RCAM Representing at Rotary at Work Day!
Big mahalo to RCAM member Ashli Sasano for showing up and representing the Rotary Club of Ala Moana at the annual Signature Service Project hosted by the Rotary Club of Kahala Sunrise at Hamakua Marsh!
Stories
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Bringing Peace in Many LanguagesThe Rotary Club of Ala Moana was delighted in installing a Rotary Peace Pole at its adopted school, King William C. Lunalilo Elementary School on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. The Peace Pole Dedication Ceremony was held in the school's Peace Garden with members from our club, Hawaii Rotary, State of Hawaii Department of Education, community leaders, the media, and students/faculty of the school in attendance. |
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Tragedy Strikes: Rotary District 5000 Rallies for Maui
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A Story of Success: The Smart Start Program
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| Once upon a recent time, the Ala Moana Rotary Club embarked on a remarkable journey known as the "Smart Start" mission. Predicated upon the belief that every student deserves to begin each school year with a confident, prepared stride, this program was born out of compassion, dedication, and a profound understanding of the plight faced by too many families. This year, the Smart Start program's primary objective was to assemble and donate 60 fully-equipped backpacks to the children of Lunalilo School. School supplies, often taken for granted, can be a significant financial burden for families. We were determined not to let this adversity hinder our future leaders. Club members labored tirelessly, gathering donations and stuffing backpacks full of essential supplies to ensure a bright start to our student's academic year. |
Clothing Drive: A Tale of Generosity
| The Ala Moana Rotary Club recently concluded a clothing drive that drew participation from different corners of our island. Many people devoted their time, sorting through their homes and pooling gently used clothing for the students at Lunalilo School. This initiative saw its beginnings with Past President Sue Ann Lee. During a school visit, she noticed a student wearing clothing that had definitely seen better days. From this observation sprung the belief, "If children feel good when they go to school, they'll be more likely to have an improved readiness to learn." People heeded this call to action and responded generously with donations. The pile of clothes eventually filled half the size of a cafeteria! |
Recapping the D5000 District Conference
 | Rotary D5000 District Conference: Leadership, Community Service, and Compassionate Action The Rotary D5000 District Conference this past weekend brought together Rotarians from across the state to celebrate achievements, foster fellowship, and inspire action. One of the highlights of the conference was the recognition of outstanding leadership skills and contributions made by Rotarians in their clubs and communities. Awards were presented to individuals, including our own Sue Ann Lee, who demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and impact in their service projects and club activities. |
We Have a New Paul Harris Fellow!
 | Let's give a big shoutout to our very own Khoi Bui for becoming a Paul Harris Fellow! We're so proud to see you receive your pin from your sponsor, Konrad Ikei. Your dedication to service is inspiring and we're grateful to have you in our Rotary Club family. Keep up the amazing work, Khoi! Watching the action is Foundation Chairperson Rich Courson. |
Mahalo Tony Wong!
 | A big congratulations and a bigger MAHALO! to our very own Tony Wong for receiving a top award from the Rotary Foundation for his incredible donations over the past 45 years! Tony has been the heartbeat of the Rotary Club of Ala Moana for more than four decades, and we couldn't be more proud of his generosity and dedication to our Club, Rotary and the world. Not only is Tony a shining example of selflessness, but he's also known for his quick wit and infectious humor. Thank you, Tony, for all that you do and for being such an important part of our Rotary family! |
Rotarians At Work Day
 | The students at Lunalilo School are enjoying a spruced up campus these days. The Ala Moana Rotary Club and Hawaii Baptist Academy Interact Club joined forces to beautify the school as part of “Rotarians at Work” Day. We painted the walkways and the office building and landscaped several areas! It was hot, sweaty and sometimes messy, and it was all worth it. The school looks great! |
Helping Women Get Back on Their Feet
 | Small acts of kindness can make a big impact in our community. So proud of our Ala Moana Rotary Club members for coming together and donating 19+ bins of clothing, shoes, and toys to a local women's shelter. Service Above Self is not just a motto, it's a way of life for our Club. We're proud of each and every member who contributed to this effort, making a difference in the lives of those in need. Together, we can continue to make positive impacts in our community. Pictured: Tom, Lani, Kevin and MaryAnn with the donations. Shelter name and location withheld for privacy and security |
Congratulations Harmony!
 | Harmony Tavares from Mililani High School is the Ala Moana Rotary Club's recipient of the $5,000 Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation scholarship for 2023. The award recognizes her impressive achievements as a student-athlete, scholar, and aspiring pharmacist. |
Welcome Khoi!
 | It's always a special occasion when we can bring someone into the Rotary family, and we give a hearty ALOHA to our newest member, Khoi Bui! |
President Sue Ann Lee Honored for Leadership
 | President Sue Ann Lee conceived and spearheaded our newest legacy project and fundraiser. Yesterday the Club surprised and honored her for her foresight and leadership. The Ala Moana Rotary Club Calendar helps to not just teach students about "Service Above Self", but how to apply it in their daily lives as well. Thank you President Sue Ann! |
Ala Moana Pau Hana Gathering
 | We had a fun pau hana gathering last week at Side Street Inn. Sweet and talented Katie gifted everyone note cards of her artwork, and we laughed and chatted and had a great time in fellowship. |
Showing Off New Jewelry
 | It was a special day at our Club meeting when several members were recognized for their generosity to the Rotary Foundation. David Arita (blue shirt front row) and Sam Shenkus (light dress, front row) were honored as Rotary Foundation Major Donors for donating more than $10,000 during their time as Rotary members. Others were recognized as follows: Yoko Tanaka (far left): Paul Harris Fellow, 5th Level Valery O'Brien: Paul Harris Fellow, 2nd Level Duane Fujii: Paul Harris Fellow, 3rd Level Scott Wishart (back row, left): Paul Harris, 5th Level Akiko Sakamoto (front row, far right): Paul Harris, 2nd Level Also pictured (2nd row right) is Rich Coursin, Club Foundation Chair A million mahalo and congratulations to our generous Club members. |
Supplies for Lunalilo School
 | Teachers thought it was a regular staff meeting, but the let out a collective gasp at the special announcement. "We are happy to give Lunalilo School a $5,000 gift," said Community Service Chairperson Lani Paet (pictured left). "The funds can be used for teaching supplies and library books." The Ala Moana Rotary Club has a special relationship with Lunalilo School which spans decades. Each year, we provide support for their fun fair, undertake clean up projects, and help to get the school into shape for the beginning of the school. year. We have even helped to build their Peace Garden, aimed at reducing bullying and promoting peace and cooperation. One of our most popular projects is Santa Clothes, where we take students in need, give them $100, and take them shopping for clothes and school supplies during the holidays. "You should see their faces light up," said AMRC President Sue Ann Lee (pictured right). "Many of these children have never been able to buy new clothes for themselves. When they walk out of the store with bags of clothing, you can tell that it was a very special day for them." Pictured here with Lani and Sue Ann are Lunalilo Principal Wendy Kau and Vice Principal Cindy Ching. |
Congratulations and Mahalo Mary Ann!
 | When District Governor Randy Hart visited the Ala Moana Rotary Club meeting, he brought a special surprise for Club Member Mary Ann Berry. With a twinkle in his eye he announced that Mary Ann had reached the 2nd Concho level in the prestigious White Hat Society. The White Hat Society was created in 2004 as a means to recognize -- and encourage -- accelerated donations to the Rotary Foundation. Members of the White Hat Society have donated $5,000 in a single calendar year. Members receive a White Hat Certificate, a White Hat pin marked with a Southwestern Concho. Additional Conchos are added each time the threshold is met. This is Mary Ann's second concho. What started as a bet between two members to donate $5,000 in a year has, to date, raised nearly $6.5 million for the Rotary Foundation. |
District Grant Recipients 2018: Waikiki Health Center
Waikiki Health Center in collaboration with Pam Chambers- Next Step Forward Program - job interview training for homeless at the Next Step forward Shelter, teaching them skills to help them find jobs.
“"For me it’s being able to use my skills to be part of the homeless solution, to help that problem go away a tiny bit,” Chambers said.
While Chambers’ Next Step students were looking for tips on how to look and act for job interviews, Chambers’ primary goal was simple. “I want them to be able to walk into a room like they deserve to be there,” she said.
All of the students come from Next Step’s job training program and earn money doing basic chores.
“They’re already employed at the shelter,” Chambers said. “But the goal is to get them employed outside the shelter so they can actually find a rented room.”" (Source; Honolulu Star Advertiser Online June 1, 2018)
Welcome 91 New Interact Members!
The Rotary Club of Ala Moana is pleased to partner with the Interact club at McKinley High School. The Interact club recently formed after several years of inactivity.
Paul Harris Fellows Recognition at August 24th Club Meeting
Foundation Chair, Rich Courson, had the pleasure of awarding three club members for their contribution to the Rotary Foundation during the August 24th weekly club meeting held at Ala Moana Hotel. The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of US$1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.
Stanley Tokigawa Recognized as Second Level Major Donor
Foundation Chair Rich Courson had the honor of recognizing Stanley Tokigawa as a Second Level Major Donor at the August 24th weekly club meeting. Courson mentioned that Tokigawa did not want the spotlight; nonetheless, the recognized is well-deserved and also serves as inspiration toclub members who all congratulate Stanley on this honor.
Pop Quiz with Hawaii Community Foundation
At the August 17, 2017, weekly club meeting, Club President Scott Wishart opened with a "Did You Know" fact that August is National Back to School Month. So, it was fitting that our guest speaker from Hawaii Community Foundation administered a pop quiz. Eric La'a, Senior Development Officer with Hawaii Community Foundation, shared with the club how to make giving easy.
Supporting KCC Culinary Arts Program with Donation and Scholarship Funds
Club President Scott Wishart presented checks to Dave Hamada, Sous Chef of Ohia Cafeteria at Kapiolani Community College and faculty staff member of KCC Culinary Arts Program, at the August 17, 2017, weekly club meeting held at Ala Moana Hotel.
Getting to Know the Center on Disability Studies
The Rotary Club of Ala Moana welcomed Annie Moriyasu, an educational specialist with the Center on Disability Studies (CDS), as its guest speaker at the August 10, 2017, club meeting.
"Navigating Together to Change Lives"
The Rotary Club of Ala Moana is pleased to have welcomed District 5000 District Governor Nalani Flinn to its club meeting held on August 3, 2017.
DG Flinn Meets with 2017-18 Executives and Board
The executives and board member of the Rotary Club of Ala Moana met with District 5000 District Governor Nalani Flinn over the weekend.
Rotary Club of Ala Moana Celebrates 45 Years
The 45th Anniversary celebration kicked off with a golf outing on Friday, July 28, 2017, followed by a Welcome Party - A Taste of Hawaii later in the evening, and capped off on Saturday, July 29, with a formal dinner.
Master Gardener Shares Vision of Oahu Urban Garden
Todd LaVine, was the guest speaker for the July 27, 2017, weekly club meeting. LaVine is a Master Gardener who shared his passion about gardening and the Oahu Urban Garden.
First General Assembly for President Scott Wishart
President Wishart held his first general assembly on Thursday, July 20, 2017, during the regular Thursday club meeting. Wishart shared his vision for the 2017-18 and had his board chime in as well.
Girl Scouts of Hawai'i Celebrates 100 Years
July 13th guest speaker was Shari Chang, Chief Operating Officer of Girl Scouts of Hawai'i Council which will be celebrating their 100th anniversary in Hawai'i. Kamehameha School for Girls teacher, Florence Lowe, organized the first official Girl Scout troop in the Hawaiian Islands based out of Honolulu. This Council is the oldest council west of the Mississippi.
Filmmaker and Theater Director Gives Us an Overview of Doris Duke Theater
Taylour Chang was the featured speaker at the Club's July 6th General Assembly. This filmmaker and director of the Doris Duke Theater at the Honolulu Museum of Art shared her passion about "curating" independent films in a monthly series of film festivals.
2017-18 Executive Board Installed
The 2017-18 slate of officer were sworn in at an installation dinner for Scott Wishart, incoming president, held in the Tamarind Room of the Ohelo Building at Kapiolani Community College.
Awards Received at District 5000 Annual Conference
The Club received three awards at this year's District 5000 Conference which was held at Kaanapali Sheraton Resort and Spa on the island of Maui on May 19 through 21.
10th Annual Crab Fest - Sold Out and a Success!
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Rotary Club of Ala Moana held its 10th annual crab fest on Saturday, April 22, 2017, at Kapiolani Community College.