The Rotary Club of Hilo Bay: Meeting Notes – May 20 , 2026
Call to Order
President Tim Hansen brought the meeting to order at 7:00.
Opening Activities
The meeting opened with Mike Carroll leading the Pledge. This was followed by an inspirational moment from Bob Juettner: “A person who asks a question may be embarrassed for a few minutes or hours; a person who does not ask a question may be embarrassed for their entire life.” Confucius.
Trivia
What year did the movie Animal House come out? 1978.
Guests, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Inductions, Special Recognition
- Birthdays: Janell Kuamoo
- Anniversaries: None
- Inductions: Kim Keahiolalo, Steven Sylvester
- Guests: Ian Kow
Club Announcements
- President Tim announced the results of the Food Fight to End Hunger. After the dust settled and the last pie was thrown on May 16th, the RCHB was the winner, RCSH placed a very close second and RCH placed third. The real winners were the Salvation Army, Hope Services and the Food Basket which will receive check for more than $5.000 each in a few weeks. A big mahalo to the St. Joseph’s Interact Club that ran the games, made the decorations and took several pies to raise more money!
- President Tim announced that the annual dues payments were being collected now. Individual dues are $300 and couples’ dues are $450. Payment should be made asap and checks or cash are preferred.
- Virginia Juettner announced that things were wrapping up for the year one last The final readings were taking place the before the end of the week.
- Jill Jacunski and her family reminded us that the Steve Jacunski Memorial Scholarship will be awarded at the Friends of the Children’s Justice Center Gala on 5/23. Steven Sylvester said that the RCHB would be represented having filled a table with Club Rotarians.
- The Hawaii Care Choices Celebration of Life will have a lantern honoring Steve Jacunski and Chester Cabral. Kathleen Rowden volunteered to get our lantern delivered.
- President Tim announced that the YWCA fundraiser will be held on 5/21
- Art Taniguchi reported that club members turned up to wave signs in support of our local police, fire and emergency medical responder last Friday.
- Mary Begier announced that the Volcano Run will be held on 7/25 and she needs volunteers for the hydration station.
- Steven Sylvester is taking over the Oktoberfest chair and announce a meeting for Thursday at 5 pm at James Tyrin’s office. All are welcome to participate.
- PE Jan will become P Jan on July 1st. Her installation will be held at the Hilo Women’s Club. Stay tuned for more information
Happy Dollars
$5- Alan Okinaka shared an interesting experience. His car drove him to the Kula shaved ice shop. Best shaved ice on the island with real, locally made fresh syrups.
$10 -Art Taniguchi thanked the members who turned out to support our fist responders and thanked Virginia Juetter for making a ribbon lei for his granddaughter’s preschool graduation.
$20-Kevin Readon was proud of all the work Tim Hansen did to ensure the success of the Food Fight to End Hunger and for the 4 pies tossed at Tim!
$5-Tim Hansen in recognition of his mother’s birthday today.
Guest Speaker—President Tim asked Ian Kow of full life, hawaii to the podium. Ian was joined by Nik, GM of the Grand Naniloa Hotel. Full life is an empowerment program for young people with differing abilities between the ages of 14-21 who want to explore real career opportunities after completing high school. Full life is guided by a simple principle—imagination unlimited. Using the Summer Career Exploration Program, students get to explore real careers through workshops and on site work experiences. This program is only successful if employers volunteer to host or speak to the students.
Partnerships are needed in agriculture, animal care, retail, entertainment, science & technology.
At one point Nik shared how he became acquainted with the students and learned that they a have community which is warm and welcoming. Jannel shared that she worked with special need adults on her farm and was amazed at their desire to work and their zest for fun and life. She said her problems seem insignificant when she was around these amazing people. For more information go to Full LifeHawaii.org.
Door Prize Winner: Alan, $50 gift card for the Palace Theater
Closing Announcement:
- Next week’s speaker is Virginia Juettner
- RI Convention is June 13-20
- D 5000 Conference is Aug. 21-23 in Honolulu
- Travel to Japan to visit our sister club will occur in May 2027
- Check your emails and the club website, www.hilobayrotary.com, for news and updates
Four Way Test: Jan Hamaguichi-Abundo
Door prizes and Inspirations for May
Mary Begier May 27h
You can’t be a door prize winner without door prizes. Lorraine is looking for volunteers for door prizes and inspiration. Her calendar is in need of names and commitments.