The Rotary Club of Hilo Bay: Meeting Notes – June 24, 2026
Call to Order
P Tim Hansen called the June me24 meeting to order at 7:00. Twenty three of the fifty eight members of the Rotary Club of Hilo Bay were in attendance for his last meeting as the RCHB President.
Opening Activities
The meeting opened with Kathleen Rowden leading the Pledge. JoB provided an instant inspiration—Just stay in the moment!
Trivia
What is the current RI and the new slogans? Unite for good and create lasting impact.
Tim Hansen and Kevin Reardon shared take aways from the RI Convention in Taipei: the Convention exemplified diversity with strong representation from Asia and Africa; there was an emphasis on youth with Interactor and Rotaract in attendance.
Guests, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Inductions, Special Recognition
- Birthdays: Tom Witthans and Bob Juettner
- Anniversaries: Lisa & Chad Lamorte Willians and Allen & Layne Novak Alan Okinaka reminded that the RCHB was chartered in the past week in 1988
- Inductions: Pete Mueller and Preston Barnes who left the Hilo Club to found the Hilo Bay Club
- Guests: Wyatt and Emmet Sylvester
- Paul Harris Recognition—P. Tim asked Virginia Juettner to present Kathleen Rowden with her Paul Harris Society certificate. Kathleen, besides being a very active member of the Club chose to contribute to the Rotary Foundation not only for the good it does worldwide but also for the funds that come back to the District and the RCHB.
Club Announcements
P. Tim made the following announcements:
Upcoming Events & Deadlines
- June 19: Headcount for Jan’s installation must be completed so food can be ordered.
- June 24, 5:30 p.m.: Oktoberfest planning meeting with beer and pupus. See or contact Steven or James for more information.
- June 30, 7:00 a.m.: Foundation Board meeting at BOH, announced by Kim Keahiolao.
- June 30: Lei-making workshop in advance of PE Jan’s transition to President Jan on July 1. Please sign up.
- July 1: Jan becomes President Jan. Her installation will be at the Hilo Woman’s Club; stay tuned for more information.
- July 1: Dues are due. Please pay now so the club does not incur an unpaid expense.
- Saturday: Benson Medina’s installation as the District 5000 Governor. See the D5000 website for details.
- July 9, 8:45 a.m.: Conversation Partners at the Community College, now led by Miyuki Lee as part of the Steve Jacunski club legacy. See Miyuki for more information.
- July 25: Volcano Run hydration station coordinated by Mary Begier. Mary will have a sign-up sheet at the next meeting.
Happy Dollars
$100 - Bob Juettner - I'm happy because of the people involved in my life, especially Virginia, who I met 56 years ago on this date.
$20 - JoBe - Our daughter's wedding was truly beautiful - blessed with love, joy and celebration. And, I do love the son-in-law.
$10 - JoBee - Localized Suicide Prevention Grant from the County of Hawaii.
$20 - Mary Begier - Survived Hawaii on the Hill 615-10-NAR, 6/13-19. Both were well executed. Alaska Airline small, ancient, air equipment. 6-hour layover in San Diego, best (ha-ha) 6-hour layover, midnight to 6am @ baggage claim 19, with approx. 50 mixed passengers, sleeping on the ground, seated on rock slab benches. Sent video to Governor & HTA.
$20 - Kathleen Rowden - 250th USA Celebration on 6/25/26, ARC of Hilo, 4-7pm.
Relay for Life on 7/18/26, 4-9pm, Edith Kanakaole Stadium, http://www.relayforlife.org/hilo
$10 - Tim Hansen & Kevin Reardon - Rotary International Convention in Beautiful Taiwan!
$10 - Patrick Bodell - Rotary Flags on Table - remind us we are part of something bigger that RCHB.
$10 - Alan Okinaka - Attended granddaughter's college graduation from Univ. of Washington...Land of the Huskies, Mariner's and Superbowl Champs, Seahawks!
$10 - Art Taniguchi - Back from New Orleans.
$5 - Kevin Reardon - Had a wonderful time at the RI Convention.
$5 - Kevin Reardon - My parents’ 68th wedding anniversary this Sunday.
Guest Speaker: President Tim’s Year-End Summary
Soon-to-be PP Tim summarized his year and acknowledged Hilo Bay Rotarians for their help and support throughout the past year. In summary: oh, what a year!
- Inducted 4 new members
Polio Plus contributions exceeded $3,000. Foundation contributions surpassed $13,000. The Food Fight to End Hunger raised $15,000+ among the east Hawaii Rotary Clubs. Many thanks to all who helped and to those who got pied!
Scholarships were awarded to three winners instead of two. Thank you Richard Cunningham.
The Club Foundation is getting closer with a new Board of Trustees and the work of Alan Okinaka and Kim Keahioalo.
The Youth Services Committee has continued to improve RYLA, the St. Joseph’s Interact Club and the Rotaract Club. Thanks to Anita Cunningham, Victoria Adams and Alan Okinaka.
The Literacy Program is working with three schools doing readings and Birthday Books in one of them. Mahalo to Virginia Juettner.
Recognition and Closing
Special Recognition from D5000
Virginia Juettner was awarded the RI Foundation Award
JoB was awarded the Spirit Award
RCHB Recognition
Unsung Hero Award went to Lorraine Davis and Alan Okinaka
Rotarian of the Year Award Janell Kuamo’o
Door Prize: Bryan Lindsey won a lot of whiskey. His quote after winning was out of this bottle will come some bad decisions.
Four-Way Test: Tim Hansen
Door Prizes and Inspirations for July
| Date | Volunteer | Note |
| July 8 | Steven Sylvester | |
| July 15 | Worthy Volunteer needed | Are you willing to help and volunteer? |
| July 22 | Mike Carroll | |
| July 29 | Worthy Volunteer needed | Are you ready to support your Club? |
You can’t be a door prize winner without door prizes. Lorraine is looking for volunteers for door prizes and inspiration. Her calendar needs additional names and commitments. We have only four door prizes for July and August.