a diverse community consisting of different groups together? The glib answer is to have a big party and talk story but it takes a lot of work to get to that point.
After talking with friends and neighbors who represented different groups in the community, it became clear that there was little mingling among them along with some resentment going back to the plantation days. Tracy and her volunteers collected old photos, memorabilia and stories which became the basis of a community activity. Several viewing stations were created to acquaint the community with its past and present. After viewing a station, residents had a ticket punched which allowed them to progress to the next station. At the end of the viewing, a potluck was held with folks bringing desserts but everyone shared the main dish.
Sounds easy but the calculated volunteer time was 207 hours or $6990!
Door Prize Patrick Bodell won $60 and Jan won the flower arrangement.
Closing Announcements
- 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.
- Next guest speak is Miriam Larson, Music Therapist.
Four Way Test Kevin Readon
Inspiration & door prizes
- April 1: Jan Haraguci-Abundo
- April 8: Patrick Bodell
- April 15: Mike Carroll
- April 22;
- April 29: