Guest Speaker- Vocational Day- Geoli Ng, November 18, 2020

Wednesday’s Vocational Speaker was Geoli Ng. Geoli currently works with the Waiakea Water Kokua Initiative. Her background was as a Director of Keiki Steps for a non-profit pre-school located on 3 of the Hawaiian Islands. After 19 years in education she decided to take a break and do some volunteer work which is when she found Waiakea Water. Previously Waiakea Waters had helped her with a program in Keiki Steps to provide books for the students to keep. Waiakea Waters was founded in 2012 with the purpose to emphasize people and planet before profit. The company’s core values are based on Hawaiian values. Geoli discussed the company’s promise and products; focusing on their healthy, sustainable, and ethical practices. The company’s bottles from the cap down is 100% recycled and they are certified carbon neutral.  The Kokua Initiative encourages educational opportunities, ‘aina-based conservation, and support for the most vulnerable community members. The vision uses the Three Piko Hawaiian Cultural Approach which is the ancestral connection, connection to parents, and connection to the future generations. Recently through the initiative they have donated water, activity books, and Kindles to Hale Anuenue, Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home, Life Care Center, and many other organizations. Waiakea Water also encourages their employees to volunteer at least 8 hours a month to a variety of organizations.

Doug Adams - ($20) Happy to see Dale at early Rotary meetings and his commitment to Rotary and Exchange Club

Steve Jacunski - ($20) Got the permit for the pool which is being constructed at their new home in only 30 days.

Virginia Juettner - ($5) Happy to be back to the Veteran's home to donate iPads. Secondly, was surprised that Kino'ole farmers market opens at 5am! And was able to get a nice fall orchid from Miyuki and Hirona which now has a happy home.

Tim Hansen - ($7) 3 negative COVID test after returning from California. $7 for every dollar they swabbed each side of the nose and 1 time in the throat.

Alan Okinaka - ($20) The mail-in Driver's License relicensing and was successful. Relicensing department did a great job. Secondly, he enjoyed the Manjyu and Curry from Miyuki and Hirona's booth at Kino'ole Farmers Market.

Barbara Hastings - ($10) Appreciating fellow Rotarian, Trevor Rodrigues, for being an amazing Vet and caring with great compassion for her dog who got ran over.

Miyuki Lee - ($10) For the passing for her cat, and experiencing pet loss. However, she realized at the meeting today that she should celebrate his life rather than lament, and felt much better.

Geoli Ng - ($20) 10 for everyone's warm welcome to the Rotary Club and for her presentation today for Waiakea Water.

Emily de Pillis - ($20) Sharon Scheele kindly bestowing the Paul Harris Fellow award in person.