The Rotary Club of Hilo Bay: Meeting Notes – April 29, 2026
Call to Order
President Tim Hansen brought the meeting to order at 7:00 AM.
Opening Activities
The meeting opened with Steven Sylvester leading the Pledge. This was followed by an inspirational moment from Janell Kuamoo “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It is about learning to dance in the rain.”
Trivia and Notes
When was the first Interact Club formed? 1972 at Melbourne High School, Florida
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Guests, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Inductions, Special Recognition
- Birthdays: Kapena Lum, Preston Barnes
- Anniversaries: None
- Inductions: None
- Guests: Lisa Williams, Lillie Hopkins, Charles Fisher, Ethan Fisher. Bev Heckes St. Joe’s Interact Club—Andre Acierto, Elina Bockrath, Mihla Bockrath, Treysyn Carvalho, Hilinai Faumuina,Pueo Franz, Nicolas Rojas, Miya Rubio, Alex Tomona and Kumu Maile Kipapa.
- Paul Harris Recognition: Virginia Juettner presented Jan Hamaguchi-Abundo with her first Paul Harris recognition. Jan said she donated to the Rotary Foundation as a way of giving back to the world. It was her way of seeing a brighter future.
Club Announcements
- Richard Cunningham announced that the pile of wood was finished and was on the entry table. Next week he will draw a winner for the jewelry box. You still have time to get into the drawing by contributing $50 to either HRYF or U of H Foundation.
- Virginia Juettner gave Anita Cunningham and James Tyrin a big thank you for doing the Dictionary Project at Hilo Union’s 3rd grade classes. During May, the reading theme will be pop up books and she demonstrated several new popup books. She also announced that readings and Birthday Books would end in May
- May 16th, the Food Fight to End Hunger. The goal is to raise $6,000 to be distributed to the Food Basket, Salvation Army and Hope Services. Please make your generous donations payable to the agency or agencies which you want to support. May 16th will be the Food Fight Day at St. Joseph’s cafeteria from 1-3 pm. In addition to collecting money, you can contribute by attending, playing games and pieing local Rotary dignitaries. All proceeds will be distributed to the three previously listed agencies. The Rotary Club with the highest per capita giving gets bragging rights for winning the Food Fight to End Hunger. Rotary Club of South Hilo pledged $3,000 already!
- Alan Okinaka announced that he is working on the bylaws for the proposed RCHB foundation and securing the Tax Information Number. He will provide us with them soon.
- Jill Jacunski and her family will announce the winner of the first $10,000Steve Jacunski Memorial Scholarship at the Friends of the Children’s Justice Center Gala on 5/23. All Rotarians are invited to attend.
- JoB announced that she just found the Salvation Army thank you letter for the RCHB’s participation in the Christmas drive. Moving brings to light a number of things that got overlooked.
- James Tyrin sent a big mahalo to the volunteers who participated in QLG cleanup.
- Alan Okinaka reported that the Rotaract was holding their last meeting of the year on Monday.
President Tim Hansen asked each of the Interact members to stand and introduce themselves and answer a simple question—what are you looking forward to? The overwhelming answer was going to college and or havening a good time this summer.
Happy Dollars
$20- David DeLuz wanted to recognize and remind the other members that RCHB runs the way it does because of its unrecognized members who always stand up when needed. He also announced that he would be making donations to the St. Joseph’s Elementary and High School as he attended them 50 years ago.
$20-Kevin Hopkins announced that the sun came out last Saturday so that he and Lillie could get married outside at the Yacht Club.
$10-Steven Sylvester announced that he and Hirona were expecting a new baby in October.
$10-Alan Okinaka explained to the Interact Club members that the kolea bird was flying 2,600 miles, non-stop to Alaska and would return around August. Everyone should bid them Aloha which is the spirit of Hilo.
$20-Art Taniguchi thanked David for wearing his Bank of Hawaii vest and related his experiences in Sapporo, Japan during the big earthquake and the helpful attitude of the Japanese people.
$ Brian Lindsey said he would report on his experiences with the Japanese toilets in a different venue.
$5-Kevin Readon happily reported that he received earnest money on his old house!
$5-Tim Hansen explained that the Princess Cruise ship that just pulled in, past our windows, was the same ship that he and Kevin were on when they went through the Panama Canal.
$10-Anita Cunningham was pleased with the good turnout of Interact members and Rotarians.
$ JoB stated she was an alumnus of St. Joseph’s School and Interact. The graduating students should remember who they are and Aloha; the world is your oyster. Have fun and remember the goal is to complete college.
Guest Speaker—President Tim asked Anita Cunningham and Richard Cunningham to come forward and present the Club’s HRYF Scholarship to Ethan Fisher. Ethan and his father Charles Fisher were presented with a certificate recognizing Ethan’s accomplishments and the award of the scholarship
Door Prize Winners: Kathleen Rowden won a gift card from a coffee shop.
Closing announcements
- Next week’s speaker will be Andrea Wernli from HIAC.
- Micronesia trip to Phonpei, May 2-9
- RI Convention in Taipei June 13-20.
- D5000 District Conference August 21-23 in Honolulu.
- Sister Rotary Club Visit to Japan, May 2027?
- Check your emails and the website, hilobayrotary.com, for the latest.
Four Way Test: Anita Cunningham
Door prizes and Inspirations for May
Richard Cunningham May 6th
Patrick Bodell, May 13th
Bob Juettner May 20th
Mary Begier May 27th
You can’t be a door prize winner without door prizes. Lorraine is looking for volunteers for door prizes and inspiration. Her calendar is needs names and commitments.