The meeting was called to order at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in beautiful Waikiki promptly at noon by President Kerry Cloward by a clang of the bell. The inspiration given by Rick Moss was a sharing of his father’s letter to (I think it was a letter that Rick wrote for his daugher!) his daughter on the occasion of her recent Punahou School commencement. It was reminiscent of Polonius’ advice to his son Laertes in Hamlet, but more broad and touching. Thanks, Rick. The pledge of allegiance was led by Lance Kawano, the singing of “God Bless America” by Lt. Governor candidate Lyla Berg to the piano accompaniment of Craig Robinson. Sergeant-at-Arms for the day was Bob Robinson, the videographer was Robin Ocepek, the photorecorder was Bob Sigall and the scribe for the Tradewind was Phil Wright.
There were several announcements. First, Roland Lagareta requested that members provide venues for the next Paul Harris Day scheduled for August, 31st. Next Past District Governor Claude Thompson urged members to make arrangements to attend the District Conference, September 10-12, at the Aston Aloha Beach Hotel on Kauai. One may phone and make room reservations at the hotel, 823-6000. Pam Chambers awarded a white badge to Rich Smylie. Pam announced that the Hui Meetings will be resumed and again become part of the requirement for winning a white badge in future. To advance from a Green Badge and get the White Badge, a new member will be required to attend two Hui Meetings, participate in a Rotary Project and attend one Getting to Know You event. Kirk Hovious and the RAT Pack had a great turnout for the Girl Scout Camp Paumalu work project last weekend. Mahalos to the over thirty Rotarians who came out. For the rest of the membership it’s not too late. Workers are again requested to come out and complete the project at the campsite this weekend. Please contact Jessica Rich.
Members Linda Coble and Chris Hochuli were called to account for special recognition by President Kerry. Jake Jacobs reflected back on one of his unforgettable experiences as a Rotary volunteer in a cleft palate surgery mission abroad.These are the defining experiences which remind us all of why we are Rotarians. Thanks, Jake.
Ron Tsukamaki introduced former member and CEO/President of the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, JimTollefson who told the Rotary membership of the coming November, 2011 APEC Meeting at Honolulu. He spoke of the significance of this economic summit of Pacific Rim government and business leadership and the inherent opportunities it will provide for Hawaii commerce and business. This was the initial public presentation regarding the meeting. Preparation will require significant public education. Over 2,000 volunteers will be recruited from Hawaii. The meeting will also pose a period of discomfort while we accommodate the large anticipated attendance. Security and traffic control into and around the state will be heightened also to accommodate the meeting. There was an excellent Q and A period and Jim stayed after the meeting to respond to questions. The meeting was adjourned at 1:00 pm by President Kerry. Next week’s meeting will be at the Royal and the speaker will be Chuck Sted, the CEO of Hawaii Pacific Heath.
Respectfully submitted,
Phil Wright, Scribe
